Most people know that it can be in their best interest to hire a car accident lawyer after being involved in a car accident. After all, they know the legal system better than most people and can fight for your right to the compensation you deserve.

However, that doesn’t mean you should hire the first lawyer you find in an online directory. You may improve your chances of making a sound hiring decision by avoiding making these mistakes:

Hiring Based On Cost

As you start the search for an auto injury lawyer to represent your best interests, you’ve likely considered how much they charge. After all, the cheaper a lawyer is, the more money you can keep in your bank account.

However, money should never be the main determining factor. You also need to consider skills and experience. Fortunately, most highly-rated lawyers operate with contingency fees. They only get paid when you reach a successful settlement and take a percentage of the damages. In most cases, that percentage is around 20% to 50%. 

Hiring a Non-Specialized Lawyer

Lawyers specialize in many different areas. Some dedicate their careers to family law, while others specialize in white-collar crime, real estate, and estate planning. While they are technically all lawyers, you shouldn’t rely on a real estate lawyer to represent your best interests in an auto injury claim. They simply don’t have the experience to give your case the justice it deserves.

When you need a lawyer to represent you in a car accident claim, look explicitly for a car accident lawyer, personal injury lawyer, or auto injury lawyer. While they go by different names, they all have experience representing accident victims. 

Not Asking Questions

You can’t just assume that a lawyer you hire will be the perfect person for the job. Ensure your expectations are in check and you have all the facts by asking them questions. Fortunately, you’ll likely have this opportunity during your initial case review with your chosen lawyer. You are within your rights to ask about their experience and credentials and whether they have worked on cases like yours before. 

Not Researching their Reputation

Reputation counts for a lot in the legal world. The more experience and success a personal injury lawyer has, the more well-known and sought-after they can often become. Don’t be afraid to research a lawyer’s name before you hire them to represent you.

Type their name into a search engine, ask friends and family if they know the lawyer, and even search them in the American Bar Association directory. The more you know about them, the more confident you might be in your decision. 

Not Confirming Communication Expectations

The average car accident legal case can be stressful and overwhelming for victims. You don’t always know what to expect and can have many questions for your lawyer. Failure to discuss communication expectations with your lawyer early on can sometimes lead to frustration later. Ask how frequently they’ll contact you and whether you can connect with them on the phone, in person, by text, or by email. 

You deserve to hire a lawyer you can trust to guide you through the car accident claim process. Avoiding these mistakes might improve your chances of finding the right person for the job.