Should I Get a Car Accident Lawyer?
In case you have been involved in a car accident, then you might require the services of a competent car accident lawyer. Accidents can range from simple fender benders to traumatic, life-stealing tragedies. Here are some tips to keep in mind if you’re thinking about hiring a car accident lawyer.
Why?
Most car accidents are still minor incidents such as fender benders, scratches or dents and can be handled alone by you getting directly in touch with an insurance company. However, accidents that involve physical injury, serious damage or even death will warrant the services of an experienced car accident lawyer. Such a lawyer will be able to help you with compensation for expenses like medical bills or car repairs, or other losses caused by the accident such as lost wages due to your inability to work. In some states, car accident lawyers will also help you get compensation for the death of a loved one if the accident was caused by drunk driving, speeding or reckless driving.
Characteristics of a Good Car Accident Lawyer
When looking for a car accident lawyer to represent you, you must keep in mind certain characteristics that differentiate a good lawyer from a bad or mediocre lawyer. Listed are some of the main characteristics of a good car accident lawyer:
- In depth knowledge of state and national laws with regard to transportation laws
- Experience in handling all aspects of car accidents such as personal injury, wrongful death and property destruction
- Detailed understanding of how to determine liabilities
- Comfortable handling insurance and/or health care companies
- Knows how to prepare for and settle cases effectively
- He/she will share his/her work history and give you reference of previous work done as well as success rates in such cases.
When Should You Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
As soon as possible. Ideally, you should contact a car accident lawyer immediately after the accident, or, at the very least, within a week or two of the accident. But it definitely must be done before the insurance claim is settled. Please remember, the deadline for filing personal injury claims changes from state to state, so it is best you “lawyer up” as soon as possible.
Car Accident Lawyer Fees
When hiring a car accident lawyer, please make sure you discuss the terms and conditions of his/her fees before hiring the lawyer. Most lawyers will ask for a percentage of the money awarded from the case. The average is about 30% to 40% of the total award. The lawyer fee limits imposed by the state also need to be kept in mind. Be careful to also find out about other expenses. These have to be borne by you, so find out exactly what you have to pay for.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you should check if you got fair compensation – check now.
