Lawyers jockey hard for space on the first page of your Google search when you are searching for legal help. Attorneys are banking on the fact that placement of their name will persuade an injury victim to hire them just because they see that lawyer’s name first. This practice relies on the idea that all personal injury lawyers are the same. You should never learn the hard way that all injury attorneys are not created equal. Instead, you need to take an active role in selecting an attorney to ensure that you get the right person for the job. Here are some of the things that you should do.
You may be wondering how to differentiate between lawyers. After all, each one of them has a professionally designed website along with promises to fight for your legal rights. One of the best ways to learn more about an attorney is to hear from people who have actually worked with them in the past. Referrals and word-of-mouth can tell you what an attorney is really like, including how responsive they are and the level of service they provide. Even though each case is different, you may also get an idea of how a lawyer would handle your case and their style based on how they have worked with others.
Get Referrals and Recommendations From Family and Friends
Pleased clients usually make for the most effective advertising for attorneys. People who are happy with their personal injury lawyers are more than happy to recommend them to others. You may want to start by asking a small group of family or friends for a recommendation.
Read Online Reviews
Clients also post reviews online after their case has concluded. They may post these on Google and Yelp. Look closely at the details in the review. It is one thing to give a lawyer a five-star review or even a one-star review. You should pay very close attention to what people are saying. Good reviews with specific details tell you a lot about what the lawyer does well. At the same time, bad reviews should also be closely scrutinized. Some could be from clients who were dissatisfied with the result of their case may post bad reviews about their lawyers, but you should pay attention to the how’s and why’s of the review. If clients complain that their lawyer was rude or did not return phone calls, these could be warning signs.
Research Disciplinary History
It is also critical to know that your attorney remains in good standing with their bar, meaning they can practice law and have not been suspended or disbarred. You can also check into their disciplinary history (if they have one). This step should help you exclude attorneys who have been disciplined. Lawyers can be punished for a number of things, and all of these things are concerning. For example, if you see that a lawyer was suspended for overbilling clients or was reprimanded for not diligently pursuing a case, you should walk away and move on to the next lawyer. A track record of incompetence or dishonesty is a red flag that should convince you to stay far away.
You would be surprised at how many clients end up in a bad situation because they did not investigate who they were dealing with for their personal injury case. You are literally trusting your lawyer with your financial future, and it is a decision that you should make very carefully. While lawyers tell you that you need an attorney immediately after your injury (and that remains true), you should not hire the attorney without doing some due diligence. Doing so now could save you hassle and stress later.
Learn About the Attorney’s Experience
As a potential client, you should also pay attention to the lawyer’s area of expertise and the type of cases that they handle. If you have a complex personal injury case, you would not want to hire a family law attorney. You should have someone with experience in both the type and magnitude of the case similar to yours. If you are dealing with a large truck accident case, you would not want an attorney who handles smaller car accidents and slip and fall cases. There is a different level of expertise required based on the case. You must know that your lawyer has the skill and experience to take on the best attorneys that the insurance company has lined up against you.
It is crucial to have a lawyer with experience in the courtroom. Most personal injury cases will settle without the need for a trial. It is rare for these cases to end up in front of a jury. However, the prospect of litigation is always present in your case. There are no guarantees that your case will settle. The insurance company could deny your claim, or they may not offer you anywhere near enough money. These companies know which lawyers they can push around, and they understand who has the capability of making them pay in front of a jury. You need an attorney with courtroom skills to make litigation a credible threat. Otherwise, when you reach a crucial part of your insurance claim, the company may not take you seriously when your lawyer demands what you deserve.
Call a Los Angeles Personal Injury Lawyer
When you are looking for a personal injury lawyer to handle your case, look no further than the Arshakyan Law Firm. We are the experienced and tough lawyers that you need when you are looking to maximize your financial recovery. Our lawyers have a track record of helping clients like you when they have been injured by someone else’s carelessness. Call us today at (888) 851-5005 or contact us online to schedule your free initial consultation. Do not just hire any lawyer for your case. Hire one with the experience and the tenacity to help you get what you deserve.