Orange County Accident Attorney: Six Tips for Finding the Best Lawyer

The settlement of your car accident can change the course of your life, so it only makes sense that you choose the best possible attorney to represent you. But there are so many from which to choose. What should you look for in talented lawyers that make them stand out from the crowd?  

If you aren’t sure, relax. After reading this, you’ll be able to select an Orange County accident attorney with confidence. Here are our six tips for finding the best lawyer.  

There’s More to Them Than Just an Advertising Campaign  

Don’t be one of those people who select attorneys based solely on seeing them on TV commercials. Law firms justly use advertisements to put their names at the front of your memory. So, when an accident happens, you’ll immediately remember whom to call.  

However, just because you keep seeing their TV commercials doesn’t mean that it’s the right firm for you. Their good-looking, suave TV spokesperson may be their group’s founder or lead attorney, but that doesn’t mean that’s who will take your case.   

Your case will likely go to someone else in the firm. So, the TV commercials may give you a place to start, but you’re going to have to be willing to take your research a step further.  

They Specialize in Accident Cases  

Some lawyers are like the Swiss Army knife of the legal profession. They dabble in several different areas of law. But when you have an accident case, you want an accident attorney who specializes.   

You don’t want to lose your case because your all-purpose lawyer is unaware of a subtlety in accident cases that could make your case stronger. You want someone who has seen all the tricks in the insurance company’s playbook.  

Don’t select a lawyer just because they say that they handle accident cases. Check their recent cases to see how much of their time is spent specifically on them.  

You want someone who regularly handles accident cases because that person is more likely to be up-to-date on the most recent changes in the law. That sort of attorney will also be best equipped to battle the insurance company in court when necessary.  

Their Payment Arrangements Work For You  

No one likes to be unpleasantly surprised by an upcoming bill. That’s one of the reasons reputable accident attorneys often waive their fees if they fail to win your case. Typically, they’ll agree to work only based on receiving a percentage of the settlement.  

An accident lawyer willing to stake future income on winning a case may be more likely to devote more time and energy than a lawyer who works for a flat fee. After all, he has a vested interest in seeing you receive the largest settlement possible.  

They Have a Solid Reputation With the Public  

Thanks to the internet, information is available to you that would have been difficult or nearly impossible for earlier generations to gather quickly. For example, you can look for news stories and court reports that include the name of a particular law firm or attorney. You want to see what kind of cases have built the firm’s reputation.  

Does it appear that the firm has an enviable winning record? Are the settlements at least the same size, if not larger, than the one you want to seek?  

Look for social media comments about the firm. What is the general internet buzz about your prospective lawyer?   

Of course, there will always be both positive and negative things said about anyone, but what is the overall feeling you get from reading the posts? Are former clients pleased with the level of service they received? And are they recommending the firm or their particular lawyer to their friends and family?  

And don’t forget to scrutinize the firm’s website. Is it modern or stuck in a time zone from the 90s? Are the press releases and articles on the site recent, or does it appear that they stopped updating their site years ago?  

Are the articles and photographs professional or amateurish? You should only choose a firm that cares about how it presents itself to the world.  

They Maintain a Respectable Standing Within the Legal Community  

Is the law firm well-regarded within the legal community? For example, has it garnered any recent awards? Has its staff of attorneys maintained a good standing, or is there a history of suspensions and even disbarments?  

Is the firm embroiled in any lawsuits directed against its attorneys? If so, it doesn’t mean that you should automatically dismiss them from your consideration, but it should give you pause.  

Try to delve deeper into available news reports to see if the allegations seem farfetched or somewhat plausible. If there are accusations of misconduct from multiple clients, it’s time to move on.  

They Treat You With Respect  

Never ignore your gut instinct. Sometimes, shortly after meeting people, you get a feeling that you should move on. Don’t rationalize away that feeling.   

On the other hand, when you meet the right accident attorney in Orange County, you’re likely to feel a sense of relief immediately. Why? Likely, you can sense their confidence. They quickly grasp your situation and understand the necessary steps you’ll need to take starting today.   

Skilled attorneys are also excellent listeners. You feel that you’re their focus.   

So, if your initial meeting is constantly interrupted by phone calls and text messages, that’s a bad sign. After all, if the attorney isn’t even willing to give you his undivided attention to make an excellent first impression, how will they treat you after you’ve become a client?   

Choose Your Orange County Accident Attorney Wisely  

Selecting the right accident attorney takes time. But the results can make the time well-spent.   

That’s why at Sweet Lawyers we allow potential clients to get to know us better with a detailed initial consultation. Are we the right attorneys for you? Only you can answer that.  

But what better way to begin your decision-making process than with a free consultation? Contact us today to learn how we can put our years of Orange County accident attorney experience to use for you. Don’t delay getting the compensation from your car accident that you and your family need and deserve.