There are many factors to consider when hiring a lawyer after an accident. Countless attorneys may be willing to take your case, but that does not mean they are right for you.
Finding the right legal counsel starts with evaluating their experience, discussing their communication methods, and learning more about how they charge their fees. See our guide to the top considerations when hiring a car accident lawyer.
Experience
Few things matter more than experience when it comes to hiring a lawyer. Of course, experience comes in different forms. You want legal counsel who has focused their career on fighting for the injured. After all, decades of experience in mergers and acquisitions will not do your case much good.
It is a good idea to ask an attorney during the initial consultation if they have handled many cases like yours. This can provide insight into their approach and what that might look like in your case.
Willingness to Litigate
Some lawyers will push their clients to take a settlement offer no matter what. This might result in a quick payout, but the result is not always in your best interests. While most cases never go to trial, it is helpful to have legal counsel who never shies away from the courtroom.
Preparing every case as if it were a trial is a certainty is an excellent way to obtain strong settlement offers. When the defendant and their attorneys see you are prepared to make a strong argument, they are more likely to make a reasonable offer.
Fee Structure
Attorneys charge for their services in different ways. You deserve legal counsel who will take on your case on a contingency fee basis. When lawyers work on contingency, they keep a portion of anything they recover as their fee before forwarding the rest to you. This allows your attorney to get to work immediately on your case without owing them anything upfront.
Contingency fee agreements are not only one-way attorneys can charge for their services. Some firms bill by the hour or demand a flat fee paid upfront. However, this type of arrangement is less common in personal injury cases.
Communication
Another key consideration is how your attorney communicates. Some lawyers are available to their clients around the clock. They offer their personal cell number to clients to make it easy to reach out. Other firms might funnel clients through phone automation or hand them off to office staff.
Talk to Lopez Franco PLLC About Your Accident
If you were hurt in an accident, your choice of attorney is important. At Lopez Franco LLP, we can give you the best chance to recover the damages you deserve. Contact us as soon as possible for a free consultation.