How to Choose a Car Accident Lawyer

Research Personal Injury Lawyers

A recent study found that 91% of participants with a lawyer received a payout, compared to 51% without. Even after accounting for attorney fees, those with legal representation received about three times more compensation.

If you are considering suing after a car accident, a personal injury attorney in Illinois can make a big difference to your claim. However, choosing the right personal injury lawyer involves knowing what to consider. To find the right lawyer, assess the lawyer’s experience, fees, and office environment. This will provide insights into your case and what to expect regarding challenges and success.

Here are some tips to help you gather personal injury lawyer candidates.

Ask Friends and Family

Consider contacting friends, family, colleagues, or others who have previously engaged a lawyer for personal injury cases. They might offer insights on when it’s best to hire a personal injury attorney. If they share positive experiences, you could include that lawyer on your list, but remember not to depend solely on someone else’s referral when making your choice.

Everyone has different responses to a lawyer’s style and attitude, so it’s crucial to meet or have a conversation with the lawyer, discuss your case, and assess whether you would feel at ease working with them before finalizing your decision.

Get Referrals from Other Lawyers

Another effective method for locating a car accident attorney is to seek referrals for car accident lawyers from other lawyers. Many attorneys regularly refer clients to their colleagues. Some have established ties with personal injury professionals. While this can be a helpful starting point, it’s crucial to remember that a referral from another lawyer should be just the first step in your search.

Use Online Attorney Referral Services

Many bar associations and commercial sites offer online lawyer referral services organized by specialty. Some vet attorneys based on qualifications and experience, while others list any attorney in good standing with liability insurance.

However, these services often don’t reveal an attorney’s approach or assertiveness. You should speak directly with a car accident lawyer before deciding. Various websites also connect users with local attorneys for personalized advice and case evaluations.

Evaluate Attorneys on Your List

Looking for attorneys online or in legal directories can yield vast results, making it challenging to refine your initial list. To streamline your selection, you must assess the attorneys you’ve identified in your search. As you evaluate each attorney’s information, here are some important factors to consider:

Evaluate Experience and Areas of Knowledge

It’s wise to research your lawyer’s website and online presence, or contact their office for additional information. Pay attention to their experience, areas of experience, credentials, and other pertinent details.

When hiring a lawyer, consider whether they are targeted or general practitioners. For personal injury and accident-related cases, seek out a lawyer who knows common types of car accident lawsuits. Such a lawyer will understand the laws relevant to your case and be familiar with the typical expenses that arise after an accident. Additionally, they may have connections with medical professionals who can assist in building your case and provide treatment for your injuries. They might also have knowledge in unique situations, such as when the individual responsible for your injuries dies in an accident.

It’s advantageous to select a lawyer who has experience with cases similar to yours. For example, finding a lawyer well-versed in product liability claims is essential if you’ve suffered injuries due to a defective product. Similarly, if your injuries resulted from a motorcycle or tractor-trailer accident, it’s best to choose a lawyer who has previously worked on such cases.

At a minimum, ensure that:

• They are licensed to practice law in your state.
• They have several years of experience with personal injury claims.
• They have a strong track record of success in handling claims.
• Their offices are located conveniently for you.

By following these guidelines, you can effectively narrow down your options.

Consider Reviews and Testimonials

Look into the reviews of each attorney you’re considering. You can find them on their websites, Google, legal search engines, and social media platforms. Reviews on an attorney’s site might highlight the firm’s key priorities and offer insights into their approach to working with clients and developing strategies. Since lawyers usually select the reviews to display on their websites, these can give you a sense of what it may be like to collaborate with them.

However, attorneys have limited control over the reviews on Google, legal search engines, or social media, which tend to provide a more candid perspective on a lawyer. Check positive and negative reviews, but remember that a negative review might come from someone who lost a case rather than a mistreated client. Look for recurring themes in the feedback you read. If multiple reviewers mention the same strengths or weaknesses of the attorney, it can offer valuable insights into their qualities. Ideally, you need to see that an attorney has more positive reviews than negative ones.

