Finding an experienced, aggressive auto accident attorney is particularly important if you have been involved in a car accident and have been injured and/or experienced any financial losses. However, the most pressing question for many accident victims is: How do I find a good attorney who will represent my interests and not just take the first settlement offer from the accident-causing driver’s insurer?
There are many choices out there as far as attorneys go, and the lawyer you choose to represent you will have a very significant impact on the amount of money you eventually are able to recover. However, the experienced auto accident attorneys at Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. want to offer our assistance in describing the most important factors you should consider in selecting an attorney to represent you in connection with an auto accident.
You will only get one chance to negotiate a settlement or obtain a jury verdict related to your auto accident claim. This is because one of the conditions that any insurer will insist upon before they write a check for an agreed settlement amount is that you will waive your right to pursue any future claims based on the accident after the settlement money exchanges hands. The same will be true if your case goes to trial, as any verdict that a jury renders, whether in your favor or in favor of the other driver or his or her insurer, will be final.
You will, of course, be able to appeal the verdict, but there is typically little to no chance that you will be able to file a second lawsuit related to that particular accident. Therefore, it is absolutely imperative that you choose an experienced auto accident attorney who will represent your interests effectively and will fight to get you every dollar in compensation that he or she is able to.
Now that you realize the importance of selecting an experienced and aggressive attorney to represent you, how do you actually go about selecting such an attorney? The first place to start is to research who some of the potential attorneys in your area that handle auto accidents. This is where it is particularly important that you do your due diligence.
Begin by identifying attorneys near you who focus on car accident cases. Not all lawyers are the same—some dabble in many areas of law, while others focus almost exclusively on injury claims.
Look for lawyers or firms who dedicate the majority of their practice to personal injury and auto accidents. If a lawyer’s website lists unrelated services like family law or criminal defense, that may be a red flag—they may not have the depth of experience you need for a complex car accident claim.
Most lawyers will highlight their successes on their websites. To get a clearer picture, check third-party review sites like:
Google Reviews
Social media platforms
These reviews often include unfiltered client experiences, giving you insight into how the attorney treats clients and handles cases.
Before hiring anyone, meet the attorney in person or virtually. Pay attention to how they treat you during your initial meeting. Are they actively listening or distracted? Do they answer your questions clearly? Are they trying to push you off to a case manager?
You deserve an attorney who takes your case seriously and gives you their attention from the start.
Choosing the right lawyer for your car accident case can make a huge difference in the outcome of your case. A skilled attorney will be able to determine the best legal option for you and your family and take the proper steps to prepare a successful personal injury claim.
There are probably many lawyers you can work with, but you should consider these factors before making a final decision:
Since there are unique challenges to car accident injury cases, you will want to find an attorney with the right type of experience. If your case deals with a specific issue such as drunk driving, you’d want someone who has successfully handled a similar situation. When meeting with a lawyer, you can ask the following questions to gauge their experience level:
You will want to choose a lawyer with a solid reputation and a positive track record that’s supported by client testimonials. Getting a referral from someone you know is usually the best way to find a trustworthy attorney. You can also check out online legal forums for reviews and suggestions.
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency-fee basis, which means that you will not be charged for attorney fees unless you win monetary compensation. However, you may still be expected to pay for court filing fees and other legal services. You should discuss the fee structure with the prospective lawyer, and agree upon a payment method before signing a retainer.
While large law firms may hold more resources, their attorneys may not be able to provide the individual attention and care that you seek. Auto accident lawyers also frequently juggle multiple clients, so you’ll want to hire someone with enough time in their schedule to fully take on your case.
Typically in auto accident cases, you will have the option to bring suit within the jurisdiction where your injury took place. You should choose a car accident injury attorney who practices in your area and knows how to navigate through your local court system.
If you are looking for an experienced Illinois auto accident attorney, Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. is ready to fight for the compensation that you deserve. Our dedicated personal injury team has successfully helped many car accident victims like you recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. We can guide you through each step of the legal process, from the initial investigation to the final settlement negotiation. We will also be prepared to go to trial if a favorable agreement cannot be reached.
Our car accident attorneys serve clients throughout the Chicago area, including Aurora, Elgin, Hinsdale, Joliet, Naperville, and Waukegan.
Call us today at (312) 236-2900 to schedule a free, one-on-one case consultation with one of our experienced lawyers.
When you’re fighting for maximum compensation, we know what it takes to get it.
