How to Find the Best Car Accident Attorney
If you’ve been hurt in a vehicle accident in Los Angeles, time is of the essence. You must get a police report, gather evidence, and seek medical help. Finding the best car crash lawyer is also essential; it increases the chances of getting the settlement you deserve.
However, we know the chaos, uncertainty, and hurt victims face after an accident. If you don’t already have one, you must find a lawyer quickly. To help with this crucial stage, here are a few things to look for in the best attorney for a car accident case:
The Lawyer’s Reputation
High-quality legal representation makes a difference during an impactful moment in the client’s life. To determine if a lawyer is reputable:
- Check reviews on reliable sources like Yelp or Google Reviews
- Ask friends and family members for referrals
- Talk to a law expert you know about a referral
Reviews and testimonials can tell you much about an attorney’s professionalism and success rate. It’s not uncommon to see some negative reviews mixed in with positive ones. However, look for themes. Is the feedback generally positive or do past clients repeatedly complain about the same type of issue?
Experience Handling Car Accident Cases
It’s important to research a vehicle accident attorney’s prior experience. Have they handled many car accident cases similar to yours? Aside from being board-certified in personal injury law, they should be familiar with the details of your type of car accident and any injuries you have sustained, especially in your state and preferably in your county or city.
A deep understanding of California’s laws and regulations on car accidents and lawsuits is essential, including knowledge about:
- Statutes of Limitations: In California, you have two years from the date of a car accident to file a personal injury claim.
- Comparative Negligence: You can recover damages even if partially at fault for the accident, based on a percentage of liability.
- Mandatory Insurance Requirements: Per the California Insurance Code, you must have $15,000 for injury/death to one person, $30,000 for injury/death to more than one person, and $5,000 to cover property damage.
Effective Communication Skills
A car accident attorney should be a good communicator. Their clients should always be their top priority. When speaking to a lawyer, make sure they explain every aspect of the case and what to expect in the legal process. Along the way, you’ll encounter lots of legal jargon. Explaining this in plain language will keep you in the loop.
An attorney’s patience is another sign of effective communication skills. Don’t hire a lawyer who doesn’t listen to your concerns and answer your questions. They should also respond quickly to your inquiries (whether by phone, email, or an in-person meeting), not leave you waiting days or weeks to get back to you. Reputable personal injury attorneys know their clients often have urgent matters that must be addressed.
Ask About Potential Future Fees
If you’ve been in a vehicle accident in Los Angeles, it’s important to know what fees your attorney will charge. You already have mounting expenses. Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. They only get paid if the case wins; their fee is usually a percentage of your settlement.
Fees vary depending on the lawyer’s experience and the complexity of the case. When speaking with a lawyer you may potentially hire:
- Ask what percentage of the settlement they charge
- Inquire about their fee structure and what’s included
- Be wary of anyone who asks for money upfront
- Be suspicious of high fees without a proven track record of success
- Discuss who pays filing fees, court costs, and other out-of-pocket expenses
Track Record of Successful Settlements
To research a lawyer’s track record, look them up on the California Bar Association website. It will show if they have trial experience, a track record of success in court, or if they were ever disciplined or had their licenses suspended or revoked. Searching for news articles or press releases about prior cases can also provide insights into the attorney’s track record.
Free Consultations
The best attorneys for car accident cases know what you’re going through. They understand the importance of finding the best legal representative for your situation. A free consultation helps you learn about your legal options and make an informed decision. You can compare estimates of your expected settlement compensation. And, you can get a feel for the lawyer’s ability to meet your needs based on the criteria described above.
Contact The Law Offices of Jacob Emrani
If you’ve been hurt in a vehicle accident in Los Angeles, we offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis. Our team has won millions of dollars in accident settlements. Experienced with a wide range of cases, we fight for your rights and recover compensation by holding negligent parties accountable and being aggressive with insurance companies. To speak with our car accident attorney, call (888) 952-2952 today.