How to Find the Best Car Accident Lawyer in St. Louis
When you’re in a car accident, the events that follow are sure to add to your stress. Even for a minor fender bender, you’ll be on the phone with your insurance company, trying to make arrangements to get around and filling out forms.
It’s even worse when your accident is major, which will likely leave you with injuries. There’s so much to take care of, yet your health should come first. You probably think that your insurance company will cover everything, but most car accident victims find out too late that their settlement isn’t adequate enough to take care of all their damages. This is why it’s imperative that you find the best car accident lawyer in St. Louis.
If you’ve never had to hire an attorney before, you may not know where to start. There are certainly plenty of good attorneys in St. Louis, though these tips will help you find the best one to fit your needs.
Find Out About Their Success Rates in Settlements and Trials
While most car accident cases never make it to the courtroom, the lawyer you choose should be able to win cases that go to trial. Find out if this attorney has trial experience and how satisfied previous clients were with their settlements. It will tell you a lot about how this attorney will do when representing your case.
Ask How Frequently They Communicate
It’s reasonable to expect regular updates on your case. You should additionally choose a car accident lawyer who will return your phone calls and emails without letting too much time elapse.
Since most personal injury attorneys offer a free initial consultation, you should see how responsive they are to your needs. The best car accident lawyer will be one that honors commitments and makes direct communication rather than pawning it off on another member of the law firm.
Find Out What They Charge
The vast majority of personal injury attorneys will offer a contingency fee arrangement. This means they only get paid if they are able to win your settlement or trial. While it may be impossible to know at the beginning the exact amount you may be able to get in compensation, an experienced attorney can analyze your case and give an estimate of what you can expect.
Additionally, they will tell you the set percentage they have in place that will apply to what they are able to recover in your case. Before you hire your car accident lawyer, make sure you understand these percentages as well as if there are any other fees. The best attorneys will be upfront and honest about this, making them a wise choice for representing you in your car accident case.
Look for a Lawyer Who Has Experience in Car Accident Cases
If you have a heart problem, you wouldn’t ask your general practitioner to perform open heart surgery. You’d go to a cardiologist, a doctor that specializes in that area of medicine. The same is true with the law since there are so many specializations.
While there are many qualified attorneys in St. Louis, not all of them have experience representing car accident victims. You will want to narrow your search down to only personal injury lawyers who have had success winning settlements and trials revolving around car accidents. In doing so, you will get the best possible outcome.
If you or a loved one were hurt in a car crash, you will want a St. Louis car accident lawyer to protect your rights and fight for what’s fair. By following these tips, you’ll be able to find the best one to represent you.