Choosing the Right Auto-Accident Injury Lawyer
13 car accidents occur every minute in America. Driving offers many conveniences, but the worst part about it is that even the safest drivers out there are still at risk. People invest in car insurance to repair their cars and cover medical bills after accidents, but it can be difficult to get the compensation that they deserve.
If you’ve recently been in a car accident and haven’t gotten justice, then hiring a lawyer could be your smartest move. Keep reading to gather the top tips on finding the right car accident lawyer in California for your case.
Read Reviews About Local Attorneys
California is one of the most populated states in the country, which means that there are tons of lawyers to choose from no matter where you live in the state. To start narrowing down your options, begin with some research over the internet. On Google, search for something like “car accident lawyer near me.” Every lawyer in your community will then pop up.
Instead of spending tons of time sifting through lawyers who haven’t earned the best reputation, you can set a filter to only display the lawyers with a high rating. From there, you should scroll through the reviews to see what others have to say about their experiences. If you notice lots of praise for any lawyer in particular, then you can add their name to the top of your list.
Find a Lawyer Who Specializes in Auto-Related Accidents
Some lawyers offer a wide range of services so they can attract the highest number of clients. While these lawyers certainly are qualified for the job, this doesn’t mean that they’re your best fit. Many people prefer to choose lawyers who specialize in vehicle collisions to increase their odds of winning.
The goal is to find a lawyer who works on cases exactly like yours on a daily basis. With all of that experience, they’ll be able to secure the greatest outcome possible for your case as well. If you want to confirm this, you can ask a potential lawyer about how many other cases like yours they have worked on in the past.
Learn About Their Background
Once you’ve collected some names of promising personal injury attorneys, it’s time to do more in-depth research to learn about their backgrounds. The fastest way to access this information is by visiting their business website and clicking on their “Services” and “About Us” pages.
Where did the lawyers go to school and how long have they been working in the industry? Seeking out these details can help you find the most talented attorney in your community.
Compare Payment Options
The four main types of payment plans that lawyers offer are hourly rates, contingency fees, retainers, and flat rates. Hourly rates accumulate based on the time, retainers are an upfront cost that gets adjusted after the case is finished, contingency fees mean that you pay only if the lawyer wins, and flat rates are one tidy sum.
Every option comes with pros and cons, so it’s worth doing more research to figure out which option suits your financial needs well. Some lawyers are flexible and can set up installments so you aren’t overwhelmed.
Get Recommendations
You may be surprised by how many people you know who’ve hired lawyers in the past. It’s always worth putting your feelers out to see if anyone can offer any suggestions on who to contact.
Doing your own research is enough to find a competent lawyer, but it’s reassuring when you can work with someone who’s helped your loved one. You can strike up conversations with people you trust or even make a post on social media asking for help.
See How Many Other People Will Work on Your Case
You may consult with a lawyer to determine if they’re the perfect hire, but it’s important to know that they often have a big team to support them. Having assistants to research and perform other time-consuming tasks allows lawyers to focus their efforts on the most important aspects of your case. Your lawyer needs to be upfront about the billing for other staff. You shouldn’t pay premium prices for everyone who works on your case.
Understand Each Auto Injury Lawyer’s Approach
Some lawyers are fantastic negotiators while others are more aggressive. Negotiators tend to close cases faster, but this often results in lower winnings. Car accidents are traumatic, and everyone reacts to them in different ways. Ask yourself how fast you’d like to wrap up the case and find a lawyer who will cater to your preferences.
Are You Searching for the Best Car Accident Lawyer in California?
Taking the time to review all of your legal options is crucial for getting the justice that you deserve after experiencing a car crash. After reading this guide on how to find the right car accident lawyer in California, you should have no trouble resolving your case.
Are you looking for an expert car accident lawyer near Bakersfield, California? If so, Horizon Accident Lawyers would love to help. Contact us to learn why you can count on us to handle your case.