How Do I Find the Right Enfield, CT Car Accident Lawyer for Me?: FAQ 

A distracted, drunk, or speeding driver can crash into your car when you least expect it. You understand that’s a possibility when you drive Connecticut’s roads. What happens if a negligent driver injures you? Can you count on their liability insurer to pay your bills and offer you a fair settlement? Should you contact a car accident lawyer so they can work on your behalf? If you’ve ever dealt with crash-related injuries, you understand that you must address these questions as soon as possible. An Enfield, CT car accident lawyer can take control of your injury claim before an insurance adjuster has a chance to mislead you. They protect their clients’ legal rights and work to get fair compensation for their injury.

You know instinctively that you need a compassionate, reputable law firm to handle your case, but finding the right one isn’t always easy. That’s why we created our Enfield car accident lawyer FAQ. We want to assist you in making this important decision.  

Why do I need an attorney after a car accident?

When you deal directly with an insurer, you enter a closed system where you relinquish control and hope for the best. A claims adjuster convinces you to cooperate without explaining their endgame. Even after you give them your recorded statement, doctor bills, and a medical release, they may still underpay you or deny your claim completely. 

Serious injuries can jeopardize your future

When you’re seriously injured in a car accident, you often lose your income while simultaneously incurring uncontrollable medical debt. Your personal and financial future may depend on your anticipated settlement. Your settlement always depends on how you decide to handle your claim. Dedicated car accident lawyers accept cases with the idea of getting the most compensation for their injured clients. 

You need a lawyer who understands insurance claims 

When a claim outcome can affect your financial future, you need a legal professional working on your behalf. The law firm you choose must understand how insurance adjusters operate. They must have the resources to deal with liability insurer delays and denial strategies. 

A proven car accident lawyer can manage your case while you take time to heal. To maintain a level of serenity during an inherently stressful process, you need to find a lawyer who’s right for you

Aren’t there lawyers everywhere?  

Not long after you’re injured in an accident, you’ll notice lawyers you never noticed before. You’ll see them in late night TV commercials and on billboards, and sometimes in your social media feed. Some law firms track police accident reports to identify potential leads. Within days after a crash, they use publicly available data to send out letters and postcards or make phone calls. 

You’ll probably hear from local law firms, but attorneys might also contact you from the farthest corners of the state. A 1-800 legal referral service might call you, never revealing that they’re from a call center somewhere across the country. They may accept your case, farm it out to someone else, and you’ll be dealing with a stranger about whom you know nothing. 

You need a car accident attorney 

Lawyers are everywhere, but they’re not all the same. Each law firm focuses on specific practice areas, and they have varying levels of expertise. Some may be fresh out of law school. Others might never have handled a serious injury claim. It’s up to you to make an informed decision. 

What should I consider as I begin my search for a lawyer? 

When you establish a working relationship with a lawyer, you take control away from the insurance company. The lawyer you choose will represent you for all injury-related matters and keep you updated throughout the process. They will interact with you during your recovery and for months and possibly years into the future. It’s essential to find a legal professional with whom you can establish a relationship of mutual trust. 

It’s your decision

You should treat your search for a car accident attorney as though you were a human resources department. Your primary job is to find the right attorney to handle your claim and protect your legal interests. If you need assistance in your search, consider asking a family member or a trusted friend. 

Remember these tips as you determine which attorney is right for you. 

• Think of your search as a hiring process
• Begin with a list of potential lawyers
• Never deal with an attorney who makes you feel uncomfortable
• Expect answers to your questions 
• Find out about their legal experience

How is searching for a lawyer similar to hiring an employee? 

Your attorney will earn legal fees by working for you and on your behalf. You have a lot at stake, so you must be proactive in your search. 

You need a law firm with the resources to investigate and evaluate your case, and protect your legal rights. The lawyer you choose must be a shrewd negotiator to resolve your case with the liability insurer. They must have the confidence to recommend filing a lawsuit when appropriate and trying your case when necessary. 

Just like a human resources manager, you want to find the best person for the job. As with any important position, your search will require parameters, direction, and effort. 

Do I really need a list of attorneys?

If you already know a lawyer with whom you feel comfortable, you probably won’t need a list. Just make sure they have a successful track record of handling auto accident injury claims. You should be more cautious if you don’t know a car accident attorney and you’ve never made an injury claim before. Even then, your list doesn’t have to be extensive.

When you make a list of possible attorneys, you’re giving yourself options for resolving your injury claim. A list can help you feel more in control at a time when control might seem elusive. You can forget about your list once you talk to a lawyer you feel confident about. That could be the first attorney on your list.  

How do I find lawyers to add to my list? 

Your list of lawyers is a simple tool to help you identify your next steps. It doesn’t have to be long. 

