5 Things to Consider When Choosing a Car Accident Lawyer
Over 38,000 people died in motor vehicle crashes in 2020 (NHTSA). This equates to an average of over 100 fatalities per day. Additionally, there were over 5.4 million car accident injuries requiring medical attention in 2020 (NHTSA). The annual economic cost of car accidents, including medical bills, lost productivity, property damage, and related costs exceeds $340 billion. Finding the right car accident lawyer to represent you can make all the difference in your case. With over 6 million car accidents occurring in the United States every year, it's important to know what to look for when choosing legal counsel after an accident.
Experience Handling Car Accident Cases
One of the most important factors is choosing an attorney who specializes in car accidents specifically. Ask the lawyer how many years they've been practicing car accident law and how many similar cases they've taken on. An experienced car accident attorney will understand the complexities and nuances of these types of cases. They'll know what strategies tend to work best and how to maximize compensation for their clients.
Resources to Build a Strong Case
You'll also want to select a car accident lawyer who has the resources to build a compelling case on your behalf. This includes working with skilled investigators to gather evidence from the accident scene, consulting with medical experts to document injuries, and hiring professionals to calculate lost income. A lawyer with robust resources can piece together a thorough argument attributing fault to the other driver and substantiating damages.
Reputation for Achieving Favorable Verdicts and Settlements
It's wise to choose an attorney with a proven track record of achieving sizable verdicts and settlements for clients in car accident lawsuits. This demonstrates their ability to convince insurance companies and jurors to award maximum compensation. Ask for case results and client testimonials to get a sense of their success rate.
Contingency Fee Billing Structure
Most car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don't pay any legal fees upfront. Rather, the attorney receives a percentage of the settlement or court award. Standard contingency fees range from 33% to 40%. This billing structure means the lawyer is incentivized to maximize your payout, and you don't have to pay if there is no recovery.
Compatible Communication Styles
Lastly, consider how well you communicate with the lawyer and their staff. You'll be working closely together during an emotionally difficult time. Make sure you choose someone who is responsive, understanding, and keeps you informed each step of the way. With an attorney you trust and can openly communicate with, you're more likely to achieve the best possible outcome.
Key Takeaways
Select a lawyer experienced specifically in car accident cases
Look for ample resources to build a strong legal claim
Choose someone with a proven track record of high settlements
Opt for contingency fee billing
Ensure your communication styles are compatible
Thoroughly vetting potential car accident lawyers on these five criteria will help you make the best choice. Protect your rights and maximize your compensation by hiring quality legal representation after an auto collision. With the right attorney in your corner, you can rest assured your best interests are covered.