Bad lawyers are everywhere and can cost your family a lot of money. Protect yourself by learning how to spot them before it's too late!
Hiring a good lawyer is paramount if you've been injured in a car accident. However, not all lawyers are created equal, and some are better than others. But how do you know if you're hiring a bad car accident lawyer?
We've all heard stories about shady lawyers, but what exactly makes them so deceptive? And more notably, how can you avoid hiring one?
Read our list of seven signs of a bad lawyer, and keep an eye out during your next legal consultation. It could save you time, money, and heartache.
Seven Signs of a Bad Lawyer
Nobody wants to be taken advantage of by a dishonorable legal professional, and it's important to be prepared to screen potential firms.
Below are several key signs that you may be hiring a bad lawyer:
1. They Don’t Keep You Updated on Your Case
One of the most important duties your car crash lawyer should provide you is case updates. If they don’t keep you updated on the status of your case, this is a massive red flag.
You deserve to have a lawyer who keeps you in the loop and makes you feel like you’re their top priority. If your lawyer makes you feel like an afterthought, it’s time to find someone new.
2. They're Slow to Return Your Calls or Emails
Another sign that your lawyer is bad news is if they don’t return your calls or emails in a timely manner. This is especially frustrating if you’re paying them by the hour.
You should be able to get in touch with your lawyer when you need to, and they should always respond to you promptly. If they’re not doing this, you might want to consider moving on.
3. They're Late to Court Dates
If your attorney is frequently late to court dates or meetings, it's a sign that they’re not taking your case seriously. This can end up costing you a lot of money in legal fees, and it could jeopardize your chances of winning your case.
A good lawyer will make sure to be in court on time. If your attorney is constantly late or misses court dates, find one who will show up punctually.
4. They’re Unprepared in Court
When your lawyer is in court, they should be prepared for every scenario. This means having all the necessary paperwork and documents with them.
If your lawyer is constantly fumbling through their paperwork or asking the court for more time to prepare, this is a sign that they’re not as prepared as they need to be.
A good lawyer will always be prepared and ready to fight for their client in court. If your lawyer is continually unprepared, it’s time to find a new firm.
5. They Don’t Fight for You
Your auto accident attorney should be your biggest advocate. They need to be fighting for you and your best interests every step of the way.
If it feels like your lawyer is giving up on you or not fighting hard enough, this is a bad sign. You deserve a lawyer who will fight for you and your case.
Even if you don’t have the best circumstances, a good lawyer will find a way to fight for you and get you the best possible outcome.
6. They're Dishonest About Expenses
Your lawyer should be upfront about their fees and expenses. They're not looking out for your best interests if they’re constantly trying to upsell you on services or add hidden fees.
A good lawyer will be upfront about their costs and will only charge you for the necessary services. If your lawyer is constantly asking for more money, it's a sign that they are trying to take advantage of you.
You shouldn't have to empty your bank account just to pay for legal services. If your lawyer overcharges you, consider changing law firms.
7. They Have a Poor Track Record
If your vehicle accident attorney has a history of losing cases or getting their clients in trouble, that’s a sign that you should find someone else to represent you. It's also important to find out how much experience your lawyer has with similar cases.
It's smart to always research a lawyer before hiring them. Quality lawyers will have a solid track record and plenty of experience. If your lawyer doesn't have a great track record, you should consider hiring someone else.
You can check your lawyer’s track record by performing a few online searches. If there are any red flags, find another lawyer to take on your case.
How to Avoid Hiring a Bad Lawyer
Now that you know what to look out for, here are a few tips that will help you avoid hiring a bad lawyer and save you from a poor experience:
Do your research before hiring anyone
Meet with multiple firms
Trust your gut
Ask plenty of questions
Don’t be afraid to walk away
Before hiring a lawyer, be sure to do your research and ask around for recommendations. If you have any doubts, it’s always best to meet with multiple firms before making a final decision. Weighing your options is the best way to ensure you’re hiring the right lawyer for your case.
Once you’ve found a lawyer you think is a good fit, trust your gut and ask plenty of questions. If you’re not comfortable with the lawyer or the answers they’re giving you, don’t be afraid to move on to someone else.
Need a Car Accident Attorney? Contact Us
Now you know seven signs of a bad lawyer and how to avoid hiring them. Be sure to keep an eye out for these seven signs when hiring a lawyer, and you'll be one step ahead in protecting yourself and winning your case.
Hiring an attorney is a big decision, and you want to ensure you’re hiring the right firm. If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident, contact our office today. Our experienced team will fight for you and help get you the compensation you deserve.