Car accidents can be life changing and traumatizing, with the short- and long-term effects posing three-pronged challenges in many cases, affecting the victim physically, emotionally and mentally. Unfortunately, those injured in a car accident often disregard the need for hiring an experienced lawyer – to their detriment later on.
Yes, there are times when you can handle your own injury claim, such as when you experience no or minor injuries and just want your car repaired. On the other end of the spectrum, there are absolutely times when you need the assistance of the right Los Angeles car accident lawyer to secure your deserved compensation, such as when your car is totaled and you have suffered grave injury.
Pay attention to these five tips to finding the best car accident lawyer in the Los Angeles area. The one you choose will make a difference in the outcome of your case!
Just as you would before choosing a doctor or a mechanic, do your due diligence on the car accident lawyers around you. Because insurance companies are shrewd and cunning, you have to make sure the lawyer you ultimately choose has years of experience going toe to toe with these companies, coming up on top more times than not. Read through Testimonials, look over FAQs, and make sure their practice areas are in line with your specific needs. Go online to read reviews and ratings, and ask your friends and family who they would recommend.
Hiring a reputable and experienced car accident attorney gives you the upper hand with your case, which means you’ll have a much better chance of getting justice for damages caused.
On a similar note, you should always dig deep into their professional track record, watching for high-level education and experience, as well as a proven history of six-and-seven-figure verdicts or settlements. This is particularly important if you have a big case featuring serious injuries and long recovery times. Knowing an attorney can secure a large verdict or settlement in your favor will instill hope in the ability to cover large financial burdens now and in the future.
Local attorneys know the local landscape. They know what contributes to car accidents, what they can get for compensation for your type of injury, and which insurance companies are typically involved. In addition, local attorneys are well versed in state and national transportation laws, and know their way around the local court system.
You wouldn’t go to an ear, nose and throat doctor if you have a broken leg. That would be absurd. So, why would you use a divorce or estate lawyer when you have suffered a car accident injury? Specialty does matter. Experienced auto accident lawyers spend much of their time learning the ropes of the industry and are therefore better equipped to handle a case involving injury due to motor vehicle crashes. By narrowing down your choices to an experienced car accident attorney, you will be better able to focus on competent lawyers.
Pay attention to that feeling you get when meeting for your initial consultation. Reading about impressive credentials is certainly what you want to see; however, all the credentials in the world mean nothing if you don’t feel a connection between yourself and the lawyer. A skilled and aggressive car accident attorney is of vital importance, but on the other side of the coin, remember you will have to work with them for months or even years. That’s why you need to feel an easy rapport with them. So, during your initial meeting, if anything feels off, such as an arrogant personality or the feeling of being talked down to, you may want to go elsewhere. Make sure the lawyer you go with returns calls quickly and is attentive to your needs. In the end, you want to select someone who is professional yet personable, and compassionate yet aggressive.
If you have been injured in a car accident in Los Angeles, you need solid representation behind you. We can provide that here at Power Legal Group, where we are particularly skilled at fighting highly complex cases that involve hit and run and un-insured motorists, rental car crashes and accidents with multiple vehicles. Please contact us for a free initial consultation at 800-323-POWER.