Have you been in a car accident?
Is it time to hire a lawyer for your case?
If you’ve been in a serious accident, it may just be time to hire a car accident lawyer. However, if you’ve never hired a lawyer before it can be difficult to know where to look and how to choose the best one around.
Below we’ll tell you everything you need to know to find the right car accident lawyer in your area.
Why You Need a Lawyer After an Accident
While in many cases it’s not necessary to hire a lawyer after a car accident, sometimes it is absolutely essential.
Depending on the circumstances, a simple fender bender may not require the assistance of a lawyer, for example. However, if there has been a physical injury or fatality as a result of the accident, or if significant damage occurred, a lawyer will be necessary to help you navigate the legal proceedings.
A lawyer can help collect evidence regarding the car accident and negotiate with the other parties involved. A lawyer can also help you file a claim with insurance companies.
If you’ve suffered a personal injury, most likely you’ll need to hire a lawyer. If you have medical expenses to pay, if you’ve lost wages, or if you need to pay for car repairs, a lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Legal assistance may also be necessary if there are other factors at play. If one party was speeding, driving recklessly, or driving under the influence of alcohol, a lawyer can be a big help.
In each of these cases, a lawyer can help fight for your needs and help dispute any false facts or disputes over the cause of the accident. They can help you make sure you get everything you deserve from the insurance companies and drivers involved.
Tips for Finding the Right Car Accident Lawyer
1. Sooner Is Better
When it comes to hiring a car accident lawyer, sooner is better. The longer you wait the harder it will be to fight your case.
In many cases, there are deadlines for personal injury claims so it’s important that you call a lawyer soon after the accident. If you have issues due to lost wages or medical expenses, it’s important to get a lawyer on the case as soon as possible so that you can get the financial help you need.
As a general rule, you should make sure to contact a lawyer within 1 or 2 weeks after your accident.
2. Start Searching Online
When attempting to find a car accident lawyer, the best place to start looking is online. Check out local directory websites and classifieds.
A classifieds services section is a great place to start finding the names of some lawyers you can check out further.
Online reviews can also help you get the scoop on what kind of opinions others have on any lawyer you are considering.
While it’s not always possible to find reviews of a potential lawyer online, many times you’ll be able to find plenty of information to help you make a smart decision.
3. Know the Type of Lawyer You Need
Before choosing a car accident lawyer, think about your needs and the specifics of the accident you are dealing with. There are different specialties and areas of expertise when it comes to car accidents, and in some cases, you may not need a car accident lawyer at all.
There are a few different types of lawyers that deal with car accidents and vehicle-related issues. The specific type that you need may vary depending on your circumstances.
If your accident occurred while you were under the influence of alcohol, for example, it may be a good idea to work with a DUI lawyer who specializes in these cases.
On the other hand, if you need help disputing a traffic ticket, you should look for a lawyer who specializes in traffic tickets rather than a car accident lawyer.
4. Location Matters
Personal injury laws vary in many ways depending on your location. Whether it is by country, state, city, or zip code, laws and regulations can be very different depending on where your accident took place.
For this reason, it is important that you find a lawyer who is as close to the city and location of your accident as possible. If your accident took place in Salt Lake City, for example, you may want to contact a local firm such as Craig Swapp & Associates traffic accidents lawyers.
A lawyer who practices close to the area of the accident will likely know the ins and outs of the local laws. They’ll know exactly what legal options are available to your personal injury and your specific circumstances, and what compensation you may be able to receive based on local laws.
5. Ask the Right Questions
Once you’ve picked out a few lawyers to speak with, it’s important to find out more about them and make sure that they are right for you and your needs.
You should find out about their specific experience with cases such as yours. Find out how often they deal with car accident cases and how big of a focus it is for them.
If you’re experiencing an injury, ask the lawyer how many cases like yours they have dealt with, and what the outcome was in each. You may also ask them if they can predict a settlement range for your situation.
By asking these specific questions, you’ll be able to not only get a feel for the lawyer’s reliability but also what outcomes you may expect from your case.
6. Check Their Skill Level
In addition to specific experience with car accidents, you’ll want to ask a lawyer about their professional experience. Find out as much about their background and previous experience as possible.
Research online or ask them what certifications and professional qualifications they have. To verify a lawyer’s credentials, you can confirm that they are legitimate by looking them up using a state bar website. You may also look to see if there are any complaints against them.
It’s important to find out about a lawyer and make sure they are the real deal before hiring them. Make sure to ask about their background during your consultation.
7. Know Their Costs and Fee Structure
You should also know what to expect when it comes to a lawyer’s compensation. You need to know what payment options you have and what your costs will be when considering car accident lawyers to work with.
Make sure to find out the details of a lawyer’s fee structure. Also, make sure you know what out of pocket expenses you will have to take care of.
If they predict a good outcome for your case, a reliable car accident lawyer may have a policy where you’ll only have to pay if they win.
Whatever they charge, the most important thing is to find out what to expect beforehand. Make sure you have a thorough understanding of what your costs will be before hiring a lawyer so that you can avoid any nasty surprises later on.
Final Thoughts
It doesn’t have to be difficult to find a great car accident lawyer for your case, but it does take some work to make sure you make the best choice.
By following the tips above you’ll be able to find a great lawyer who will fight hard for you, giving you the best chance possible at having a great outcome in your case.
Have questions or comments? Contact us today to find out more about SEBULE Classifieds and to learn more about what we can do to make your life easier.