• Ask your friends and family for a referral: If an attorney successfully resolved an injury claim for someone you know, that’s a good place to start. Talk to your friends and family. Learn about their experiences. Be sure to remember that every injury claim is unique and your experience will be different from theirs.
• Search online for Enfield, CT car accident attorneys: If you do an online search, look for car accident attorneys in your area. When you deal with a legal professional with offices close to you, the process  becomes more convenient and less complicated. A nearby law firm can provide a level of connection and comfort you might not find with an attorney in a distant metropolitan area.  
• It’s okay to contact a TV attorney: If you feel drawn to a lawyer from a TV commercial, billboard, or promotional mailer, give them a call. Have a list of questions ready and see what they have to say. 

What might an attorney do to make me feel uncomfortable? 

Some law firms have a way of making you feel unwelcome, unheard, or unimportant. Often it’s because they’re far too busy. Some attorneys won’t have time to give you the attention you deserve, but they might accept your case anyway. Others fail to communicate in a way that addresses your concerns. You should never deal with a law firm that makes you feel like you don’t matter:

• Can’t or won’t return your call
• Fails to address your legitimate concerns
• Tosses out legal jargon without further explanation
• Won’t answer your questions or give clear responses
• Can’t explain legal issues in a way you can understand
• Refuses to discuss their track record with car accident claims
• Come across as untrustworthy

When you sign an engagement agreement, you agree to deal with a law firm until they resolve your injury claim. Under other circumstances, you would never consider executing a contract with someone who won’t explain anything, never has time for you, or comes across as untruthful.  

Should I schedule a consultation with every lawyer on my list?

Once you’ve had a brief discussion with an attorney, you’ll probably know if you should simply move on to the next person on your list. If you feel positive about your initial conversation, ask about their consultation process. 

A consultation is the best way to ask questions, learn about your legal alternatives, and decide your comfort level with a law firm. This process is probably easier than you imagine. As attorneys have expanded their communication options in recent years, many offer several ways to hold a consultation. 

• Virtual: Some attorneys will conduct an initial consultation via Zoom or some other online platform.
• Law Office: If you prefer to meet face-to-face, you can schedule an in-person consultation at the lawyer’s office. 
• Hospital: If you’re hospitalized, you shouldn’t let that stop you from getting the legal help you need. Many attorneys will meet with you in your hospital room.
• In-Home: If you’re home but immobile, some attorneys will consult with you at your residence. 

A consultation is a key part of the attorney “hiring” process. It allows you a personal and professional look at your potential attorney. A productive meeting can lead to a strong working relationship.

What questions should I ask during a legal consultation?

When a negligent driver injures you, of course, you’ll have questions. Before you begin talking to an Enfield, CT car accident lawyer, you should have a list of questions to guide your conversation. Here are a few to consider during your initial consultation.  

• How do car accident injury settlements work? 
• Who determines fault in an accident?
• How does comparative negligence work in Connecticut?
• What is the typical insurance company injury claims process?
  • Investigation
  • Evaluation
  • Negotiation 
  • Settlement timing
  • Claim handling technologies 
• How much is my claim worth? 
• How much will I pay for legal fees?
• How long do I have to resolve my claim?
• Do I have to file a lawsuit to get a settlement?
• If you file a suit will you also handle the trial?
• What can you tell me about injury claims you’ve settled?

You need a lawyer willing to help you understand the issues and provide the answers you need. As you recover from your injuries, you’ll encounter new challenges, and you’ll have new questions. If an attorney doesn’t answer your initial inquiries satisfactorily, you shouldn’t expect them to respond any differently once they’re working on your case. 

What if I don’t feel comfortable asking a lawyer about their track record?

If you don’t like the idea of asking a lawyer about past results, you can probably find information online. Check the attorney’s website for reviews and information. You can also learn a lot by checking online client and peer review sites. Here are a few.

• Google Reviews
• Yelp 
• Lawyers.com
• AVVO.com
• Superlawyers.com

Some attorneys don’t mind offering generic information about cases they’ve resolved, but they can’t share a client’s personal data. Online reviews provide client, Bar Association, and peer evaluations. It’s one of the best ways to learn more about your potential law firm. 

Contact an Enfield, CT car accident lawyer

If you’re dealing with injuries from a car crash, you should never deal directly with a claims adjuster. When you contact an Enfield, CT car accident lawyer as soon as possible, they can take immediate steps to protect your legal interests. When a law firm handles your case, they intervene with the insurance company while you rest and recover. 

During a consultation, you talk to a lawyer about your accident and they determine if they can help you. You’ll have an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about your legal rights and resolution choices. When you consult with an attorney, you don’t have to commit to making a claim or filing a lawsuit until you’re ready.