Lawyer for Auto Accident Near Me

Where do I find a lawyer for an auto accident near me? That's one of the most heartbreaking questions you may ask yourself because, chances are, you or a loved one is a victim of a car accident. No matter your circumstances, you should be proud of asking such a question in the first place. It shows you know what to do, and you just need a dependable attorney to help you win this battle. Contact Morgan and Morgan now for a free case evaluation to learn more about your options. 

How To Choose a Lawyer for Auto Accidents Near You

Auto accident lawyers are available in every corner of this great nation. However, just because these lawyers are available doesn't mean you should choose anyone you come across. 

We've walked you through the process of choosing a lawyer near you who will serve your best interests. We also know that many different factors come into play when selecting an attorney. So the points we'll discuss below do not entirely sum up everything you should look for in such an attorney. Rather, they are among the most important. 

Consider Their Experience

Begin with evaluating their experience in handling auto accident cases. Don't just hire any random attorney; you need someone who specializes in auto accident claims. This is because these claims are unique, starting from the laws surrounding such accidents all the way to the process of filing a claim. Experienced lawyers understand the complexities of these cases and how to navigate them.

Their Reputation Matters 

A lawyer's reputation says everything you need to know about them. They don't even need to say a word to you. Just look around. You'll learn so much about them. For example, their reviews from past clients, especially those found on Google, can reveal their ability to deliver results. 

While going through these reviews, you'll likely come across some negative ones, but if the majority are positive, then you're on the right path in your journey to finding a reliable attorney to represent you. 

Check Their Results 

Results speak volumes when it comes to personal injury cases and also when assessing a lawyer's capabilities. That's the whole point of filing a claim; you want results in the form of financial compensation for your injuries and losses.

If they don't have any results to show, chances are they intend to use your case as an experiment, increasing the likelihood of settling for less than you deserve. While we understand that everyone starts from somewhere, that is not the kind of approach you want for your case.

There's so much at stake here, and the last thing you want when you need to settle your bills stemming from the accident is an attorney who wants to experiment with your case. 

Gauge Their Legal Resources 

We know that this may seem easier said than done, but it's a step you cannot afford to miss. You can ask simple questions, such as:

• How many lawyers are in your firm?
• Do you have dedicated staff members, such as paralegals or legal assistants, who assist in managing car accident cases?
• How familiar are you with local accident investigation processes, and do you have established relationships with experts or access to their services?
• What technological resources does your firm have to support car accident cases?
• Do you have access to a network of trusted professionals who can assist in gathering evidence or providing expert testimony?
• Can you explain your firm's approach to handling complex car accident cases, including the allocation of resources for investigation, research, and case preparation?

Find Out If They're Willing to Go to Trial

Don't get us wrong, though; we know that most personal injury cases settle out of court. However, knowing that your attorney is willing to go to court on your behalf makes you sleep better at night. That's because there are usually no guarantees that the other party will be willing to negotiate a reasonable settlement.

You shouldn't have to switch attorneys just because you need someone to push the case to the next phase in court, and your current lawyer lacks the resources or experience to handle such cases beyond the negotiation room.

Hiring a Lawyer for Auto Accident vs. Representing Yourself

We know it's tempting to handle such a case without an attorney. After all, you're not at fault for the accident — you're just a victim. You were just minding your business and obeying traffic laws before you got hit by a reckless driver. 

There's every reason to believe you'll win the case. Under such circumstances, what could possibly go wrong? The truth is, everything could. Here's why and how. 

You Don't Have Experience Dealing with Insurance Companies  

Insurance companies are always prepared for such scenarios. That's why they usually have teams of experienced adjusters and lawyers whose goal is to minimize the insurer's financial liability in such accidents.

Some will even try to take advantage of your lack of legal knowledge and negotiating skills to jeopardize your chances of recovering compensation or convince you to settle for less than you deserve. 

Car Accident Laws Are Complex

Car accident laws are not the same in every state. Legal doctrines such as the no-fault system, comparative or contributory negligence, and statute of limitations can all influence your claim. Experienced attorneys have the knowledge and expertise to interpret these laws and apply them to your specific situation to boost your chances of winning the case.

Car Accident Settlements Are Usually Final

Once you accept a settlement offer from the insurance provider or any other liable party you filed a claim with, it is typically binding and final. That's one of the reasons some insurers may want to settle a claim quickly. 

If you represent yourself and later realize that the settlement was not sufficient to cover your damages or ongoing medical expenses, you can just file a new claim and ask to renegotiate. That's a risk you don't want to take. Because an attorney knows how to calculate the true value of your claim, they can ensure that whatever compensation you receive is the best possible settlement.

Your Physical, Mental, and Emotional Recover Comes First

Yes, financial compensation is important but not more than your physical, mental, and emotional health. We know that making sound decisions while nursing injuries is not always easy. That's also why some people settle these cases just to get done with the emotional rollercoaster and move on with their lives.

It takes a neutral party, a car accident attorney to be precise, to step in and make sound decisions based on facts, not emotions. You can count on your attorney to shoulder the legal burden as you focus on your recovery and overall well-being.

You Need Powerful Resources To Build the Case

Insurance companies won't even take a second look at your case if it's too weak. By the time you file a claim, it should be strong enough to produce a positive outcome. But the problem is that building a strong case requires extensive resources. Without these resources, you may struggle to gather the necessary evidence to support your claim effectively, and that could also lead to a negative outcome. A good auto accident lawyer will have access to powerful resources to strengthen your case and increase your chances of a successful outcome.

Types of Cases a Seasoned and Well-Equipped Auto Accident Lawyer Can Handle

Again, lawyers and law firms are not the same. Some law firms are more powerful than others. Similarly, some attorneys are more experienced than their counterparts. 

The factors we discussed earlier (choosing an attorney for auto accidents) should help you find the right attorney to represent you. Let's go over the kind of cases such an attorney may be able to handle, assuming that they meet all the requirements we discussed earlier. 

Car Accidents

Skilled and well-equipped auto accident lawyers can represent individuals who have been involved in car accidents. Whether you are a driver, passenger, pedestrian, or cyclist, an auto accident lawyer can assist you in pursuing a claim against the at-fault party.

Truck Accidents

The attorney may also be able to handle cases involving large commercial trucks, such as semi-trucks or tractor-trailers. These cases are usually complex due to factors such as federal regulations, multiple liable parties, and the severity of injuries.  

Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable on the road because they tend to have limited cushioning and protection in the event of an accident. That's why most accidents involving motorcycles often result in severe injuries. A lawyer specializing in motorcycle accident cases understands the unique challenges motorcyclists face, including being wrongly judged by insurance companies and society in general, and can help you pursue a claim for compensation.

Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents

Accidents involving bicycles or pedestrians are also notorious for causing significant injuries and damages. Some even lead to death. Auto accident lawyers can also represent individuals who have been injured in these types of accidents.

Hit and Run Accidents

When a responsible party flees the accident scene without stopping to provide their information, such an action can make it particularly difficult for the injured or survivors to pursue compensation. Auto accident lawyers specializing in hit-and-runs can help victims of such accidents navigate the legal process, identify the responsible party (only if possible), and pursue compensation through other available avenues, such as uninsured motorist coverage.

Drunk Driving Accidents

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is one of the leading causes of auto accidents all over the country. Auto accident lawyers can help victims of drunk driving accidents hold the impaired driver accountable and in some cases, the party that served them alcohol.

Wrongful Death

In tragic cases where a car accident results in the death of a loved one, fatal car crashes lawyers can help the surviving family members file a wrongful death claim. If successful, they may be able to recover the emotional and financial damages the survivors suffered as a result of the loss.