When you have been injured in an auto accident, the last thing you need is an attorney trying to sell you something.
Insurance companies are aware that after an accident, many people have a hard time making wise decisions. This is why they often try to get a statement from victims right away. Unfortunately, some lawyers also resort to this type of behavior by trying to contact victims about their case.
Sadly, some lawyers loiter around the hallways of hospitals or courthouses, looking for new clients. Not only is doing this unprofessional, it is unethical. If you have been involved in a car accident and have been contacted by a lawyer, this is a bad sign. Do not hire such an attorney.
Experienced car accident attorneys are busy working on behalf of their clients. They do not wait in hospital hallways, waiting for their next client. To put simply, finding a good attorney does require some effort. It is important not to leave such a decision to chance, or to hire the first attorney that comes your way.
Hiring an Attorney
There are a number of factors to consider when you are looking to hire an attorney after a car accident. One of the major factors has to do with legal fees. When it comes to cases involving auto accidents, it is common practice for attorneys to get paid when the case is won on behalf of their client. If your attorney tells you they require some upfront payment, it’s time to speak with a different attorney.
Contingency Fees
If someone else was at fault for your car accident, it is important to look for an attorney that works on a “contingency fee”. While some attorneys charge hourly fees, car accident attorneys generally do not.
A contingency fee essentially means that your attorney does not get paid unless they recover compensation for you. At that point, they will be paid a percentage of the settlement amount or amount awarded by a jury.
Finding the Right Lawyer for Your Case
As we mentioned, it is important to avoid hiring an attorney that is simply preying on those who are vulnerable after an accident. Never hire an attorney that contacts you.
Instead, do your research and find an attorney that has the experience, knowledge, and skill to handle your case successfully. Additionally, it is important to understand that communication is essential. An attorney that communicates effectively with you can not only put you at ease throughout the process, it can also make or break your case.
The following are qualities that you should look for in your car accident attorney
- Attention to detail
- Thorough knowledge of the law
- Ability to research and stay up-to-date on current laws
- Diligent
- Ability to communicate effectively
The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C.
At The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. we have worked exclusively on protecting the rights of car accident victims for over 20 years. We understand that while monetary compensation can never completely return a person’s health or erase the effects of an injury, it can alleviate many of the problems confronted by car accident victims and their families from day-to-day.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident feel free to give us a call 24/7 at (314) 361-4242 for a FREE and private case evaluation.