It is essential that you find an attorney you can trust as soon after an accident as possible.
Both your insurance company and the other driver's company may try to obtain information from you before you do so.
They know that once a skilled attorney is involved, they will lose certain tactical advantages.
One of the insurance companies may try to negotiate a quick settlement with you in exchange for your signature on a General Release.
If you have been injured in the accident, do not let this happen.
Although you might be able to negotiate a property damage settlement without a lawyer,it is extremely unlikely that you will obtain full compensation for your pain and suffering when you negotiate one on one with an insurance company.
The very best way to find a good personal injury lawyer is by asking close friends or family for recommendations.
But be sure that the recommendation is to an attorney who specializes in personal injury litigation.
The days when one lawyer can help you with all of your legal problems are over.
Most lawyers today specialize in one or two areas and refer all other cases to other attorneys.
There are so many competent personal injury attorneys out there that it is an absolute mistake to retain anyone but a specialist.
You can also check with your local Bar Association to find out if the lawyer you are considering has a good reputation.
The worst way to pick a lawyer is by the recommendation of someone you first meet at the accident scene.
This nation's big cities are filled with "ambulance chasers" who magically appear at accident scenes ready to advise the vulnerable accident victim.
These vultures are on the payroll of unethical lawyers who make their living off of the assembly line handling of vast numbers of personal injury cases, some real and some faked, or at least exaggerated.
You should not trust your important rights to someone who practices the great profession of law in an unethical and unscrupulous way.