Tips for Choosing a Car Accident Attorney
If you have somehow evaded auto accidents during your life so far, you’re blessed, because odds are that a person will encounter at least one car accident in their lifetime. And when that time comes along, you may have to work with a car accident attorney. Prior to hiring one, however, be sure to look into a few essential considerations.======Personal Recommendations
What’s the first thing you usually do before getting work done on your home or trying a new restaurant? Most probably, you will seek referrals from your friends or family members. Recommendations are a good route to a reliable auto accident lawyer. With a lot of such mishaps happening yearly, it’s usually safe to pick someone who has earned praises from someone you know. Receiving a recommendation can at least help you pare down your list of choices.
Experience (General and Specialist
Every now and then, a brilliant law school grad opens a law firm and becomes successful at it; but this is quite an uncommon exception. Generally speaking, you have to select an attorney who has a wealth of experience, as they will not have only mastered the ins and outs of the legal system, but of car accident negotiations and settlements as well. Surely, you will want someone who hasn’t only been practicing law for years, but one who has actually spent at least 90{3ded0b07af625eb75b3efbc3f3cf31722a4e1de06e6bd66cc68ee62acbf175e3} of their work tackling such cases.
Good Communication
Ever dated someone who almost never returned your calls or texts? It was probably beyond frustrating – it probably soured the relationship somehow, right? Lawyers are usually busy, but even that is no excuse for not taking or returning your calls within a reasonable timeframe. Besides, they’re paid for their services.
Dealing with Insurers
Car accident scenarios almost always include insurance companies. They will want you taking home as little as possible, so they will try to make the smallest settlement they think they can convince you to accept. Depending on the company, you may actually get an offer to settle before you’ve even started recovering from any mental and/or physical trauma caused by the mishap. With a good car accident attorney, any lowball offers will be immediately shot down while you receive appropriate professional advice. It’s crucial to choose a lawyer who will face off with insurance companies to get you a better settlement.
Personal Rapport
Finally, take note that car accident cases can go on and on for months – sometimes lasting up to years. Imagine working that long with a lawyer you’re not comfortable with or just plain dislike. It’s not just something you need not punish yourself with, but it can actually compromise the outcome of your case.