You've Just Endured an Auto Accident: What to do to Find the Right Attorney

After medical care is received following an accident, it's time to start thinking about how to cover all of the expenses involved.

If someone else was at fault for the accident, they're typically liable for the costs to treat any injuries or damages sustained in the accident. This means the at-fault party should cover medical bills, vehicle damages, lost wages, and more. Typically, an attorney is needed to obtain this compensation, so finding the right attorney is crucial. 

Is an Attorney Needed for the Case?

Each case is different, so an attorney is usually needed for the client to get better results and to make sure everything is done right. Many people will try to avoid the expense of an attorney, then accept a settlement that's far too low. Attorneys like those at Fernandez Firm Accident Injury Attorneys work on a variety of cases and strive to make sure their client gets as much compensation as possible to financially recover from the auto accident, so they're well worth having on the case.  

What to Look for in an Attorney

When it's time to look for an attorney, clients will want to make sure they choose one who has years of experience working on similar cases, who is willing to work hard to get their client a higher amount of compensation, and who is willing to go to court if necessary to make sure the client receives fair compensation. It is also important to look for an attorney the client is compatible with, that is easy to get in touch with, and that is going to personally work on the case from the beginning to the end. 

Look Into the Fee Structure

The main reason many people try to avoid hiring a lawyer is because of the fees. In most cases, auto accident lawyers work on a contingency basis, so their fees are paid out of the settlement received. If the client does not receive a settlement or loses the case in court, they do not pay the legal fees for the lawyer. However, there are a few exceptions to this, such as fees needed to file the claim in court, fees for hiring expert witnesses to appear in court, and other administrative fees. Understand how these fees are paid before hiring the lawyer to avoid any surprises. 

Meet With the Attorney for the First Time

Once a client is interested in working with an attorney, it's time to schedule a consultation. The attorney can briefly review the case to learn more about the client, and both the client and the attorney can determine if working together is a good idea. If they decide to work together, the attorney will look into the case and request compensation for their client. The attorney may start negotiations with the other party's insurance company, request compensation directly from the other party, or prepare to go to court if the other party or their insurance company refuses to negotiate. 

If you've been injured in an auto accident, hiring a lawyer is a good idea, as they'll help you through the claims process and work on getting a higher settlement. Take the time to look for the right attorney today using the tips here to get started with your case.