How to Choose a Great Car Accident Lawyer

One of the most important steps after your accident is to find a car accident lawyer you feel comfortable with. When you are suffering from injuries due to your accident, you want someone in your corner who has your best interests at heart. At Silverthorne Attorneys we know just how difficult it can be to find and choose a great car accident attorney. Follow the steps below to choose the best attorney for you and your family.

Research Your Potential Attorney

The first step is usually the most obvious. You want to do as much research on car accident lawyers as you can. Did you know that attorneys that specialize in car accidents and car accident related injuries differ from other attorneys? This is because car accident lawyers specialize in a very specific area of the law.

First thing’s first: make a list of what you are looking for in an attorney. Utilizing search engines such as Google to help narrow your search down will be extremely helpful. With a specific idea in mind of what you are looking for, the likelier it will be that you choose an attorney right for you. Some things to consider while doing your research may include the following:

• Areas of practice – You want to make sure you are choosing an attorney who practices in the type of law you need. For instance, if you have been injured due to a car accident where you are not at fault, you want to look for an attorney that specializes in car accidents;
• Reputation – You want to make sure that you attorney has a good reputation in the community they are serving. A quick Google search of reviews will be able to help;
• Disciplinary record – To check to see if an attorney has a disciplinary record, go to the California State Bar website to see if there has ever been a complaint filed or if they have been suspended or disbarred for any reason.

When you are doing research, try to be as specific as possible in your search. For instance, if you are looking for a car accident lawyer in your area, search “car accident lawyer in (your city and state).”

Contacting Potential Lawyers

Once you have completed your research, make a list of your top choices. Consultations with car accident attorneys are usually free. Meaning, you can call each of your potential lawyers to get a feel for them at no charge.

Once you have narrowed down your search to your top candidates, prepare a few questions you feel are appropriate for your first consultation. Examples of questions we have seen are:

• What is the statute of limitations for my case?
• Have you taken on cases like mine? How many? Were they successful?
• What is your fee structure?
• How often will you update me on my case?
• How often do you take cases to trial?

Again, these are only some suggested questions and ones that our attorneys get often. Make list of your own questions that will help you make the decision easier for you and your family.

Know the Facts of Your Case

When you contact potential car accident lawyers they will ask you the details of your case. Before meeting with an attorney, write down as much as you can remember of your accident. The first thing an attorney will ask you during the consultation is for the details of your case in order to gauge whether or not they can adequately represent you. Be as specific as possible and try not to leave out even minor details, as these can be helpful as well.

When you go in for your consultation, you will want to bring any documents you have pertaining to your accident. These can include:

• Medical bills and records;
• Pictures of the scene of the accident and your injuries
• Witness information;
• Police reports

Any documentation pertaining to your case will be helpful for any and all of your candidates.

Making Your Decision

Just because you meet with one attorney, that does not mean that you need to hire that attorney. Especially if they are not the right fit for you. You want to feel comfortable with your choice because you will be spending a great deal of time with them.

Feeling comfortable and having confidence in your car accident lawyer and choosing a great one can seem daunting. But once you have done your research and you know what you are looking for, the decision is easy. Go with the one that you feel will put your best interests over their bottom line. Make are you are familiar with their fee structure – most attorneys who specialize in personal injury work on a contingency fee basis. This means that we do not take fees up front. We collect on our fee once we successfully settle your case.

Making the decision to hire a car accident lawyer is the right one. Not only will it help relieve you and your family of the additional stress, but you can rest assured knowing that every attorney in our office is doing everything to get you the settlement you deserve. If you have been injured in a car accident and need representation, please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your case. Consultations are free!

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Personal Injury Lawyers in Ladera Ranch

Car Accident Lawyers in Ladera Ranch

About the Author:

Ian Silverthorne