Accident Lawyer

Have you recently been in a car accident and unsure of what your next steps should be? Do you fear that you won’t be compensated for the damage or injuries that you sustained? If so, then you need to find the best accident lawyer.

Doing so can give you the best chance of success in your case. You’ll also have the experience and savviness you need to get compensation for the accident and move on with your life.

Here’s how to find the best accident lawyer for your situation.

1. Consider Your Accident

When it comes to the title “accident lawyer,” the term is very broad. There are several types of accidents that fall within the category.

For example, perhaps you suffered an injury at work due to the negligence of a coworker. That would fall under worker’s compensation. Maybe you experienced injuries and damage during a car accident. That could fall under the umbrella of a traffic accident.

Depending on the scenario, you need to make sure you hire a lawyer with experience representing your exact accident.  For example, do not hire someone who only specializes in falls or accidents in the workplace, 

If they haven’t represented a case like yours before, then they are not the best accident lawyer for you.

In relation, do some research to see which category your accident falls under. Once determining that, it will narrow your search down even further.

Ideally, you want a team that specializes in all of the areas, including: 

• Bicycle Accidents
• Car Accidents
• Motorcycle Accidents
• Pedestrian Accidents
• Truck Accidents 
• Catastrophic Injury
• Wrongful Death
• Uber/Lyft Accidents

Be sure to ask about their experience. How many clients have they represented for this type of case? What’s the plan to build your case? Why do they think their experience can help you?

2. Use Online Reviews to Pick an Accident Lawyer

Always ask about the extent of their services.  They may have a standard elevator speech ready to go.  So, make sure you are not too shy to be blunt with your questions.

Dishonest law firms will lie about their history and success rate.  This is why checking online review sites, like Yelp and Google reviews, are such powerful tools.

The primary goal here is to read the comments that former clients wrote. These questions need to be addressed:

• Were they satisfied with the representation they received?

• Did the lawyer do a good job preparing for the case? 

• How available were they? 

• Were realistic expectations set?

All of these questions should be considered as you read through the ratings and comments. If you don’t take the time to read online reviews, you could be sabotaging your own case before it begins.

If your ideal law firm checks out, then you’ll have more confidence as you hire them to represent you.

3. Schedule an In-Person Meeting

Have you ever looked up a business online, then walked into the storefront only to be disappointed?  Anyone can make a strong online impression to give the idea that their business is more impressive than what it actually is.

You need to schedule an in-person meeting with the accident lawyer you’re considering. That’s how you can get a feel for the law firm’s communications skills and overall vibe.

You can also ask questions to get more honest answers. If one of the lawyers you speak with is lying to you, there are nonverbal cues you can pick up on. Over the phone, those nonverbal cues are almost impossible to spot.

More importantly, an in-person meeting is the first step towards building your case. You have their undivided attention. You can share more details about your accident and start to build a concrete plan of action.

4. Ask About the Fees

It’s going to come up at some point.  Don’t hesitate and inquire about legal fees during the first meeting.  If you know the fees and how the lawyer will charge you, you’ll be able to pinpoint the perfect fit for your needs.

Once you have an idea of how much an accident lawyer’s services will cost, you can create a budget.  This will allow you some time to start saving up.

When it comes to affordability, some law firms will only charge you after they have won your case.  As opposed to paying upfront fees, look for an office that works on this type of contingency basis.

5. Look for Statistics on the Accident Lawyer’s Reputation

When you’re hiring an accident lawyer for your case, you want to make sure that you’re hiring an attorney who is willing to back up their record.

No matter what lawyer you meet with, be sure to ask them about their success rate.  It is not uncommon for some offices to be more expensive but not have a great success rate.  Fact check their work.

A winning success rate with great client reviews is the most ideal scenario.  

Find the Perfect Accident Lawyer for Your Case

Now that you have seen an in-depth guide on how to find the right accident lawyer for your case, be sure to use that information to the best of your ability.

If you have any questions regarding your accident, feel free to contact one of our car accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Daniel Kim for a free, no-risk consultation.