The ideal situation after an auto accident goes something like this: You file an insurance claim. The insurance company quickly processes your claim. The insurance company offers you a fair settlement, and you accept the settlement. Unfortunately, this ideal situation doesn’t always happen. Sometimes you need help to get the compensation you deserve. Sometimes, you need to hire an auto accident lawyer.
Hiring an auto accident lawyer can seem like a daunting task. Simply searching “best auto accident lawyer in Salt Lake City” online could pull up a large number of law firms and personal injury attorneys to choose from. Keeping a few basic principles in mind can help you select the right lawyer for your case.
Lawyers Are Your Advocates
Your auto accident lawyer is hired to be your advocate — not your friend, not your employee and not your boss. An advocate is someone who will support you and champion your cause. As you meet with attorneys, find a representative with whom you feel you will have a good relationship. Find someone who will listen to you and whom you can trust.
Referrals Are Golden
A referral from a friend or family member you trust is a great place to start. Find people who have hired an auto accident lawyer in your area, say Salt Lake City, and ask them if they were happy with the help they received.
Experience Is Key
Find a lawyer with significant experience handling cases like yours. Don’t be afraid to ask what the firm’s record is with auto accident cases. Many law firms offer free consultations. This consultation is a great time to ask questions that gauge the experience of the lawyer. How many other auto accident cases in your area, say in Salt Lake City, have they defended and won? What percentage of the practice is devoted to auto accident cases? What is a typical settlement for a case like yours?
Choose someone to represent you who you feel will passionately pursue your case.