Injured in an Accident? Hiring an Attorney with These Skills is a Must!

Sustaining a personal injury, whether as the result of a motorcycle accident or slip and fall, can lead to significant hardships. Between possible lost wages, pain and suffering, and recovery time, there’s a lot you’re going to have to juggle. That’s why it’s recommended that you hire an accident lawyer with the following skills. 

Great Communication and Fast Response Time

Though most personal injury cases settle, that doesn’t mean there aren’t times when your accident lawyer will be in court. Because of this, you can’t expect them to answer your call immediately each and every time. 

However, they should prioritize having a fast response time as the situation calls for it. For most people, this is their first time dealing with any sort of injury. As such, you’re going to have questions at every step of the personal injury claims process, including what types of documents you need, what to say to the insurance company, and when you can expect resolution. 

Any accident attorney you hire should be able to communicate answers to these questions throughout the process and return calls promptly if an unexpected hiccup arrives. 

Legal Prowess

Of course, one of the most important skills your accident lawyer should possess is knowledge of your personal injury. There are a lot of moving parts in accident claims, so your lawyer should know how to negotiate with the insurance company, investigate the details, and most importantly, predict the most likely outcome of your case, including whether or not you even have a case. 

Though not required, it’s also beneficial if your attorney has worked with claims similar to yours. For example, if you were injured in a motorcycle accident, hiring a lawyer who knows the bias insurance companies hold against motorcyclists can give you an advantage when it comes time to settle. 

Compassion and Understanding 

The right personal injury attorney for your case is the one who will treat you with kindness and understanding as opposed to just another case file. 

Even if you were partially responsible for the accident and your subsequent injuries, it doesn’t negate the fact that you are facing some real issues, including possibly the inability to go to work and pay for your lifestyle, or suffered injuries that have significantly changed your life. 

Skilled accident attorneys recognize the total impact that an accident can have on your life and your family. Any that treat you as less than human or as just another case file aren’t the right attorneys for you. 

Trial Skills

As briefly mentioned above, most personal injury cases settle before they ever reach the courtroom. But in cases where liability is being disputed or the amount of damages you incurred are significant, you may see your case going before a judge and jury. 

Because of this possibility, you should hire an attorney who possesses the necessary trial skills and experience, including the ability to find and present details, prepare you and witnesses for cross-examination, and develop strong trial strategies. 

During your consultation, be sure to ask whether or not your lawyer is willing to take your case to trial if necessary, and if they have in the past, what the outcome of those cases was. 

How to Find the Right Accident Lawyer for You and Your Case

Understanding what to look for in an accident lawyer is good, but you also need to know how to go about finding one. Here are some places you can look: 

Google

The easiest way to find an attorney near you is to put your search query into Google. For example, you can type “personal injury lawyer near me,” “car accident attorney in Tyler Texas,” or “medical malpractice lawyer in Smith County.” 

Search queries such as these will put you right in front of the best personal injury attorneys in your area. From there, be sure to check out their reviews to see how much they charge and how effective they are in representing other clients. 

Local Facebook Groups

If you’re a member of a local Facebook group and need a lawyer, go ahead and ask around for referrals. Word-of-mouth referrals are the lifeblood of the legal industry. Best of all, you can find out more about how a firm operates by speaking to prior clients. This can go a long way in helping you make an informed decision! 

Do You Need an Accident Lawyer? The Vickery Law Firm in Tyler, TX Can Help!

Facing mounting medical bills and unable to work because of a negligent driver? Go ahead and give us a call.

At the Vickery Law Firm, our lawyers are ready to represent you in your personal injury claim. We’ll help you get the compensation you need and deserve. Call (903) 504-5490 or send an email to ron@vickerylawfirm.com to schedule a consultation with a trusted accident lawyer from our firm.