Accidents can be devastating. In the aftermath of an accident, you may be overwhelmed with the confusion, ensuring no one is seriously hurt, etc. Amidst all this, the last thing on your mind would be legalities. However, it is very important and hence it is good to get an experienced lawyer who can help you out with the legal formalities.
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Let us look at a few pointers you need to keep in mind before hiring a lawyer or law firm.
1. Experience
Whether you have been the cause for the accident or are a victim of it, an experienced lawyer will be able to handle things for you easily. Hence you need to look for a law firm or lawyer who has enough experience in handling auto accident cases. You can also look at their track record of wins and their experience of arguing lawsuits in the court of law.
2. Reputation
Your lawyer’s reputation matters a lot. It can help you speed up your case because of their earlier interactions with the insurance companies, other attorneys and court staff. It can be of an added advantage for you and help you get the best possible compensation.
3. References
A good law firm like the Voorhies Law Firm will openly display the positive reviews that they have received for their work. They will gladly give you references. You can call those people and ask them to give you a brief about their case, how the lawyer handled it, what was good about the lawyer etc.
4. Communication
A good lawyer needs to communicate clearly with you. They will clearly tell you all the required details pertaining to your case, what to expect, how they plan to handle it and more. They will also be forthcoming about their charges. If a lawyer is not communicating clearly with you in the initial stages, it is quite likely that you will have issues with them later on as well. This will be a hassle especially once the case has progressed further.
5. Remuneration
Most of these lawyers do not charge an upfront fee. You need to pay them their fees only if they win your case. The contingency fees are negotiable. It is good to clarify all details related to payment prior to assigning the case to the lawyer. You must also keep in mind litigation costs. Ensure clarity on who will pay these costs in case you lose and also ensure that the law firm fits into your budget before hiring them.
These tips might make it easier to shortlist a lawyer/law firm in case of an accident. Do remember that a good lawyer is one who will take a keen interest in your case and put his best effort to get you the best deal.