What You Should Know About Choosing a Car Accident Lawyer

After suffering injuries in a traffic collision, you may have the right to recover compensation for losses such as medical expenses, lost income, and property damage. Working with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney can help you maximize your chances of getting a fair settlement or verdict. Here’s everything you need to know about how to choose the right car accident lawyer for your personal injury claim.

What Car Crash Lawyers Do

The role of a car accident attorney is to address all your post-collision needs. Some of the tasks of an attorney who works on personal injury cases include:

• Meeting with you for a free consultation to discuss your case and determine whether they can help you
• Conducting a thorough investigation of the collision to analyze how it occurred and who is to blame
• Helping you secure the medical treatment you require for your injuries
• Handling communication with insurance adjusters and other parties on your behalf
• Calculating the full value of your losses, including medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and pain and suffering
• Negotiating with the insurance company for a fair settlement
• Filing a lawsuit and representing you throughout the legal process if negotiations do not result in the settlement you deserve

Effective personal injury lawyers offer the administrative and moral support you require during this challenging time.

Traits to Look for in a Personal Injury Lawyer

Here are the traits to look for in any personal injury law firm you are considering hiring:

Knowledge of Personal Injury Law

Personal injury is a complex area of the law. An attorney who does not have a thorough knowledge of Illinois personal injury law will be unlikely to offer the help you need. By working with someone who focuses exclusively on personal injury law, you can feel confident that they can accurately explain your legal rights and options for pursuing fair compensation.

Experience in Car Accident Cases

Look for a lawyer with extensive experience handling car collision claims. They will know how to build a case linking the accident with your injuries and demonstrating how and why the at-fault party is liable for your losses.

Respect in the Legal Community

The legal community is a relatively small world. The most effective attorneys make a name for themselves, and other lawyers respect those whose achievements merit admiration.

Proven Track Record of Success

Look for an experienced personal injury lawyer who has a proven track record of success, including satisfied clients and published car accident settlement amounts. These car accident attorneys will likely be familiar with insurance companies and local courts. They will also know how to approach each situation to optimize your chances of success.

Readiness to Go to Trial

While most car accident cases settle out of court, some go to trial. If your lawyer does not have extensive litigation experience, they may be unready to take a lawsuit before a judge or jury. Look for a trial-tested attorney who knows how to get results in court.

Resources to Support Your Case

Car accident cases can be expensive, requiring many resources. Your attorney might need to pay for many administrative fees in advance. They may need to hire medical experts or accident reconstruction experts. Ensure that your law firm has the resources to see your case through to the end.without cutting corners along the way.

Where to Find a Good Auto Accident Lawyer

With so many options, it can be challenging to determine where to find the right lawyer who is qualified to handle your car accident claim. Here are some of the best places to look:

• Bar Association Referrals – Most state bar associations offer referral services to connect injury victims with licensed attorneys in good standing. These lawyers are screened for disciplinary issues and are committed to continuing legal education.
• Personal Recommendations – Car accident victims can speak to people in their network who have hired an attorney in the past who can provide leads on lawyers with solid reputations. Friends, family members, and colleagues who have been satisfied with their representation might be able to suggest a particular attorney.
• Client Testimonials – Law firms’ websites and marketing materials often feature testimonials from past clients highlighting the positive experiences and successful case results they obtained. These first-hand accounts can help you find an attorney who’s satisfied other clients with their results.

Questions to Ask During a Free Consultation

When meeting with prospective lawyers for a free case evaluation, asking the right questions is crucial in determining if they are the best choice for you. Some critical questions to ask include:

• What percentage of your practice focuses on car crash cases? An attorney who routinely handles these cases will have greater knowledge of how to build your case.
• How long do you estimate my case will take to resolve? Understanding the potential timeline can help you make an informed decision.
• What challenges could I face with my case? An experienced lawyer will explain the strengths and weaknesses of your case.
• How are your legal fees structured? Find out if they work on a contingency fee basis or bill by the hour. Get details on what expenses you may owe, such as copying fees for medical records, police report retrieval fees, court filing fees, expert witness fees, etc.
• What is the value that you would place on my injury claim? Get their professional opinion on what your case could be worth.
• What steps will you take to build my case? Look for detailed strategies to demonstrate they know how to secure fair compensation.

Asking the right questions during a consultation will clarify whether a lawyer has the skills and resources to obtain the full amount you deserve.

Why Choose Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C.?

If you have suffered serious injuries in a car accident in Illinois, the attorneys at Salvi Schostok & Pritchard P.C. have the knowledge, skills, and resources to fight for the compensation you deserve. We have recovered over $2 billion in settlements and verdicts to date, including over 330 cases of $1 million or more. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about how we can help with your car crash case.