10 Mistakes with Hiring a Car Accident Attorney and How to Avoid Them

In the US, there are over 6 million car accidents each year. Even a minor incident can have serious consequences. This is why it's so important to get legal representation.

Hiring a car accident attorney can seem like an overwhelming process, especially if you have sustained injuries or had significant damage to your vehicle. Making the wrong decision can be detrimental when it comes to recovering and claiming compensation.

Here are ten mistakes to avoid when hiring a car accident attorney.

1. Not Researching Your Attorney

Never hire an attorney without researching their experience, reputation, and success rates. Reading online reviews is a great way to get started.
They should be highly knowledgeable about your situation. For example, you might have a question about the average settlement on neck injuries.
Your attorney should be able to provide a comprehensive answer to questions like these.

2. Not Checking Credentials

Ensure the attorney is licensed to practice in your state and has a background in personal injury law. Doing so will help you identify whether they are trustworthy and knowledgeable in the field. Otherwise, you may be putting your case in the hands of someone unprepared to properly manage it.

3. Hiring a General Practice Attorney

General practice attorneys may not have the specialized knowledge and experience needed, especially when it comes to filing personal injury claims.
For example, an attorney with a background in family law won’t have the same understanding of personal injury claims as a lawyer who specializes in car accident cases. Instead, you should find an attorney with a solid background in car accident law.

4. They Don't Work With Insurance

Car accident attorneys handling insurance claims should have experience working with insurance companies and adjusters. Never hire an attorney who is unfamiliar with the process, as that could cost you a shot at winning your car accident case.
It could also lead to a long, drawn-out process that could have been avoided with a knowledgeable attorney.

5. Not Meeting Them in Person

Meeting an attorney in person will help you understand their communication style, experience, and whether you feel comfortable working with them. Working with someone who you are not comfortable with could lead to serious problems down the line. For instance, they may not be interested in helping you reach your goals.

6. Choosing Based on Cost

Many people make the mistake of choosing the cheapest possible attorney. Unfortunately, this can be a costly error.
You often get what you pay for in the legal industry, so it pays to spend the time researching and finding an attorney who will provide you with quality service at a reasonable price. Comparing attorney fees will help you make the best decision.

7. Not Understanding Fees and Expenses

Understand how attorney fees and expenses are assessed and agree on terms before you engage their services. This will help you anticipate the costs associated with your case and avoid any surprises down the line.
It will also help you to compare fees and services with other attorneys in the area.

8. Not Asking About the Timeline

Ask your attorney about the expected timeline for your case and for regular updates on progress and case management.
The time they spend on your case should reflect the amount you’re paying, so don’t be afraid to ask questions. Otherwise, your case could take longer than expected.

9. Hiring Someone Uncommunicative

The last thing you want is an attorney who isn’t responsive to your questions or concerns. Make sure the attorney is communicative, transparent, and available to answer any queries you may have at any stage of the process. This will help you to stay informed and up-to-date with the progress of your case.

10. Not Asking For References

Finally, don’t be afraid to ask an attorney for references from former clients who have had similar cases to yours. It's the best way to get a better understanding of how they handle their cases and work with clients.
You can also use the references to gain insights into how successful their cases have been.

Common Causes of Accidents

Unfortunately, car accidents happen all too often.
Understanding the most common causes of them can help you avoid them in the future. Listed below are some of the most notable.

Speeding

This is one of the leading causes of accidents.
Speeding dramatically increases the likelihood of crashes and reduces the effectiveness of safety features like seatbelts and airbags. It also makes it more difficult for drivers to react in time when faced with a hazardous situation.
A common example is a driver who miscalculates how much time they have to stop before they collide with another vehicle.

Reckless Driving

This term encompasses all forms of erratic or aggressive driving.
It includes activities like weaving in and out of traffic, tailgating, failing to use turn signals, and more. Reckless driving can easily lead to accidents that could have been avoided if the driver had paid more attention to the road.

Impaired Driving

Impaired driving refers to driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
It inhibits your ability to make sound decisions and slows down reaction times. It’s one of the most dangerous behaviors on the road and can easily lead to serious consequences. For example, it can cause your reaction time to be so slow that you crash into another vehicle.

Distracted Driving

From using cell phones and eating behind the wheel to changing the radio station or engaging in conversations, distracted driving significantly increases your chances of a crash.

It is important to keep your eyes on the road at all times and avoid any distractions. This will go a long way when it comes to helping you avoid accidents.

Mechanical Failure

Although not as common, mechanical failure can also lead to accidents. This includes brake failure, engine problems, and tire blowouts. You should make sure that you regularly inspect and maintain your vehicle to avoid any potential issues.
If you do experience mechanical issues while driving, pull over in a safe manner to prevent an accident from occurring.

Low Visibility

When driving at night, during storms, or in foggy conditions, visibility is significantly reduced. These conditions can make it difficult to see approaching vehicles and hazards on the road.
Low visibility can also lead to disorientation and confusion when trying to determine which direction you should drive.

Consequences of Accidents

It's no secret that accidents can have a wide range of consequences. It's essential to keep this in mind so that you know how to react.
Let's explore key information you need to know.

Physical Injuries

The most immediate consequence of an accident is usually physical injuries. Even in collisions at low speeds, passengers in cars can suffer serious damage.
This includes whiplash, broken bones, and even severe injuries like traumatic brain injury.

Property Damage

Accidents can also lead to extensive property damage.
Depending on the severity of the crash, cars may be completely totaled or require costly repairs. Collisions with other objects like trees and buildings can cause significant structural damage. In some situations, legal fees may also be incurred.

Emotional Trauma

Accidents can have psychological implications as well. The fear of being in a crash and the stressful aftermath can lead to emotional distress, anxiety, and even PTSD.
It's important to seek professional help if you or someone close to you is struggling with this situation.

Financial Repercussions

Accidents can cause a significant financial burden.
In addition to repair costs and medical bills, you may also lose wages if you are unable to work due to your injuries. Insurance premiums may increase after an accident, further adding to the expense. In some situations, they may increase so high that the individual can no longer afford their insurance coverage.

Legal Issues

In some cases, accidents can also have legal repercussions. Depending on your state’s laws, you may be liable for damages caused by the crash. This can include damages to other vehicles, medical bills for injured parties, and more.
If a court determines that you were negligent in causing the accident, they could even levy criminal charges. In most cases, this is rare and typically only occurs in cases of reckless driving or drunk driving.

However, the other party can still file a lawsuit against you in civil court.
Even if you are not found to be at fault, you may still need to cover legal fees or other expenses. Be sure to keep this in mind when moving forward.

Hiring a Car Accident Attorney

Hiring a car accident attorney is crucial, and avoiding mistakes can help improve your chances of success. Keep the above guidelines in mind so that you can get the best possible results.

Looking for other useful info that can help you out in the future? Be sure to check out the rest of our blog!