Car accidents, even minor ones, can be scary. On top of that, there are a lot of expenses that follow, such as medical bills and repair costs. However, if you weren’t at fault for the accident, you can get compensation to cover those expenses. If you have been involved in a car accident and aren’t sure what to do next, you should get a hold of a car accident attorney immediately. However, you shouldn’t just hire one on a whim. Dealing with a car accident is a delicate matter, so you need a lawyer that you can depend on.
How Long Have You Been in Practice?
One of the first things you should ask a car accident lawyer is how long they’ve been practicing. Car accident cases should be handled by lawyers that have experience. The more experienced a car accident lawyer is, the more likely you are to get what’s owed to you. Additionally, they’ll be more familiar with the court requirements for your area, including deadlines and necessary paperwork
Unfortunately, some car accident cases may have to be settled in court, and representing yourself is not recommended. An experienced lawyer can go to bat for you. However, you will need to provide accurate details and documentation about the incident to win your case.
Have You Dealt With Similar Cases?
This question goes hand-in-hand with the first one. Although a lawyer may have decades of experience, each case is different. Not every case is going to turn out the same. For this reason alone it’s important to find a lawyer that has won cases similar to yours.
How Much Do You Charge?
One of the main reasons people avoid hiring a car accident lawyer is the cost. While some charge higher rates than others, many charge an hourly rate, and you only pay when you win the case. This is called a contingency plan. Note, some lawyers also charge for obtaining documentation, filing fees, and court costs. While this shouldn’t sway you away from hiring an attorney (as the cost can often be included in the settlement), it is something to keep in mind.
Can You Handle Negotiations?
In some cases, going to court isn’t necessary. Sometimes, the case can be handled by negotiating with the other party’s insurance company. However, due to the potential trauma that comes from a car accident, both physical and emotional, negotiating can be difficult. Luckily, lawyers are well-versed in the art of negotiating, so you don’t have to stress over it.
After a car accident, you’ve got a lot to take care of. However, most importantly, you want to focus on healing from any injuries you may have sustained. To ensure that you have the time and resources to heal, you’ll need to talk to a car accident attorney. Talking to a lawyer may seem intimidating, especially to people doing so for the first time. However, lawyers are here to help, especially if you’ve been involved in a car accident. Prior to saying yes, be sure to ask the four questions above to narrow down your search.
