Casey is a founding partner at River Run Law Group. Casey has tried numerous cases across the Commonwealth in both General District Court and Circuit Court. He has earned millions of dollars for his clients through trials, mediations, and settlements.
Suppose you or someone you love was recently injured in a car accident and are contemplating legal action. In that case, you are probably researching “car accident lawyer near me” and “best car accident lawyer.” The internet results can be overwhelming and leave you feeling more in your head than before turning to the internet.
It can be a daunting task to find the best car accident lawyer near you. Don’t fret just yet. You have come to the right place. We compiled this list of six ways to find the best car accident lawyer near you.
Ask the People Closest to You for a Referral
Without a doubt, the best way to find a car accident lawyer near you is to ask those closest to you. Reaching out to your family and friends to ask if they can recommend a car accident attorney is the number one way to find the right attorney for your case. As with other professional services, tapping into the resources closest to you is always a good idea.
Almost everyone has a family member or friend who has been in a car accident and has filed a personal injury claim. Speak with them and ask for their referrals. They would likely recommend someone to you if they had exceptional experience with an attorney.
Similarly, if they had an unpleasant or unsuccessful experience with a particular firm or lawyer, they will advise you to avoid them. Seeking a recommendation from relatives or friends can help you narrow a list of potential attorneys.
Check Online Reviews and Ratings
While the initial search engine results might seem overwhelming, the internet is an excellent place to turn to once you have a list of potential candidates. Just as you might with other professionals such as an electrician or doctor, you can visit the internet to get a closer look at a potential attorney or law firm.
Most personal injury attorneys have an online presence through their website or other attorney review sites such as Avvo or Super Lawyers. Google reviews may also have useful information about other clients’ experiences with individual lawyers.
Taking a few moments to browse the web and learn more about a specific attorney or firm can be beneficial in helping you choose your car accident lawyer. While we do not suggest relying solely on online reviews to select your attorney, looking at an attorney’s success rate, achievements, practice area, client reviews, and more can be helpful.
Interview Prospective Attorneys and Law Firms
You should schedule consultations once you have narrowed down a short list of potential attorneys. Most personal injury lawyers offer free initial consultations, and it will not cost you any money out of pocket to speak with them.
While the primary purpose of an initial consult is generally to tell your story to the attorney, describe the accident, your injuries, and any other essential details, it is equally important to use the time to learn about the attorney.
A consultation or initial interview lets you learn more about the lawyer or law firm professionally. You can get a glimpse of how they handle themselves, their approach, and a general overall feeling of whether they are the right choice for your situation.
Ask About Availability and Caseload
During that initial consultation or a follow-up conversation, asking the attorney about their current workload and availability is a good idea. Personal injury cases are time-consuming and complex. If the attorney already has a full calendar and workload, they might not be the best choice for handling your case.
Sometimes, you can also get a sense of this during that initial consultation. For instance, if the attorney allows interruptions, takes phone calls, or seems rushed during the meeting, this can indicate that they have a full caseload and not enough time to dedicate to your case.
Contact Your State or Local Bar Association
Reaching out to your state or local bar association is also a good resource for finding the best car accident lawyer near you. They can provide a list of attorneys practicing personal injury focusing on car accident cases.
Typically, lawyers offer their info to their local bar associations, so if they have done so, it is generally because they can take on additional cases. You can also try contacting your local courthouse to see if they have a list of attorneys they can refer.
Avoid Non-Attorney Services & “Ambulance Chasers”
Equally as important are things to avoid when choosing a car accident attorney. You should steer clear of hiring non-attorney services for assistance. These companies are not licensed attorneys and will often market themselves as cheaper and faster at obtaining a resolution.
Avoid using these services for several reasons, but primarily because they can charge a significant fee and are not licensed lawyers bound by professional conduct and ethics rules. These unlicensed agencies or individuals may recommend that you accept a minimal settlement to avoid litigation so they can collect their fees. You will lose your right to pursue anything further.
You must also be cautious of “ambulance chasers” or attorneys who directly solicit you for your business. These attorneys are nicknamed ambulance chasers because they will target car accident victims almost immediately after the crash to gain their business.
Remember, a professional attorney with a well-established reputation will not make unrealistic promises in exchange for your business. A sign of a great car accident lawyer will be truthful, compassionate, and realistic about expectations given the circumstances of your case.
Recent Car Accident Settlement
The Case: Our client was rear-ended in two separate motor vehicle accidents within about 10 months of each other. He ended up having neck surgery that was partially attributed to both collisions. Both matters were settled for a combined amount of $475,000.
Disclaimer: Please keep in mind that testimonials or reviews do not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of your legal matter, as the facts and circumstances of each case differ.
Contact a Top-Rated Virginia Car Accident Lawyer
At River Run Law, we believe in pursuing justice and compensation for our clients. Car accidents often result in devastating injuries and are almost always unexpected. Let us advocate for you and your family.
We routinely obtain six and seven-figure verdicts and settlements for our car accident clients. Contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation at a convenient time.
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