Have you been in a car accident and confused about how to select a lawyer?
More than 18,720 people were killed in motor vehicle accidents alone in 2024, according to the latest NHTSA numbers; having a good attorney isn’t enough – it’s vital.
Here’s the thing…
The right lawyer could save you thousands in future damages. But with more than 164,559 personal injury attorneys at 60,000 law firms in the US, which one do you choose?
This article will teach you how to identify and select the car accident lawyer or anyone else who will fight for you and recover as much money as possible.
Quick Navigation:
- When You Have a Car Accident Lawyer.
- Essential Qualities to Look For
- Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- Not-So-Stay-Aware Red Flags To Avoid.
- Understanding Lawyer Fees
- What to Bring to Your Consultation.
Why You Need a Car Accident Attorney?
Car crashes aren’t just scary – they’re costly. The economic costs of car crashes in the US alone reach $242 billion per year.
If you don’t get the right legal help, you might end up with:
- Mounting medical bills
- Disappearance wages from missing work.
- Vehicle repair costs
- Insurance company tactics
- Long-term rehabilitation expenses
So here is the little thing that nobody seems to know…
It’s been proven that accident victims who retain attorneys have settlements up to 3.5 times larger than the sums that are awarded to non-accountants. That’s because car crash attorneys:
- Understand how to appraise your claim.
- Understand complex insurance policies.
- Will be able to deal with legal requirements and paperwork.
- Know how to research your accident.
- Know how to negotiate with insurance companies.
It all depends on the right lawyer for auto accident cases.
Must Have Qualities To Look For.
Not all personal injury attorneys are created equally. Since there are approximately 5.2 million people in 2020 who will be seeking treatment for car crash injuries, you need someone with experience in the field of vehicle accident cases.
These are the top essential attributes of any car accident lawyer NYC:
Specialized Experience
The experience of your lawyer should be extensive in the specific case of a car accident. It is possible that general practice lawyers or those who specialize in the more traditional cases are not very knowledgeable about the following:
- Analyzing accident reports.
- Reconstruction of accidents by accident experts.
- Understanding injury medicine.
- Communication with auto insurance firms.
- Working through state-specific auto accident regulations.
Proven Track Record
Look for a lawyer who can prove:
- Proven record of settling car accident cases.
- Proven track record of going to trial when called upon.
- Good customer testimonials and reviews.
- Recognition from legal organizations
- A good reputation in your field.
Remember – past performance doesn’t always indicate future performance, but it does demonstrate skill and experience.
Strong Communication Skills
Your lawyer should be able to:
- Convey technical legal language in plain English.
- Inform you of the case status.
- Get back to you as quickly as possible with calls and emails.
- Hear your concerns with care.
- Good with insurance carriers. Easily talk with insurance providers.
Consider – if they can’t speak fluently with you in the first consultation, what are they going to do with you in the insurance company and court?
Checklist Before Using For Hiring
Hopefully, you now know what to expect; it’s time to ask the questions. Never forget that distracted driving contributes to 8.7% of fatal car accidents, so you want someone who has handled difficult cases.
Experience and Expertise
Start with these essential questions:
- How many cases of car accidents have you handled?
- What is your rate of car accident practice?
- Did you deal with cases like mine?
- What is your success rate with car accident cases?
- Are you used to trial?
Case Management
And then understand a little more about their case management:
- Who will be my contact person?
- When will my case be updated?
- What’s your procedure for my case?
- What are the barriers that you can see?
- How much time do you anticipate my case will take?
Fees and Costs
Last, get it straight about the cost:
- Are you contingency fee-driven?
- What is your percentage rate?
- How much might I need to pay in addition?
- What happens to the expenses if we do not win?
- Can you make this in writing?
Red Flags to Look For
What makes a great car accident lawyer good and a bad one bad?
Not just what they are doing right – but the absence of the signs too. Among the biggest red flags that should have you in a bind:
Guaranteed Results
Be very suspicious of a lawyer who promises:
- A specific settlement amount.
- Duration of the case.
- A definite trial outcome.
- Insurance company responses.
- Quick and easy results.
Here’s why this matters…
All car accident cases are different. Despite the similar conditions, things go from bad to great. The real lawyer will be able to show what’s possible but will never commit to anything.
Poor Communication
When a lawyer or their firm:
- Calls back take days to get an answer.
- It is in a mess with your data.
- Can’t explain things clearly.
- Rushes through your consultation.
- Makes you feel dumb to ask questions.
These are clues that your complaint is not being heard and that the lawyer may not be the right one for you or anyone else.
Pressure Tactics
Other lawyers make sales pitches such as:
- Demanding an immediate decision.
- Cramming you to sign contracts in front of you.
- Making unrealistic promises.
- Using a fear-mongering over time slots.
- Badmouthing other attorneys.
And always – you get to know the lawyer well enough to make your choice.
Understanding Lawyer Fees
Now, let’s address something that all customers care about – money.
Most car accident lawyers are based on contingency fees, that is:
- You pay nothing upfront.
- The lawyer only gets paid if you win.
- Fees are a percentage of your settlement.
- Usually, 25–40% of it.
- Additional costs may apply.
Don’t underestimate the cost that you will probably be charged outside of the contingency fee. These could include:
- Court filing fees.
- Expert witness costs.
- Medical record collection fees.
- Accident reconstruction expenses.
- Administrative costs.
Fee Agreements
Always get your fee agreement in writing. The contract should state clearly:
- What percentage will the attorney get exactly?
- Case expenses — How is it going to be done?
- When payments are due.
- What if you change lawyers?
- Any other charges or extra fees.
What to Expect When You Schedule Your Consultation
Need to get the most out of your free consultation?
It will also let you and the lawyer review your case more quickly when you are prepared. What you should bring exactly:
Essential Documents
Gather these important items:
- Police accident report.
- Medical records and bills.
- Insurance policy information.
- Pictures of the accident scene.
- Vehicle damage estimates.
- Any witness statements.
- Communication with insurance companies.
Key Information
Be ready to discuss:
- Date and place of accident in precise detail.
- Weather and road conditions.
- Your damage and treatment.
- Have on your business and personal life.
- Anything that you said at the scene.
- Insurance company communications.
Making Your Final Decision
After visiting different lawyers, you can decide. Remember that Mississippi, Alabama, and Arkansas have some of the highest car accident rates in the country – you want the right lawyer.
Trust Your Instincts
Consider these factors:
- Were you comfortable with the lawyer?
- Did you get your questions right?
- Are they experienced with the same problems you?
- Do they have clear and reasonable fees?
- Are they capable of handling your case?
Take Action Quickly
The case in car accidents is very time-sensitive because:
- Evidence can disappear
- Witnesses’ memories fade
- Legal deadlines approach
- Medical costs accumulate
- Insurance companies demand quick settlements.
Conclusion: Where To Next?
Identifying the best car accident attorney need not be a burdensome task. So, you read this guide and realized that:
- What to look for in a lawyer?
- Essential questions to ask.
- Red flags to avoid.
- How to get acquainted with fees.
- How to plan your appointment.
Always remember – the right lawyer can make all the difference in your case. So, take your time, do your research and pick someone that you trust to fight for you.
Wait no longer and seek legal representation. And the sooner you take action, the better chance you’ll have of getting your settlement.