Knowing how to choose a car accident lawyer is challenging, particularly if it’s your first time seeking legal assistance. How do you sort the good from the bad, and what makes a “good” car accident lawyer, anyway? If you need help finding legal support, follow these tips.
Find a Lawyer that Focuses on Personal Injury Law
You want a lawyer who focuses specifically on personal injury cases. Personal injury law is complex. It takes years of experience to fully understand how to deal with insurance companies, calculate fair compensation, build strong claims, and develop a reputation for being ready, willing, and able to try a case to the jury when needed. A lawyer who handles personal injury cases every day knows what evidence to gather, what tactics insurers use, and how to fight for the best results. If you hire someone who only dabbles in this area, they may overlook key details, miscalculate your losses, or accept an unfairly low settlement. Or they may overvalue the case and take you to court unnecessarily. That can cost you money, time, and peace of mind.
Ask for Recommendations
One of the best ways to start your search for an experienced car accident lawyer is by asking people you trust. Friends, family members, or coworkers who have gone through similar situations can offer valuable insight into their experiences. Personal recommendations also give you a better sense of what it’s really like to work with a particular attorney.
When you talk to someone about their experience with an attorney, don’t just ask if they “liked” the lawyer. Dig deeper to understand how the attorney handled the case and treated their client. Here are a few helpful questions to ask:
- Did the lawyer keep you informed and return your calls?
- Were they clear and honest about what to expect?
- Did they explain things in a way you could understand?
- Were you satisfied with the outcome of your case?
- Did the lawyer seem experienced and confident in handling personal injury claims?
Browse Through Law Firms’ Websites
Reviewing law firm websites can help you narrow your choices and get a feel for each lawyer’s approach. A good website will give you more than just contact information – it should show you what the firm focuses on, how much experience they have, and the results they’ve achieved. Reading through a site can also help you gauge whether the attorney seems approachable, knowledgeable, and genuinely interested in helping people like you. It’s an easy way to compare different firms before making a call.
When reviewing a law firm’s website, look for:
- Specific experience handling car accident cases
- Information about past case results or client success stories
- Attorney bios that highlight their background and legal focus
- Client testimonials or reviews
- Free consultation offers or contact options
- Clear, helpful explanations of the claims process
- Any awards, recognitions, or professional memberships
Consider Their Experience and Case Results
It might seem obvious, but experience matters when choosing a car accident lawyer. This is not something that is adequately taught in law school. No one graduates from law school ready to handle a personal injury case. You want someone who has handled cases like yours and knows how to deal with insurance adjusters, medical records, and courtroom procedures.
Prioritize Accessibility and Communication
The last thing you need is an attorney who’s hard to reach or slow to respond. Your personal injury lawyer should return your calls promptly, answer your questions in clear terms, and keep you informed about what’s happening with your case. If you’re left in the dark or constantly chasing answers, it can add unnecessary stress to an already difficult time.
Look for Extensive Resources, Support Staff, and Local Knowledge
You want to find a firm with the resources and support to handle your case effectively. A well-staffed office with paralegals, investigators, and legal assistants can keep your case moving while making sure nothing slips through the cracks. You don’t want a law firm that is twisting your arm to take a settlement because they can’t pay their bills and need the money. A solid law firm that has been in business for a long time is more likely to be willing to keep pushing your case as long as it takes.
Schedule a Consultation
Most personal injury lawyers offer free consultations, and you should talk with your attorney before hiring them. Bring your medical records and any evidence you have with you to the meeting. You can use this time to ask your lawyer some key questions, such as:
- How much experience does your firm have with car accident cases like mine?
- What is your approach to handling claims against insurance companies?
- Will you personally handle my case or pass it off to someone else?
- How will you keep me updated throughout the process?
- What are your fees, and do I owe anything if we don’t win?
Our Raleigh Car Accident Attorneys Are Ready to Help You
Younce, Vtipil, Baznik & Banks, P.A. in Raleigh has everything you need in a North Carolina car accident law firm. With over 90 years of experience, we have the knowledge and insights needed to prove who caused your injuries and hold them accountable.
When you work with Younce, Vtipil, Baznik & Banks, you work one-on-one with a dedicated legal team committed to your recovery. Many of our injury lawyers and staff have been with our firm for over 20 years, offering hands-on treatment, care, and personal attention to our clients. If the client wants to talk with their attorney, the client gets to talk with their attorney. If the attorney is not immediately available, they will call back as soon as possible. Plus, our state-of-the-art case tracking system helps us provide each client with the best representation possible. We also have staff members fluent in both English and Spanish if you need translation help.
We have recovered significant compensation for our clients, including multiple cases with multi-million dollar settlements or trial awards. What we’re most proud of, though, is the positive feedback we receive from our clients, such as this recent testimonial:
“This was my first time using an attorney for an accident. I’m glad I chose Attorney David Vtipil to represent me. Along with his secretary Carmella, and the rest of Younce, Vtipil, Baznik & Bank… They made the process clear, and workless. They kept me informed through the case and, were very professional. Thank you all so much!” – Wanda Phillips
Trust the Raleigh car accident attorneys at Younce, Vtipil, Baznik & Banks, to protect your future after a crash. Call us now at 919-661-9000 or complete our contact form to get started with a free consultation and discuss your situation with an experienced and knowledgeable attorney.
About the Author
David E. Vtipil
David Vtipil is an attorney at Younce, Vtipil, Baznik & Banks, P.A. and concentrates his law practice on personal injury and workers' compensation. David E. Vtipil was selected by his peers for inclusion in the 21st Edition of The Best Lawyers in America in the field of Workers’ Compensation Law.
