Posted in California,General,Personal Injury on June 9, 2019
Picking out your Long Beach personal injury lawyer following a serious accident is a key step toward recovering compensation. The lawyer you choose can make or break your legal experience. In the aftermath of a major accident, it can be difficult to know who to trust. Finding a lawyer that makes you feel comfortable and confident can make the claims process easier on you and your family. Take the following steps to hire the best personal injury lawyer near you in Long Beach.
Ask for Referrals
Trust your friends and family members to give you good advice during your search for the perfect lawyer. If you know anyone who has been in an accident and had to hire an attorney for representation, ask that person about his or her experience. Your friend may have positive things to say about a local lawyer or firm. Word of mouth is one of the best ways to get information about a firm you can trust. Even if your friend’s lawyer does not take your case, he or she might be able to refer you to another attorney who might.
Look for Experience
Nothing replaces experience when it comes to legal prowess. The attorney you choose must have real experience handling cases like yours. Check multiple websites for attorneys near you. Look for a practice area that matches your type of accident – auto accident, medical malpractice, slip and fall, dog attack, etc. This is a sign that the attorney has experience with your type of case. Then, check the firm’s list of results, if available. Find out if the firm has secured positive and successful outcomes for clients who faced similar damages to you. Finally, ask the attorney directly about his or her experience during your free consultation.
Check Testimonials and Reviews
If a lawyer has a history of letting down clients, he or she probably is not the best choice for you. Thanks to the Internet, you can have access to years of reviews, ratings, and testimonials from the firm’s real clients. Check the firm’s website for a link to reviews, or conduct a Google search for the firm with the word “reviews.” While even the best attorneys may have one or two unhappy clients, the lawyer you choose should not have a long track record of losing cases, disappointing clients, dropping clients, poor communication, or other issues.
Make a List of Prospects
Using your referrals, Internet research, and resources such as legal directories and comparison sites, create a list of prospects. Narrow down your list based on your practice area, positive reviews, and your general feelings about each choice. When you have no more than five left, start scheduling consultations. The attorney you choose should offer a free, no-obligation consultation where you can meet with an actual lawyer to discuss your case. Eliminate firms that do not offer this service.
Meet With Potential Choices
Finally, meet with each remaining lawyer on your list. Conduct interviews in person, if possible. Introduce yourself, explain your situation, and present any accident-related documents or evidence you may have collected. See how the attorney treats you and your case. Look for a lawyer that makes eye contact, truly listens to your story, and seems passionate about his or her work. The best personal injury lawyer for you will be the one that gives you the most confidence about the future of your case.