After a car accident, it’s highly advisable to retain an attorney to represent you – even if you’re sure the insurance company is willing to settle the case. There’s just one problem; there are literally thousands of lawyers in the area that will handle your case, and it can be hard to figure out which one is right for you. At Bruntrager & Billings, we have over 65 years of experience helping injured victims recover and are happy to offer no-obligation consultations, so you feel free to talk to other lawyers. Below are some of the factors you should consider when choosing an attorney to represent you.
LOOK FOR ATTORNEYS WITH EXPERIENCE HANDLING CAR ACCIDENT CASES
There’s much of the practice of law that attorneys learn on the job and through years of experience. For this reason, as a car accident victim, it’s a good idea to look for a lawyer or law firm that has experience handling similar cases and who has a track record of success obtaining fair settlements and awards on behalf of their clients.
CONSIDER YOUR NEEDS WHEN IT COMES TO COMMUNICATION
Lack of communication is one of the main complaints members of the general public have about attorneys. When you’re looking for a lawyer, be sure to consider your expectations regarding communication and discuss them with any firm or lawyer you are considering retaining. Ask whether you will have your lawyer’s cell phone number or whether you will be communicating mostly with his or her staff. Also, ask if you will receive regular updates about your case, and whether there is anything to report or not (car accident cases can often stretch out for months or even years).
ASK YOUR ATTORNEY ABOUT HOW HE OR SHE CHARGES
You should be certain to discuss legal fees when you’re looking for a personal injury lawyer in St. Louis. The overwhelming majority of injury attorneys enter into a contingency fee arrangement fee with their clients, which means that they will only get paid if they are able to secure a settlement or award for their clients. Any legal fees they collect will be a predetermined percentage of the client’s recovery, typically anywhere from 20 percent to a third. In some cases, attorneys charge different fees depending on at what point a case is resolved. As a client, you should always be sure that you fully understand an attorney’s fee structure prior to signing a retainer agreement.
CALL BRUNTRAGER & BILLINGS TODAY TO SCHEDULE A FREE CASE EVALUATION WITH A ST. LOUIS CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
If you have been injured in a car accident in the St. Louis area, you should call Bruntrager & Billings as soon as you can. We will review the facts of your case at no cost to you and let you know whether we believe you have a claim. To schedule your free consultation with an accident attorney in St. Louis, call our office today at 314-646-0066 or send us an email through our online contact form.