Note: “Personal injury” is a term used for a variety of case types. For example, some personal injury lawyers focus on medical malpractice or nursing home abuse. Other personal injury lawyers work on several different types of cases If you’ve been injured in an auto accident, you should consider choosing an attorney who only handles auto accident cases.
1. Ask a prospective law firm about their scope of work
Do they have experience in auto accident injury cases? Do they only handle auto accident cases, or several personal injury case types? What percentage of the firm's auto accident cases have been successfully resolved?
2. Ask for a complimentary consultation with an attorney
If your case is a good fit with the firm, some personal injury lawyers will offer a free and non-obligatory consultation to better understand the details of your case and the parties involved.
3. Determine if it's in your best interest to hire a lawyer
After consulting with you and understanding the basics of what happened, a knowledgeable car accident lawyer should let you know whether you even need to hire an attorney to help you. Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to successfully resolve your claim on your own, without being subject to attorney’s fees.
However, if you or your passengers were injured in an accident caused by someone else, it's likely in your best interest to have legal representation.
4. Inquire about contingency fees or other attorney's fees
Most reputable auto accident attorneys will not be paid unless they win your case. Once monetary compensation is recovered for you, the attorney is then paid a percentage of the amount. This is called a contingency fee.
When speaking with an attorney, be sure to ask them about the details of their fee structure, which should also be presented in writing. The attorney’s fee depends upon each firm, though typically ranges between 33%-50% and may change according to a graduated fee schedule.
At Baskerville Law, we’re proud to offer high-quality legal representation at a discounted fee—and we only get paid if you get paid.
5. Look for professional memberships, awards, experience, and reviews
When researching an attorney, look for legitimate reviews and industry awards to get a sense of how they are regarded by their clients.
Is the attorney accessible? Is there evidence of good relationships with past clients? Would prior clients recommend the attorney to friends and family? These are just some of the things to look out for and consider.
6. Be sure that you’re clear about next steps
Auto accident injury cases can be very complex. If you have questions or don’t quite understand something, ask for clarification. Don’t leave things “clear as mud.”
7. Find out who will be working on your case
This one might seem strange—after all, won’t the attorney who you researched and called be the one who is working on your case? Not necessarily.
Some law firms may have one attorney perform the initial consultation, then pass your information to another attorney who will actually work on the case. Alternatively, you might meet with an “intake specialist” or paralegal instead of an attorney at first, so you won't know who will be assigned to your case until you hire the firm.
Make sure that you know who will be working on your case, so that you know who to contact with questions. If the attorney working on your case is not the person that you meet with, request to meet them to ensure you feel comfortable moving forward.
Our founding attorney, Rob Baskerville, personally works on every auto injury case that we take, from start to finish. Call or text us at (505) 247-2774 to see why Baskerville Law is one of the highest-rated personal injury law firms in Albuquerque.