Getting into an auto accident can be a very scary and intimidating experience, especially if you’ve been injured in the accident. You may not know who to turn to and you may feel like the insurance company is not looking out for your best interest. To add to the problems medical bills start to pile up, and your injures may be causing you significant pain, and a change in lifestyle.

1. How to hire an auto accident lawyer
By: Bobby Saadian ESQ

2. Getting into an auto accident can be a very scary and intimidating
experience, especially if you’ve been injured in the accident. You may not know
who to turn to and you may feel like the insurance company is not looking out
for your best interest. To add to the problems medical bills start to pile up, and
your injures may be causing you significant pain, and a change in lifestyle.
The insurance claims adjuster may seem like he or she has your best interest
at heart but the fact is that these people are hired by the insurance companies
to minimize the payouts the insurance company has to give. Of course this
doesn’t mean that you don’t have a good case, and a chance to get the highest
payout possible.
The problem is that insurance companies are experts at negotiating payouts
and handling auto accidents, and chances are this is your first time getting into
an accident like this. For example, claims adjusters generally record every
conversation with you, asking questions about the accident. If you’re not
careful, the answers you give could actually imply the opposite of what you’re
trying to say. Lawyers experienced with accident claims are familiar with how to
speak with claims adjusters, and through their counsel will help you avoid any
verbal missteps by handling all negotiating, increasing your chances of a just
settlement.
With so many lawyers out there it’s hard to decide who is looking out for your
best interest. Here are a few tips that will help you decide who to choose to
represent you, and how to insure that you’re getting the best representation
possible.

3. 1. Hire a lawyer who specializes in
personal injury cases

When you’re hiring a lawyer you want to make sure
that the firm that you are contacting specializes in
personal injury. The legal profession is vast and
complicated. A good lawyer will specialize in one
particular field and master the ins and outs of that
industry. There are a lot of general lawyers who say
they can help with everything from
bankruptcies, child custody. and personal injuries.
You want to make sure you avoid these lawyers
because they will not have the experience and
expertise to help you win your case against the
insurance companies.

4. 2. Check Yelp and other review sites

Yelp, Judy’s Book, and Superpages are great ways
of finding highly rated personal injury
lawyers. Make sure to thourougly read the reviews
and see if the people reviewing have a similar
situation as yours. A good lawyer will have mostly
positive reviews and testimonials.

5. 3. Properly assess lawyer fees
Most personal injury lawyers will work for your case
pro bono if they feel like you have a strong case. This
is a good option for most people because they can
help you pay for your medical bills and other expenses
before the insurance company has given you any
settlement money.
Typical lawyers fees will range from 33%-40% plus
medical bill expenses depending on the case and the
lawyer. You want to make sure you read all of the find
print before you hire a lawyer. Also, remember that you
get what you pay for. If a lawyers fees seem low
compared to what you’ve been researching then
chances are it’s to good to be true.

6. 4. Make sure you feel comfortable with
your lawyer
Don’t let any lawyer pressure or intimidate you into
working with them. A good lawyer will have
compassion, and empathy with your situation. If the
lawyer you speak with makes you feel like your just a
dollar sign to them, then it’s probably best you don’t
work with them. Remember, that this person is going
to be representing you, and needs to have good
bedside manner when working around your situation.

7. 5. Review their recent settlements
Take a look at the recent cases they won. Take note of
the average settlement amount and most importantly
what kind of cases they’ve been winning. Make sure
that the cases they have recently settled are
applicable to your situation. If you notice that most of
their cases they won are motorcycle injury cases and
you were not driving a motorcycle then perhaps you
should look for a lawyer who has won more auto
accident cases. Even within the personal injury field
there are various specialties, like trucking
accidents, motorcycle accidents, boating
accidents, accidental death, and so on. That’s why it’s
important to take special attention the what the law
firm you want to represent you has success in.

8. The fact is the legal system can be very intimidating if
you try to take it on yourself. The insurance claims
adjustors are going to offer you a mere fraction of what
you really deserve, and the medical bills may larger
and more ongoing than your originally anticipated.
There are plenty of good auto accident lawyers out
there, but there are just as many bad lawyers out there
as well. Make sure to take your time and do your
research before you sign any contract or make any
type of commitment.