How To Find a DUI Accident Lawyer Near Me?
Finding a DUI accident lawyer may seem stressful, but you have plenty of resources to help. The internet makes it easier than ever to find anything you need — including an experienced attorney.
If you take the online route, make sure you verify the firm. To ensure you get top-quality representation, always read client reviews, verify attorney credentials and ask questions before paying a retainer fee.
Read the Reviews
Customer reviews are an excellent way to learn if a company delivers the services it claims. Many law firms have testimonials on their websites, and while you might find them helpful, you shouldn’t stop there. Firms understandably curate the most positive reviews for their sites, but as a potential client, you want to see the full scope of feedback.
A simple internet search can yield hundreds of reviews, but not all sites are equally reliable. Rather than trusting websites like Yelp that host feedback for a variety of businesses, look for specialized review platforms:
- LegalMatch
- Avvo
- Lawyers.com
You should also check the Better Business Bureau’s website, as individuals often post about negative experiences there.
Verify the Credentials
Once you find a highly-rated firm, it’s a good idea to verify the credentials yourself. Lawyers need state licensing to practice and can lose that licensing for certain acts:
- Violating bar rules
- Accessing clients’ trust accounts for personal use
- Being convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude
- Committing fraud
It’s also possible for a law license to lapse since attorneys must renew annually in Michigan.
To verify licensing, visit the bar association directory. This database contains information about anyone licensed by the state, including disciplinary actions against them, their current licensing status and their contact information. You should be able to find the attorney’s profile with a first and last name.
Many lawyers are also members of associations and may state so on their websites. Organizations often offer online directories to verify membership; you can also reach out to the organization directly if you have questions.
Ask Questions
Once you’ve done your research, you can arrange a consultation with your lawyer of choice. Attorneys generally charge an hourly rate for an initial consultation. An hourly rate allows lawyers to get compensation for their services without the pressure of a retainer.
Before this consultation, you should write down a list of questions. The following is a good place to start:
- What is the estimated total cost for the case?
- How much experience do you have with this type of litigation?
- Who would be my contact in your firm?
- What are the next steps if you take the case?
- What are the chances of a settlement versus going to court?
This is also the time to get information about what you should do as the client to prepare. For example, injuries from an accident usually generate lots of bills and paperwork, which can be invaluable during litigation. Your attorney will need access to this information and may ask you to organize and send over your files.
In the days and weeks that follow a drunk driving accident, it is common to feel anxious and overwhelmed. You deserve compensation for the pain and suffering you have suffered following your injuries, but the process to file a claim, communicate with insurance companies, and understand your legal options may feel like too much to handle alone.
That is why the team at Mike Morse Law Firm is here to help 24/7. We pride ourselves on providing our clients with legal representation they can rely on, and we are always ready to go the distance to help our clients.
Need answers? We are available to answer all the questions you may have, including information on your insurance policies, the statute of limitations for claims in Michigan, and whether or not you should file a lawsuit after your accident.
With over 25 years of experience in defending personal injury victims, we are well-versed in Michigan laws and have the resources and knowledge needed to fight for you. Let our local drunk driving accident lawyers put their expertise to work for you and your family.
Call us today at 855-MIKE-WINS to talk with one of our drunk driving accident lawyers in a free consultation. We are also available 24/7 by text at 833-898-6453.
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