Auto collisions cause emotional and physical injury, but dealing with adjusters, lawyer solicitations, and auto body shops can often make things even worse. Insurance company adjusters are trained to quickly resolve cases for possible; that is their job. To know where you stand, talk to an attorney. That also can be overwhelming.
Many of our clients have never sought a lawyer's help, and it can be intimidating. Just remember: you are the consumer, and you have choices. Here are a few things to consider when choosing a lawyer.
Recommendations: Most of our clients are referred to us by other clients, other lawyers, and some times physicians. We have even represented people we sued in the past! Ask friends and family about who they may have worked with.
Research. Check out the potential attorney on line. Go to www.avvo.com. This is a lawyer rating site that will give you good information on the lawyer's background. Full disclosure: lawyers can buy advertising on this site (we do), but many factors go into the Avvo rating process. Check out the lawyer's web site, too. Does he or she handle all kinds of different cases, or do they focus on just a few practice areas. We are better able to help folks if we focus on injury and disability claims only. Also, is the lawyer a member of professional associations, or has the lawyer been recognized by their peers with Board Certifications? Has the lawyer ever been disciplined by the state bar association?
Here are a few more things to look at: Does the lawyer share results? Some attorneys will say they have "recovered millions" for their clients. Over twenty years of lawyering, that may be true, but what about specific client stories? Big numbers are attractive, but what kind of case is it? Sometimes, big dollar recoveries are not all that difficult. The real question is who gets all the money; the doctors, the lawyer a health insurance plan?
Do not be afraid to ask questions. I go out of my way to explain how the claim works, and how I earn my fee to all potential clients. There still may be questions. Some I can answer (my experience, my approach), others I may not (how much is my case worth?). Do not be afraid to ask questions. You are new to this, and you deserve to know where you stand.
Check out our free offers. We have created a web site that answers the most common questions, and helps you avoid the common mistakes people make with their case. We also offer free consumer guides for personal injury, workers' compensation in Oregon, and Social Security Disability claims.
After doing your research, you may find that you do not need a lawyer, and that is fine. Our web site can still help you get the best result on your claim.