When it comes to hiring a car accident lawyer, there are specific things you should look for to ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible. It is a very challenging time to go through following an already traumatic experience, and you want to put all this behind you as quickly as possible.
Your lawyer will understand this, and with their experience and proven track record, you’ll be confident that they’ll work hard to get you the results you need. Simply put, you’ll be in good hands.
In order to have confidence in your attorney, there are several things you should look for: their specialty, experience, track record, peer respect, charges and fees, communication, and professionalism.
In today’s blog, we’re discussing seven things to look for in a car accident lawyer. Keep reading to learn more.
1. The Lawyer’s Specialty
For a car accident, you will want to hire a lawyer specializing in personal injury cases and, more specifically, sub-specializing in car accident cases. Having a specialty means that the lawyer has advanced knowledge in that field from spending so much time learning about the specialty and working for clients within that field.
2. The Lawyer’s Experience
Ideally, you’ll want to work with a lawyer with plenty of experience. An associate lawyer freshly out of law school can undoubtedly assist with your case, but you’ll want your lawyer to have a solid decade of experience representing personal injury victims.
3. The Lawyer’s Track Record
A lawyer’s track record is a good indication of how your case could go. You’ll want to see solid reviews from past clients. Your lawyer should also be willing to connect you with past clients at your request (and with the past client’s consent), so you can learn more about their experience working with your lawyer.
This can help you determine if that lawyer is a right fit for your case and anticipate what to expect.
4. Respect from Their Peers
Not only should your attorney have the respect of their past clients, but they should also be respected in their field. Fellow attorneys should speak highly of their professionalism, skills, expertise, and track record.
It’s a warning sign if other attorneys have nothing to say (or only bad things to say) when you bring them up. That is, unless they don’t know the attorney.
5. Contingency, Charges, and Fees
There are two different types of compensation that lawyers accept: contingency and hourly.
A lawyer who works on a contingency basis receives a percentage of your settlement when the case ends. The only out-of-pocket expenses that you’ll have are filing fees, expert witnesses, and other related fees. A contingency fee basis works well if you can’t afford to pay a lawyer’s hourly fees since your out-of-pocket expenses will be kept to a minimum.
If you can afford it, hiring a lawyer and paying their hourly fees is a great route to take. Plus, if you receive a large enough settlement, you’ll likely be able to reimburse yourself and still pocket some of your settlement.
Whether you work with a lawyer on a contingency or hourly basis, be sure to read your entire contract carefully so you understand your responsibilities and know what to expect as your lawyer guides you through the process.
6. Good Communication
You want to work with a lawyer who communicates well, respects you, and continually updates you on your case’s progress. Without good communication, you’ll be anxious and stressed out.
Communicating well should include getting back to you promptly and focusing on you and your case when you visit them at their office. They should never be distracted with another case.
Additionally, you want to feel respected. Your lawyer is an expert on law and how the court system works. They can explain the process to you in a way that makes it approachable and understandable.
Another aspect of communication involves continually updating you on the status of your case. Being involved in a lawsuit takes a lot of energy out of you. The anxiety and anticipation of what’s happening are very real, so receiving updates on your case is very important.
A great way to ensure regular communication is by scheduling it. Ask for a weekly phone call or meeting with your lawyer to stay up to date on your case and on top of anything you need to do.
7. A Professional Office
You should feel like you’re entering a lawyer’s office when you, indeed, visit your lawyer’s office. Everyone’s behavior should be professional. So should your surroundings. Every office will vary in what they offer clients, but there are some universal standards they should follow.
Things like offering you water or coffee are standard, but we’re also talking about the cleanliness and layout of the office. All public rooms should be clean and well-maintained.
There shouldn’t be any clutter, sloppiness, or dirtiness in any public area of the office. You should expect a clean, professional office every time you visit. It’s a reflection of the lawyer and of the entire office and the service you’ll receive.
Contact Flickinger Boulton Gooch & Robson
Are you looking for a car accident lawyer that meets all the criteria we listed in this blog? Look no further. From our offices to our staff to how you’ll be greeted and everything between, you can trust Flickinger Boulton Gooch & Robson to do a primo job representing you.
Flickinger Boulton Gooch & Robson has your back. We are experts in personal injury cases and car accidents and will fight for you to get you the compensation you deserve.
You can visit us in person at one of our West Jordan and Provo offices. You can also call us at 801.500.4000 or contact us through our website to schedule your free case evaluation. Allow us to help you get through the very challenging circumstance of a car accident lawsuit. We’ll be with you every step of the way.
Contact Flickinger Boulton Gooch & Robson today!