How Do I Find a Good Car Accident Lawyer?
In addition to looking at online reviews and asking friends, family, and colleagues for recommendations on how to find a good car accident lawyer, you may consider looking for a car accident lawyer with these traits:
- Is familiar with personal injury law
- Is responsive and communicative
- Will handle the at-fault driver’s insurer
- Will negotiate on your behalf
When you are looking for a lawyer to help you fight for financial compensation after a car accident, you may want to consider one who takes your personal needs into account by accepting your lawsuit on a contingency-fee-basis and allows you to focus on getting better while he focuses on your financial recovery.
Find a Lawyer Who Knows Your State’s Personal Injury Laws
Personal injury laws in your state define the structure and timing of the lawsuit you file after a car accident. Laws that might impact your ability to seek financial compensation include:
- Statute of limitations laws that determine your filing deadline
- Comparative fault laws that might decrease your potential monetary award
- Recoverable damage caps that might limit your potential financial recovery
- Vehicle insurance laws that might allow you to seek compensation from your insurer
When you look for a car accident lawyer, choose one who knows and understands the state laws and might be able to help you effectively navigate the financial recovery process.
Find a Lawyer Who Knows How to Accurately Value Your Lawsuit
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the annual cost of car accidents across the country is $242 billion dollars. A personal injury lawyer in your area may be able to help you pursue compensation for your own recoverable damages, including:
- Health care expenses
- Loss of income
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Physical impairment
While car accident victims might experience many similar types of financial damages, no two victims will have identical compensation claims. The lawyer who helps you seek compensation may also help assign a unique value to your lawsuit and negotiate for a financial settlement on your behalf.
Find a Lawyer Who Will Negotiate on Your Behalf
According to the American Bar Association (ABA), the number of car accident lawsuits that go to trial is very small. In other words, after the evidence has been carefully weighed and considered, many car accident cases end with a settlement agreement rather than a court proceeding.
When you are ready to resolve your lawsuit with a settlement, your lawyer can negotiate with the at-fault driver’s insurer on your behalf. This might mean you have to reject or renegotiate several offers before receiving an acceptable one. The final decision to accept an insurance settlement is yours, but your lawyer may offer valuable advice and input.
To help you make the best decision for yourself and your family, your lawyer may advise you not to accept the first offer you receive and that your acceptance is final and binding. Because it is final, he may also remind you that your case should be accurately valued before entertaining any monetary offers.
Find a Lawyer Who Will Represent You in Court
If your car accident lawsuit is one of the few that does not end with a settlement agreement, you might consider choosing a lawyer who will represent you in court, if necessary. Going to court means your lawyer may:
- Compile and organize your evidence
- Prepare exhibits for the trial
- Consult expert witnesses
- Conduct interviews and depositions
In court, your lawyer and representatives for the at-fault driver may present their evidence and question any witnesses while arguing their case. When the court has heard both sides and weighed the evidence, a decision will be made. The lawyer you choose may provide you with specific details about what will happen in your court case and help you decide whether an insurance settlement or trial is your best compensation option.
Put Our Team to Work for You Today
If you are concerned about how to find a good car accident lawyer, contact a Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers team member. Call us at (337) 777-7777 for a free consultation and learn more about how our team can help you fight for financial compensation. We serve clients in various cities throughout Louisiana.
