7 Mistakes Most People Make When Choosing a Car Accident Lawyer
Choosing the right lawyer for your unique situation is the most important step you can take if you have been injured in an accident or due to someone else’s negligence. A well-qualified, experienced lawyer can make all the difference in the outcome of your case and in your ability to recover and get on with your normal life.
Be sure you don’t make these common mistakes when need a car accident attorney:
1. Choosing an auto accident lawyer based on advertisements and not credentials
While advertising does have its benefits when law firms are reaching out to potential clients, there are firms who do not possess the credentials to back up their advertising claims. If you are interested in a firm due to an advertisement on a billboard or on television, take the next step and perform a thorough interview covering their experience with your type of case and how the process will work.
2. Judging an accident lawyer by their age or school they attended (credentials) and not their success rate
The most important predictor of success with your case is your lawyer’s success rate. Do not be so concerned with how old they are or where they went to school. You need to know that they have experience winning settlements for your type of case.
3. Choosing a lawyer that practices general law as opposed to focusing on a particular area
Would you choose your primary care physician to do your knee surgery? The same is true for your personal injury case. A auto injury lawyer who specializes in personal injury law provides you with greater odds of winning your case and/or receiving a large settlement.
4. Not interviewing the law firm and asking tough questions
You don’t know until you ask. And you don’t want to find out when it is all over. Ask the tough questions of your prospective firm such as:
- Have they handled your type of case before? How often?
- Do they have experience bringing your type of case to trial? How many have they won?
5. Thinking that your case is like everyone else’s and not unique
Many large, high volume law firms must have a set process in place for each type of case they handle. If they handled every case uniquely they would have to take fewer clients. The problem with this approach is that every case IS unique! The firm you choose should be able to give your case the time and attention it deserves.
6. Assuming that all law firms or lawyers are alike
Just as in all other fields, personal injury law firms and lawyers can vary in their level of knowledge, experience and service. Hiring the first firm you see advertised or hiring your friend’s divorce lawyer for your personal injury case is not a good idea. Good law firms and lawyers specialize and become experts in their chosen area of practice. Be sure you take advantage of this for your case.
7. Waiting too long to hire a car accident lawyer
If you think you need a lawyer, one of the most important things you can do is to start interviewing immediately. The longer you wait, the greater the chances that your case will lose credibility with those responsible, judges and juries. Also, there are statutes of limitation for certain types of cases. Over time you may forget details, evidence may be lost and witnesses may disappear. To ensure you have the best case, don’t wait. Talk to a lawyer now.
Find out if you have a case! Select your state and city below to obtain a free, no obligation consultation with a car accident attorney in your area.
Special thanks to the following personal injury websites for their support:
PhoenixPersonalInjuryLawyer.org
PhoenixPersonalInjuryLawyers.org
WolfandPravato.com