Hiring a lawyer after a car accident can improve your chances of receiving fair compensation. However, the outcome may depend on selecting an experienced San Diego car accident lawyer who is prepared to handle your claim. Before deciding, compare attorneys based on the following five factors.
1. Experience
Years in practice do not always reflect an attorney’s experience with car accident claims. When speaking with a lawyer, ask:
- How long have you practiced law?
- How long have you represented people injured in car accidents?
You should also review the attorney’s recent, verifiable results and familiarity with San Diego Superior Court procedures. An experienced lawyer should understand California’s pure comparative fault standard and how it could affect your claim.
Together, these details can help you determine whether the attorney has the relevant experience to represent you.
2. Fees and Expenses
Most San Diego car accident lawyers charge a contingency fee, meaning the attorney receives a percentage of your recovery. If you do not recover compensation, you generally do not owe an attorney fee.
In California, a contingency fee agreement must be in writing. The agreement should identify the attorney’s percentage, the costs associated with the case and whether the firm will advance those expenses. It should also explain whether the fee will be calculated from the gross recovery or after costs have been deducted.
Ask the attorney to walk you through a recent example showing how fees, expenses and medical liens affected the client’s final recovery. You should also confirm that any referral or fee-sharing arrangement requires your written consent and will not increase the total percentage charged.
3. Honesty and Integrity
Every car accident claim is different. Even when two people experience similar injuries, their cases may not produce the same outcome.
A trustworthy attorney should explain the strengths and weaknesses of your claim, including issues involving liability, damages and possible defenses. This assessment should help you make an informed decision rather than create unrealistic expectations.
Ask the lawyer what steps would likely be taken during the next 60 to 90 days. Look for a clear evaluation and practical plan instead of promises about the outcome.
4. Skills and Resources
Your lawyer should have the time, staff and resources needed to manage your case properly. Before hiring a firm, ask:
- Who will handle my case each day, and what responsibilities will the attorney, associate or paralegal have?
- How many active cases are you currently handling?
- How quickly do you typically return calls or emails?
- Do you work with investigators and experts, and what roles have they performed in previous cases?
- If my lawyer is in court or otherwise unavailable, who will manage my case?
- How will the firm track deadlines and provide updates?
- Does the firm use client portals, secure document sharing or regular email and text updates?
Choose a firm that clearly identifies the people who will work on your case and demonstrates that it has the staff, tools and financial resources to follow through.
5. Communication
The way an attorney communicates with clients can influence your overall experience. Some lawyers provide frequent updates, while others contact clients only when an important development occurs.
Discuss your communication preferences before hiring an attorney. You should both understand how often updates will be provided, how you will receive them and what each of you can expect throughout the case.
Ultimately, you should choose a lawyer whose communication style makes you feel comfortable and informed.
About The Author
Michael Pines is an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer with 19+ years of experience helping injury victims in the San Diego area. For more information, visit: https://seriousaccidents.com/
