You're in pain, your car is totaled and you just don't have it in you to fight with the insurance company. What you need is a car accident lawyer.

But with so much at stake - including present and future pain and the treatment you'll need to get past it - you don't want to retain just any car accident lawyer. How can those whose been injured know they've found the best car accident lawyer following driving accidents?

Start by getting referrals from the State Bar of Nevada, which offers a "Find a Lawyer" tab on the Web site at www.nvbar.org. Get the names of several of the best car accident lawyers because some may not take all cases involving driving accidents, you may not be comfortable with others and you want a good pool from which to choose. The State Bar of Nevada also administers a lawyer referral service at http://www.nvbar.org/content/lawyer-referral-information-service.

From there, you will want to do a little background work:

• Make sure the car accident lawyer actually has trial experience. Some lawyers never see the inside of a courtroom. Even though you may settle long before you arrive there, you want to be certain that the car accident lawyer who represents you is comfortable in front of a judge and jury. You also may be able to settle sooner if the insurance company considers your car accident lawyer a formidable opponent in the courtroom.
• Check the record of success of the car accident lawyer. Remember, a win in court when it comes to driving accidents is relative. But what you want to determine, if possible, is the types and levels of awards or settlements earned on behalf of the car accident lawyer's clients involved in driving accidents.
• Ask whether the car accident lawyer representing those involved in driving accidents works on a contingency fee. Though some other lawyers ask for retainers, a car accident lawyer typically works for a percentage of any money, commonly about one-third, awarded clients involved in driving accidents.
• Check whether the car accident lawyer is a member of local, state or national associations. This demonstrates the commitment of a car accident lawyer to his or her field and to the professional development necessary to remain effective in the courtroom.

The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult a car accident lawyer for advice regarding your individual situation.