Car Accident? Are you completely overwhelmed?
Yeah, we thought so. In 2024, over 39,000 people will die in car crashes. It has never been more important to find the right legal help.
But there’s a problem…
Most people have absolutely no idea how to choose the right car accident lawyer. They choose the first lawyer they see on a billboard or the one with the most annoying TV commercial.
What most people don’t realize…
The lawyer you hire can make or break your case.
Victims of car accidents that hire experienced legal counsel receive settlements that are 3.5x higher than those who represent themselves. Yeah, we said 3.5x.
What you’ll learn:
- The Top Qualities Every Car Accident Lawyer Should Have
- The Top Red Flags You Should Run Away From Fast
- The Secret Questions That Separate The Pros From The Pretenders
The Reasons Why You Actually Need A Car Accident Lawyer
Look, some people think they can do everything themselves after a car accident. We don’t blame them. Car accident lawyers don’t have the sexiest reputation out there. In fact, they are actually trying to earn that bad rap!
But still, here’s the reality:
Only 51% of people who represent themselves receive any compensation at all. And that’s when compared to a 91% success rate when hiring an experienced attorney. That’s insane.
The numbers don’t lie.
Insurance companies are extremely good at paying people as little as possible. Insurance adjusters are trained professionals who use very sophisticated tactics on people who don’t understand the system. They are schooled in the art of taking advantage of unrepresented clients.
A skilled car accident lawyer knows their games inside and out. They’ve seen every trick in the book and know exactly how to counter each one. They understand the true value of your case, how your insurance company works, and how to fight back.
That’s why we needed this guide to choose the right lawyer.
The 5 Qualities Your Car Accident Lawyer Must Have
It might seem obvious but not all car accident lawyers are the same. We have seen both great and very bad lawyers. Having tried many different lawyers and law firms over the past years, we have a pretty good understanding of who will likely represent you well in court.
Here are the top 5 qualities we look for in an auto accident lawyer.
1. Specialization in Car Accident Cases
This one should be obvious but you would be surprised how many people just go with a general practice attorney when it comes to auto accident cases.
Big mistake.
You want an attorney who specializes in car accident cases. You want someone who breathes auto accident law. You want an attorney who handles cases like yours every day. Someone who is working with it every day. This alone makes a huge difference.
2. Track Record Of Success
Don’t just take their word for it either. Ask them directly. Ask for specific examples of recent settlements and verdicts in similar cases. Have they taken a case like yours to trial recently? What was the result?
This is the difference between a confident lawyer with results and someone that is just a “talker”.
3. Resources To Take Your Case To Trial
The third quality we look for in car accident attorneys is the ability and resources to take the case to trial. This is something a lot of people miss.
Did you know that 95% of personal injury cases settle before trial? The insurance companies know which lawyers are willing and able to go to trial, and which aren’t.
If your lawyer has no trial experience, the insurance companies will lowball you from the start. Period.
4. Excellent Communication Skills
Your attorney should be able to explain legal concepts to you in plain English. They don’t have to be the life of the party but they need to be able to communicate well.
Pretentious lawyers don’t work well for us.
5. Organization And Support
Personal injury cases are time-sensitive. Deadlines and paperwork are involved in these types of cases. Make sure your attorney has the support staff and organization to work on your case.
The 5 Worst Reasons To Hire A Car Accident Lawyer
On the other side of the coin, these are the 5 worst reasons to hire an auto accident attorney.
1. They Guarantee Specific Results
Let’s be real. No lawyer can guarantee you’ll win or make a specific settlement. If they are, they’re either lying to you or they’re an incompetent clown.
2. They Pressure You To Sign Right Now
Most lawyers will give you an initial consultation to talk about your case. If they want you to sign their retainer agreement in the same visit, then they don’t really care about you. They want the money.
Walk away.
3. They Have Ethics Violations
You’d be surprised how many attorneys have serious ethics violations. Check your state’s bar website and see if there is any disciplinary history against your lawyer.
4. They Don’t Offer A Free Consultation
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. In other words, they work for free up front. If your lawyer is asking for money to just “look at your case”, something’s wrong.
5. They Aren’t Organized
Ask around. If you find an attorney that nobody has heard good things about, keep looking.
Understanding Legal Fees
The most important thing to understand is that most car accident attorneys work on contingency. That means that they only get paid if you win.
The typical contingency fee is between 33% and 40% of your settlement. Your case’s complexity and whether or not it goes to trial can determine this percentage.
Ask These Questions About Fees
- “What percentage do you charge?”
- “Are costs deducted before or after your fee is calculated?”
Get it in writing. And we mean this 100%. No exceptions.
The Smart Way To Find And Evaluate Car Accident Lawyers
Don’t just Google “auto accident lawyer near me” and pick the first result.
Do This Instead…
Step 1 – Start With Referrals
Start with personal referrals. Ask friends, family, and other professionals who they would recommend for your car accident case.
Step 2 – Research Reviews And Schedule Consultations
Take the list of referrals and research actual reviews about these lawyers. Read what real people are saying about how they handle cases and treat clients. Schedule an initial consultation with at least 2-3 attorneys.
Step 3 – Come Prepared With Questions
Go to your consultation prepared with a list of questions to ask them. Your questions should include things like “how many cases like mine have you handled?” or “how long did your last similar case take?”
Making Your Final Decision
Once you’ve met with several attorneys, trust your instincts and go with the one you feel most comfortable with.
Your car accident attorney is going to be your advocate during one of the most stressful times in your life. Choose wisely.
Acting Fast After Your Car Accident
Time is not your friend after a car accident. Evidence goes away. Witnesses forget details. Statutes of limitations run.
Don’t wait weeks or months to look for a lawyer. The sooner you get the right representation, the better your chances are at success.
Wrapping Things Up
There you have it. The ultimate guide to choosing the right car accident lawyer.
Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of you during one of the worst times of your life. With the right attorney, you can level the playing field and fight for the compensation you deserve.
The statistics show that legal representation greatly improves your odds of a positive outcome. But only if you choose the right lawyer.
Take your time, do your research, and don’t settle for anything less than an experienced advocate who is willing to fight for you.
