Getting into a car accident is a terrifying experience. If you are not unconscious following your accident, you will leave the scene worried about your safety, the well-being of your passengers, and the condition of your car.
If the accident was the other driver’s fault, you should get compensation for the damages caused. This is where hiring a car accident law firm to represent you comes into play. Lawyers from reputable law firms who deal with car accidents have the experience and training to help you get the compensation you deserve.
However, getting a good lawyer is not always a walk in the park. If you find yourself in the difficult position of searching for a good car accident attorney, then following the steps below will help you during your search.
How to Choose a Car Accident Lawyer
1. Consult Several Lawyers
Most car accident lawyers offer a free consultation. Therefore, you do not have anything to lose by meeting with any Chicago distracted driving accident lawyer. It is in the consultation stage where you rule out their communication skills and if you believe you can work with them.
If you find it challenging to work with the lawyer and his team during the consultation, you will not tolerate them for long. Therefore, contact the next name on your list until you get someone you are comfortable with.
2. Discuss the Fees and Payment Terms
It is essential to understand how much the lawyer expects from you from the outset. You see, lawyers are in business, so expect different quotations. Many personal injury lawyers do not ask for payment until the case is won. However, they will take a percentage of your compensation as their fees.
This calls for an open discussion and agreement so that you settle with a lawyer you can afford. What’s more, always keep a copy of the service contract for reference.
3. Provide Information
Your lawyer will only help if you provide all the information and documents related to the case. Resist any urge to hide any details about the case even if they expose your contribution to the accident.
Come with your medical records, pictures, and videos from the scene, contact info of witnesses, police reports, medical insurance policies, car insurance policies, and any other documents related to the case.
With this information, your attorney will be able to build a strong claim.
4. Exercise Patience
No one can predict how long the claims process will take. If you start the claim expecting a quick settlement, you will be disappointed. An experienced lawyer will not promise you compensation within a specific timeline because they do not have control over the case’s proceedings.
During the waiting period, keep an open mind and communicate regularly with your lawyer. Ask them to provide all updates concerning the case, whether good or bad.
5. Do Your Part
Unfortunately, clients put all the burden on their lawyers, not realizing that they have a part to play in determining the lawsuit’s outcome.To enable the lawyer to run the case smoothly, honor all the appointments, provide the required documents and information, and promptly answer emails and calls from the lawyer.
In addition, follow instructions from the lawyer to the maximum. For instance, if he asks you to avoid posting details about the case on social media, do so without complaint.
Choose a Lawyer with Your Best Interests at Heart
The five tips above should make your search for a car accident lawyer easy and successful. Navigating an injury claim in addition to recovering physically and mentally is not easy. That is why you need a lawyer with your best interests at heart.
