Being involved in a car accident in South Omaha can be an overwhelming experience, especially if it results in serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and complex insurance claims. A motor vehicle crash can place a serious financial burden on you and your family. According to statistics, traffic accidents cost Americans over $340 billion a year.
To navigate the aftermath and ensure you get the compensation you deserve, hiring a car accident lawyer is essential. But with so many personal injury law firms out there, how do you know who is the right fit for your accident case?
Experience With South Omaha Car Accident Cases
Not all lawyers handle cases involving car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, or other motor vehicle accidents. This is because the practice of law is varied. There are divorce lawyers, entertainment lawyers, bankruptcy lawyers, and many more.
You do not want to hire a lawyer who focuses on estate planning to handle your car accident claim. Instead, choose a lawyer who not only practices personal injury law but also has experience in handling auto accident cases.
Experienced car accident lawyers are familiar with common accident scenarios, insurance tactics, and the legal strategies that yield the best results.
Track Record of Success Handling South Omaha Motor Vehicle Accident Claims
While past results are never a guarantee of future outcomes, a lawyer’s success rate is a strong indicator of his or her ability to handle your case effectively. Reviewing a lawyer’s track record can provide valuable insight into how well he or she has been able to recover compensation for previous clients.
A lawyer’s track record also indicates whether he or she is willing to go to trial if necessary.
During your initial consultation, don’t be afraid to ask questions such as:
- What is his or her success rate in cases involving South Omaha car accidents?
- How much experience does he or she have with cases like yours?
- Has he or she secured compensation for clients in similar circumstances?
A high rate of successful settlements or verdicts in cases involving motor vehicle accidents is often a sign of effective negotiation and litigation skills.
Current Availability and Caseload
Some accident lawyers take on more cases than they can reasonably handle, affecting the amount of attention they can give to your car accident injury claim. You want to hire a lawyer who has the capacity to focus on your claim and respond promptly to any issues.
An auto accident attorney who has the time to dedicate to your case is more likely to achieve a positive outcome.
Accessibility and Communication
Effective communication is vital when working with a South Omaha personal injury attorney. You want a law firm that keeps you informed, answers your questions, and provides clear, understandable explanations throughout your case.
At some law firms, clients work directly with the lawyer and communicate primarily through emails and texts. At others, clients only talk to the lawyer occasionally and communicate primarily through support staff.
During your initial consultation, ask the lawyer questions such as:
- How often will you be updated on your case?
- Who will you primarily be communicating with?
- Will he or she communicate with you through phone calls, texts, emails, or in-person meetings?
- How quickly will your emails or calls be answered?
Reputation and Reviews
Online reviews and testimonials from past clients can offer a glimpse of the lawyer’s reputation and work ethic.
Look for reviews that mention a personal injury lawyer’s:
- Communication
- Professionalism
- Empathy
- Case results, and;
- Responsiveness
During your initial case review, ask the lawyer for references or case studies that can be shared with you. A strong reputation among clients and peers is a sign of a personal injury attorney who is trustworthy and committed to client success.
Resources and a South Omaha Support Team
Car crash cases require substantial resources. A South Omaha car accident attorney with a strong support team, such as paralegals and investigators, is in a better position to build a compelling case on your behalf. Additionally, severe accident cases may require investment in expert witnesses such as accident reconstruction specialists.
Ask the lawyer questions such as:
- Does the lawyer have access to experts who can help build your case?
- Is the lawyer part of a well-established law firm with a network of resources?
- Can the law firm afford the upfront costs needed to bring in these resources?
Law firms with access to specialized resources are often better equipped to investigate the accident, prove liability, and support claims for significant compensation.
Negotiation Skills
Most car accident cases in South Omaha, Nebraska, are settled through negotiations with the insurance company. Insurance adjusters often try to minimize payouts, so you need a lawyer on your side who can stand firm in negotiations.
Effective negotiators are assertive but fair. A lawyer who is too aggressive might risk damaging the negotiation process, while a lawyer who lacks confidence may not fight hard enough for your best interests.
When checking out lawyers, ask about their experience negotiating with insurance companies and how they handle common tactics like lowball offers or stalling. A lawyer with good negotiation skills is more likely to secure favorable settlements without going to court – saving you time, money, and stress.
Approach to Case Strategy and Settlement
When you meet with potential car accident attorneys, ask about their approach to handling auto accident cases. Look for someone who explains his or her approach clearly, is detail-oriented, and has a plan tailored to your situation.
Things you can expect from your lawyer include:
- Preparation and evidence collection: A strong case strategy starts with a solid foundation. Ask how the lawyer intends to gather and use evidence. Early preparation can strengthen your case significantly.
- Timeline and expectations: Your lawyer should provide a timeline of the stages your case might go through. While the timeline may change, a well-organized lawyer will keep you informed and avoid unnecessary delays.
- Adaptability and backup plan: Not all cases proceed as planned. Look for an attorney who is prepared to pivot strategies if new evidence comes to light or if negotiations fall through. Adaptable lawyers have contingency plans and can adjust their approach as circumstances change.
Fee Structure and Transparency
Discuss the attorney’s fee structure during your initial consultation. Most South Omaha personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. Under the contingency fee arrangement, the attorney typically does not collect any fees or expenses unless he or she wins your case.
The fee collected will be an agreed-upon percentage of your total award or settlement. This arrangement is usually mutually beneficial for both the lawyer and the client since it motivates the lawyer to secure a high settlement for the client.
Before you sign any paperwork to hire a lawyer, discuss the lawyer’s fee structure in detail and ask for it in writing. Be sure to clarify what percentage the lawyer will take if your accident case is successful. Also, ask if you will be covering any out-of-pocket costs for court-related expenses.
Empathy and Dedication
A lawyer’s empathy makes a major difference in how he or she approaches your claim and interacts with you. Car accident victims often deal with catastrophic injuries, emotional distress, and financial strain. A compassionate attorney who truly cares about you can ease some stress and make the claims process easier.
Questions to consider are:
- How does the lawyer handle sensitive matters like personal injuries and emotional trauma?
- Does the attorney seem patient and willing to listen to your story?
- Is the lawyer genuinely interested in helping you through this difficult time?
Look for a South Omaha personal injury lawyer who shows empathy and dedication to helping you recover – not just someone who wants to win your case. A lawyer who truly cares will go above and beyond to recover maximum compensation for you.
Choose Someone You Can Trust
Ultimately, choose a lawyer with whom you feel comfortable and can trust. While experience and skill are important, having trust and confidence in your attorney’s abilities is also important.
After your initial consultation, consider how you felt about the lawyer’s communication style, professionalism, and approach. Trusting your instincts can often lead you to hire a lawyer who will best represent your interests.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a South Omaha Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you have suffered a serious injury in a car accident caused by a negligent driver, choosing the right car accident attorney is a major decision that can impact the outcome of your case. Taking into consideration the factors discussed in this article can help you find someone who will advocate for you and secure fair compensation for your injuries.
Trust your instincts, ask questions, and take the time to select a personal injury lawyer who truly understands your needs and goals. You deserve a strong advocate who will stand by your side and defend your rights every step of the way.
The lawyers at Hauptman, O’Brien, Wolf & Lathrop have years of experience in successfully handling Omaha car accident claims. We have helped our clients secure maximum compensation for their losses and can do the same for you. Contact our South Omaha law office today at(402) 414-4400 or complete our contact form to schedule a free case review.
