Phoenix Car Accident Lawyer: Six Tips for Hiring an Attorney

There were 98,778 total car crashes in Arizona in 2020, according to the state’s Department of Transportation. Of those, 970 were fatal and 28,610 resulted in non-fatal injuries. Those injuries could be both mental and physical and can impact your overall quality of life. 

Are you an Arizona resident looking for a Phoenix car accident lawyer? If so, you naturally want to make sure you’re hiring the best experts to represent your case. A reputable, qualified attorney can fight for your rights and make sure you receive the compensation you deserve. 

Not sure where to start? Today, we’re sharing six tips for hiring the right attorney, for the first time. 

1. Check Experience in Car Accident Cases

The car accident lawyer you choose should have worked on plenty of cases similar to yours in the past. This means that it isn’t enough for them to simply practice law. They must practice law in this niche.

This way, they’ll know exactly how to handle the influx of paperwork and processing that can accompany a car accident claim. They’ll also be well-versed in the specific laws in your state, and can help you understand how they apply to your case. 

They’ll also understand the different types of damages that you could experience after an auto accident, including:

• Medical bills
• Loss of income
• Property damage
• Unexpected expenses

An experienced car accident attorney can help you recover some of those damages and reclaim your financial footing. Ask how long the firm has practiced in the area of personal injury law, and how many car accident cases they’ve successfully won. 

2. Assess Local Reputation

When you’re in the throes of a car accident claim (or about to begin one), you might be tempted to choose the first local law firm you come across in an online search. However, partnering with the wrong team could set your case back tremendously.

Take the time to find out what others are saying about the lawyer’s approach. You can read online reviews and testimonials, ask on social media, or simply talk to friends or family members who have been in your situation in the past. 

3. Understand Costs

Before you agree to partner with a car accident lawyer, make sure that you understand all of the associated costs. These numbers should be simple, without any hidden or surprise fees involved. While most personal injury lawyers will work on a contingency basis, this isn’t always the case. 

As you compare your options, keep in mind that while cost should be an important factor in your decision, it isn’t the only one. You need an attorney who’s capable above all else. 

4. Ensure Prompt Communication

As you search for a car accident lawyer in Phoenix, take note of how each firm communicates in these early stages. Are you able to speak with an attorney right away, or are you required to share the details of your case with a staff member or assistant instead? 

You should feel respected, prioritized, and understood at every turn. While team members are understandably busy and keep a full schedule, they should do their best to openly communicate. This includes calling or emailing you back promptly if they miss your message. 

A car accident case is filled with different moving parts, and it’s important to know where each one stands at all times. If your lawyer leaves you in the dark and doesn’t share key updates, then you could miss an important detail or deadline. 

5. Check Professional Network

Many car accident cases require an expert witness to submit a statement that backs up a plaintiff’s claims. You may also need access to a reconstruction expert who can “recreate” the scene of the accident to create a clearer picture of what happened. 

Does the law firm you’re considering have access to a wide professional network? If so, then there’s a good chance that they can provide you with the resources you need, including witnesses with the right expertise. 

This goes hand-in-hand with the firm’s experience and reputation. If they’ve established their presence in your local community, then they’ll be able to use those connections to your advantage. However, a brand-new firm might not have those relationships yet, so building the right network could be a challenge. 

6. Ensure Knowledge of Local Laws

Often, a personal injury case hinges on intricate details. This is especially the case with a car accident claim, where technicalities matter. Your attorney needs to thoroughly understand the traffic laws of your state, so they can better assess what happened and who was at fault. 

For instance, if you’re hiring a car accident lawyer in Phoenix, AZ, then you should partner with a team that’s well-versed in the laws and rules set forth by the Arizona Department of Transportation. 

In addition, they should also understand how car accident cases work in your specific state. Each location will have its own set of guidelines that dictate important requirements, including deadlines and documentation. In Arizona, for instance, the statute of limitations for a personal injury case is two years after the day of the accident. 

Your attorney should know this deadline and work diligently to file all of the necessary paperwork before the two-year date passes. Otherwise, your case could be in jeopardy. 

Find a Phoenix Car Accident Lawyer You Can Trust

In the days and weeks following a car accident, you should be focused on one important thing: getting better. When you have the right Phoenix car accident lawyer on your side, you can confidently do so. 

At Sweet Law, our team of personal injury attorneys is ready to help you fight for your rights every step of the way. If you’ve recently been involved in an auto accident, contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case.