Many of us take our safety for granted when we drive around in our cars. So, when a car accident happens, it can be a traumatic experience – even if we walk away with only minor injuries.

As car accident attorneys, we see the consequences and aftermath of car accidents every day. Even the statistics regarding car accidents are sobering. The average number of car accidents every year is around 6 million, with 3 million people injured in those car accidents and 2 million experiencing permanent injuries.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, you likely have a lot of questions. You may be asking questions like: I’m not injured but my car is totaled, can I hire a car accident attorney? My loved one was injured in a car accident, how can I help them? I was the passenger in a serious car crash, am I entitled to compensation?

In this post, we address three of the most common questions people have when it comes to hiring the right car accident attorney.

Common Questions About Car Accident Attorneys

• When should I contact a car accident lawyer?

An experienced car accident lawyer is your advocate to help you through the claims and possible court proceedings. The earlier you consult with an attorney, the better informed you will be about your rights and the better guidance the attorney can provide to you and your loved ones. Ideally, you should contact a car accident attorney as soon as you are able to follow the accident. Your primary goal should be getting to safety and getting help for anyone injured in the accident, including yourself. Once you are able to get the health care you need and are able to recount the accident events, you should reach out to an experienced car accident attorney.

• What are the qualities of the best car accident lawyer?

Not all lawyers are the same, so it’s important to carefully evaluate any car accident attorneys before you sign on to work with them. The best qualities to look for in determining the right attorney for your case are compassion, insurance knowledge, car accident case experience, and honest communication.

When you first contact lawyers to discuss your case, look for the qualities mentioned above. Ask yourself, is this lawyer compassionate and empathetic? Do they truly understand what I’m going through? Are they being direct and honest with me or is it hard to get a clear answer from them?

Ask them, what is their experience in working with insurance companies? Do they understand who they need to talk to at the insurance companies and the documentation required for claims? Have they ever handled a car accident case before? How many car accident cases have they handled and what is the typical amount they secure for their clients?

• What percentage do accident lawyers take?

Most car accident lawyers work on cases on a contingency fee agreement. This means that you do not pay a fee upfront and they get compensated a percentage of the final settlement. The contingency fee can vary anywhere from 25 – 40% based on your case and your agreement with the attorney. This works in your favor as the attorney does not get paid until your case is settled and they are incentivized to get you the maximum settlement possible.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, contact our experienced car accident attorneys for an initial consultation. We’ll listen to the details of your case and advise you on what you can expect to resolve your case.