Choosing a Philadelphia car accident attorney can be overwhelming because there are so many to choose from. Understanding what makes a good lawyer can help you sort through the options and find one you feel comfortable with. Always interview several to see where you find the best match.
Here are some tips to consider when looking for your auto accident lawyer in Philadelphia.
Start with your network
Talk to people you know and ask if anyone has experience with a good car accident lawyer in your area. If someone you know does have experience with a lawyer, ask them about that experience. Find out what they liked about working with the lawyer and what they didn’t like. Both angles will help you paint a better picture of working with a particular lawyer. Most people can find a good list to start with simply by asking friends and family for references.
Should your network be short, look online to find auto accident attorneys near you. In doing so, consider not only each attorney’s rating, but also the number of ratings they have to further gauge their skills and expertise.
Understanding costs
A car accident lawyer is not allowed to charge an hourly rate. Instead, they charge a percentage of the settlement that is only paid when you are paid. This is called a contingency fee. The average range for auto accident lawyers is 33% to 40%, so it’s expected to find someone within this range. Higher fees should be a red flag for you.
What’s their specialty?
Auto accident attorneys are personal injury attorneys who may specialize in workers’ compensation issues, class action lawsuits, and auto accident cases. If possible, find someone who specializes in car accidents or at least has enough experience to easily navigate and negotiate with insurance companies and their processes. Ask the attorney about their caseload and what percentage of the car accidents out of the total caseload.
Can they litigate?
Of course, any lawyer can go to court, but if your case does end up in court, you want a lawyer who has experience in the courtroom. Only about 5% of accident cases end up in court, so this is not a large number. However, if you’ve suffered serious injuries and missed a lot of time at work, make sure you’re prepared if the case goes to court. If you have a litigator by your side, your attorney will not shy away from settlements you are entitled to and will take further action if necessary.
Find the organization
There are many moving parts in an injury cassette. Lawyers must work with clients, insurance companies, medical providers, witnesses and more. You want an organized attorney who doesn’t let things fall into the head. An important characteristic of organization is a clean and tidy office. A lawyer who has a pile of files on his desk (or maybe even on the floor) may not be the best choice for your case.
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