Did you know the average cost of lawyer fees in Michigan can reach up to $285 per hour? You wouldn't let a mechanic work on your car just because they said they were good at it, would you? So why would you let just anyone represent you in the courtroom?

If you've been in a car accident and need representation, you may be wondering how not to get ripped off by a lawyer. You may feel overwhelmed and confused about what to do next.

No one wants to get taken advantage of when it comes to legal matters, especially after living through a traumatic collision. Unfortunately, many people are misled by car accident lawyers looking for a quick payday.

This guide will teach you how to hire a car crash lawyer without being ripped off in the process. If you've been injured in a car accident, read our guide to ensure you get the best representation possible.

How Does the Lawyer Handle Case Consultations?

A consultation is a key step in hiring a good lawyer. After all, how can you know if an attorney is a right fit for your case unless they've reviewed it?

A case analysis (or legal memorandum) will help the lawyer understand the nature of your accident and what needs to be done to build a strong case.

This is an important step because it determines how the lawyer analyzes:

  • Vehicle damage

  • Bodily injuries

  • Insurance

  • Legal issues

  • Medical bills

  • Settlements

  • Liability

During the consultation, be sure to ask the lawyer questions about their background. You want to know how many cases like yours they've handled. Ideally, you want someone who specializes in car accidents.

It's also important to remember that you need to be a client for a lawyer to offer you legal advice. This means that if you accept a free case analysis, the lawyer may use this as a way to pressure you into signing a contract, without actually offering you legitimate legal advice.

If you do not want to be pressured into hiring a particular lawyer, you can always decline the offer and pay for legal analysis later.

Does the Lawyer Have Proper Experience?

If you've been in a car accident, it's important to remember that you have the right to hire any lawyer you want. You are not limited to hiring the first lawyer you meet.

We recommend that you interview multiple lawyers before you hire anyone. This way, you can ensure that you're hiring the best possible firm for your case.

When meeting with potential lawyers, ask about their experience, fees, and case results. These are all essential factors to consider when making your decision. Ask the lawyer how they would handle your case specifically, and pay attention to whether they seem confident in their abilities.

Is the Lawyer Capable of Determining Liable Parties?

In order to win your case, your lawyer will need to verify that someone else is at fault for the accident. This is accomplished by gathering evidence and witness testimony, and it's essential to your case before appealing to justice.

Your lawyer will also need to demonstrate that you have suffered damages as a result of the accident for the prosecution to take place.

These damages can include:

  • Property damage

  • Medical bills

  • Lost wages

  • Pain and suffering

Can the Lawyer Handle Insurance Companies?

Insurance companies will do everything in their power to avoid paying out settlements. And they'll attempt to lowball you on settlement offers without any consideration for your trauma, injuries, and medical bills.

Additionally, insurance companies may record your calls to build a case against you. That's why it's so important to have a lawyer on your side who knows how to stand up to insurance enterprises and their shady tactics.

An experienced car accident lawyer will be able to get you the settlement you deserve. They'll be able to handle the insurance companies so you can focus on healing and getting the appropriate legal payouts.

Is the Lawyer Well-Established in the Court of Law?

It's important to hire an attorney who can handle multiple defendants and has a good relationship with the local court system. If you're in a car accident, you want an attorney who knows how to win cases inside and outside of the courtroom.

A good lawyer can question defendants, witnesses, and law enforcement to get the information they need to win your case. They should also have the skills to work with expert witnesses, gather evidence, and file the necessary paperwork with the court.

You don't want to be represented by a lawyer who isn't well-established in the court system because they may not have the necessary experience to win your case. So make sure to hire a lawyer who is prepared to build you a thorough legal strategy.

Is the Lawyer Professional During the Trial Period?

When you're in a car accident, the last thing you want is to be represented by a lawyer who isn't professional when representing your case.

The defendants will be looking for any opportunity to discredit you and your claim. And if your lawyer isn't professional, they may give them the ammunition they need to destroy an opportunity for you to receive your deserved compensation.

You want a lawyer who is respectful, knowledgeable, and sharp. Someone who is confident in their abilities and will fight for you until the end.

How Not to Get Ripped Off by a Lawyer

We hope our guide has helped teach you how not to get ripped off by a lawyer. Remember, when meeting with potential lawyers, ask about their experience, fees, and case results regarding car accident lawsuits.

And most importantly, choose a local lawyer that you feel confident in and that you believe will fight for the best possible outcome in your case.

Contact Kerley Schaffer LLP today if you've been injured in a car crash in Oakland, MI. We're here to get you and your family the justice you deserve.