How to Find a Car Accident Lawyer
This article is sponsored by John Foy & Associates
When everything is going well, driving can be a pleasure. Nothing beats having the freedom to go where you want when you want. Sadly, being involved in a car accident can really cramp your style.
If your car is damaged, you won’t be able to drive it for a while, which is annoying at best and disruptive at worst. But if the accident resulted in you being injured, things could be much worse. You could end up missing work, or with hefty medical bills that you struggle to pay. You could even end up with long-term health conditions as a result. In that situation, you need to protect yourself by hiring a good lawyer.
Start your search online
When you search for car accident lawyer near me, chances are you will get dozens of options. Having plenty of choices is good, but, it can also be confusing. Picking the right one for your case can be a bit of a challenge. Fortunately, there are a few ways you can narrow down the options and choose the right one.
The type of cases they deal with
Start by taking a look at their website. Most lawyers clearly state the type of cases they deal with. If you see your type of accident mentioned on their website, add them to your list.
Pick up the phone
The next step is to actually speak to one or two of the lawyers on your shortlist. Many of them will happily spend a little time talking to you about your case, free of charge.
At this stage, they will not give you in-depth legal advice, but will likely explain briefly what happens next and give you an idea of what to expect.
Speaking to a few lawyers one-on-one gives you a chance to find one that you feel comfortable working with. If you struggle to follow what they are telling you at the consultation stage, the chances are that they are not the right lawyer for you. On the other hand, if you get on well and the person you are speaking to inspires confidence, there is a good chance you have found the right legal advisor.
Choose someone who is open about the costs
Before hiring a lawyer, you need to speak to them about their fees. It is going to be difficult for them to give you a precise price. But, they should tell you what their fee structure is and how much they charge per hour or to complete specific tasks.
They will also explain the terms of your contract with them. Many vehicle accident lawyers will work for a percentage of the damages you are awarded. You should never sign a contract that you do not fully understand.
If you are not happy with the prices you are being quoted, you could try to negotiate a better deal. This how-to article will prove helpful should you want to do that.
Speak to friends and family
There is a good chance that someone in your social circle will have had an accident and had to hire a lawyer. If you can, speak to them too. They will help you to understand what to expect and probably point out some of the pitfalls.
The News Wheel is a digital auto magazine providing readers with a fresh perspective on the latest car news. We’re located in the heart of America (Dayton, Ohio) and our goal is to deliver an entertaining and informative perspective on what’s trending in the automotive world. See more articles from The News Wheel.