With over 1.3 million lawyers in the United States, it can be overwhelming to choose the right car accident attorney, especially after being involved in an accident. This task becomes even more crucial and challenging considering that in 2022, a total of 42,514 people died in motor vehicle crashes, which are estimated to cost the U.S. economy $340 billion annually. Here are five key things to keep in mind during your search process for legal representation.

Experience Handling Car Accident Cases

You want a car accident lawyer in Oklahoma City who has extensive experience, specifically handling car accident cases. They should be knowledgeable about applicable laws and insurance policies. Chris Hammons, an attorney in Oklahoma City, recommends asking about the number of similar cases they’ve handled, win rates, and average settlements or awards obtained for past clients. Look for at least 5-10 years of specialized experience in this area of law. Extensive expertise handling auto accident litigation from start to finish is key.

Resources to Thoroughly Investigate Your Car Accident Case

Your lawyer should commit ample resources to gathering evidence to prove fault and damages. The right resources can make a big difference in demonstrating negligence and the full extent of your losses. An attorney with connections to quality expert witnesses and accident reconstruction specialists is invaluable. Advanced investigative capabilities also distinguish top firms.

Car Accident Lawyers’ Commitment to Keeping You Informed

The average car accident lawsuit lasts around 20 months. So, look for a car accident lawyer who is transparent, provides case updates, and clearly explains your options throughout the whole process. It’s a red flag if an attorney is difficult to reach or doesn’t proactively communicate. You need an advocate who is readily available via phone, email, and in-person meetings. Responsiveness and clarity are essential throughout the legal process.

Objective Viewpoint and Reasonable Fees

Make sure prospective attorneys provide clear explanations of fee structures so there are no surprises. Contingency fees around 33% to 25% are typical. You want someone driven to get the best deal for you, not just quickly settle. Ethical lawyers put clients’ interests first, not their own bottom line. Make sure fee agreements are fair and incentive maximum compensation.

Car Accident Lawyers with Proven Track Record

Vet potential lawyers’ reputations and track records. Look for evidence of success through reviews, legal recognitions, and past case results. Strong negotiators and litigators will have satisfied clients and favorable verdicts/settlements.

Be wary of any ethical lapses. For example, a U.S. judge recently fined two lawyers $5000 for using fake ChatGPT citations in a court filing. Any misconduct should raise red flags. The ideal attorney will have a consistent history of winning cases ethically and obtaining fair compensation for clients. Their reputation and record should give you confidence in their skills.

With careful research using these criteria, you can identify the most qualified car accident attorney. Don’t settle for less than the best representation. An experienced lawyer with a proven record can make all the difference in achieving maximum compensation. Take your time and vet options thoroughly – the right representation is critical.