At Selingo Guagliardo, we know that it's never easy to hire a lawyer. You might need one if you've been in a car accident, though? So, how do you know which lawyer to hire? Where do you start your search for the right attorney?

You can't just pick any lawyer off the street and hope for the best. You want someone who is experienced with car accidents, knowledgeable about your state's laws, and who has won cases like yours before.

The first step of finding that person is asking yourself these six key questions:

• How much experience do you have with car accident cases like mine?

• How much of the settlement will be left after all expenses are paid if you win my case?

• What happens if we lose my case - can I still get a settlement offer from the insurance company  

• What should I expect after hiring an attorney - what happens next, and when will we know whether we've won or lost the case?

• Do you charge an hourly fee or a flat rate, and what are the charges for each type of case?

• Is there anything else that I should know before hiring you as my lawyer?

Experience

The first thing you'll want to know about your potential lawyer is how many years of experience they have.

More experienced lawyers are generally more familiar with the ins and outs of auto accident cases. In contrast, someone who just recently became a lawyer or just passed the bar exam could potentially be less knowledgeable.

There's no exact number of years you should look for, but you can ask your prospective attorney specific questions that will give you an idea whether you're dealing with someone new to a practice or if they've been around for a while.

Settlement Offers

If you win your case, you'll want to know how much you will be receiving in settlement money.

It's difficult for you to determine whether you're being offered a fair settlement offer, but you should have some idea of what you expect your future case to bring if you were to fight it in court.

Remember, no reputable lawyer would take on a case that doesn't have the potential to win. 

Losing a Case

Before you hire a lawyer, you should know what you will do if you lose the case but are offered money by the insurance company.

You can always refuse the offer and pursue another avenue of compensation, such as filing a lawsuit against the other driver.

Your attorney should be able to help you with this decision, so you know whether or not it's worthwhile for you to accept an early settlement offer instead of seeking damages through your court case. 

Expectations

Most people who hire lawyers assume they should sit back and wait until their case is finished.

While you may not need to attend any hearings or trials, you will still need to meet with your attorney regularly for consultations about your case.

Your lawyer needs you present at these meetings because you're the one with knowledge about what you think happened during the accident - not them. 

Don't hesitate to ask your prospective attorney how many consultations you should expect each month so you know whether you can expect your case to come together quickly or if it will take some time before anything comes of it.

Hourly Fee vs. Flat Rate

Most lawyers charge on an hourly basis because they have to spend time researching your case, conducting depositions, reviewing documents, etc., whereas some lawyers charge you a flat rate. After all, you agree to pay them a certain amount for their services.

Some lawyers will offer you an hourly and contingency fee if you win the case, whereas others will give you a flat rate for your retainer and your settlement money. You must know how each of these rates works before signing any contracts with your lawyer.

Additional Information

Finally, don't be afraid to ask your potential lawyer if there's anything else you should know before hiring them. Your lawyer should have more experience than you in cases like a car accident, and they should be willing to help you with anything you don't understand.

Find a Car Accident Lawyer in Kingston, PA

Car accidents are incredibly traumatic legal experiences, but you don't have to go through them alone. With this guide, you'll be able to find the right lawyer for you in no time at all. Following these questions will ensure your case is in good hands and help you win. Contact the car accident lawyers in Kingston, PA, for all your car accident needs.