Why You Need A Lawyer To Handle Your Car Accident Case And How To Find One

A traumatic event like a car accident can leave a victim juggling many issues, including recovering from their own injuries and paying for medical expenses.

An experienced car accident attorney in Michigan can handle the most important challenges a victim faces after an accident. A car accident lawyer serves as a personal injury attorney who can be an advocate pursuing just compensation for the victim. Most will not require upfront payment for their services.  

Do I need a car accident attorney?

It’s important to find an experienced attorney who can recover the compensation you deserve. Some victims believe they can recover compensation themselves after an accident, but the truth is they are challenging a network of insurance company lawyers who know how to limit how much is paid to a victim.

A good lawyer will consider future expenses a victim may incur from an accident and understand the legal rights to compensation outlined in state law. Here are some things to consider before hiring a lawyer to represent you.

Experience

Many lawyers specialize in a certain area of law. Look for an attorney who has extensive experience handling car accident claims. It’s important to determine how many cases a lawyer has taken to trial, so you can see if they are inclined to settle for a low-ball insurance company settlement offer.

Cost

It can be expensive to hire a lawyer, but find those who will agree to payment when you are paid in the case. This is a typical arrangement known as a contingency fee, giving the lawyer a set percentage of all damages paid. This typically amounts to about one-third of the payment. Determine what fees you would be responsible for, which can be in addition to the one-third of a payout in the case.

Communication

Most people don’t know what they will do after an accident and may not understand what type of compensation they are entitled to. Look for a lawyer who will speak to you directly and clearly, one who explains the process well. Clear and regular communication is critical in these cases.

Reputation

You want an experienced car accident attorney who has a good reputation. Ask a lawyer you’re considering how many of their cases are referred from other lawyers. The higher the number, the greater the respect peers are offering. You also should check your state bar to determine if a lawyer you are considering has been subject to disciplinary action.

Resources

Any attorney you hire will compete against a team of insurance company lawyers. Your lawyer must have the resources to effectively handle your case. This means the lawyer needs adequate staff to help investigate and develop your case. If you learn that the lawyer you are considering doesn’t have an office or has no support staff, that’s a red flag to consider. This could be evidence that the attorney doesn’t have adequate resources required to effectively pursue your case.