How to Find a Personal Injury Lawyer
If you experience an injury caused by the negligence of another person, you may need to know how to find a personal injury lawyer to help you file a claim. This will help you cover any medical expenses and lost wages due to the injury.
In this article, we’ll show you how to find a personal injury lawyer.
How to Find a Personal Injury Lawyer
If you are hurt because of someone else’s negligence, you may lose the ability to work, become temporarily or permanently disabled, or even lose the ability to enjoy marital relations. Experiencing pain and suffering on so many levels can feel like a cruel joke, especially as medical or repair bills roll in.
Whether you have a slip and fall due to a wet floor with improper signage or a drunk driver strikes you, leaving you permanently disabled, you have a right to seek compensation. The state of California protects that right by allowing you to sue the negligent party via the civil court.
Unfortunately, personal injury cases can be notoriously complex. Hiring a personal injury lawyer is the best way to ensure a win, especially if the fault is unclear or the value you are suing for is very high. These critical consideration factors will help you find the right lawyer for your unique situation.
Exploring Your Options
There are many ways to explore your options for finding a personal injury lawyer. If you have a friend or family member who has recently finalized a case, ask them if they recommend the lawyer they worked with. Sometimes, personal referrals can net excellent results – just be sure to keep in mind that every case is unique.
Consider using a lawyer referral service. These services maintain a database of lawyers with proven track records and can cross-reference your basic information to make the strongest “match” to someone who will best serve your needs.
Even if you turn to a referral service, you should still consult with several lawyers before you make your final choice. Ask these important questions to narrow down your options for the best fit.
How Experienced/Educated is Your Attorney?
Experience is one of the most important factors for finding the right attorney. Someone who is fresh out of school may be capable, but they won’t have the same level of knowledge as someone who has been practicing for a decade.
It should also be noted that experience can – and should – be based on where the lawyer has practiced. An attorney with 20 years of experience in the California legal system will have a much stronger ability to fight for your case within the state than, say, a lawyer who just moved here from another state.
Ask potential attorneys about their experiences – including where they went to school, where they practice, and whether they’ve dealt with tough cases. A good personal injury lawyer will be able to answer these questions plainly and quickly without needing to check sources or “talking around” the issue in legalese.
Does the Attorney Make You Feel Comfortable?
It is advantageous to have an initial consultation with several personal injury lawyers before you make your final choice. Whether you speak with them on the telephone or meet in person, pay careful attention to how they speak to you. Are they respectful? Do they explain their thoughts in a way that respects your knowledge without speaking over you? Are they listening, or interrupting continuously to “sell” themselves and try to push you to sign a retainer?
Good lawyers are efficient, but they are patient and have good listening skills, too. If a lawyer makes you feel uncomfortable, rushed, or insulted, it’s a red flag. Move on to the next option and find someone who will make you feel comfortable.
Do They Specialize in Personal Injury Cases?
Although this may seem obvious, you should ensure you work with a personal injury lawyer versus a general attorney. Lawyers who specialize spend countless hours become true experts in their area of focus. They’re far more likely to know how to handle difficult situations, legal loopholes, and issues specific to personal injury.
Think of it this way: you wouldn’t see a cardiac surgeon if you had a broken leg; you would see an orthopedic surgeon instead. Likewise, you should see the type of lawyer that best suits your needs for the best potential outcome.
How Successful is the Attorney?
Experience, personality, and willingness to help are really just the beginning. Lawyers can have the best of intentions; yet, it means nothing if they don’t actually succeed when they go to court.
Ask your potential personal injury lawyer to tell you about past cases. How many have they lost? How many have they won? A high win-to-loss ratio is a good sign of a lawyer with a reliable track record for success.
Does the Attorney Normally Represent Plaintiffs?
Attorneys generally focus on representing either the plaintiff (the person making the complaint or suing) or the defendant (the person being sued). Lawyers who fight for plaintiffs will have a much different set of skills than lawyers fighting for defendants, and this fact can either harm or hamper your efforts when it is time for court.
As with lawyers who specialize, it’s best to pick a personal injury lawyer who regularly fights for the same side you’re on. If you’re a plaintiff, pick a lawyer who fights for plaintiffs – or a defendant, if you happen to be a defendant instead. Avoid lawyers who generalize unless you lack access to any other alternative.
Is the Lawyer Licensed and In Good Standing?
Every lawyer in California (including personal injury lawyers) must be licensed by the State Bar of California. The Bar protects Californians by requiring personal injury lawyers to achieve transparency, accountability, and excellence at all times, both in and out of court.
All lawyers must pass the Bar exam before they are legally allowed to practice law; then, they must update their license every year. In order to remain in practice, they must engage in ongoing continuing education and complete pro bono work.
A lawyer who isn’t licensed or who has an expired license is not trustworthy, and may not even be legally able to serve you. Worse yet, they may be attempting to take advantage of your situation to scam you out of money.
You can confirm whether a lawyer is licensed through the Bar Association by dialing the number 1 (800) 843-9053. This is an excellent “last step” to take before you sign a retainer and move forward with your case.
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