Finding a car accident lawyer can be an important step when an accident results in injuries, property damage, insurance disputes, or other legal concerns. Personal injury lawyers may handle negotiations with insurance companies and, when necessary, litigation. The American Bar Association recommends asking about a lawyer's experience, areas of practice, fees, expenses, and approach to handling a case.
Start by looking for attorneys who regularly handle personal injury or automobile accident cases in the state where the accident occurred. State and local bar associations may provide lawyer referral services, while the American Bar Association maintains information about referral programs.
Useful research sources include:
When reviewing an attorney, confirm that the lawyer is currently licensed and has experience with cases similar to yours.
The role of an attorney can vary depending on the circumstances of the accident. Some lawyers primarily negotiate with insurance companies, while others also handle lawsuits and trial matters.
A car accident attorney may assist with:
Not every accident requires legal representation, so obtaining information about your circumstances can help determine whether professional legal assistance is appropriate.
Interviewing more than one lawyer can help you compare experience, communication style, and fee arrangements. The ABA recommends asking prospective lawyers about their experience, areas of practice, fees, costs, and likely approach to handling the matter.
Consider asking:
Avoid choosing an attorney based solely on promises of a particular settlement. The ABA cautions consumers about lawyers who guarantee a large settlement or a specific outcome.
Personal injury cases are commonly handled through contingency fee arrangements, meaning the lawyer's fee is generally based on the recovery rather than an hourly charge. The exact arrangement can vary.
Before signing an agreement, understand:
The American Bar Association recommends that contingency agreements be documented in writing and explain the percentage and responsibility for litigation expenses.
Organizing information before speaking with an attorney can make the initial discussion more productive.
Consider gathering:
Keep copies of important documents and avoid discarding accident-related evidence.
Finding a car accident lawyer involves researching attorneys who have relevant experience, verifying licensing information, comparing communication and fee arrangements, and asking questions about how the case would be handled. Lawyer referral services offered through bar associations can provide another way to identify attorneys by practice area.
Before hiring an attorney, review the fee agreement carefully and understand both attorney fees and other case expenses. Keep organized records of the accident, medical treatment, insurance communications, and property damage. This article is for general informational purposes only and does not provide legal advice or establish an attorney client relationship.