Hiring an attorney is a critical aspect of securing compensation for your accident injuries. But once you hire a car accident attorney, it’s possible to have second thoughts about the advice you’re receiving and how your case is being handled.

There is nothing wrong with questioning how an attorney is managing your case if you feel uncomfortable or concerned. When this occurs, the best course of action is to seek a second opinion from a reputable personal injury lawyer.

Why Get a Second Opinion?

A second opinion is useful in two ways. If the second opinion says your case is being handled properly, it gives you peace of mind. If the evaluation is that your case is not being handled correctly, you have the opportunity to hire another attorney before any harm is done or too much time is wasted.

What are the Warning Signs that I Need a Second Opinion?

With a lawyer on your side, you expect your case to be handled professionally and diligently. If you have misgivings about the way your claim is proceeding, look for some of these warning signs:

Your attorney does not return your calls

Your attorney is under a duty to communicate with you regularly. They should be giving you regular updates on the progress of your claim. If you do not hear from your lawyer or they are not responding to your calls or emails, this is a red flag. It could be a sign that your case is a low priority or they are too busy.

Your attorney won’t evaluate the value of your claim

An experienced personal injury attorney should be able to tell you what your claim is worth. It is acceptable for a lawyer to gather a certain amount of evidence before making a reasonable assessment. They should then be able to give an estimated range of the worth of the claim.

If your lawyer still can’t give you a value, you should ask what other information they need to make an assessment. You should ask them what they would suggest if the insurance company offered to settle your compensation claim. If your lawyer cannot give you a satisfactory answer to these questions, you should seek a second opinion.

They aren’t upfront about billing procedures

Your attorney should be transparent and honest with you about what your accident injury case will cost and how payments will be made. If they advise you there will be no upfront fees but then ask you to pay for your independent medical exams after you’ve already hired them, you should consider seeking a second opinion.

Most personal injury attorneys understand that you are dealing with exorbitant costs for medical care and cannot afford legal fees upfront. That’s why it’s common to work on contingency, so your law firm doesn’t get paid until they win your case.

Your lawyer says they will not take your case to court

Personal injury claims from auto accidents are typically settled without a trial. However, an experienced attorney knows it’s necessary to file a lawsuit to get a settlement offer. If your attorney refuses to file a lawsuit to pursue your claim for compensation, or the insurance company decides to deny your claim, and your attorney won’t file a lawsuit, you need to consult another lawyer.

If You are Unhappy With Your Lawyer’s Advice, Seek a Second Opinion

Crash victims are vulnerable immediately after their accident; they are seeking medical treatment for their injuries and trying to manage their financial losses. They can easily be drawn to hiring a lawyer who is not right for their claim or them.

The skilled personal injury lawyers at Cochran Kroll & Associates, P.C. have extensive experience handling Michigan personal injury law and auto accident cases. If you are dissatisfied with the service or advice your attorney is giving, speak to one of our personal injury attorneys at Cochran Kroll & Associates P.C. today.

Our contingency fee basis means we only get paid if we win your case, so there is no financial risk to you to get started. Call our law firm today at 1-866-MICH-LAW (1-866-642-4529) and schedule your no-obligation, free case evaluation.

Disclaimer : The information provided is general and not for legal advice. The blogs are not intended to provide legal counsel and no attorney-client relationship is created nor intended.