How to Find an Accident Lawyer in the South Bend Area

If you or a loved one have had your life turned upside down because of injuries you sustained in a car accident or after slipping off of a ride at an amusement park, don't face the insurance companies alone. You've suffered enough emotional, financial, and physical trauma and deserve the opportunity to heal and get compensated for the negligent actions that caused you harm.
 
At Morgan & Morgan, we understand how overwhelming it can be to find an accident lawyer in South Bend. You may be already in the middle of your injury claim and finding that the insurer won't even consider your claim, or worse, they claim it's your own fault. This is where the expertise of a highly trained personal injury attorney can prove invaluable and save on worry and frustration. If you aren't sure where to begin your search, you can fill out our brief, free case evaluation form to get started today.

Read on to discover important tips that can help you hire the right accident attorney for your injury case.

Choosing an Accident Lawyer in South Bend, TX

Understanding how to begin choosing a South Bend accident attorney can be challenging for those who have never filed a personal injury claim before. While you can simply Google law firms in your area, you can't be sure they have the extent of experience and successful track record you need to win your own case.
 
Retaining legal counsel that doesn't regularly practice personal injury law can also be detrimental to any settlement negotiations they undertake on your behalf. With such high stakes in your decision, consider the following steps when searching for a qualified accident lawyer in South Bend, TX:

Hire an Accident Lawyer in South Bend, TX that Wants Your Case

There are plenty of attorneys available that can take your case, but do they actually want it? The reason law firms reject accident injury cases often revolves around the perceived value of the case compared to the cost of winning it. If they feel your legal matter has little to gain, they might either reject or settle it quickly for much less than it's worth. This is why you should only work with legal counsel that wants your case.
 
How do you know they want it? At Morgan & Morgan, we are passionate about helping our clients find the justice they seek after being hurt in a devastating accident. Any attorney you consider should be focused on your long-term well-being and be empathetic to your situation.

Consider Previous Accident Attorneys You've Already Worked With

One of the simplest ways to get your personal injury claim started is to contact an accident attorney in South Bend, TX, that you've previously hired. Not only will you already have a working relationship, but they will be familiar with your life and understand how your injuries have devastated it.
 
Keep in mind that you should make sure that they can adequately represent you under the current circumstances of your claim. For example, if they usually only handle car accidents, but your new case involves falling down poorly maintained steps at your apartment complex, you may want to consider a different firm.
 
Whoever you hire must have a working knowledge of state and local laws and how those can impact your compensation demand.

Ask for Recommendations from Your Friends and Family

Friends, family, and acquaintances who have recently hired an attorney for their own personal injury claim have the greatest referrals. While their word alone shouldn't be the only information you go through, their experiences should be prioritized. Still, definitely consider adding their attorneys to your list of prospects for future review.
 
Keep their advice in mind should you attend an initial consultation with their recommended lawyer. This can help you decide if they're a good fit or not when you "interview" them during this meeting. 

Review Online Referral Websites and Recommendations

Online reviews and the sites that host them have quickly become popular and as relied upon as word-of-mouth referrals. When visiting law sites that provide attorney listings and reviews, you can expect to find some of the following verified information:

•       Types of cases they represent
•       When the attorney was licensed
•       Rating by previous clients
•       What jurisdictions they can practice in

Justia, Avvo, and even The American Bar Association are great sites to get a quick snapshot of the law firm or attorney you're considering for your personal injury case. Like with your friends and family, only use this information to gauge the level of service and experience they provide. Nothing replaces an in-person consultation.
 
At Morgan and Morgan, we understand how important the role of an accident attorney in South Bend, TX, will impact your final compensation settlement or award. For over 35 years, we have worked tirelessly, advocating for our clients' rights and fair treatment throughout the injury claim process. This dedication has helped us earn over $9 billion in verdicts and settlements for countless families across the United States. If you or a loved one need an attorney to make the at-fault party pay for their negligence that caused you harm, contact us right away to schedule a free consultation.

Information You Need Before Hiring a South Bend Accident Lawyer

Now that you have a shortlist of potential attorneys, how do you choose one? What other information do you need to help determine the best choice for your case situation? While there are countless details you could focus on, below are key details you need to know about before agreeing to any legal representation contracts:

•       Is the attorney you spoke to on the phone who will represent you?
•       What is the percentage of cases they handle that is similar to your own?
•       What's their reputation and track record practicing personal injury law in South Bend, TX?
•       How big is their firm? Will this impact your client experience?
•       How much do their services cost? Do you have to pay upfront?

When agreeing to hire a South Bend accident lawyer, the most considerable quality you need is the extent of experience they have representing accident cases like yours. Further, you need to see the type of results they earned for their efforts. While no two cases are alike, a consistent history of overperforming and winning complex lawsuits is ideal. For example, a firm like Morgan and Morgan has represented injured parties since 1988 with significant monetary awards and settlements to go with that experience.
 
Additionally, how your accident attorney expects to get paid is equally crucial. Most personal injury attorneys won't charge for their services unless you win your case. This is known as a contingency fee basis. Typically, once you win your trial or accept a settlement offer, your attorney will receive a previously agreed-upon percentage of that total. Beware, though. Some firms will also charge additional expenses on top of that percentage for filing fees and mailing costs. Any charges you are to pay should be clearly explained in writing.
 
Another important detail that should go into your decision is how large the firm is and how that could impact your own experience working with your attorney. While larger firms are ideal for their available resources and manpower available to help your case, you don't want to get lost in the shuffle. Firms like Morgan & Morgan not only have an extensive network of legal professionals to support your accident claim, but we still provide personalized service. We pride ourselves in being easily accessible to answer any questions you might have and to keep you up-to-date on the progress of your case.
 
Finally, make sure that you consult with the attorney that will personally represent your case. It's not unusual for paralegals and intake specialists to handle the paperwork side of things. Still, it would be best if you didn't make any hiring decisions until you've sat down with the person litigating your case. This is a working relationship, and you need to know who they are.