How to Select an Attorney for Accident Injuries
Prior to your accident, hiring a personal injury attorney probably never crossed your mind. But now that you need one, you’re seeing them everywhere. Bus stops, benches, billboards, magazines – you name it.
While selecting an attorney may seem relatively easy, seeing as there are dozens of them right here in San Diego, choosing the right one to represent you in your personal injury case can actually be pretty overwhelming. With so much on the line including medical expenses, lost income, and other physical suffering, the last thing you want to do is rush your decision and hire someone who is either not qualified or lacks the experience to assist you.
To help you avoid getting stuck with the wrong attorney, here are a few guidelines for hiring a qualified one who will help you receive the compensation you deserve.
Why hire a personal injury attorney?
When you get in a fender bender, the best-case scenario is that no one is hurt, both parties exchange insurance information, and you continue on with your day. Unfortunately, accidents are rarely this simple. In fact, they can get really complicated when an injury is involved. Whether you were hurt due to someone else’s negligence or you have allegedly injured another driver, navigating the legal system isn’t something you want to do alone.
That’s where a personal injury attorney comes in. Hiring a qualified lawyer with in-depth knowledge of medical diagnoses and the legal processes associated with personal injury can make all the difference in your case.
What to look for in a personal injury attorney
There are many ways to find personal injury attorneys in your area. You can ask close friends and relatives for referrals, or try a simple Google search and see what comes up. Additional online resources include lawyers.com, nolo.com and findlaw.com. Once you have a few strong candidates, pick up the phone and give them a call for more specific information.
When searching for a personal injury attorney, there are a few criteria to look for. In addition to any factors that are personally important to you, be sure to evaluate each of your top choices on the following:
Expertise of the personal injury attorney
Like doctors, lawyers tend to focus their practice in specialized areas. When looking for a personal injury attorney, it’s important to narrow your choices to those who have experience with your specific type of case.
The lawyer's reputation
Testimonials from previous clients can be a great indicator of an attorney’s reputation. A lawyer with a long track record of positive reviews is a good sign that he or she will provide the attention your case deserves.
Does the attorney have a winning record?
An attorney who routinely loses cases should be a red flag, as he or she is probably doing something wrong. Narrow your search to personal injury lawyers with a proven track record of success.
Does the lawyer have a disciplinary record?
On California’s state bar website, you can type in the bar number of an attorney on your list to see if he or she has ever been suspended or disbarred. Make note of any and all past transgressions.
The trustworthiness of the personal injury attorney
Ultimately, you have to be able to trust your personal injury attorney. You’re under enough stress as it is, and second-guessing your lawyer’s every move will make an already bad situation even worse.
Are you looking for a personal injury lawyer?
We know you have a lot of options when it comes to selecting a personal injury lawyer. With a seemingly endless list of possibilities, it can be stressful to find someone you can trust. Our goal is to make your decision a little bit easier.
At Salmu Law Firm in San Diego, our experienced attorneys have a proven track record of handling complex and challenging personal injury cases. Want to know more? Go ahead – ask us anything. We’re happy to listen to your concerns and answer your questions before you make a decision. Choosing a personal injury lawyer is a big deal, and it’s important to us that you feel confident in our ability to represent you in your case.
If you’re looking for a lawyer who can resolve your legal problems quickly and successfully, give us a call. During your free case evaluation, we’ll walk you through the injury claims process and tell you exactly how we can help get you the compensation you deserve.