4 Things to Look for in a Car Accident Lawyer

When driving on the road or highway, you should drive for yourself, other motorists, and pedestrians. The reason is that you can’t control what others do, so you must be mindful. Anticipating what others may do can help you stay safe and keep others safe, too.

Unfortunately, car accidents happen every day. The good news is that most of them don’t result in fatalities. But even if there are no deaths, many accidents cause damage that changes the trajectories of people’s lives. If injured in a vehicle collision, your life might change forever. A new normal isn’t easy post-car accident, but it can be easier if you get the right help.

That’s one reason to find the right car accident attorney if you’re in a car accident. Here are four things to look for in any legal professional you retain to assist you.

1. Look for Experience

While there are plenty of personal injury lawyers, you need one specializing in helping clients involved in car accidents. The number of car accidents country-wide each year numbers in the millions. And, unfortunately, there are nearly 43,000 fatal car collisions in the U.S. per year. If injured in a fender bender and desiring help, you’ll want a lawyer who knows the ropes.

A lawyer focusing on slip-and-fall or workplace accidents will understand personal injury law. But you’ll be in better hands with a lawyer who works on car accident cases. Such a lawyer will know how to build a solid case to increase your odds of a desirable outcome. You’ll want that sort of expertise when seeking compensation for your injuries in a vehicle collision.

2. Look for Courtroom Experience

You’ll want a car accident attorney with demonstrable courtroom experience. Some lawyers have loads of experience in settlement talks with insurance companies. That’s helpful. But you need a car accident lawyer who can stand up to insurers offering low-ball offers. If insurers continue to make insultingly low bids, you need a car accident lawyer to take the case to court. Such a lawyer will gather the facts, interview witnesses, retain expert witnesses, and do the heavy lifting to win your case and get you what you deserve. 

3. Look for Settlement Experience

Courtroom experience is a must -- but so is settlement experience. A car accident lawyer with expertise at the bargaining table with insurance companies will be able to negotiate on your behalf to get a good offer. They can go back and forth to see if insurers are serious. That can spare you a long, drawn-out court case. The lawyer must have a strong backbone and not back down when insurers dig in their heels and play hardball. A reputable car accident lawyer will know when settlement talks are going nowhere and when court action is required.

4. Look for Good Client Reviews

Look for a car accident lawyer with a good reputation among previous clients. You can check reviews on law firm websites and third-party sites where people post reviews. One of the best ways to see how a service provider will treat you is to see how they’ve treated previous clients. While deciding based solely on online reviews isn’t the best course of action, it can help steer you in the right direction so you can make an informed choice.

Online reviews are great. But an even better source of information is people you know. If you have family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, or others you know who’ve hired personal injury lawyers, ask for their recommendations. They can give you the nitty-gritty you want.

Follow these recommendations when you need a reputable car accident lawyer in your corner. It can make all the difference in helping you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.