4 Mistakes To Avoid When Hiring An Auto Accident Injury Attorney
Being injured in a car accident can range from being a major hassle to a life-changing event that results in pain or disability for weeks, months, or even years. If you're injured in a car accident, it is in your best interest to hire an auto accident attorney to represent you. However, it is important to hire the right attorney. If you have been hurt in an auto wreck, avoid the following mistakes when hiring an auto accident attorney.
1. Hiring an Attorney Who Doesn't Specialize in Auto Accident Injuries
You wouldn't hire a tax attorney to represent you when you're going through a divorce, and the same can be said when it comes to dealing with an auto accident injury. You need to have a person working on your behalf who is experienced in dealing with auto accident injury claims and knows how to negotiate with an insurance company.
2. Selecting an Attorney Based on Guarantees
A reputable attorney will not promise clients a specific settlement amount or make any guarantees about the outcome of their claim. Its okay for an attorney to tell you what he or she thinks your auto injury claim is worth, but if they promise a certain amount it is a good idea to keep interviewing candidates.
3. Not Having a Clear Understanding of the Fees
In most cases, auto accident injury attorneys charge on a contingency basis, which means that you never have to pay anything upfront out of pocket. Instead, the attorney's fees will be covered by the attorney retaining a percentage of your settlement. Always look for an auto accident attorney who is very upfront and transparent about his or her fees, and don't be afraid to walk away if you can't get a clear answer about how an attorney will be paid at the end of your case.
4. Being Represented by an Attorney Who Won't Go to Trial
Auto accident injury attorneys usually work with the other driver's insurance company to negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf. Typically, a settlement can be reached without having to go to court. Unfortunately, there are situations where an attorney and the insurance company can't come to terms, and the case has to head to trial. Don't make the mistake of hiring an auto accident injury attorney who does not have any experience in court or is not willing to represent you if your case gets to that point.
