Experience and Focus on Motor Vehicle Collisions
When you are comparing car crash attorneys, one of the first points of comparison should be their experience and focus. While all lawyers must complete several years of legal education after finishing their undergraduate degrees and pass bar examinations to practice law, this doesn’t mean that any attorney will do. Ask attorneys how long they have been licensed to practice law and whether they focus on motor vehicle crashes. Car crash attorneys who have years of experience combined with a focus on car accidents vs. other types of legal issues might be better able to represent your interests.
Reputation and Record
The next things to consider are the reputations and records of the car accident lawyers. You want to find a lawyer who has built a strong reputation in the legal community and among past clients. Read client reviews and ask for referrals. Ask prospective lawyers about whether they have handled cases similar to yours before and what the outcomes were. When an attorney has a strong reputation and track record, insurance companies might be more likely to offer fair settlements rather than risk a potential trial loss.
Communication Skills and Methods
For your attorney to be an effective advocate for you, they must have excellent communication skills. Choose a lawyer who has a good communication style. They should listen carefully to your questions and explain legal concepts that apply in a way that you can understand. Clear and effective communication can be key to securing a favorable settlement agreement.
You should also ask how the attorney communicates with clients about their cases. Ask who will be available to answer your questions when they arise and how the firm handles communication (phone, email, or text). Finally, ask each lawyer about the strengths and weaknesses of your case. A good lawyer should be able to articulate both and explain the strategies they might employ to help you win your claim.
Caring and Compassionate
When you retain a lawyer, you can expect to be working together for months. This makes it important to choose a lawyer whom you trust to represent you. The best car crash attorneys are caring and compassionate individuals who take the time to meet their clients in person, listen to them, and work closely together to develop well-thought-out strategies.
Fees and Billing
While an attorney’s fees and billing structure are important considerations, you should also think about them in comparison to the attorney’s experience, reputation, and record. Some car accident lawyers charge very low fees to try to get more clients in the door but then simply try to settle their claims as fast as possible instead of working to recover maximal compensation. It might be better to go with a lawyer who might charge a slightly higher percentage but who has a demonstrated record of success. The good news is that most car accident lawyers offer contingency fees. This means you won’t have to pay your attorney’s fees until and unless they recover compensation for you. Ask about the percentage they take as their fee out of your total settlement and whether you will be responsible for paying other expenses while your case is pending.
Pay Attention to Your Instinct
Finally, since you will be working with your lawyer for a long time, it’s important to choose someone you trust and like. It can be a miserable experience to work with someone you dislike for months. When you are consulting lawyers, pay attention to how they interact with you and whether they are respectful.
Talk to a Car Accident Lawyer
The car accident lawyers at Ellis & Associates have fought for the rights of crash victims for years. We dedicate ourselves to helping our clients recover the most compensation possible so they can achieve justice. To learn more and schedule a free consultation, call us today at 800-MR-ELLIS or send us a message online.