Choosing an accident attorney is a decision that can impact your life for years to come. When you need to recover just compensation after an accident in Chicago, you need to make sure you do everything you possibly can to recover the full compensation you deserve. This starts with choosing the right attorney to represent you.
The accident attorneys at Coplan + Crane understand what an important decision it is to find the right lawyer. That’s why we offer FREE initial consultations to meet with your prospective attorney and get to know them. This free case evaluation is your chance to tell your story and ask questions about your case. It is also your attorney’s opportunity to hear your side of the story, assess the merits of your claim, and explain your rights and legal options.
Below are ten factors to consider when looking for a qualified attorney to represent you.
What should you look for in an accident attorney? While there is no single “right” answer, there are several factors you can consider to make an informed decision. These include factors such as:
Whether it’s a car accident or slip and fall, every accident case is unique, so an attorney’s past results are not indicative of how much you can expect to recover in your case. But, they are indicative of the attorney’s capabilities. If a lawyer has numerous multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts, this is a good indication that he or she is capable of providing effective legal representation.
Organizations like Super Lawyers, the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and the Leading Lawyers Network only recognize accident attorneys who meet their criteria. As a result, recognition by these organizations (among others) can be indicative of an attorney’s experience and capabilities as well.
Reviews from past clients are among the best indicators of what you can expect if you choose an accident attorney to represent you. If an attorney consistently receives five-star reviews, this means there is a good chance that you will have a five-star experience as well.
Along with five-star reviews, video testimonials can also provide valuable insight into what you can expect as a client. If an attorney’s clients are willing to take the time to sit down and record a testimonial after their personal injury case is over, this usually demonstrates an extremely high level of satisfaction with their legal representation.
You should be able to discuss your case with an accident attorney for free; and, if you hire the attorney to represent you, he or she should handle your case at no out-of-pocket cost. This is known as contingency-fee representation, and it is standard for all types of accident cases. Before you hire an accident attorney to represent you, the attorney should clearly disclose the fees and costs that will be deducted from your award if your case is successful.
Choosing not just an attorney, but a legal team, will help ensure that you have the best chance of recovering just compensation as quickly as possible. Accident cases can be extremely complex, and there can be a lot of work involved in recovering the compensation you deserve. With an experienced legal team on your side, you can be confident that your case is being handled both effectively and efficiently.
In many cases, it pays to have local knowledge. If your attorney is familiar with the location where your accident happened, this can help your attorney with conducting a prompt investigation and analyzing all relevant facts and circumstances.
In all cases, it is important to choose an accident attorney who can get to work on your case immediately. When you need to preserve evidence in order to protect your ability to recover just compensation, you do not have time to wait. You also need to rely on the advice of an experienced accident attorney to avoid mistakes that could jeopardize your claim.
When you sit down with an accident attorney for your free initial consultation, you should feel free to ask questions about what you can expect during your case (if you choose to hire the attorney to represent you). This includes questions about the attorney’s accessibility. You will have questions during your case, and it is important to know that you can get the answers you need when you need them.
Finally, when you sit down for your free initial consultation, you should walk away feeling comfortable with your conversation and confident in the attorney’s ability to represent you. You will need to share a lot of personal information with your attorney, and you will be relying on your attorney to secure the financial resources you need for the future. If you do not feel comfortable or confident for any reason, then there is another attorney who is a better choice for your case.
If you need an accident attorney in the Chicago area, we invite you to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation at Coplan + Crane.
Call 312-982-0588 or contact us online to speak with an attorney in confidence as soon as possible. We welcome clients from across Illinois, including Chicago, Oak Park, Rockford, and other areas.
