Los Angeles has no shortage of car accident lawyers. A quick search online will prove this to be true. The availability of so many lawyers in the market is an excellent thing as it gives one enough wiggle room to find a lawyer that matches their personal and budgetary preference. However, it can also pose a challenge knowing which lawyer to work with, especially for first-timers.
If you are just getting started and would like to know how to identify the best lawyer for you, or you are meeting a lawyer for the first time and would wish to get the most out of your first meeting, then this article is for you. We will highlight some of the critical questions to ask when hiring car accident attorneys in Los Angeles Angeles.
Do you have experience in my type of cases?
It’s one thing for the lawyer to specialize in a car accident and personal injury cases and another for them to have the necessary experience to represent you successfully. Your ideal lawyer is one who has years of experience catering to clients with similar needs as yours. They should also have a track record of winning in the cases they represent – it’s the only assurance you have of emerging successfully.
What’s your opinion of my case?
Lawyers can assess your accident and tell you right off the bat whether you have a strong case or not, as well the outcome that you can expect. So, it’s a good thing to hear it from them before you even commence the process. Find out their assessment of your case, the judgment or settlement that you can expect, the factors that are in or against your favour, and if your case is likely to end up in a trial. You may also want to find out about other settlement options like mediation or arbitration and how long each process may take.
How do you handle car accident cases?
Lawyers have different ways of handling accident cases – it’s essential to know the approach or philosophy of the lawyer in question upfront. Find out how they’ll handle your case, as well as how they work with clients with regards to decisions and the workflow.
Will you handle my case or will you delegate it to another lawyer?
Some attorneys will only negotiate with you to get you to sign up for their services, and later on hand over your case to another lawyer. This isn’t necessarily bad, but if you were interested in that particular attorney, then it could be problematic. That’s why you have to find out who will be handling your case, your point of contact and the person who will keep you updated about the progress.
How much do you charge?
You also want to learn about the legal fee before committing. Find out whether the lawyer charges an hourly rate or on a contingency basis; if they charge a retainer fee and what happens if you do not win the case (in case it’s on a contingency basis).
