Finding the right attorney to handle your case is intimidating, whether it be an accident on a road or problems after any kind of surgery. You need to ensure that the lawyer you hire is experienced enough to present your case skillfully in court and get you fully compensated for your injuries or loss.
How will you know that the lawyer you hire is right for you?
Here are some tips for you so that you can begin your search for the right lawyer.
1. Look for the references in your family
The best way to begin your search is to ask family and friends for referrals to the lawyers they have hired and have had personal experience with in the past.
You can also look for the reviews online for the referred attorneys. Online reviews are an excellent way to understand better what you are expected to get when you hire someone.
Usually, the referrals you get from the closest people around you, even a neighbor. Word of mouth referrals, especially from trusted professionals like accountants and doctors, are highly recommended; the experiences they had with the lawyers and legal teams are worth taking.
2. Research attorneys online
Research online for attorneys who are licensed and have a good reputation proceeding in the city or area you are residing or the state where the accident has occurred. For example, if you are a resident of Los Angeles, you may want to consider Greenberg and Ruby Injury Attorneys, APC. Based on their previous results, they have already proven their expertise and helped many people receive full compensation for their injuries.
In online reviews, you can learn some extra details regarding any complaints or some bad experiences people have of them in the past. Check their bar status to find out if any disciplinary actions have been sanctioned against them.
3. Find out their level of experience and training
Make sure you do not choose an attorney based on the judgments or the number of verdicts quoted on a website. Choose on the basis of their legal experience and the extent of their training they got.
4. Interview your attorney before hiring
Talk to the lawyer before hiring him or her; don’t hesitate to ask difficult questions. Questions Can be related to their level of experience in the field, the number of cases they have represented in court, about the fees, or if he or she will be handling the case personally or will hand it over to their associates.
If you see that your questions are making him uncomfortable, then it is the indication that you leave and look for another lawyer.
For instance, if an auto accident attorney says he works on a contingency basis, then ask him for clarification of what he means by that. Many clients get confused with the language and jargon used by the lawyers and agree to their terms without an understanding. This can cost them in the long run.
5. Follow your instinct
Listen to your gut. By the time you have spent talking to the attorney, the decision is already there made in your mind.
Pick the attorney that you sensed is honest and has a caring nature towards you and your wellbeing.
If you don’t feel right about the attorney, just stop there and move on to another one without delay.
Key takeaways:
- Make sure you spend time speaking with the lawyer that will be representing you personally. This will make you feel comfortable.
- It is very important that you ask about the fees upfront and better if you get the fee agreement in writing before signing the papers.
- All the paperwork should be reviewed and presented to you so that you clearly understand what you are agreeing to before signing the papers.
- Go with your instinct.
