Car accidents can change everything, resulting in physical injuries, psychological injuries, and financial difficulties. If you’ve been in a car accident in Calgary, having the proper legal representation will make a difference in your case. It is imperative to find the right motor vehicle accident lawyer to ensure your rights are protected and that you receive what you are entitled to in terms of your claim.
Let’s understand the practical tips for how to choose the right motor vehicle accident attorney in Calgary and how to locate the best motor vehicle accident lawyers near you.
Things To Keep In Mind While Choosing an MVA Lawyer in Calgary
1. Search for Experience in Personal Injury and Motor Vehicle Cases
Not all lawyers focus on motor vehicle accidents. While many law firms may advertise personal injury lawyers, it is essential to find an attorney who has experience specifically dealing with motor vehicle accident claims. An accident lawyer specializing in motor vehicle accidents will understand Alberta’s traffic laws and rules governing insurance claims and will be familiar with the local courts.
Questions to ask prospective lawyers:
- What is your experience with MVA cases?
- What are the outcomes?
- Do you have experience negotiating with insurance companies?
A knowledgeable lawyer will know how to value your claim and get you the most money.
2. Get Referrals and Read Reviews Online
Not surprisingly, word of mouth is a powerful way to choose legal representation. Ask your family, friends, or coworkers if there is a motor vehicle lawyer in Calgary that they have had great experience with.
Do a search for “motor vehicle accident lawyers near me” and read the reviews on Google or Yelp. Look for common themes in the reviews, such as:
- Responsiveness
- Compassion and communication
- Success in obtaining settlements or trial verdicts
You can also read reviews and credentials on legal directories like Avvo or the Law Society of Alberta.
3. Verify Credentials and Licensing.
Before you hire any legal professional, you want to verify that they are licensed in Alberta. You can check this on the Law Society of Alberta website.
Look for:
- Active license status
- No discipline history
If they issued any bad advice regarding personal injury law (not legally binding, but sometimes people are honest).
A reputable MVA lawyer in Calgary will provide transparent credentials and will have no problem giving you verification.
4. Arrange a Free Initial Consultation
Most automobile accident attorneys offer free consultations. This is your opportunity to evaluate their expertise, how they communicate, and if they are a good fit for your case.
During the consultation, ask:
- What will you do to advance my case?
- How long will it take?
- How will your fees work?
- How will you communicate with me?
A quality attorney will be transparent, informative, and will NEVER pressure you into hiring them.
5. Understand the Fee Structure
Motor vehicle accident claims are usually billed on a contingency fee basis, so you will not pay if you do not win. In Calgary, the winning fee is typically around 25% to 35% of the settlement amount.
Before you sign anything:
- Request a written agreement
- Identify any other costs, for example, filing fees or expert witness fees
- Ask whether the fees change if the case proceeds to trial
- An up-front motor vehicle accident lawyer near me will clearly explain all financial terms.
6. Look for an Excellent Negotiator
Insurance companies are a significant part of a motor vehicle accident lawyer’s job because they want to settle your claim with a very low payout. An excellent negotiator can make a significant difference.
You might ask the lawyer:
- Have you ever negotiated large settlements?
- Have you negotiated with insurance adjusters?
- Are you willing, if necessary, to take the case to court?
Most claims settle before trial, but you want your lawyer to be proficient and prepared to take a case to trial and the fact that they may have engaged in negotiations.
7. Look for a Local Expert
It is important for you to choose a lawyer who knows the local legal community when you are searching for “MVA lawyers Calgary.” Local lawyers are intimately familiar with:
The Alberta Court processes
- Local data on accident history and regulation
- The Judges and other counsel negotiate with them.
This local knowledge also helps your case when navigating through the legal system strategically and timely manner.
8. Consider Communication and Client Support
The legal process can be daunting. The best motor vehicle attorneys will assist their clients and keep them updated every step of the way.
Select a lawyer who:
- Will return your calls or emails quickly
- Will take the time to simplify legal terms for you
- Will keep you updated on your case status
- Has a supportive team of paralegals that will assist you
If you are having difficulty communicating with the lawyer during your initial interaction, it could be a signal that you will have difficulty later as well.
9. Review Their History and Case Results
Ask for a history of case results or testimonials. There may be limited specifics due to privacy laws, but reliable motor vehicle accident lawyers are generally able to share success rates of the range of settlements they typically pursue.
This gives you confidence that you are in reliable hands, with a team that will take on your case in good faith and follow through.
10. Trust your Gut
Finally, trust your gut. You will be working closely with your lawyer, perhaps for an extended period of time. Pick someone you feel comfortable with, who listens and is there to advocate on your behalf.
Be wary of lawyers who:
- Make promises that are impossible to fulfill
- Pressuring you into decisions
- Don’t take the time to clearly answer your questions
Ultimately, recovery is the most important aspect. You should have a trusted partner to help you as you recover.
Bottom line
Selecting the best motor vehicle accident lawyer in Calgary can feel overwhelming at the best of times, particularly when it follows a traumatic event. With some extensive research, consultations, and due diligence, you can find a professional who will advocate for your rights and assist you every step of the way through the legal process.
Whether you are looking up “motor vehicle accident lawyers near me” or trying to find the rated best MVA lawyers in Calgary, the above tips can ensure you pick an experienced, empathetic, and effective professional.
It is imperative that you make the right legal choice, as it will support your future and recovery. Take your time, gather required information, ask the right questions, and trust the process!