It’s never a great experience to be involved in an accident, no matter how it occurs. But to be involved in an accident as a pedestrian is a scary situation. And when an accident does occur, the dangers to pedestrians can be drastic.
Generally, the instant you become a pedestrian, you are at risk for all sorts of accidents — and most of them are severe. If you have found yourself in a similar situation, you now need to look for a pedestrian accident lawyer to represent you.
But what should you be looking for in a lawyer? Let’s get that question answered!
Keep reading to learn more about what to look for in a personal injury lawyer.
Contents
Experience
When hiring a pedestrian accident lawyer, the experience should be at the top of your list. Look for a lawyer who has specific experience dealing with pedestrian accidents, as this will give them an in-depth knowledge of the laws in your state that may be related to your accident.
Experienced lawyers should have a long history of successful pedestrian accident cases. They should be able to use that experience to their advantage when it comes to reaching a settlement or taking their case to court. Be sure to ask potential lawyers about their success rate in previous cases, and be wary of any lawyer that doesn’t have much experience or won’t provide concrete details on the cases they’ve handled.
License and Certifications
A good lawyer should have a valid law license from the state in which they are practicing. They must have relevant professional certification from either a state or national organization.
Additionally, training in injury law can be beneficial as pedestrian accident laws vary from state to state. Before hiring a lawyer, make sure they have the necessary credentials to represent you effectively.
Specialization
When hiring a pedestrian accident lawyer, specialization matters. Specializing in this particular type of law means that the lawyer is knowledgeable, experienced, and up-to-date on changing laws in the field. They should be familiar with the insurance companies and claims processes associated with pedestrian accidents.
By specializing, the lawyer can focus on the unique challenges associated with these types of cases and handle the paperwork and filings efficiently. Hire a pedestrian accident lawyer that specializes in the area of your claim; it will ensure that your case is handled properly. They should have experience working with accident victims and handle these types of cases often.
Reputation
Ask for references and reviews from previous clients and find out if the lawyer succeeded in settling cases similar to yours. Check internet reviews from sites such as sites and make sure lawyers have positive ratings and reviews.
When hiring a pedestrian accident lawyer, it is important to be aware of any bad reputation that the lawyer might have. Research the lawyer’s background and ask the lawyer’s prior clients, colleagues, and even opposing counsel for references.
Avoid lawyers who leverage their knowledge in a way that compromises their client’s rights. Choose a lawyer who is not easily intimidated by large companies or insurance companies and who is not afraid to fight for the best possible outcome for the client.
Communication
The quality of communication between the attorney and the client is paramount. A lawyer who listens to the client and provides clear, concise advice is invaluable. The lawyer should have excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Furthermore, the lawyer should be comfortable with providing regular updates, regardless of the client’s location. The lawyer should be easily accessible and available to answer the following:
- phone calls
- emails
- other forms of communication
This is because updating the client on their case is equally as important as coming up with a strategy to win it.
Availability
Make sure to ask questions such as — how accessible is the lawyer to me? Can I get in touch with them easily?
A readily available lawyer is key. The accessibility of the lawyer should be a priority and should be one of the main things you look into when choosing a lawyer. Additionally, you should select someone who can be available when you need them, even if it is not during regular office hours.
Your lawyer should be able to handle the case efficiently and respond to any of your questions promptly. An experienced accident lawyer should have your best interest in mind and be available to provide support and legal help throughout the process.
Compassion
Compassion is an important quality that you should look for when seeking an attorney. This is because it is essential to providing the highest quality of legal representation. Compassion encourages attorneys to establish a better client-attorney relationship.
This can be achieved by understanding the following:
- their client’s situation
- their hardships related to the incident
- the emotional toll it can have on a person
Compassionate attorneys are committed to representing their client’s best interests and seeking the most satisfactory outcome for that person. By being caring, understanding, and reliable professional, attorneys can provide their clients with empathy during this difficult time.
Fees and Payment Terms
Before signing any agreement, it is essential to determine whether the lawyer charges a flat fee or an hourly rate. Generally, lawyers who work on a flat fee basis tend to spend more time on a case. This is because they do not increase the amount owed to them regardless of the time and effort invested.
Furthermore, clarifying the payment terms and whether a retainer and/or down payment is required before any work is done is vital. It is also important to inquire about any additional fees, such as:
- court costs
- expert witness fees
- transportation expenses
Finally, it is important to enquire about the payment methods accepted and whether installment plans are available. A good pedestrian accident lawyer should be upfront and honest about the payment terms, so ask any necessary questions to ensure an informed decision. To get a better idea about such services and fees, you may want to discover more.
Learn How to Find the Best Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
When hiring a pedestrian accident lawyer, it is essential to perform due diligence and research the lawyer’s background, research experience, and reputation. Choose a qualified lawyer with a track record of success who knows how to protect your rights and get you the best outcome.
With the right lawyer, you can confidently pursue a personal injury claim. Contact an expert today for a free consultation to learn more about how we can help.
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