Do you need a car accident attorney near me? Find out what to look for, red flags to avoid, and how the right lawyer can help you get what you deserve.
If you have just been in a car crash, the next 72 hours can make or break your case.
Yes, you read that right!
Immediately searching for a car accident attorney near me is in your best interests, whether you are the one at fault or not.
The good thing is most injury attorneys offer free consultations, so looking for one will not cost you any money initially.
However, it is not enough to just find any car accident attorney near you. You have to pick the best one for you.
But how do you do that?
Keep reading to find out.
6 Things To Note When Looking For A Car Accident Attorney Near Me
If you are going online to search for a car accident attorney near me, you’ll probably get over 100 search results.
And at this point all you can do is just hope and pray, then pick a random lawyer, except…
If you follow these 5 steps.
1. Look for Local Experience.
Yes, experience isn’t everything, but it can come in handy. You want to have a lawyer who has worked on a similar case to what you are facing before.
Check to see if the law firm has received any awards or recognition that may indicate their abilities.
You also need someone who knows how local judges think, what insurance adjusters in your city usually offer, and how traffic laws are handled in your area.
This insight can make or break your case.
For example, a lawyer in your state will know if there are caps on damages, special timelines for filing, or state-specific fault rules that affect your payout.
2. Don’t Just Look For a Personal Injury Lawyer. Look For A Car Accident Attorney
This relates to the point I was making above. Find someone who has worked on a similar case before.
Personal injury is very broad. Some lawyers mainly handle slip and fall or medical malpractice, others handle car accidents.
Look for someone who handles car accident claims regularly, so they understand things like:
- How to deal with tricky insurance tactics
- Hidden injuries like whiplash or TBI
- Vehicle damage calculations and loss of use
Don’t be shy about asking how many car accident cases they handled in the past six months.
3. Look For Reviews & Read In Between The Lines.
Now, we know that any business can ‘fake’ reviews. This is why you must read in between the lines.
Don’t just fall for every ‘highly recommend’ review you see.
Look for reviews that answer these questions:
- Did the lawyer return calls quickly?
- Did clients feel heard and supported?
- Were they happy with the settlement?
4. Schedule Consultations
A lot of car accident attorneys offer free initial consultations. So, schedule meetings with a few of them to discuss your case.
During the consultation, ask:
- Their experience with a similar case to yours
- Their approach to handling car accident claims
- Ask about their fee structure
For more questions to ask your lawyer, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for more information that may come in handy for your case.
5. Ask About The Fees.
While it is true that most car accident lawyers work on contingency, meaning they get paid only if you win. A lot of them don’t.
So, ask:
- What percentage do you charge?
- Are there any case costs I’ll owe even if we lose?
- What happens if we settle early?
6. Find Someone You are Comfortable With.
This point cannot be over emphasized. Find a firm that you can trust!
Think of all the staff members you have spoken to so far.
- Are they communicative?
- Are they rude?
- Do they rush you off the phone?
- Do they explain things clearly?
- Do they listen?
Good communication is important for a successful client-attorney relationship.
Yes, credentials and experience matter, but trust your gut, too.
You are going to be spending quite some time with these lawyers, go with a firm you feel confident about having in your corner.
My Recommendation.
The truth is every case is different, and there is no clear-cut way of finding the firm that will bring you the best result. However, there is nothing like a referral.
In a car accident case, where time is of the essence, a referral will help you save time.
If you are in Florida, and need a Car Accident Attorney Pasco County, FL, there’s no other firm I’d recommend other than Serrano Law.
They have helped countless people in the county by negotiating with insurance companies, representing them in court, and ensuring they receive reasonable compensation for their injuries and damages.
A neighbor once suffered broken bones from a collision, and this team gathered medical records, eyewitness testimonies, and expert opinions to build a strong case on his behalf. Of course, he won.
You’ll do well to reach out to them today.
Should You Hire An Attorney If The Insurance Company Wants To Settle?
I strongly believe that all accident victims can benefit by consulting a lawyer to understand better their rights.
Let’s break it down:
– Yes, insurance company can provide great service and support
– Yes, the focus of insurance companies is to make money rather than make injured wreck victims whole.
– Yes, insurance companies are more inclined to deny or minimize claims when they can.
Having a lawyer by your side will get you more than a settlement. It will protect you from any form of intimidation and ensure fair compensation.
In Conclusion
Going on Google and looking for a car accident attorney is just step one.
You need to make a smart, informed decision that protects your future. And that’s why I highly recommend Serrano Law.
But whatever you do, do not settle for less than someone who will fight for what you deserve.