Searching for a car accident attorney that will fight for you instead of just trying to settle?
It’s tough to find the right attorney that can properly deal with insurance companies and get you a fair settlement. And let’s face it…
Unless you’ve had to recently deal with injury attorneys, most people have no idea what to look for.
The truth:
Not all car accident attorneys are created equal.
Some will take any accident case that walks in the door and immediately try to settle. But other lawyers will fight tooth and nail to get accident victims the compensation they truly deserve.
Fortunately,
If you know what to look for when choosing an attorney, it’s quite easy to spot a good accident lawyer and weed out the ones that will harm your case.
Let’s dig into…
- Why Finding the Right Attorney is Important
- Signs of A Good Car Accident Attorney
- Red Flags To Avoid
- How To Find THE Best Attorney
Why Finding The Right Attorney Is Important
If you’ve been involved in a serious accident, you already know how life changing it can be.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 39,345 people died in traffic crashes in 2024. Those are thousands of families that suffer injuries, trauma, and huge medical bills.
But here’s what most victims don’t realize…
The attorney that you decide to hire will significantly impact your settlement.
Research done by Insurance Research Council shows that settlements are 3.5 times higher when victims hire an attorney versus going it alone.
Needless to say…
Your choice in lawyer can mean everything when it comes to taking care of medical bills, loss of income, and compensation for your pain and suffering.
Hiring effective car accident lawyers in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania or your local area means having someone who knows all the laws specific to your state and city. They also know exactly how insurance companies operate and what it takes to receive maximum compensation.
Put yourself in this situation:
You’re covered by teams of defense attorneys whose sole job is to pay you as little as possible. You’re not negotiating with insurance companies on an even playing field unless you have a great lawyer on your side.
Signs of A Good Car Accident Attorney
So what traits define a good accident lawyer?
Look for these 5 things to see if they’ll truly fight for you:
- Has experience with cases like yours
- Communicates well in layman’s terms
- Provides realistic expectations
- Has resources to build your case
- Is not afraid to go to trial if needed
Too many people get swindled by ambulance chasers that they saw on TV. Large flashy advertisements usually means they’re paying lots of money for that database… not to actually win your case.
Successful attorneys get hired because they help people and create a fantastic reputation. Their best advertisement is their previous clients.
Here’s a good sign that the attorney will fight for you:
During your consultation, they ask you tons of questions about the accident itself. How did it happen? What were your injuries? How has it affected you daily?
They care about the details of your case. Any attorney that tries to immediately tell you they’ll win without digging deeper is just making empty promises.
Red Flags To Avoid When Hiring Car Accident Lawyers
You can’t always trust that an attorney has your best interests in mind.
Sadly, there are those out there that will do and say anything to get you as their client.
Here are some things to avoid when consulting with lawyers:
Guaranteed Settlement Amount
You know those commercials where the attorney says “I’ll get you $1 million?” Yeah, don’t believe them.
No lawyer can possibly know how much you’re worth until they review all the details of your case. If someone pitches you a specific settlement amount without knowing you, they’re more likely trying to sign you rather than win you.
Unable to Return Calls
If an attorney doesn’t have time to return your calls during the consultation process, how are they going to have time to fully represent you? Ghosting clients is something that you don’t want to deal with.
Pressures You To Settle Early
When dealing with insurance companies, you’ll often get low ball settlement offers that seem too good to be true. They are.
Attorneys that want to settle early are usually doing so because that’s easier for them. But those settlements are rarely worth your while.
They want a quick buck, not to fight for you.
Claims To Do EVERYTHING
Don’t fall for law firms that claim to do “everything from business to injury.” Yes, those commercials are clickbait.
Accident injury attorneys specialize in personal injury law. If they don’t, they’re not going to know every detail about maximizing your settlement.
Doesn’t Explain Fee Structure Upfront
While most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis (they get paid when you win), they should outline that fee structure from the get-go. Make sure you know what percentage they take, as well as if they charge you anything if you lose.
Trust your gut.
If you meet with a lawyer and something feels “off,” then it probably is. Don’t be afraid to look elsewhere.
The Exact Process To Finding A Top Attorney
Ready to learn how to find a great car accident attorney? Here we go:
Step 1: Ask For Referrals
The best way to find reputable attorneys is always through referrals. Ask around and see who you know that has had to contact injury lawyers in the past.
Step 2: Check Reviews
Do they have lots of bad Google reviews? How about the Better Business Bureau? Again, look for patterns here. One bad review isn’t a total loss, but if it looks like a bunch of clients complain about the same thing, run.
Step 3: Schedule Consultations
Reach out to a few injury lawyers and schedule a free consultation. I recommend doing this with at least 2-3 lawyers before making your choice.
Ask about their experience with car accidents specifically. What were the outcomes? Will the actual attorney you spoke with be handling your case or is it handed off to someone else? How long do these cases usually take? Etc.
Step 4: Read The Fee Agreement
Finally, sit down and read the entire contingency fee agreement. Make sure you understand their cut, and if they charge you any fees should you not win your case.
Step 5: Let Them Do Their Job
You’ve hired a professional to help you win maximum compensation… let them do their job! They know how to negotiate with insurance companies and how to take your case to trial if need be.
Finding the right attorney can be daunting, but it’s imperative that you do your research. Your future self will thank you after receiving thousands more in compensation.
Bringing It All Together
Know what to look for when hiring your next car accident attorney, and you’ll have no problem finding the right one.
Remember:
- Experienced car accident lawyers know how to negotiate with insurance companies and get you what you deserve.
- Some red flags to avoid are guaranteed settlements, inability to return calls, and if they push you to settle early.
- Ask for referrals and check reviews before picking a lawyer
- During your consultation, ask the right questions to see if they will fight for you.
- Read the fee agreement carefully before signing
Taking the time to find the right attorney is crucial to your case. Don’t rush the process and do your research.
You want someone who will go to battle for you, not make you settle.