If you’ve been injured in a car accident that was someone else’s fault, one of your first thoughts might be, “Do I need a lawyer?” While it’s possible to deal with the insurance company and settle your claim on your own, we don’t recommend it. Unfortunately, the liability insurance company is not on your side. Without a lawyer on your side, it’s almost impossible for you to be fairly compensated. The insurance company wants to protect their insured and make as much profit for their shareholders as possible, so they will most likely offer you a settlement far below what your case is worth. An experienced car accident attorney can thoroughly investigate your case and provide the evidence you need to obtain the settlement you deserve.
So, how do you search for a car accident lawyer who will be a good fit for you? The ones you’ve heard of are probably the big firms that advertise on TV and billboards. While those firms certainly provide impressive advertisements, you might be better off looking for a firm that’s a little less flashy and a lot more personal.
Start by asking family and friends for recommendations. Once you have a few names, Google the names and check out the reviews. The best firms won’t necessarily pay to have their website show up at the top, but their Google reviews speak for themselves.
Once you’ve selected three or so firms that have great reviews, it’s time to call their offices. Most car accident attorneys offer a free consultation to discuss your case. When you speak to the attorney, think about the following questions:
- Are you getting caring, personal attention? Cases often take months to settle, so you will be working with this attorney for a while. You should not feel a sense that the attorney is in a hurry and just wants to move on to the next task or meeting. They should take their time with you and show compassion for your situation.
- Does the attorney seem to know the law backward and forwards? An experienced car accident attorney won’t need to get back to you with questions regarding your case or the law. They should be particularly well versed in North Carolina’s doctrine of “contributory negligence,” which means that if you can be shown to be even one percent at fault for the accident, you will get zero compensation. A skilled car accident attorney will know how to investigate your case and find the necessary evidence to prove that you had no fault in the accident. They should be able to lay out a detailed plan of how your case will proceed.
- Is the staff caring and professional? Throughout your case, you will be working with not only the attorney but also their paralegals and legal assistants. You want them to treat you with compassion and competence.
At Kreger Brodish LLP, our car accident attorneys offer both vast experience and personalized attention. When you call, our paralegals will know your name and be familiar with your case. We are a small firm with a long track record of successful cases and satisfied clients. If you’ve been in a car accident and are not sure what to do, call us today to schedule your free consultation.
