Tips On Hiring Your Car Accident Lawyer
Car accident lawyers specialize in auto accidents and help represent victims of the same to ensure they are duly compensated for damages caused. While minor car accident cases do not necessarily need the intervention of a lawyer, auto accidents due to reckless driving, drunk-driving, or speeding often cause physical injury and fatalities, hence warrants legal representation. Finding the right attorney to help in such situations can be daunting especially if you aren’t well-informed on the same.
With insurance companies suiting up with their lawyers, you too need an experienced attorney to counter their offers and ensure proper compensation for damages caused. You, therefore, have to look for an attorney experienced in car accidents to help you out. Outlined below are a few tips on how to land the best car accident lawyer for better representation.
Window-shop
Although you may be hurting, you shouldn’t hire the first lawyer you come across or fall for ambulance chasers either. Instead, take your time to look into different lawyers, particularly auto accident lawyers, and draft a list of potential candidates. You can either do this online or have your relatives or friends refer you to a lawyer they know. With the list ready, start researching on each candidate before contacting them.
Consider Local Attorneys
While you may be tempted to hire an attorney from another state, it would be best if you look for a local auto accident lawyer instead. The reason why is that, a local attorney is well versed in state and national transportation laws, and also knows his/her way around local courts. Another reason why you should go local is that the attorney knows the ins and outs of the courtroom including the jury.
Consider Professional Car Accident Lawyers
Experience is the word here. Instead of having your family lawyer or a corporate attorney represent you, your case stands a better chance if you hire a lawyer specializing in auto accident cases. Experienced auto accident lawyers spend lots of time learning the rules and ropes of the industry, hence a better equipped for the case as compared to lawyers in other niches. A specialized car accident attorney should also help you focus more on competent lawyers as well.
Run Background Checks
One thing you need to know about auto accident cases is that you probably have to muscle out against corporate insurance company lawyers. Most of these lawyers will try to pin you and your lawyer down into settling for much less. These lawyers will look for incongruities on your lawyer to use them against him or her. You, therefore, need to run several background checks on potential candidates to ensure they do not have any dirt on their sleeves. Be sure to check customer testimonials, ratings, and even go through the lawyer’s portfolio to ascertain this. Hiring a reputable and experienced car accident attorney gives your case an upper hand, meaning you will get justice for damages caused.
Experience and Legal Fees
Experience in auto accident cases is a must if you are to win a case. While some newbies may surprise you, it would be advisable to hire an attorney who has been specializing in similar cases for not less than three years. Aside from this, you should discuss legal fees with the potential candidate before signing any contract. Some of the best attorneys in the industry will work on a contingency, whereby they only get paid after winning the case.
Always follow your gut feeling when hiring an attorney and especially if your life depends on it. Entrusting your life to a stranger isn’t an easy thing, which is why you should be comfortable with the lawyer you decide to hire.
Schedule Your Free Consultation With Our Personal Injury Lawyer
Christopher Montes de Oca is an experienced personal injury lawyer in Los Angeles. Chris is recognized as a “Super Lawyer Rising Star,” a recognition that only 2.5 percent of lawyers receive, because of the exceptional results he has seen and his dedication to his clients. Chris services clients throughout Los Angeles, including Echo Park, Maywood, Long Beach, Whittier, Glendale, La Mirada, Pico Rivera, Hacienda Heights, and Alhambra. Call him today for a free consultation at (562) 901-4664.