Finding the right lawyer to work with you on a car accident lawsuit or personal injury claim is important. You want a lawyer who is experienced and well-versed in the kind of law involved, so they can navigate the process efficiently and intelligently. You also want someone who can explain your legal options to you clearly and concisely, every step of the way.
If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident and are seeking help from an attorney in New Mexico, contact the Whitener Law Firm today. You can call (505) 883-7877 to speak to someone in our Albuquerque office or schedule a free consultation on our website.
To ensure that you find the right lawyer for your car accident case, use the following tips for your search.
Ask for Referrals
Starting a search for the best car accident lawyer in New Mexico can be incredibly overwhelming. To narrow down your choices, you may ask your friends, family members, colleagues, or neighbors for recommendations for attorneys. Make a list of the positive recommendations you receive so you can vet each candidate individually.
However, don’t simply choose a lawyer based on a glowing review without doing further research. One person’s positive experience with their attorney doesn’t guarantee you will have one as well. Factors like a lawyer’s personality, communication style, and legal approach may not be the right fit for you.
Check Experience and Expertise
Once you have a list of potential attorneys to choose from, spend some time researching each person’s experience and expertise. You want an attorney who has some history of taking on cases like yours. You may even want a law firm that works primarily in your type of case.
For example, if you’re looking for a car accident attorney in New Mexico specifically, you may not want to go with a firm whose attorneys handle a wide variety of cases including personal injury claims. You might feel more comfortable choosing a firm with a narrower focus on personal injury and car accidents, since they’ll have more experience with those cases.
It also helps to find an attorney with offices close to you, so you do not have to drive long distances to meet with them.
Make the Most Out of Your Initial Consultation
Before your potential lawyer agrees to take your case, you’ll go through an initial consultation, which at Whitener Law Firm, is always free. Make sure you are meeting with an actual attorney, and not a paralegal, “case manager” or other staff member who does not have a law degree.
During this consultation, be sure to ask all the questions you can to learn more about their background, style, and personality. You’ll also take this time to understand the legal aspects of your case and what you can expect if you work together.
Some questions to ask might include:
Case-specific questions
- What approach would you take for my case? What are the possible outcomes?
- What happens if you cannot reach a settlement? Are you comfortable going to trial?
- Do you foresee any major issues with this case?
- What would you need from me to build a strong case?
Experience
- What experience do you have with similar cases?
- How long have you been practicing in New Mexico?
- Do you have any client testimonials you can share?
Style and Expectations
- What would the process be like if we worked together?
- How often would we communicate? How often would I get reports or updates?
- Will other lawyers at this firm work on my case? Would I communicate with them?
- What’s the estimated total cost of my case? Are there additional costs or fee structures I should know about?
These questions can help you conduct your search more easily.
Find Someone You Trust and Like
Lawsuits can take a long time to resolve. That’s why choosing an attorney you trust and like is just as important as choosing one with a solid reputation and legal skills.
During your initial consultation, pay attention to the attorney themselves. Do you like the way they communicate? Do they break down complicated legal concepts in a way that you understand? Are they engaged in the conversation? Do they make you feel confident about your case and working together? Do they seem like they really care about you and your case?
Observe everyone else in the firm, too. How do other attorneys on the team treat you? What about the administrative staff? Is everything neat, clean and organized? Are other clients seen promptly? What is the overall atmosphere like in the office?
Listen to your instincts during your initial consultation. Everything may look good on paper, and an attorney may give you the right answers, but if your gut tells you that something is off, it’s okay to continue your search elsewhere.
Choose Whitener Law Firm in New Mexico
Your personal injury lawyer should not only be reputable and experienced in your type of case; they should also be transparent about how they work with clients, what they offer, what it will cost, and what you can expect if you hire them. Having the right lawyer on your side can make or break the outcome of your case.
If you are searching for a car accident attorney or personal injury lawyer in New Mexico, call Whitener Law Firm today. We’re confident that we’ll meet your needs, and we’re ready to discuss your case with you today.
Call our office in Albuquerque at 505-883-7877 or schedule a free initial consultation using our contact form online. You can also like and follow the Whitener Law Firm Facebook page for more legal resources and updates.