If you have been in a motor vehicle accident, you need an expert in motor vehicle accident compensation to fight your corner. It might sound straightforward, but there are a lot of factors to consider to ensure you choose the right lawyer. With that in mind, we cover the key factors to consider, the questions you should ask, the mistakes people most commonly make, and your lawyer’s role in your case.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Lawyer
When choosing a lawyer, you want to find someone who knows the industry so they can achieve the best outcome for you. Here are some things to look for:
- Experience and Specialisation
The first step is to look for motor accident lawyers specifically. You want to hire someone with a proven track record in handling compensation cases just like yours. When you work with a specialist in motor vehicle accident claims, you get someone who knows precisely how to navigate the intricacies of a motor vehicle accident claim successfully.
- Communication and Client Focus
A good lawyer will be approachable, committed, and responsive to your requests or thoughts. You want someone prepared to tailor their approach to your needs and someone who keeps you in the loop.
- Reputation and Reviews
Don’t just trust the initial rapport or an office’s ambiance, though both are important. Take the next step to read client reviews to get a better sense of who you’re dealing with.
- Fees and Payment Arrangements
Ensure you discuss their fee and payment arrangements. Many motor vehicle lawyers operate on a no-win, no-fee basis. However, you need to discuss this upfront to avoid unwanted surprises later.
- Accessibility
Discuss how they prefer to communicate and consider whether this works for you. Do they have an office nearby or do they offer video conferencing to make things easier? Ask how long they take to respond to inquiries. You want an accessible lawyer.
Questions to Ask a Potential Lawyer
- Experience
◦ How many motor vehicle compensation cases have you handled? What’s your success rate?
◦ Can you show me examples of similar cases you handled successfully?
- Efficiency
◦ What are your negotiation tactics when dealing with an insurance company?
- Communication & Transparency
◦ What fees do you charge and how and when is the payment expected?
◦ What will you do to ensure I am regularly informed throughout the process?
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Lawyer
Don’t accept the first lawyer you find when you type motor accident lawyer in Sydney into a search engine. It’s the most common mistake people make and you should always take your time when researching different options and compare them to each other so you find the right fit for your case.
Experience is paramount, so don’t overlook it. Prioritise experienced motor vehicle compensation lawyers. They have the knowledge and skills necessary to ensure your claim is successful.
Take note of how long it takes for each lawyer you contact to respond. This will give you a good idea of how responsive they will be to your needs moving forward. Likewise, you need a good rapport with your lawyer, so make sure you choose someone you feel comfortable talking to and working with.
Whether you’re looking for motor or motorcycle accident injury lawyers in Sydney, the claims process can be complex. Don’t underestimate the importance of working with an experienced lawyer to navigate the process. A lot of people underestimate how difficult insurance companies can be, and it’s better to do it right the first time than race for legal help to handle an appeal.
The Role of a Motor Vehicle Compensation Specialist
If you want to hire a lawyer, but you’re not sure what their role is, let us highlight what you should expect from your motor vehicle compensation specialist.
- Gathering Evidence
Your lawyer will help you collect the necessary documentation to support your claim, this includes witness statements, medical records, and physicians’ reports or statements if necessary.
- Negotiations
They are your advocate during the negotiation process, ensuring you receive fair compensation for the accident and injuries you experienced. They’re experienced in the tactics insurance companies rely on to reject claims or reduce payments. You need someone to fight your corner.
- Court Representation
If the process ends up in a court of law, your lawyer will represent your rights.
- Legal Advice
Your lawyer can provide you with up-to-date legal advice based on your situation and advise you on what legal routes you have open to you.
How AJB Stevens Can Help
Whether you were rear-ended in traffic, hit by a car while on a motorbike or bicycle, or sustained injuries while out walking or riding public transport, you may be entitled to motor vehicle accident compensation. Your health matters, and rather than dealing with the stress of insurance companies, you can enlist the services of legal experts to handle it for you.
AJB Stevens Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyers in Sydney can help you gather evidence, file your claim, and negotiate on your behalf. As experienced compensation lawyers, we’re prepared to fight your battles and protect your rights to ensure you receive the maximum payout for the accident and injuries you suffered. Get in touch with us today to schedule a confidential consultation.