Criteria for Vetting an Accident Attorney
Accidents that result in considerable injuries can leave you grappling with physical and financial damages that could last for months and even years after the accident. Filing a complaint against the party who caused the accident is the most appropriate recourse, so you can obtain financial compensation for the injuries you have suffered. To do this, you need to work with an accident attorney who can competently represent your interest and get you the compensation you deserve.
The first step in doing that would be to find the right accident lawyer for your case. Here’s how you can do so.
[dcl=6613]
Qualifications
Qualifications refer to the educational requirements needed to practice law. This means that a qualified lawyer is someone with a Juris Doctorate law degree and has passed the bar exam for your state. Some states require lawyers to pass the Multistate Bar Examination, the Multistate Essay Examination, and the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination to practice, so inquire if this is the case in your state.
He or she must also be certified to practice as a specialist in personal injury or accident law. Certifications are obtained from programs that are accredited by the American Bar Association. This makes your State Bar Association one of the best places to start your search for a qualified accident lawyer, since they have records of lawyers who are certified to practice in this specialized field of law. While there are states that may not require this certification, you will feel more confident about your case if you are represented by someone who has studied this specific field.
Experience
Qualifications are often not enough to raise your chances for a successful lawsuit. It is equally important to hire an attorney who specializes in accident and personal injury claims. You would want to work with someone who has handled many accident lawsuits in the past, as opposed to an attorney who has more experience dealing with insurance or sexual abuse claims, for example.
Skills
Your lawyer must have good research and analytical skills, as well as good communication skills, which are all required to successfully bring your case to a favorable settlement agreement or to court. While many lawyers will prefer to settle cases out of court if this can provide the most beneficial outcome for the client, you also need your lawyer to be skilled at drafting pleadings and litigating in front of a judge and jury if your case must be settled in court.
Get the most from your car accident settlement:[dcl=6613]
Finally, you want an accident lawyer who holds a strong code of ethics and is dedicated to helping victims like you get the compensation they deserve. Being a competent advocate is the foremost duty of any accident lawyer and you should see that in how your lawyer prioritizes your rights and your case.