According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were an estimated 42,915 traffic fatalities in 2021 in the United States.
This is a 10.5 per cent increase compared to 2020 and the highest annual percentage increase recorded in the Fatality Analysis Reporting System’s history. Even a small town such as Clarksville in North Tennessee has already experienced more than 5,000 accidents in 2022, resulting in more than 700 injuries and 17 deaths.
Confusion and fear can be overwhelming if you have been recently involved in a car accident. Victims may often not know where to turn and may lack the experience necessary to navigate the legal system.. Because of this, it is important to research your options and find an experienced car accident lawyer who can guide you through the process.
Hiring a car accident lawyer to handle your case can be intimidating. However, choosing the right lawyer is incredibly important – you may entrust them with something as vital as securing compensation for your losses or injuries that you have suffered due to another party’s negligence.
Fortunately, there are several red flags you can look out for when evaluating potential attorneys. Understanding what these warning signs are could save you time, energy, and even money in the long run!
1. Not being licensed to practice law in your state
So before hiring a car accident attorney, it is important to verify that they are licensed to practice law in the state where the case is being fought. People often get into accidents outside of the state when travelling.
For example, for an incident in Clarksville, you need to hire an attorney licensed to practice in that state. To find the right attorney, look for “car accident lawyer Clarksville” on any search engine to find the right attorney for you and your case. Because if a prospective car crash lawyer is not licensed to practice law in the state where the accident occurred, they may not have access to certain resources or know how to navigate relevant laws.
A qualified car accident attorney should always hold an up-to-date license to practice law in your State. It is also helpful to consider their credentials, experience, and reviews from other clients who have used their services. Taking the extra time to do all this research can save you major headaches down the road.
2. Claiming to have a high success rate without any proof
As everyone knows, time is money, and car accident claims require prompt attention and resolution. If a car accident attorney claims to have a phenomenal success rate without offering any evidence, you should take caution with their services.
Their lack of proof may suggest that they lack experience in such areas since they would not otherwise document their successes as a form of guarantee or recommendation. Don’t be fooled by flashy talk – check for certifications or records of successful cases, and always trust your gut!
3. Asking for money upfront
Upfront payment demand before they’ve done anything is a sign of sketchy behaviour. Not only is this unethical, but it is also highly suspicious that they can predict the outcome of your case before they even start working on it.
At the very least, ensure you understand the fee structure and get quotes from multiple attorneys before committing to one – that way, you know exactly what’s expected financially. You can move forward without worrying about surprises.
4. Not providing a written contract or agreement
When researching and interviewing car accident attorneys, it is important to be aware of red flags.
One obvious red flag is if an attorney is not willing to provide a written contract or agreement outlining the services they will provide and their fees. Without this kind of agreement, it is impossible to know if they are reputable or upstanding.
It also gives you no assurance that they will even deliver on what they promised in the first place. So be sure to ask if there is a written contract before you go with any particular lawyer and inform your decision accordingly.
5. Refusing to give you a detailed case evaluation
As a client, it can be extremely frustrating when a lawyer refuses to give you a detailed case evaluation.
If your car accident lawyer does not provide you with an in-depth case evaluation, unless there are extenuating circumstances, this may indicate that they do not have the expertise or dedication to win your case due to a lack of understanding of the complexities of vehicle accident cases.
It pays to consider alternate options and find a car crash attorney who will break down their assessment of your case before taking on representation. That way, you know that they have considered legal facts, precedents, and strategies so that when you sign on with them, you can rest assured your case is in good hands.
6. Having a bad reputation with former clients
A big red flag is learning that the lawyer has a bad reputation among their former clients. While we all want to believe that it is just part of the cost of being an attorney, this is one area that should be taken very seriously.
If people have had a negative experience working with them in the past, it is a huge indication that this may be how they will treat you, too, if given a chance. Look carefully at reviews and reach out directly to prior clients if you possibly can, and make sure they are reputable and have a track record of actually listening to their clients.
7. Making unrealistic promises about the outcome of your case
No reputable car crash attorney will make you any sort of promise about the outcome of your case. If they do, that is a red flag.
Most car accident attorneys know that it is impossible to predict with absolute accuracy just how a case will turn out, so anyone claiming otherwise is either lying or inexperienced. Instead, they should look at all the facts and evidence and give you an honest assessment of your chances as clearly as possible.
It is always better to go with an attorney who is straightforward and realistic rather than one who claims they can work miracles in court. You don’t want empty promises; you want the truth and a lawyer who knows how to get the best result for your situation.
Is it worth hiring a lawyer for a car accident?
Hiring a good car accident lawyer depends on the specific circumstances of your case. In general, if you have been injured in a car accident and are looking to receive compensation for your injuries, hiring a car accident lawyer can be a good idea.
A good car accident lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and represent your interests in negotiations or in court, which can increase your chances of receiving a favourable outcome. Additionally, a good car accident lawyer can provide valuable guidance and advice throughout the process, which can be especially helpful if you are not familiar with the legal system.
While looking for a car accident attorney, you must know what red flags to look for. These include attorneys who promise big results, don’t offer a written contract, and refuse to give you a detailed case evaluation.
Additionally, it is important to research their reputation with past clients and ensure they aren’t making unrealistic promises. If you are aware of these red flags, you can make sure you’re selecting an experienced and reputable lawyer who will have your best interests at heart.
With the right car accident lawyer by your side, you can confidently move forward without worrying about any surprises.
I am Adeyemi Adetilewa, an SEO Specialist helping online businesses grow through content creation and proven SEO strategies. Proficient in WordPress CMS, Technical Site Audits, Search Engine Optimization, Keyword Research, and Technical Writing (Portfolio).
I help brands share unique and impactful stories through the use of public relations, advertising, and online marketing. My work has been featured in the Huffington Post, Thrive Global, Addicted2Success, Hackernoon, The Good Men Project, and other publications.
