Most people involved in car accidents quickly realize that many parties, including insurance companies, aren’t interested in their well-being and recovery. These victims also realize that many of those interested in the accident’s events only want to fight them. When an accident occurs, the consequences can be expensive and time-consuming. Getting distracted while driving is dangerous even if you don’t lose control. An injured person may wonder who will be responsible for their medical expenses and vehicle repairs after an accident. When you have suffered physical or psychological trauma as a result of another’s negligence, you must hire a personal injury lawyer in Hobart.
Therefore, if you ever find yourself in such a situation, your best option is to hire a car accident lawyer. The Orlando accident attorney/ lawyer you hire represents your best chances of receiving the compensation you deserve. However, hiring the best auto accident attorney isn’t easy. And that’s why below we’ve outlined some of the tips you can use to hire yourself a reasonable auto accident attorney.
Conduct An Online Search And Rely On Past Client Reviews
The first place most people visit when searching for an auto accident attorney is the internet. However, you’ll likely find hundreds of auto accident attorneys within your area. With such a high number of available lawyers, you’re likely to waste time ‘lawyer shopping.’ And ‘lawyer shopping’ could jeopardize your case.
Therefore, you should rely on past client reviews and testimonies during your search. The experience of these past clients will help you identify qualified auto accident lawyers.
Call Several Law Firms And Ensure You’re Talking With An Attorney
At first, this may seem straightforward, but it’s an important step when hiring a car accident attorney. Today, many law firms hire case managers to help their lawyers handle their caseload. So, you’re more likely to speak with a case manager than an attorney during your initial call.
Therefore, make sure you’re talking to an attorney during the call. And that’s because a case manager may miss important information about your case that an attorney will take note of. The initial call will also help you gauge the knowledge and expertise of different attorneys.
Schedule A Free Consultation
Most law firms arrange free consultations with clients since it helps both parties learn more about each other and the case. So, ensure you’re well prepared for the meeting. Use this free consultation to gauge whether the attorney fits the type of attorney you want to handle your case. Some of the things you should look out for include;
- Is the attorney open and honest?
- Do you find it easy to get along with the attorney?
- Do you find the experience and successful track record of the attorney satisfying?
- Is the attorney knowledgeable in the strategy the defense will likely use?
- Is the attorney using an easy-to-understand language?
- Do you think the attorney is willing to take your case to court?
- What’s their caseload like?
You can also prepare a list of some of the questions you’d like answered beforehand. If you prefer this option and find you have more questions than answers.
Discuss The Fee Before Signing With Your Auto Accident Attorney
Most car accident lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis. What this means is after you receive compensation for the injuries incurred during your accident, you’re required to pay your attorney a certain percentage. Different attorneys have different percentage levels. Therefore, there is some room for you to negotiate the percentage rate.
Also, remember that your car accident case will incur some costs as your attorney explores your case. You will incur some upfront costs, including court reporter fees, witness fees, costs to obtain medical and police records, etc. Payment of these fees depends on your lawyer. You may be responsible for these up-front expenses, or your attorney will cover them. If your attorney is responsible for these expenses, they’ll deduct the total amount from the final settlement. And if this is the case, ensure that your attorney takes their contingency fees from the amount left after they deducted their costs and expenses.
You Have The Right To Choose Your Attorney
There are cases where you might find yourself unhappy with the car accident attorney you hired and would wish to cancel the agreement you made with them. Your attorney has no right to force you to retain their services. However, you’re required to reimburse them for the services offered if the agreement is more than three days old. Payment for these services can either be out of your pocket or from the final settlement provided.
Therefore, if you’re unhappy with how your attorney handles your case, don’t be afraid to walk out and find a better attorney.
Hiring an auto accident attorney to represent you should be easier for you now. With the above tips, you should have the confidence to hire the right attorney for your case. If you have any further questions feel free to contact us, and our attorneys will get back to you immediately.
