How to Find the Best Car Accident Attorney

You’ve no doubt seen those commercials on TV advertising for attorneys who are going to get you a ton of money in a legal settlement for the injuries you suffered in an automobile accident. Just because these lawyers are mugging for the camera like modern-day ambulance chasers doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re bad attorneys, but you may be looking for a higher caliber of professional when you find yourself in need of a car accident attorney. Whether you are the victim of the accident and the other driver’s insurance is refusing to pay, the other driver is suing you and you need legal representation, or you find yourself facing criminal charges because you were under the influence of Ambien at the time, you no doubt want a reputable and reliable attorney with a strong track record of winning cases like yours. Here’s how to find the right person for the job.

You’ll want to start the old-fashioned way by seeking referrals. When it comes to goods and services a trusted recommendation from a family member, friend, or colleague can save you a lot of time and trouble. However, where legal matters are concerned, you might be on the prowl for a specialist of sorts, and while your friends and associates may have used car accident attorneys in the past, their situations could have been vastly different than yours. So start with referrals but don’t hesitate to keep looking if they don’t pan out.

The next step is therefor to check local directories, and there are all kinds of ways to find the information you’re looking for. One good option is to call the state bar association to see if they can send you a list of practicing attorneys in your area for the particular service you’re seeking. You could also call or visit your local law library for similar listings. And you can look online for directories. In fact, this last choice may be the most valuable since you can quickly and easily narrow your search by the type of lawyer you’re seeking.

Once you’ve got a few prospective lawyers on the line, set up appointments to meet with them. Ask first if they will bill you for consultation, though, since you don’t want to wind up owing them money if the meeting doesn’t pan out. As for the actual meeting, use your time wisely. Explain your legal issues in the briefest and most consider manner so as not to waste anyone’s time. And come prepared with questions concerning the cost of litigation, your chances of success, and so on. This will not only help you to understand what you’re up against, but also to determine whether or not your lawyer seems like a knowledgeable and trustworthy sort. For obvious reasons it is important that you trust anyone you hire to represent you in a legal battle.

When seeking a car accident attorney, you need to find someone that is not only competent, but also someone that you feel will take your case seriously. What you don’t want is someone who takes your money and ducks your calls, or makes big promises that he can’t possibly hope to deliver. So be careful when selecting your lawyer. You may have to kiss a lot of frogs to find your prince, but it will be worth it in the courtroom.