How Do I Find a Good Car Accident Lawyer?
Published in Car Accidents on October 3, 2024
Reading Time: 4 minutes
Finding a good lawyer after a car accident can impact the results of your case in important ways. Whether you are seeking a settlement from an insurance company or considering litigation against an at-fault driver, an experienced attorney can advocate on your behalf, offer guidance and help you navigate the complex legal environment.
The specifics of your accident and how they impact your case will dictate your legal needs. When searching for a good lawyer, consider the severity of the crash, injuries and property damages. Evaluate the limits of your insurance policy and any current or potential issues. Consider the laws in the state where you live and how they will impact your potential case.
Life can get complicated fast after a car accident, and an attorney with experience dealing with these issues is a tremendous asset. Here are some steps you can take when searching for a good car accident lawyer.
Initial Research
After you have considered your legal needs and the type of help you believe you need, it is time to begin searching for lawyers. Online resources such as the Massachusetts Bar Association, Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell and FindLaw provide listings and profiles for lawyers in the Boston area who specialize in car accidents. These sites are a great place to start, but you may also wish to use local websites to gather information on lawyers in your area.
Online reviews give you a good snapshot of experiences other people in your situation have had with different attorneys and usually include valuable feedback. You may also speak with friends and family for recommendations.
No matter the source of the recommendation, it is always important to consider whether they have had firsthand interaction with a specific attorney. For example, choosing a lawyer simply because they are a friend or relative may not be a wise idea, so be sure to do your due diligence.
Evaluating Lawyers
Once you have established a list of prospective attorneys, the next step is to look deeper and determine which is the best fit for you and your case. Evaluate their credentials and experience, including their years in practice, education and specialized training, especially as it relates to personal injury law.
Look into their history and record with car accident cases, if possible. An attorney with a strong background of success will be better able to handle any complications that arise with your situation.
Most lawyers offer free consultations for new clients. You may wish to schedule appointments with each of the attorneys on your list to get a better idea if they are a good fit. You can discuss your case so you understand their approach.
Come prepared with questions. You might ask for more information about their experience, about their fee structure and how they would handle your case.
Compatibility and Communication
Every business professional has their own communication style, and lawyers are no different. Ideally, you’ll want to work with an attorney who is responsive, listens to your concerns and explains legal issues in plain terminology you can understand.
An attorney should respect and work with your comfort level in regard to technology. For example, some clients may appreciate the convenience of trading files via email, where others may prefer more personal methods of exchanging information.
Effective communication builds trust and confidence. You need to feel comfortable with your attorney, and the way they answer your questions matters a great deal. If a lawyer makes you feel like you aren’t worth their time, or if they take too long to respond to your inquiries, you may wish to look elsewhere.
Fee Structures and Agreements
Once you’ve found an attorney you think is a good fit for your case, be sure to ask pointed questions about their fee structure. Taking care of this now means no surprises later.
Many lawyers who specialize in car accidents and personal injuries work on a contingency basis, meaning they get a percentage of the compensation awarded if you win.
Make sure you understand the agreement regarding the percentage they will take as their fee, as well as any other costs associated with your case. This information should be outlined in a contract.
Additional Considerations
It is important to feel confident with whichever attorney you choose. Here are a few things to think about before you make a commitment with a new car accident lawyer:
- Credentials and standing: Check with the Massachusetts Bar Association to make sure the attorney is in good standing and has no major complaints or disciplinary action against them. A complaint in itself may not be a problem, but a pattern of complaints or actions such as probation, reprimands and suspensions should raise a red flag.
- Work environment and resources: Some lawyers work out of small offices, where others are part of large, powerful law firms. Both can be effective, but attorneys with more resources and support staff are often better suited for complicated cases against insurance companies. Find out if they are involved with the local bar association, and how frequently they go to trial compared to reaching a settlement.
- Workload: Inquire about an attorney’s current workload to make sure they have the time to spend on your case. Ask if you will be working with the same lawyer throughout the process, or if a team will handle your case.
- Documentation: Bring all relevant documents to your first meeting with your lawyer, including police reports, medical records, insurance information and any notes you’ve made following the accident. This will help your attorney best assess your situation and give you an idea of how they might handle it.
The Importance of Finding a Good Car Accident Lawyer
A car crash can disrupt your life, especially if it results in legal action. A good car accident lawyer might make the difference between a short-term inconvenience and a lengthy dispute that lasts months or years.
It’s smart to start the attorney selection process as soon after an accident as possible. The right lawyer, who has experience with car accidents and personal injuries, can help you avoid the common mistakes people often make.
The days and weeks after a car accident are stressful, and you need someone in your corner. If you live in the Boston, Massachusetts, area, contact us at Sweeney Merrigan Personal Injury Lawyers and we can help.