In the aftermath of a car accident, your life can be turned upside down. You may be dealing with physical pain, emotional trauma, and financial expenses that add up quickly. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the total cost of car accidents in the US was $340 billion in 2019.
Coping with these long-term consequences can be overwhelming. Understandably, you may wonder what your next steps should be. One question that may weigh heavily on your mind is, “Should I hire a car accident attorney? Or should I handle the legal process alone?”
In this post, we will consider how hiring a lawyer can help ensure your claim’s success.
What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Car Accident Attorney Near Me?
How can you protect yourself and get the compensation you deserve after a car accident? Having an experienced advocate on your side can make all the difference.
Several benefits of hiring a car accident lawyer attorney are:
- Knowledge of local laws: A car accident attorney familiar with your specific area’s laws and regulations is invaluable. He or she can provide valuable insight into how these factors may impact your case. Your legal team should have a deep understanding of state-specific traffic laws, insurance requirements, and filing deadlines.
- Personalized attention: You should be able to expect personalized attention and care when you hire a car accident attorney. Protecting your rights and meeting your needs should be your lawyer’s priority.
- Local resources and connections: Experienced attorneys often have established legal networks. This may include investigators and medical professionals. Your attorney may also know accident reconstruction experts and other specialists. These can provide crucial support for building a strong case on your behalf.
What Should I Consider When Hiring a Car Accident Attorney Near Me?
When searching for a car accident attorney, look for a law firm with extensive experience handling car accident cases. Your attorney should have the detailed knowledge and skills needed to handle your case successfully.
Look for an attorney with a proven history of obtaining favorable settlements or verdicts for past clients. A good track record indicates a law firm’s ability to navigate the complexities of car accident law and negotiate with insurance companies for you.
Trust your instincts when choosing an attorney. You should feel confident in his or her abilities throughout the legal process.
What Qualities Should I Look for in a Car Accident Attorney?
When considering a car accident attorney, the following qualities may indicate whether he or she is well-suited for your case.
Excellent communication skills
The attorney you choose should prioritize communication and be willing to answer all your questions patiently because your lawyer should be easily accessible if you have questions or concerns. You should never feel like a bother or inconvenience when communicating with him or her.
Your legal team should voluntarily provide updates on your case, and they should be invested in your well-being. It should be clear that they genuinely care about you and your family.
Compassion and understanding
An experienced car accident attorney understands the emotional trauma you may be going through after a serious collision. He or she should recognize that the legal process can be overwhelming and confusing for you.
A compassionate lawyer will focus not only on getting you compensation but also on ensuring
you have the support you need during this difficult time.
Willingness to fight for you
If necessary, your attorney may recommend filing a lawsuit in the event negotiations fail. He or she will handle all aspects of litigation and keep you updated about court dates and potential outcomes.
Your legal team will exchange information with the opposition regarding claims and defenses during the initial “discovery” phase of your case. In court, your lawyer will present solid arguments and examine witness testimony.
What Questions Should I Ask a Potential Attorney?
The following questions can help you gain a better understanding of whether an attorney suits you and your needs:
- “What is your approach to negotiating with insurance companies?” Insurance companies often try to minimize settlements. To avoid this, you need an attorney who is skilled at navigating these negotiations on your behalf.
- “Will you personally be handling my case, or will it be passed off to another lawyer or paralegal?” You should know who will be representing you and how involved they will be throughout the process.
- “What fees do you charge for your services?” Understanding the financial aspect of hiring an attorney is vital. Make sure you are clear on the law firm’s fee structure and if they work on a contingency basis.
What Are Common Misconceptions I Should Be Aware of When Hiring a Lawyer?
There are many misconceptions that people have about hiring a car accident attorney. Here are a few you should be aware of in particular.
“I don’t need an attorney to negotiate an insurance claim”
After a car accident, negotiating with insurance companies alone can put you at a significant disadvantage. Insurance adjusters are trained to protect the interests of their company, not yours. The insurance adjusters may trick you into saying something that could harm your case.
The adjusters may even pressure you to accept a lowball settlement. By hiring a car accident attorney, though, you level the playing field against these powerful insurance companies.
“Attorneys are expensive”
Many assume hiring a car accident attorney will add financial stress to their already burdensome situation. However, most personal injury attorneys, such as the team members at Siegfried & Jensen, work on a contingency fee basis. That means our law firm only gets paid if we win your case – so you never have to pay out of pocket for our legal services.
“My injuries are minor, so I don’t need an attorney”
Both minor and severe accidents can result in long-term or lifelong injuries. Injuries may require ongoing medical treatment or impact your ability to work and enjoy life.
An experienced car accident lawyer can calculate all potential damages for your claim.
You could be compensated for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Long-term care
How Can I Find a Car Accident Attorney Near Me?
When it comes to finding a reputable car accident attorney in your area, the following steps can help you find the right professional to handle your case.
1.Research the firm
Personal referrals can often be valuable because they come from trusted sources. Checking the firm’s website for testimonials and reviews is another excellent way to find out former clients’ experience with the firm.
2.Schedule a consultation
Once you have narrowed down your options, schedule consultations with a few different attorneys. Pay attention not only to their legal knowledge but also how comfortable you feel speaking with them.
You should trust and feel confident in your attorney. This is because sensitive or confidential matters may need to be discussed while you work together.
Don’t Delay in Getting the Legal Help You Need
Every moment counts when preparing personal injury cases. In most states, there are time limits for filing a car accident claim, and once these pass, you may be entirely barred from seeking compensation.
For example, in Utah, the time limit is generally 4 years from the date of the accident. However, an attorney can help you meet this and other legal deadlines, such as filing certain documents with the court.
Were you involved in a car accident in Utah, Washington, or Idaho? If so, the attorneys of Siegfried & Jensen are here to help. We practice in these states, and our car accident attorneys have successfully secured many substantial settlements for our clients.
Our seasoned and knowledgeable attorneys are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve. To discuss your case, call to schedule a free consultation at (801) 845-9000 or complete our online form.
Now you can contact our personal injury lawyers in Las Vegas, Logan and Nevada. Also, if you’re in Utah, you can find us in our Salt Lake City, offices, as well as in Ogden, Orem, St. George, Layton, and Logan with new offices set to open in Saratoga Springs, Payson, and West Valley. In Washington, look for us in Spokane with Spokane Valley joining soon. Finally, Idaho residents can contact us Boise and soon in Meridian.
If you’ve been injured in any of these areas, give us a call for a free case evaluation.
Content checked by personal injury attorney Todd Bradford. I worked for a small law firm in Utah County, where I handled various types of cases. My main focus was personal injury and I decided that is what I enjoyed doing the most. I rejoined Siegfried and Jensen in 2012 where my focus is solely on helping personal injury clients. I take pride in helping personal injury clients and enjoy serving them. If you need an attorney for auto accidents or injuries of any kind in Salt Lake City, UT, Ogden, UT, Spokane, WA, or Boise, ID, contact us.
