How Soon After an Auto Accident Should You Call a Lawyer?

When the cause of the car wreck is the negligent actions of another party, you can file a claim against them or the insurer, which calls for working with a lawyer. Having a lawyer in a car accident claim is not compulsory. But it makes a big difference in the outcomes, especially how much you recover in compensation. 

You probably already understand the importance of having a lawyer when pursuing a claim against the negligent party. But you may have questions about when to call one. This guide seeks to answer this question, so keep reading to learn more.

The Sooner, the Better

Business people and other high-profile individuals will almost always have a lawyer on retainer for the unexpected. In the case of any serious legal matter, they will call their lawyer, who typically responds immediately. You may not keep a car accident lawyer on retainer, but you can have them in your contact list. If you do, the best time to involve them would be while you are at the accident scene.

Few people have a lawyer to call while at the scene, so don't worry if you can not reach one immediately. Additionally, it is important to remember that while you want to find a lawyer as soon as possible, avoid working with a lawyer whose history you do not know. One example of this would be an ambulance chaser. 

Ambulance chasers are lawyers who follow ambulances to an accident scene, hoping to enlist victims when they are in their most vulnerable state. Ambulance chasers know all the right words to say but not how to deliver, so you will want to avoid them.

So When Is the Best Time?

The best time to pick a lawyer is when you are level-headed and can think straight. Start by getting medical attention and gathering evidence at the scene. You can begin your lawyer hunt once your physical and emotional well-being is handled. 

The best place to begin your lawyer hunt is online by checking car accident lawyers in your area. For example, if you get into an accident in Charlotte, NC, search for “car accident lawyer in Charlotte, NC” in your browser and go through the results to weigh which lawyer will fit your case best. 

Word of mouth is also an excellent strategy for finding a car accident lawyer, so ask around among friends and family; there is a high chance you will get quite some good referrals.

What to Look For In a Lawyer

Regardless of the route you choose to pick a lawyer, you must consider several factors before settling. First, pay attention to their years of experience, specialization, and track record of success. For example, if you are hit by a truck, your best bet will be working with a lawyer with years of experience in truck accidents and any record of winning fair compensation for clients with similar cases.

The financial muscle of a law firm is also critical, especially if you are going against corporations or the value of your damages is quite high. Personal injury lawyers have to rely on their resources to pursue a claim and can only recover their expenses after they receive compensation. If a law firm is not adequately resourced, it may be unable to put up a strong fight, which may ultimately mean less compensation.

What past clients say is another factor you must pay attention to. Check a lawyer or law firm’s reviews on their website and other platforms to gauge past client satisfaction levels.