After a car accident in St. Louis, picking the right St. Louis car accident lawyer is one of the most important choices you’ll make. Many people assume they can just file an insurance claim on their own and don’t need legal help. While you are certainly able to do this, it’s almost always a good idea to speak with legal representation first. They can help make sure you get everything you’re truly entitled to. Here’s how you can choose the right firm:
Check for Car Accident Case Experience
Not all car accident attorneys in St. Louis handle car crash claims every day. You’ll want someone who knows the ins and outs of personal injury law and specifically vehicle accidents like yours. Were you injured while driving a motorcycle or involved in a St. Louis truck accident? Make sure they have specific experience in those areas, particularly if serious injuries like brain injury, spinal cord damage, and permanent scarring are involved.
Car accident lawyers in St. Louis who actually handle your type of case understand the subtleties of Missouri’s accident laws and know how to push back when insurance companies aren’t giving you what you deserve.
Prioritize Local Knowledge
Working with a local lawyer will almost always bring advantages. They understand how the courts work and they’re familiar with local insurance companies and defense attorneys. This knowledge helps them formulate a strategy to get you the most compensation possible.
Review Client Testimonials and Online Ratings
What past clients say about a lawyer matters. Reviews from Google, Avvo, and other websites can give you an idea of how clients truly feel about them and the results that were achieved. If you notice patterns of poor results or lack of communication, you might want to move on and keep looking.
Look for Trial Readiness
Not every lawyer is willing to take a car accident case all the way to trial, but this willingness can make a big difference in your outcome. Some law firms focus on quick settlements, even if it means you get less than you deserve. A car accident lawyer in St. Louis who’s prepared to go to court sends a clear message to insurance companies – they can’t bully you into accepting a low offer.
When your St. Louis car accident attorney has real trial experience, insurers know they’re up against someone who’s not afraid to fight for the full compensation you need. This kind of reputation often leads to better settlement offers from the start.
Confirm Credentials and Licensing
Always check that your attorney is licensed to practice in Missouri and is in good standing with the bar. You can look this up online or ask directly in your consultation. If there’s any history of ethics or disciplinary action, this could be a serious red flag.
Schedule a Free Consultation
Almost all St. Louis car accident lawyers offer free consultations. Schedule one of these and speak with the lawyer or firm directly. Take note of whether calls are returned promptly and how you’re treated by the attorney and their staff. The right attorney should be happy to talk to you and explain everything without making you feel like a burden.
Trust Your Gut
Most importantly, trust your gut when making this choice. If you find what appears to be the perfect lawyer on paper but something still doesn’t feel right, you should consider finding someone else. You have to trust this person with many aspects of your personal life, and it’s never a good idea to do this with someone you don’t truly believe is the right fit.
If you have any questions, we are always here to help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.