In 2021 alone there were 42,915 fatalities from car crashes and even more car accident injuries. Car accident victims often seek damages for their injuries, hospital bills, and in the worst-case scenario, funeral expenses for a wrongful death accident. The trauma from the accident coupled with the endless sea of personal injury lawyers and an urgent need to make a claim puts a lot of pressure on the victim, making it difficult to choose the right attorney.
Selecting a car accident attorney shouldn’t be more stressful than the accident itself. Follow this guide to learn what to look for when choosing car accident attorneys.
Experience and Specialization
When looking for a car accident attorney, you want someone with experience. Furthermore, you want an attorney who specializes in car accidents. This way, you can be sure that they know all the tricks of the trade. Some good questions to seek answers to when determining this are:
- How long have you been practicing law?
- How many personal injury cases have you won?
- Among those, how many were car accident cases?
- Does this law firm specialize in car accident cases?
These questions can help narrow down your options for attorneys by weeding out too inexperienced or broad practicing lawyers. Experienced and specialized attorneys will also help you avoid making any common car accident claims mistakes along the way.
Insurance Agencies Know Good Car Accident Lawyers: Take the Advantage
Often, clients wonder how important specialization is to choosing car accident attorneys. They think that any attorney familiar with personal injuries should be able to defend them. While that is true, there is one upside to choosing an attorney specializing in car accidents that you should consider.
Good car accident attorneys have reputations with insurance companies. Some to the point that when a lawsuit comes across their desk with a certain attorney or firm’s name, they start drawing up the settlement. Choosing car accident attorneys who have a hard-hitting reputation among insurance agencies to get you a faster settlement and help you avoid going to court.
Pricing and Flexibility
Before you hire an attorney, you should understand how they charge for their services. Some attorneys charge by the hour, while others charge a flat rate.
Additionally, some personal injury lawyers charge nothing until they win your case, then they take a percentage of the settlement. This is one of the best options because most people who have a personal injury case cannot afford their own hospital bills, let alone the lawyer’s fees.
But, even those who don’t use this method can be fine options if they offer flexible payment plans. Some more tips to consider when comparing attorney costs include the following:
- Understand each attorney’s pricing model
- Determine your total budget
- Negotiate if possible to remain within your budget
- Learn about legal aid programs to help pay if needed
- Identify any hidden fees
No matter how many attorneys you’re considering for your personal injury case, price is a major factor in the decision-making process. Remember that going with the least costly option may not always yield positive results. Finding a good middle ground between budget and other factors will almost always be your best option.
Case Transparency
Hiring an attorney is a lot like a two-way interview. The attorney needs details about your accident to know whether they can take your case while you need details about their experience to know whether you trust them with your case. So, don’t be afraid to ask them about their car accident case experience.
You should be able to get a clear understanding of your attorney’s past cases. Ask about both wins and losses, and how the attorney handled each one. It’s important that you feel confident in your attorney’s ability to represent you.
Real Customer Testimonials or Referrals
When you’re looking for a car accident attorney, one of the best ways to find a good one is to look for real customer testimonials. You can find these on the lawyer’s website or through other online sources. Reading online reviews will help you get an understanding of the good and bad aspects of each firm you consider for your car accident case.
Another great way to find a good car accident attorney is to get a referral from a trusted source, such as a friend or family member. Once you have a few potential lawyers in mind, be sure to check out their experience and credentials to make sure they’re qualified to handle your case.
Customer Care and Patience
One of the most important qualities to look for when choosing a car accident attorney is excellent customer care. You want an attorney who is patient and will take the time to listen to your story.
An attorney who is rude or doesn’t seem interested in your case is not worth your time. This includes those who seem to work for established, fancy practices. Don’t let their size intimidate you- if they don’t know what their behavior makes you feel uncomfortable and pressured, move on.
Choosing Car Accident Attorneys in Westminster, CA
If you’re looking for a top car accident attorney in Westminster, CA, look no further than West Accident Law Group. Our team of experienced lawyers has successfully represented countless clients in car accident cases, and we’re ready to help you too. Choosing car accident attorneys has never been more simple with our proven process.
From our first meeting, we’ll take you through an evaluation of your case. This step-by-step process is designed to walk you through what went wrong in your accident, who may be at fault, and how you can get compensation for your injuries. Contact us today to get started on a free case evaluation.