Prepare for Consultations and Meetings

After you’ve refined your list using the methods outlined, you should have a select few attorneys or firms in mind. The next step is to set up consultations with each of them. Many personal injury law firms offer free consultations, allowing you to meet with lawyers and determine the best fit for you. These consultations are your chance to interview each attorney, looking for the top qualities of a car accident lawyer. They will likely ask you questions as well, helping both of you to assess compatibility. This initial meeting is crucial for gauging whether a lawyer aligns with your needs for the case. Be sure to bring all pertinent documents, including police reports, which you can obtain after you report a car accident, medical records, and communication from the insurance company, to have a productive discussion about your case. Since most lawyers do not charge for this initial meeting, it’s a great opportunity to evaluate if they are the right choice for you.

When consulting a personal injury lawyer, ask key questions to ensure they are the right fit for your case. Start by inquiring about their experience handling cases similar to yours, particularly with the specific type of injury or accident you’ve suffered. Ask about their track record of success, including settlements and verdicts. Discuss their fee structure, including whether they work on a contingency basis and any upfront costs. Clarify the timeline for resolving your case and their strategy for maximizing compensation. It’s also important to ask who will handle your case—whether it will be the lawyer directly or their team. Finally, gauge their communication style and availability to ensure you feel confident and supported throughout the process.

Should You Settle or File a Lawsuit?

After discussing your case with the attorney, you can better understand the value of your personal injury claim and the obstacles you may face in convincing the insurance company to pay that amount.

This is an ideal time to clarify your objectives and assess the likelihood of:

• obtaining a satisfactory settlement amount with minimal costs and complications,
• negotiating an amount that exceeds the insurance company’s initial offer as soon as possible, or
• maximizing your compensation, regardless of how long it may take.

These discussions may also include evaluating the pros and cons of settling versus pursuing your claim in court through a personal injury lawsuit. Since each case is different, there is no universal solution.

Who Will Handle Your Claim?

When you meet with a lawyer, you may feel a solid connection with them, but later, you could find out that the attorney you consulted won’t manage your case. It’s important to ask who in the firm will handle your claim. If other individuals are involved, inquire if you can also meet them. You’ll want to know who you’ll work with during the claims process and which attorney will represent you in court if your case goes to trial.

Communication Preferences

Effective communication with your lawyer is essential for the success of your claim. Does your lawyer take the time to listen to your concerns? Are they able to explain things in a way that you understand? Do you feel assured that they will keep you informed and value your input when making important decisions about your case?

The ability of your lawyer to listen and understand your viewpoint will affect your overall satisfaction with their management of your case. Their readiness and skill in clarifying the details of your situation will enable you to make well-informed decisions. Promoting open communication with your lawyer can greatly alleviate the stress associated with the entire process. When evaluating how well you communicate with a lawyer, consider the following qualities:

Comfort

When selecting an injury attorney, the most important factor is your comfort level. You are placing a significant component of your life in their hands, so it’s essential that you feel at ease communicating with them and their team. While your attorney doesn’t have to be your closest friend, it’s vital that you feel a sense of trust in them.

Confidence

Your comfort is closely tied to your confidence level. You must feel your attorney can manage every aspect of your case and achieve the desired outcomes.

Approachability

You should have an approachable lawyer who will hear your concerns regarding your legal situation and engage in open discussions about what to anticipate during the legal proceedings. Your attorney must recognize you as an individual, not just a case number. They should know how your case affects your life and treat you and your family as such.

Accessibility

To alleviate your concerns regarding your case, it’s important to maintain open communication with your lawyer during the entire process. Ensure your lawyer and their team can address your questions and provide consistent updates as your case progresses.

Discuss Fees and Payment Structures

Discuss the financial aspects of the attorney-client relationship, particularly regarding how your lawyer will be paid and how expenses related to the case will be handled. Legal services can be expensive, often charged at rates of hundreds of dollars per hour, which might be challenging to afford upfront, especially after an injury. Thankfully, many personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid when you do. Generally, contingency fees range from 25% to 40%, so it’s wise to look for a lawyer within that range. They will take their fees from your settlement, and reputable attorneys consider legal costs to ensure you maximize your claim amount.

When it comes to case-related expenses like filing fees and consultation costs, the details can be more complex. It’s crucial to clarify how these costs will be addressed from the beginning of your relationship with your lawyer.The ideal car accident lawyer is one who has a solid track record of negotiating with auto insurance companies, both in and out of the courtroom. It’s important to thoroughly research your choices and select an attorney or firm known for reasonable fees and a strong reputation. A serious injury from a car accident can lead to long-term physical and financial challenges, so it’s essential to choose someone you can trust to help you obtain compensation. For assistance from a qualified attorney, contact us at Strong Law Offices.