A motor vehicle accident attorney specializes in properly handling car accident cases. There are many new issues after an accident such as repair or replacement of the car, medical matters, pain, missing work, insurance and legal issues just to name a few. Generally, the more serious the injuries, the greater the value of hiring a car accident attorney.
A good car accident attorney:
- Will understand the limitations of coverage policies.
- Will understand the ins and outs of the insurance processes.
Often insurance is not enough, it can take an attorney to make sure you are treated fairly by insurance companies. You need an attorney who can guide you through the process and who will fight for your rights if the insurance company does not truly represent your needs.
Contingency Fees:
Auto accident attorneys often work on a contingency fee. This means that they will only charge you a percentage of any awards to you. The percentage that an attorney can receive in such an arraignment varies from state to state. The fee percentage ofte ranges from 25 to 40 percent.
How to Select an Attorney:
You should research carefully. Choose an attorney that has many years of proven experience in handling cases such as yours. Create a shortlist. Evaluate the staff and partners. What is the age of the firm? Do they have any awards or leadership roles in professional organizations? Some attorneys focus on settling cases. Are they comfortable in going to trial? If the the insurance company knows that your lawyer does not go to trial it can be a problem. Asking your friends and perhaps another attorney that you are familiar with can sometimes help. Also you can read their reviews online.