How to Look for a Car Accident Lawyer
The mass and velocity of the typical moving vehicle – combined with the number of cars on the road at any given time – add up to the ever-present threat of an accident. In fact, most motorists will find themselves involved in at least one automobile accident at some point in their lives.
While most car accidents are little more than minor fender benders, and automakers take significant steps in making modern vehicles safer than ever, there’s always the chance of serious injury. When that happens, it’s time to get a lawyer.
Most people reading this will hire a lawyer at least once in their lives. But if you’ve never done so before – and now find yourself needing one in the aftermath of a bad car accident – looking for a lawyer can seem like a daunting task on top of what you’re already experiencing.
The good news is that finding a reputable car accident lawyer is not as hard as you might think. The following serves as a step-by-step guide to looking for a lawyer after being seriously injured in an automobile accident:
Act fast
The longer you wait to hire a personal injury lawyer, the harder it will be for them to help you. While it’s a lot to ask of someone recently hurt in an accident to focus on finding a lawyer, taking your time may prove detrimental to your case. With this in mind, it’s essential for those seriously injured in a car accident to start looking for a lawyer as soon as possible. With that said, it’s important not to rush your decision. Rather than call the first 1-800 number you see on a billboard, give yourself a day or two to mull over your options.
Ask around
Chances are you know somebody who was seriously injured in a car accident. If so, consider asking them which lawyer they hired and whether or not the experience was satisfactory. You can expand your search by asking anyone you know who’s ever hired a personal injury lawyer, even if it wasn’t because of a car accident. Most personal injury lawyers handle cases involving slips and falls as well as car accidents. However, while hearing about someone’s positive experience with a lawyer is a good start, you still want to keep looking.
Shop around
With 48 hours or so to choose, take your time shopping around online. Start by doing a basic Google search; chances are the websites of all the top car accident lawyers in your area will pop up. Go through them individually and write down a list of top contenders. If you’re aware of a small-time personal injury lawyer nearby, consider visiting their office to inquire about a consultation. Compare and contrast the pros and cons to narrow the list until only two or three options remain.
Weigh your options
Lawyers and their staff will try to convince you they’re the right choice. Since they all say that, take it with a grain of salt, step back, and weigh your options without bias. Ask them questions and pay close attention to their answers. Furthermore, consider alternatives. For instance, there are services available that help individuals find the right injury lawyer for their case. Working with such an agency could be the solution you’re looking for, or you might decide it’s better to choose one yourself. Whatever you decide, make sure you come to that conclusion after careful consideration.
Trust your gut
If something seems wrong about a particular law firm, don’t let them persuade you otherwise. There are too many options for you to settle on a lawyer you don’t like or don’t trust. Even if they do a good job, your inability to trust them will lead to unnecessary drama on your part. You’ll worry about whether or not they’re helping you and question your decision night after night. With this in mind, trust your gut and wait until you find a lawyer you feel confident about.
If you drive or ride in a car every day, odds are you’ll eventually get into an accident. Fortunately, most car accidents are relatively minor. But there’s always the possibility of serious injury. You’ll need to hire a car accident lawyer as soon as possible to get the compensation you deserve. Choose wisely!