Car accident injuries change your life in a matter of seconds.
One minute you are driving to work. The next minute you are buried in medical bills, dealing with insurance adjusters, and feeling a whole lot of stress. The right personal injury lawyer will make all the difference in the world when it comes to fair compensation.
The issue:
Not all lawyers are created equal. Some will fight tooth and nail for your case. Others will settle as soon as possible just to get paid a fee. Hiring the wrong one can cost you thousands of dollars.
In This Post You Will Learn:
- Why You Need a Car Accident Lawyer
- Qualities to Look for in a Personal Injury Attorney
- Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- Red Flags to Look Out For
- How to Maximize Your Settlement
Why You Need a Car Accident Lawyer
Before we begin, let’s cut to the chase.
Insurance companies don’t have your best interests in mind. They want to pay out as little as possible. That’s how they make a profit. If you try to fight them without proper legal representation, you are just asking to get taken advantage of.
Remember these stats:
A study done by Nolo reports that about 91% of accident victims with a qualified attorney get a payout, while only 51% of those who are unrepresented receive any compensation.
That’s almost double.
But it gets better. Those with personal injury lawyers can typically expect three times the payout when compared to those without. Whether it be a minor fender bender or serious commercial vehicle accident, getting the right attorney can level the playing field.
The reality is:
Personal injury law is tricky. Car accident claims involve things like gathering evidence, negotiating with adjusters, knowing the ins and outs of state laws, and sometimes even taking a case all the way to trial. Most people lack the time and expertise to do all that while recovering from injuries.
Qualities to Look for in a Personal Injury Attorney
Not sure what separates the men from the boys? Here are the top qualities to look for when hiring an attorney.
Experience with Car Accident Cases
This should go without saying. Your lawyer needs to have a proven track record when it comes to handling car accident cases specifically. Personal injury law encompasses everything from slip-and-fall to medical malpractice.
You want someone who specializes in motor vehicle accidents.
Ask how many car accident cases they have done. Get an idea of their success rate. Experience is key because veteran attorneys are familiar with all of the tricks insurance companies have up their sleeve.
Communication Skills
A good lawyer keeps you in the loop every step of the way. They return calls in a timely manner. They speak plain English and take the time to explain complex legal terms to you. They make you feel like a priority rather than just another case number.
Reputation
Online reviews are the gold standard these days. Check out reviews on all major platforms. Read testimonials. Ask for references. A lawyer’s reputation can tell you a lot about how they treat clients and handle cases.
Resources to Build Your Case
The best car accident cases are well researched and investigated. This takes people with expertise in things like accident reconstruction, medical professionals, and sometimes even private investigators. Your attorney should have these resources on hand.
Fee Structure
Most personal injury attorneys work on contingency. This means that they only get paid if you win your case. You pay no up front fees. No hourly charges. The lawyer takes a percentage of the settlement or verdict.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
Walking into a consultation empty-handed is a rookie mistake. Here are the questions you need to ask.
“How long have you been practicing personal injury law?”
Look for at least 5 years of experience and focus on car accident cases specifically.
“What is your success rate?”
Any reputable attorney will be able to provide this information. Go with your gut feeling if you get a shady response.
“How will you communicate with me?”
Find out if you are working directly with the lawyer or being handed off to paralegals.
“What do you think my case is worth?”
A reputable lawyer will give you a realistic range of numbers based on the facts of the case. Don’t take the offer of a specific dollar amount before reviewing your situation.
“How long will my case take?”
According to data from the U.S. Department of Justice, cases involving motor vehicles typically settle six to nine months after treatment has ended.
“What are your fees?”
Personal injury lawyers charge from 33% to 40% of a settlement. You should get this in writing before hiring anyone.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Some warning signs are immediate. Here are some red flags to look out for.
Guaranteed Results
No lawyer can guarantee a specific result. Anyone who claims that you will win or that you are going to get a certain amount of dollars is being dishonest.
High-Pressure Tactics
The pushy lawyer who wants you to sign right now is not a good sign. Reputable attorneys will give you the time to make an informed decision.
Poor Reviews
One bad review is an anomaly. But if a pattern emerges with things like communication problems or worse, ethical issues, that is a huge red flag.
Lack of Trial Experience
While most cases do settle, there are some that go to trial. If your lawyer has never set foot in a courtroom, insurance companies will know it. And they will low ball you.
Unclear Fee Agreements
Get everything in writing. If your lawyer can’t explain clearly what the fee structure is, it’s time to walk away.
How to Maximize Your Settlement
Hiring the right lawyer is just the first step. Here is how to set yourself up for success.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
If you don’t feel injured, a trip to the doctor may not seem necessary. But it is. Injuries can show up later than you might think. Medical records serve as evidence in your case.
Document Everything
Photos of the scene, your car, and injuries should be taken. Keep all medical bills and receipts. Write down all details you remember about the crash in as much detail as possible.
Don’t Talk to Insurance Companies
Insurance adjusters are trained to get you to say things that will hurt your case later. Let your lawyer handle all insurance communications.
Follow Your Doctor’s Orders
Insurance companies will point to missed appointments or ignored treatment as evidence that your injuries aren’t serious. Follow through with your medical treatment and you will have a stronger case.
Be Patient
Waiting is difficult when it comes to settling. But rushing can mean you accept less than you deserve. Trust your attorney’s time line. Good things come to those who wait.
Wrapping Things Up
Choosing the right lawyer for car accident injuries is one of the most important decisions you will make after a crash.
The right attorney can mean the difference between a fair settlement and getting screwed. Hire someone with experience, a strong track record, and a solid reputation. Watch out for red flags like guaranteed results and high-pressure tactics.
To quickly recap:
- Hire an attorney with proven experience in car accidents
- Ask tough questions during consultations
- Avoid bad apples with red flags
- Document everything and follow medical advice
- Let your lawyer handle insurance negotiations
It is well worth the time investment to find the right personal injury attorney. Your recovery and your financial future depend on it.