Look for these 4 things when choosing an attorney to represent you in an injury case
There are nearly a million practicing attorneys in this country, so needless to say when it comes to choosing representation for an injury case, whether it’s a car accident, pedestrian accident, or premises accident, you will have plenty of options. Here is some advice to help you select your attorney wisely.
Reputation
One of the best ways to find an attorney is to ask for referrals from friends, neighbors, colleagues, etc. If you can’t get a personal referral, the next best thing is to browse a site like Avvo.com where clients have posted reviews of their lawyers. Look for an attorney who has a good reputation for personalized service and a history of successful case resolution. You can also visit the lawyers’ websites to learn more about their practice and view any awards they may have won.
Experience
As a bare minimum, you should make sure any attorney you are considering has a valid license and is in good standing with the California bar association. Beyond that, you should look for experience in the specific type of injury you have suffered. That way, you can rest assured that the attorney you choose will be intimately familiar with the specific laws relating to your case and able to provide the best possible representation.
Free Consultation
Any quality injury attorney will give you a free consultation to discuss the merits of your case. This free consultation is like a preview of how you will be treated if you choose to become a client. Ideally you want a law office where the senior partner handles your consultation personally, rather than passing you off to an inexperienced junior attorney or assistant.
No Recovery, No Fee Representation
Working on a contingency fee basis is a sign of an attorney who is confident in their ability to win cases. With this type of arrangement, you can begin pursuing compensation immediately, even if you don’t have the money to pay for representation. Your attorney’s fees will be taken out of your settlement when you win the case. If you don’t receive a settlement, you won’t have to pay the attorney.
Attorney-Client Relationship
Once you find an attorney who meets all the above requirements, consider whether or not you feel comfortable with them. You will be sharing personal information about your injuries and your quality of life following an accident with your attorney and relying on them to help you through a traumatic time in your life, so it’s important that you feel you can trust your attorney. You should feel like your attorney and their staff treat you with respect, will communicate with you promptly, and will give your case the attention it deserves.
