The Do's and Don'ts of Hiring a Car Accident Attorney in Long Beach
Car accidents happen all the time, and it’s not always easy to deal with. However, dealing with the aftermath of an accident after the fact can be even more difficult if you don’t know what to do or how to go about it. Hiring a car accident attorney in Long Beach can help make the process as smooth as possible by handling most of the legwork on your behalf, but there are also some things you need to be aware of when selecting and working with one.
What you don’t need to do when seeking legal help
Your mind may be racing when you’re dealing with a major car accident. You’re most likely feeling shaken up, disoriented, and possibly physically injured. But despite your state of shock, it’s crucial that you don’t say or do anything without consulting with an attorney who can help protect your rights. Here are three things you shouldn’t do
What you should be doing when looking for an attorney
If you’ve been injured in an auto accident, your first instinct may be to get legal representation. However, choosing an attorney can be difficult. Here are some questions to ask to help guide your decision: How long have you been practicing law? What type of law do you practice? What is your litigation experience? Are there any cases like mine that have been tried and won by another attorney at your firm? How much do you charge for an initial consultation and what do I need to bring with me if I decide to meet with you?
What you can do to save yourself time, money, and stress
1. Make sure you hire an attorney who has extensive experience with car accident law. If your attorney doesn’t have enough experience, they won’t be able to properly represent you or get you a settlement that reflects your injuries. 2. Ask for recommendations from your friends and family members—they can tell you if they had a good experience with any lawyers they know. 3. If possible, try to avoid using an insurance adjuster’s lawyer—they work for your insurer and may not be interested in getting you money, but rather protecting their client (your insurer). An experienced lawyer will advocate for what YOU want rather than trying to protect their client’s interests or help insurers minimize liability payments. 4.
Things you should never do when dealing with insurance claims
The worst thing you can do is not hire an attorney to assist you. Many people think that they can handle insurance claims on their own, and that's fine if you're super organized. An attorney has experience dealing with insurance companies, so if your case goes to court he or she will be better equipped to know how to fight back. It’s also important to deal with an experienced car accident attorney in Long Beach CA when dealing with issues pertaining to lost wages. For example, it may seem obvious that you are out of work because you hurt your back after being hit by another driver.
How to choose between different types of attorneys
The first step is to determine what you need. There are two main categories: contingency (no-recovery, no-fee) attorneys, who only get paid if they win your case, and traditional (hourly) attorneys. Contingency firms can be very affordable, but success rates are higher with an hourly attorney. Once you know what kind of lawyer you want to hire (some firms offer both), then it’s time to start looking for someone to represent you. Here are some things to consider when choosing between firms:• Which areas of law do they practice? Some firms focus on personal injury claims exclusively; others take a broader approach that includes criminal defense or family law.