If you were recently in a car accident and turned to Google to search “California car accident attorney,” you would probably be overwhelmed by the sheer number of results. Car accident and personal injury attorneys are a dime a dozen in California, but finding the right one to handle your case is crucial. Not only do you want a sharp, knowledgeable, and experienced attorney, but you also want someone you can trust and feel comfortable with. We compiled this list of six tips for finding the right California car accident lawyer for your case.
6 Tips for Finding the Right Lawyer for Your Car Accident Case
Car accident cases may initially seem easy to navigate on your own, but they can quickly become complicated and complex. Factors such as severe injuries, multiple defendants, commercial vehicles, and more than one insurance policy can make your case challenging to handle without the legal expertise of an attorney. Here are some tips for finding the right auto accident attorney in California for your claim.
Hire an Attorney Experienced in Car Accident Cases
Personal injury attorneys typically handle motor vehicle accident cases. However, personal injury attorneys can handle various cases, including many other personal injury claims. Some attorneys will only handle car accident claims; others may only handle slip and falls or premise liability claims. Many handle all types of personal injury accidents. However, we encourage you to seek a lawyer with extensive experience in car accident cases. How these claims are handled will significantly differ from other personal injury cases. Having an attorney who is well-versed in this area of law and has experience dealing with insurance companies and litigation can make a difference in the success of your case.
Ask Your Family and Friends for a Referral
If you ever needed professional services like home repair, vehicle maintenance, or even healthcare, you probably tapped into your closest friends and family for recommendations. The same can be said for lawyer referrals. Chances are someone in your inner circle has dealt with their own car accident case before. You can ask them to share recommendations with you. They would likely recommend their attorney to you if they had a pleasant experience and successful outcome. On the other hand, if they do not have a good experience, they can also share that insight, so you can avoid hiring that lawyer. Either way, personal recommendations from the people you trust most are among the best ways to find the right attorney for your case.
Check Out the Attorney’s Online Presence
While we do not recommend turning to the internet as your first method of finding the right attorney, it can help you narrow down a list of potential candidates. Checking out law firm websites and attorney bios can help you better understand who they are professionally and their achievements. Going to attorney review and rating websites such as Avvo or Yelp can also provide insight into what former clients and peers think of them.
Schedule Free Consultations
Once you have a short list of attorneys you are considering, you should schedule consultations to meet with them. Most car accident lawyers offer free initial consultations. Here, you can provide information regarding the accident to the attorney and hear how they believe they can assist you with your case. It is also a good opportunity to ask questions. You might have specific questions about your case, such as, “How much compensation do you think I might receive?” Additionally, you may want to inquire about the attorney’s availability and current workload to gauge whether they have the time to dedicate to your case. Upon leaving a consultation, you should know whether this is the right attorney for you.
Look for Attorneys Close to You
We recommend finding a lawyer close to you. A local attorney can be beneficial because they will be familiar with the area, the courthouse, and potential adversaries. Practically speaking, it is also wise to be close to your attorney’s office, as you may have to visit them on several occasions throughout the longevity of your case.
Avoid Soliciting Attorneys
Equally as important as what to do to find the right attorney is what not to do. Many car accident attorneys have a reputation as an “ambulance chaser” because they solicit accident victims for their business. If an attorney reaches out to you directly mere days after your crash, it may be a red flag, and they are probably not the right lawyer for your case. You want to find a professional, established, and well-respected lawyer to fight for you.
California Car Accident Lawyers
At Frederick Law Firm, we have 40 years of experience representing car accident victims in pursuing the justice and compensation they deserve. We recognize this may be the most challenging time in your life and vow to treat you like family when you walk through our doors.
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
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