Have you recently been involved in a car accident and are unsure of what step to take next? Are you a Pharr Texas resident that was the victim of a negligent driver? If so, then you need to find a trusted car accident lawyer to represent your case.
Doing so can help you gain a better understanding of the process, increase your chances of getting the compensation you’re entitled to, and relieve you of all the stress that comes with dealing with insurance companies.
See below for an in-depth guide on several tips that you should use when choosing a car accident attorney.
1. Go on an Evidence-Compiling Spree
The personal injury lawyer that you hire will certainly help you build evidence for your case. However, far too many people depend on them solely. They have a false impression that lawyers are the only ones that can compile evidence of any kind.
That couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, some of the most valuable pieces of evidence are found at the very scene of the crash. Once you leave the scene (or other parties do), that evidence is gone forever.
In the future, if you’re ever in a crash, make sure that you use all that free time to your advantage by collecting as much evidence as possible.
First, take out your mobile phone and take pictures of anything you can. That includes things like:
- The damage on the two cars
- The street that the car accident occurred on
- The time of day
- Any injuries that you sustained
- The witnesses that stayed behind
- The other party (and their passengers)
- The other party’s license plate & more
Once you’re done taking pictures, be sure to speak with all of the witnesses that stayed behind. Get their name, number, email, and a brief description of their story. Your car accident lawyer will reach out to them later on.
2. Do Some Research
Surprisingly, most people hire lawyers on a whim. They put very little thought into the attorney they’ve hired, putting that lawyer in charge of a critical stage of your life in the process.
As a result, they’re often upset or disappointed by the lack of compensation they receive, lack of communication from their attorney, and so forth.
Some people even make the mistake of hiring an attorney that doesn’t specialize in car accidents. That’s like asking someone to sell you a car that’s never worked at a car dealer!
Instead, be more thorough. Do some research online to learn more about your options for lawyers and which is the best of the bunch. Google any lawyer or firm that you’re considering, then read the online results that you find.
- Did the previous clients seem satisfied with the lawyer’s communication throughout their case?
- Did the attorney take over communications with the opposition and insurance company?
- How often did the lawyer circle back to update their client on their case?
- Was the attorney able to draw out clear, definitive steps for the client to follow?
With just a little bit of research ahead of time, you can ensure that your car accident case is being overseen by an experienced and trustworthy attorney.
3. Look for a Definitive Plan
Lesser attorneys can make bold claims until they’re blue in the face, but what are they doing to back it up?
For example, let’s say a lawyer tells you he/she can get you a $200,000 compensation for your case. How did they come up with that number? Did they consider things like long-term disability or lost wages in their calculations?
Also, how do they intend to reach that number? What types of evidence will they compile to back the opposition into a corner? How long do they envision this process taking?
The reality is that your settlement can take several months, possibly even a year or more. That’s why it’s important to apply for pre-settlement funding, to make sure all your medical expenses and lost wages are covered in the short term.
4. Inciteful Conversations
The chemistry you have with your attorney is more important than most people realize. Think of it this way: you’ll be working with this lawyer for several months (possibly a year or more), you need to find someone you can trust.
During your first meeting, pay special attention to the way they communicate. Are they putting things in terms you can understand? Do they get straight to the point? These are important features!
You want to make sure no time is wasted on your case. A short, concise conversation is the sign of a diligent and efficient attorney.
5. Experience
Last but not least, you should look for a car accident lawyer with experience. They can help you get the most for your car accident injury and ensure your financial future is protected.
You can ask several questions to inquire about their experience and how it’s relevant to your situation, such as:
- How long have you been a personal injury lawyer?
- Do you specialize in car accident cases such as mine?
- Are there any previous clients that I can contact?
- Have you ever won any cases that were similar to mine? Can you elaborate on that?
Find a Trusted Car Accident Lawyer Today
Now that you have seen an in-depth guide with several tips on how to find a trustworthy car accident lawyer, be sure to use this information to your advantage.
Be sure to read this article for more information on all the benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer for your case. To get started, please call us at 956-781-6203 and we will be happy to assist you further.