What Victims Should Know Before Choosing a Car Accident Lawyer

Did you know Chevrolet and Ford vehicles are the cause of most fatal car accidents in America? But owning a different model won’t reduce your risk of getting into a crash.

In the unfortunate event of a collision, contact a qualified car accident lawyer as soon as possible. An attorney will help you figure out who’s responsible for the damages and make sure that they pay up.

But you can’t choose the best lawyer without knowing what to look for. Here are the most important things to consider.

Average Car Accident Lawyer Fee

The decision to get legal help is necessary but also very costly. The average lawyer’s fees range from $100 to $400 per hour.

If your case is tricky, your legal team will need lots of time with it. This can drain your resources even more.

Also, insurance companies have a knack for stretching out legal battles. One popular tactic involves appealing every ruling until your funds run low. The only way to protect yourself is to hire a lawyer who charges a flat fee.

If an attorney with a fixed rate is too hard to find, look for a law firm that will work on a contingency basis. This means that you won’t have to pay any money until you win your case.

Statute of Limitations

The statute of limitations is a law that limits the amount of time you have to file a lawsuit. In some states, this is as short as one year from your accident. In others, it can be three years or longer.

If you miss this deadline, you won’t be able to sue for damages. Figure out your state’s statute of limitations before contacting a lawyer.

Photos of the Accident

Photos are absolutely necessary and will help your lawyer. But it’s not always easy for a victim with a head injury or broken wrist to remember to snap pictures in the middle of their emergency.

In that situation, the best way to ensure you have plenty of evidence is to look for a traffic camera. Chances are there’ll be footage of the crash on these cameras.

If not, someone else at the scene likely took photos with their phone. You can use these images as proof in court.

Injury and Health Status

This includes the severity of your injuries, the treatment required, and how long it will take for you to recover. This will help them determine what would be fair compensation. If you have whiplash or soft tissue injuries (such as sprains), your compensation estimate might be lower than if you suffered spinal cord damage.

Your Lawyer Needs to Know Everything

For car accident cases, even supposedly unimportant details can be critical to your victory. Choose a lawyer who’s dedicated to understanding the specifics of your case. This includes your trauma, quality of life since the accident, and how the accident affected your professional life.

If you’re not comfortable sharing the details of your accident, your lawyer won’t be able to represent you properly.

Resources and Strategy

Ask your potential attorney whether they have the resources to investigate the accident and the impact of the injuries on your life. They should have an expert team of detectives and paralegals who can find the evidence needed to build your case.

Compatibility

One of the most important aspects of a successful lawyer-client relationship is good communication. Your lawyer should be able to listen to your concerns and answer your questions thoughtfully and clearly. When meeting with potential lawyers, pay attention to their communication style and make sure it aligns with your needs.

Emotional Support

It’s natural to feel emotional when discussing a personal injury case. However, it’s important to stay focused on the facts and avoid letting your emotions dictate your decision-making. Find a lawyer who can help you stay calm and attentive to what you need to do to win your case.

Free Consultations Are Available

Many attorneys offer free consultations, which are a great way to find out more about the legal process and see if you have a case worth pursuing. The lawyer will typically meet with you in person or on the phone.

During the consultation, they’ll ask about the details of your case so far, including what happened and when it happened. They’ll also question:

• Your wounds
• Whether there were any witnesses
• Police involvement

Remember to bring any relevant documentation, such as police reports and insurance information, to your meeting. These documents will help the lawyer understand your case and determine its merits.

Claims Can Be Resolved Easily

When you’re thinking about hiring a lawyer, it’s important to know that claims can be resolved without going to court. Most drivers have affordable car insurance that will pay for medical bills and other expenses related to the accident. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you negotiate with the insurance company and reach a just settlement.

Recover With a Peace of Mind

Calling a car accident lawyer after a collision should be your first instinct, but don’t hire anyone until you have all the facts. Their pricing and availability should be transparent. They should also feel comfortable sharing their experience and past clients with you.

A good lawyer will make you feel comfortable and confident that they can recover damages for your injuries. But finding one isn’t easy, so read our health articles during your recovery to prepare yourself to stand strong in court.