Orange County Personal Injury Attorney
An average of 6 million car accidents occur every year in the United States. Most personal injury cases are the result of car accidents. If you’ve recently been in an accident yourself, it might be time to find legal help. But with so many lawyers competing for clients, how can you find one that’s right for you? We’re here to talk about it. Read on to learn a few questions you should ask your potential Orange County personal injury attorney before hiring them.
1. Do You Work With Cases Like Mine?
Not all personal injury attorneys will handle every type of case. While some attorneys are “generalists,” others prefer to narrow their focuses to limit their client base and improve their expertise. This allows them to learn more about their own niche and better serve clients.
When you’re getting ready to hire someone, ask about how much experience they have with cases like yours. They should specialize in your type of auto accident case and have a number of successful cases under their belt.
2. What Do You Charge?
It’s important to understand the attorney’s fees before you commit to them. It’s no secret that hiring a lawyer can be expensive, and it’s likely that you’re already on the hook (at the moment) for other expenses (such as medical bills and fixing car damage).
Many attorneys will have free consultations, but this isn’t true for all of them. When you first contact them to schedule a consultation, make sure you know if there are any associated costs.
You should also learn whether or not they charge fees upfront. Most Orange County personal injury attorneys won’t charge legal fees until they settle your personal injury case.
This is helpful if you know you don’t have the money to pay before you get your financial compensation.
3. What Happens If the Case Goes to Trial?
96% of personal injury cases settle out of court. Many people may believe that this is a good thing because it resolves the claim faster, but this is not always the case.
In some cases, settling out of court can be beneficial. Often, however, insurance companies will try to settle quickly, especially when the plaintiff doesn’t have a lawyer who is familiar with personal injury law.
They know they can give as little money as possible if they settle instead of going to trial.
A good lawyer will have experience going to trial and getting you the compensation you deserve if the settlement isn’t acceptable. Talk to your potential lawyer about the likelihood of your case going to trial.
4. Do You Foresee Any Problems?
An honest lawyer will be able to tell you if they think there may be any problems with your case. Even if they think those problems will be easy to overcome, or if they think they’re unlikely, they’ll run through all of the possibilities.
Knowing the potential challenges that may arise in your case is vital information. It’s also important to know whether or not the lawyer has really thought through your case and considered your legal options.
5. Can You Provide References?
Great lawyers have happy former clients. Ask your potential lawyer if they’re able to provide references before you commit to them.
They may have testimonials available or they may give you the contact information of someone who’s consented to share their experiences with potential clients.
A lawyer who’s unwilling to share may not be experienced or trustworthy.
6. Do You Have Time for My Case?
Attorneys are busy people, especially car accident attorneys. Because car accidents are so common, they often have full caseloads.
You need to make sure that the lawyer has enough room in their schedule for you. They may not have the bandwidth, and many personal injury cases are time-sensitive. You need someone who’s able to get the ball rolling right away.
7. Do You Feel Confident About My Personal Injury Case?
Confidence is key when you’re seeking out a personal injury lawyer. Ask them if they’re fairly confident that you’ll get the compensation you deserve. You should also pay attention to their body language.
This doesn’t mean that your lawyer should guarantee a win. On the contrary, an attorney that makes you a promise like that may not be trustworthy. There are few claims that are open-and-shut cases, so to speak, and a good lawyer will always let you know that there’s a chance for something to go wrong.
8. What Do You Need From Me?
Once you’re fairly confident that you’ve chosen the right lawyer, ask what your role will be in the case.
Some lawyers prefer clients to be as hands-off as possible. Once you provide the information and evidence that they need, they’ll keep in touch but otherwise work on their own or with their team.
Others will want more input from you.
It’s helpful for you to know what your role is in your case if you choose this lawyer.
Find the Right Personal Injury Attorney for You
Don’t hire an attorney before asking these questions during your initial consultation. You want to give yourself the best chance of a successful case! Personal injury cases are tricky, but the right Orange County personal injury attorney will advocate for you and guide you through the legal process with ease.
Are you ready to hire a lawyer for your personal injury case? Contact Riverview Accident Lawyers today for a consultation.