Let’s face it, not everybody has the money to hire an attorney every time they need one. There are times when you just can’t afford it. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get help. Thankfully, many attorneys offer their services on a case-by-case basis at affordable rates.
Many lawyers will work with you on a no-win no-fee basis, meaning if you don’t win your case, you won’t pay anything. This article explains how to find a good auto accident attorney and what to look for in one.
Auto accidents are fairly common and people involved in them will require legal assistance sooner or later. A good auto accident attorney should have certain characteristics; some of which we outline further in this article.
Know the Basics of Finding a Good Auto Accident Attorney
There are a few key qualities you should look for in your auto accident attorney. These include:
– A lawyer with experience in your area of need
– You don’t want to hire someone who doesn’t have experience in your area of need, like a car accident attorney for a personal injury case.
– Reasonable fees
– You don’t want to hire an attorney who charges an exorbitant rate because you may not be able to afford them.
– A lawyer you trust
– You should feel comfortable with your lawyer and be able to communicate clearly with him/her.
– A lawyer who is well-recommended
– If you know somebody who has hired a lawyer and received positive service, that’s a good place to start.
Ask Friends and Family for Recommendations.
If you know somebody who has been involved in a car accident, ask them who their lawyer was. If they were happy with the service they received, they may be able to give you a recommendation.
Somebody may be able to recommend you to a friend or family member who is a lawyer. People who represent other people often know a lot of people in the field. You can also ask your employer and coworkers if they know of a good lawyer.
Check out, Legal Assistance Groups.
Legal assistance groups are nonprofit organizations that offer free legal help to people in their area who can’t afford a lawyer. They usually specialize in a certain type of law, such as family law or bankruptcy. You should be able to find one in your area online or by calling your local bar association.
Check Out Online Services That Screen Auto Accident Attorney
Online lawyer-screening services are a great way to find a lawyer. Some of them will let you plug in your situation, and they will provide you with a list of lawyers who specialize in that field.
These services are convenient because they help you narrow your options and give you important information like the lawyer’s location and price range.
Some of the most popular online services are Avvo, Lawyers.com, and Nolo.- Be careful when using these services, though, because not every lawyer listed is necessarily licensed or even in good standing with the state bar association.
Look for Signs of a Shady Auto Accident Attorney
Unfortunately, some lawyers are less than honest. They may promise you the world and give you nothing in return. By looking for certain signs, you can avoid these types of lawyers.
These include:
– The lawyer gives you a low-ball estimate for the cost of your case.
– Lawyers charge a certain amount for their services, and an estimate may depend on the details of your case. If a lawyer gives you a very low estimate up front, it could be a sign that they are not being honest with you.
– The lawyer wants you to sign a contract without reading it
– A reputable lawyer will not ask you to sign a contract without reading it. He or she should be willing to go over the terms with you and address any questions or concerns you may have.
– You feel pressured to hire a lawyer.
– If a lawyer is pressuring you to hire him or her immediately, it could be a sign that they are desperate for business. Desperation is not a good trait in a lawyer.
Check with the Better Business Bureau.
The BBB’s website provides information about various businesses, including law firms. You can enter the name of the lawyer or firm that you are considering hiring, as well as their address and city. If there are any complaints against the lawyer or firm, the BBB will let you know. From there, you can decide whether or not to hire them.
Finding a Good Auto Accident Attorney
Now that you know some of the basics of how to find a good auto accident attorney, it’s time to put them into practice. The best place to start is with your insurance company. Many insurance companies will have a list of recommended lawyers that they work with.
If they don’t, you can ask them to recommend somebody. Next, you can call your local bar association and ask them to recommend lawyers in your area that specialize in auto accidents. If you don’t get any results from these methods, the best thing to do is to start searching online.
You can use the tools we mentioned above, such as Avvo and Lawyers.com, to find lawyers in your area and review their services. You should also look at the lawyer’s location. You don’t want to hire somebody who has to drive six hours to get to you for every meeting.