The best car accident lawyer in the USA should be one that has all the qualities of a great car accident lawyer.
But what are those qualities? What can you expect from an experienced and successful car accident lawyer?
Here are some of the key characteristics to look out for when hiring an auto accident attorney.
Trustworthy
When you are injured due to someone else’s negligence, you must be confident your lawyer will be there for you.
The best way to know how your lawyer will react when problems arise is to make sure they have a good track record.
If a potential attorney has been disciplined or has lost previous cases, be wary. A trustworthy attorney will have a history of experience with personal injury and car accident cases and evidence of their ability to win them.
A well-established reputation means they will work hard for your case and won’t give up easily; a bad reputation can mean that there were other victims before you and you could be next.
Professionalism
While you might be tempted to hire a car accident lawyer who’s only interested in generating as much business as possible, that’s probably not going to result in an outcome that’s great for you.
You want someone who has the experience and is well-versed in all aspects of personal injury law. That kind of knowledge will give you a better chance at maximizing your settlement (and possibly getting more money).
More importantly, it’ll mean better odds that your case is handled with care and precision.
Sincerity
Another important factor to look for when choosing a car accident lawyer is sincerity. Anybody can read from a script, but it’s when there’s an element of real, genuine concern for your wellbeing that you know you’ve found an excellent attorney.
For example, remember earlier when we said it was important to get professional medical attention following an accident?
If your attorney is truly invested in you and what happens to you, they will encourage you to do so. At Elias & Hunt Injury Lawyers, we strongly believe that a full recovery is only possible if patients receive adequate treatment as soon as possible after their accident.
Approachability
The best car accident lawyer is both approachable and professional. While you’re dealing with a traumatic situation, you don’t want to have to jump through hoops just to get answers.
If a lawyer tries to rush you into a decision or doesn’t take time to answer your questions, they may not be putting your needs first.
Make sure your attorney cares about how you feel and will work with you every step of the way.
Understands Your Situation
Good car accident lawyers will always take the time to understand your unique situation. A good attorney will understand that every injury and accident is different, which means what worked for one client may not work for another.
You must hire a lawyer who understands your particular problems, so they can help you avoid additional complications later on.
For example, if your injuries involved extensive medical bills and missed work, an experienced attorney will recognize these as potentially costly issues that may benefit from an early settlement or mediation.
The best car accident lawyer will want to get as much information about your case as possible right away – including a list of all medical treatments you’ve received thus far – to start figuring out how much money they might be able to recover on your behalf.
Experienced
Finding a good car accident lawyer isn’t just about expertise, though; it’s also about the experience. The fact is that most car accidents are litigated.
That means they’re taken to court and put before a judge, who will decide if you deserve compensation for your damages (which could include medical expenses and lost wages).
A good car accident lawyer has had plenty of practice representing clients like you—someone who was injured in an auto accident caused by someone else—and knows how to deal with insurance companies, other lawyers, judges, and juries.
In short: He or she is prepared to handle your case from start to finish. Here are some qualities to look for when trying to find one
Communicates Effectively
There are a lot of things lawyers need to do during an accident case: client communication, discovery, billing, and more.
But when it comes down to it, if you want to be considered one of the best car accident lawyers, you have to communicate effectively.
Simply put, good communication is essential for any lawyer—but it’s even more important if you specialize in personal injury cases.
Why? Because your clients are justifiably stressed out about dealing with insurance companies and medical bills; that means they will rely on you for clear explanations and guidance throughout their cases.
Has a Friendly Staff
A car accident lawyer should be experienced and knowledgeable. But a good car accident lawyer is also cordial and friendly, so they can ease your concerns while they tackle your legal troubles.
A helpful staff should be a given, since you may not have much experience with attorneys or filing lawsuits.
An attorney who can put you at ease during difficult times is an important quality to look for when looking for a personal injury attorney to help you through your case.
Is Knowledgeable About the Legal Process
A great lawyer is one who not only knows about the best car accident lawyers but also understands how to proceed through legal proceedings.
A person looking for a good lawyer will want someone who can give them a list of options on what to do after an accident and should know where to go and what to do.
In addition, an attorney that advises on how much will be awarded no experience or knowledge would not be a good candidate for your case.
Communicates Frequently and Clearly
You want your lawyer to be proactive, not reactive. That means you’ll get information on any changes to your case as soon as they happen.
You won’t have to go chasing down phone calls or emails just for a progress report. A good personal injury attorney will communicate with their clients clearly and frequently so you always know what’s going on and when.
Focuses on Results
The best car accident lawyer in the USA is one that can help you get results. Getting results refers to ensuring that your interests are met at every step of your case.
Results should be synonymous with success. Your lawyer must believe that it’s possible for you to succeed or they will not be able to focus on helping you reach your goals.
Moreover, they have a responsibility to uphold their client’s rights and help them recover what is owed to them.
Their word is their bond, so look for someone who values integrity above all else. You’ll notice if they consistently keep their promises and say what they mean.