There are 6 million car accidents each year in the United States. These accidents result in injuries to 3 million people every year.
Even if you do everything right, accidents can still happen. If you are a victim of a car accident in California and the other driver was at fault, you may be entitled to compensation.
To pursue a claim, you need a California accident attorney on your side. Keep reading to learn more about how to find the best attorney for your case.
Know What to Look For
The first step in finding the best California car accident attorney for your case is knowing what to look for to ensure your lawyer is qualified to handle your case.
Of course, the attorney you choose should be licensed to practice law in the state of California. They should have years of experience practicing law, and most importantly, should have experience practicing cases like yours. There are a number of different legal specialties and a California personal injury attorney will be best equipped to handle your case.
Your attorney should also be accessible and readily available to answer your questions throughout the progression of your case.
You should also look for an attorney with trial experience. The goal is to achieve a fair settlement for your claim without having to go to court. But, if you can’t reach a settlement you may want to file a lawsuit.
It’s important to have an attorney who has actual experience taking cases like yours to trial.
You should also look for a California accident lawyer who has a real passion for their work. As someone who has been injured in a car accident, you want to trust your attorney and feel confident that they will do their best work on your claim.
Once you understand the basic qualifications that make a good accident attorney, you can start making a list.
Ask Friends and Family
One of the best ways to start your list of potential attorneys is to ask around. Friends, family members, neighbors, and coworkers can be a referral source for all kinds of attorneys.
If you know anyone who has filed a claim or a lawsuit after being involved in an automobile accident in California, ask them if they were happy with their attorney and if they would recommend their services for you as well. Even if you don’t know for sure whether the people around you have had a claim of their own, it never hurts to ask and word of mouth is one of the best ways to get an honest evaluation of an attorney.
Use a Search Engine
Another easy way to find a lot of information about a variety of attorneys is by searching online. Search engines like Google and Bing are great resources and are designed to provide information about the top attorneys in your area that specialize in claims like yours.
By searching for a California car accident attorney on one of these search engines, you will be shown a list of options, their contact information, their websites, and even reviews from former clients.
Check Out Their Website
You can learn a lot about an attorney by looking at their website. A well-designed and easy-to-use website shows that an attorney cares about your experience and access to information. By looking at an attorney’s website, you can find information about the practice, the staff, the types of cases they handle, and testimonials from former clients.
This is a great way to learn about an attorney’s experience handling cases like yours as well as their trial experience. Past results speak volumes about an attorney’s ability to handle your case. A good attorney will be proud to show off their track record of success and past case results.
Check out their testimonials page to learn more about how they’ve resolved cases like yours in the past.
Contact a Referral Service
The state of California has its own bar association. The State Bar is a great resource for those looking for an attorney. The California Bar Association has its own certified lawyer referral services directory that is organized by county.
Each county has its own lawyer referral service that can help you find an attorney based on the specifics of your case. Click here to visit the directory and search for the referral service nearest to you.
Ask Other Lawyers
If you’ve worked with another type of attorney in the past, they may be able to direct you to a good personal injury and accident lawyer. Don’t be afraid to reach out to any attorneys you know. Attorneys always appreciate a referral.
Questions to Ask Potential Lawyers
Once you’ve narrowed down your list to a few top choices, it’s time to contact each attorney directly.
A good personal injury attorney will offer a free case evaluation. You should prepare for this meeting or phone call by gathering any documentation you have about your case and making a list of questions to ask. Some of these questions might include:
- Are you licensed to practice in California?
- What is your experience?
- What is your record of success with cases like mine?
- Have you ever had a complaint filed against you?
- Is your license in good standing?
- What are your fees?
- Who will be working on my case?
- Who will be my main point of contact?
- Will you be available to answer any questions I might have?
- Are you prepared to take my case to trial if necessary?
Are You Looking for a California Accident Attorney?
If you or someone you know was injured in a car accident and is looking for a California accident attorney, we are here for you. Our team of attorneys has years of experience handling personal injury cases including car accident claims and lawsuits in California.
We offer free case evaluations so you can learn more about your legal options with no costs or obligations.
Click here to schedule your free consultation with one of our attorneys today.