A car accident can leave you with severe injuries, medical bills, and a damaged car, which can drain you physically, emotionally, and financially. Having a car accident attorney can save you the headache and ensure you get the right medical care, your vehicle repaired or replaced, and you get compensated for any loss or damage.
Although numerous law firms are on the market, not all might help you get the compensation you need after an accident. Therefore, it’s important to choose wisely. Here are the qualities to look for in the best car accident attorney.
1. Experience
The best car accident attorney should have the necessary experience to make the right personal injury claim and follow up with the insurance for compensation. Considering that there are various types of personal injury claims, the attorney should know the appropriate claim to make and the necessary paperwork to fill and calculate the right settlement amounts.
Look at the attorney’s track record of winning cases and getting the appropriate settlements for personal injury claims. Work with an attorney with a history of taking cases to court since some attorneys may bow to pressure and accept half-baked offers from insurance.
2. Fees
Most car accident lawyers work on a contingency basis; they receive a percentage of the total amount you receive from the settlement as fees, which varies from different attorneys. However, you will require to pay the expenses for filing the case and any expert witness fees beforehand. Compare these percentages before choosing an attorney.
Ask the attorney to explain the terms and conditions of handling your case to avoid surprise expenses. Avoid looking at the fees only. Instead, get a Houston car accident lawyer who is transparent enough and experienced to guarantee a fair settlement and reasonable fees.
3. Clear Communication
A good car accident attorney should clearly communicate the case’s requirements and proceedings. They should explain to you the processes, fees, and terms of dealings and answer any questions that you may have regarding the process.
An attorney should avoid using technical terms and ensure you follow each step. They should also listen to your expectations and clearly state the possible outcomes for your settlement case. If everything feels unclear when you leave a potential lawyer’s office, consider looking for another one.
4. Reputation
A good car accident attorney should be reputable among his peers and past clients. They should also be free from past disciplinary actions by the state. Ask your attorney to give you contacts of his past clients to find out their experience. If an attorney is unwilling to provide these contacts, consider not working with them. Search online for a potential attorney’s reputation and what other lawyers think about him. You can also ask them to disclose the percentage of their business that comes from referrals by other attorneys.
5. Resources
Your car accident attorney should have the necessary resources to win a case. They should have an organized office space with enough staff to perform the necessary investigations, fill out paperwork, interview witnesses and handle any matters that may arise. Next time you visit a potential car accident attorney’s office, look around to determine if the attorney is organized. A disorganized one may not handle your case professionally, so you may not get any settlement.
6. Availability
Availability is an important quality to consider when looking for the best car accident attorney. The lawyer should be easily reachable in person or on the phone. They should have an after-office number that you can get them through in case of an emergency. Additionally, they should appoint someone to attend to you in their absence. Besides, a good attorney should be available to answer emails promptly and update you on any developments.
Find a Car Accident Attorney Near You
Have you been involved in a car accident and are looking for an attorney to handle your case and get you the necessary compensation? Find a car accident attorney locally to take care of things as you recover.