How can I find an attorney for a car accident injury?

You should start by asking friends and family whether they know an attorney they trust who “specializes” in personal injury. Don't hire an attorney who is a jack of all trades.

Personal injury is a surprisingly complex area of the law. For example, it is possible to collect many millions of dollars against an insurance company which sold a $15,000 liability policy, if the damages are significant. I have done this. Many attorneys don't have a clue about insurance law, and will leave a fortune on the table, unknowingly.

You may want to avoid the Personal Injury “mills” you see advertising on TV and radio, unless you don't mind being just a number and having your case handled by what are, essentially, salaried factory workers. A boutique firm is more likely to take time to get to know you, and the details of your case, and to maximize your recovery, because your case is more important to their bottom line than it would be to a firm which handles thousands of cases.

Read law firm profiles on the internet and compare them. Some of what you see is puffery, listing huge verdicts and settlements. I don't think that kind of information is helpful to you in making your decision for the reason that, despite the large numbers, the cases may have been worth far more than the amount recovered. I don't publish that kind of information for that very reason.

Finally, the most important criteria for choosing an attorney is experience in the field. It takes a long time to gain the in depth knowledge and understanding of medicine and the relevant law and tactics needed to maximize your recovery. Check out the law firm attorney biographies and take note of their education and experience.

Good luck.

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Answer to How can I find an attorney for a car accident injury? Above.

There are thousands of personal injury lawyers everywhere. Some people are more comfortable with high volume practice. Other people want a smaller, boutique practice with a focus on personal attention. Both have pros and cons.

You'd want to do some homework when selecting one. Here are a few things I'd recommend:

1. Research lawyers in your locale. Look at avvo.com, martindale, nolo, and their ilk. Look at client ratings, answers, and the like. Ask friends and family who they used, and liked. Make a list of 5-10 lawyers to consider.
2. Call each office. How were the staff? Were they pleasant and eager to help? Did they actually listen to you? Did they know what they were talking about? In most offices, the staff handles quite a bit of your interaction. You're interviewing them as much as the attorney. Narrow the list to less than four offices based on which staff treated you the best.
3. Make an appointment for a free consultation. Are they able to see you this week? Did you meet with a lawyer or a paralegal? What was their demeanor? Were they badgering you to sign? Or did they focus on you and your case vs pressuring you to make a decision? Did they seem to care about the merits of your case? Are the staff friendly and professional? Did the lawyer answer your questions to your satisfaction?
4. Ask about the property damage (if applicable). Locally, some attorneys will handle the property damage of your case, some do not. Some charge for property damage recoveries, some do it as a courtesy.
5. Ask about your injuries. Do they work with clinics? What happens if there is no recovery? Can you choose any clinic you want?
6. Ask who is the contact person for your case. How long has that person been with the firm? You may want to think twice if the firm has a high rate of turnover.
7. Ask them to spell out the process of how a typical case plays out. What are the steps in the process? Did you understand their explanation?
8. Look for their attitudes in dealing with you and your questions. Are your questions welcomed, or met with contempt?

Once you've done that, you should have a pretty good idea of who will be the best match for you. There are many lawyers and offices with many types of styles, and it's important to pick an office that not only knows what they're doing, but has the ability to work with you.

How do you know if you need a lawyer after a car accident?

Knowing when to hire a car accident lawyer depends on the specific circumstances of your accident and the extent of your injuries and damages. While not every accident requires legal representation, there are several situations where hiring a car accident lawyer can be beneficial. Here are some signs that indicate you may need to hire a car accident lawyer:

1. Severe Injuries: If you or anyone involved in the accident sustained significant injuries that require medical treatment, hospitalization, surgery, or long-term care, it's advisable to consult with an attorney. A lawyer can help you pursue compensation for medical expenses, future medical costs, and pain and suffering.
2. Multiple Parties Involved: Accidents involving multiple vehicles or parties can be complex, and liability may be disputed. A lawyer can help assess liability, negotiate with multiple insurance companies, and protect your interests.
3. Wrongful Death: If a loved one died in the accident, you should consider hiring an attorney to pursue a wrongful death claim. An attorney can help you seek compensation for funeral expenses, lost income, and the emotional impact of your loss.
4. Disputed Liability: When the other party disputes liability, claiming that you were at fault or that their liability is limited, an attorney can gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build a strong case to prove fault and liability.
5. Insurance Company Denial: If your insurance claim is denied, delayed, or undervalued, an attorney can advocate for your rights and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.
6. Complex Legal Issues: Certain accidents involve complex legal issues, such as commercial vehicles, government entities, defective products, or uninsured/underinsured drivers. In these cases, an attorney with expertise in these areas can be invaluable.
7. Inadequate Settlement Offers: If the insurance company offers a settlement that does not fully cover your medical bills, lost wages, property damage, or pain and suffering, an attorney can assess the offer and negotiate for a fair and equitable resolution.
8. Long-Term or Permanent Disabilities: If your injuries result in long-term or permanent disabilities that affect your ability to work, enjoy life, or care for yourself, an attorney can help you pursue compensation for future medical expenses and loss of earning capacity.
9. Emotional Distress: Car accidents can lead to emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). An attorney can help you seek compensation for the emotional impact of the accident.
10. Statute of Limitations: Each state has a statute of limitations, which is a time limit for filing a personal injury lawsuit. If you are approaching this deadline, it's crucial to consult with an attorney promptly to ensure your rights are protected.

In general, consulting with a car accident lawyer for a free initial consultation can help you determine whether your case requires legal representation. During the consultation, the attorney can assess the details of your accident, provide advice, and explain your legal options. Remember that attorneys often work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case, so there's typically no upfront cost to consult with an attorney

The BEST option is to leave it to the pros. Let Pasadena Personal Injury Lawyers deal with all that for you. Give us a call and we can walk you through it..

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