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Red Flags When Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer

Red Flags When Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer

Red Flags When Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer

No one plans to be injured in an accident. But accidents happen, and when they do, filing a personal injury claim may be the only way for you and your family to deal with the resulting medical bills, lost income, and other losses.

But navigating the California personal injury claims process can be very difficult. This is why it is so important that you take your time in hiring not just any lawyer, not even a good lawyer, but a great personal injury lawyer, like those at eAccidents, for your personal injury case.

Here are some red flags to look out for when hiring a lawyer to assist you with your California personal injury case:

• A History of Complaints or Disciplinary Actions

Even if a lawyer was referred to you by someone else, it’s still a good idea to check the lawyer’s disciplinary history to see if they have ever been in trouble or had complaints filed against them. The State Bar of California keeps records about complaints and disciplinary actions taken against licensed attorneys in California.

• The Lawyer is Reluctant to Discuss Their Qualifications

If the lawyer seems to have a problem with you asking questions about their qualifications, this is probably a sign that you should not hire that lawyer. A lawyer who is not comfortable talking about his or her credentials or abilities is either very impatient, or else has something to hide. Either way, you probably will not be happy with them in the long run.

• You and the Lawyer Don’t Click

Arguably one of the most important factors in hiring the right lawyer is making sure you actually like the person. You are likely going to become very professionally and personally involved with the lawyer you choose. You may have to spend a lot of time together or, at the very least, will be talking with each other a lot. So, if you find yourself annoyed or frustrated with the lawyer during your initial consultation, he or she might not be the right lawyer for you.

• The Lawyer Lacks Experience

The lawyer’s experience is of course very important. You want to make sure that the lawyer has a good understanding of the particular type of personal injury case you have. It’s perfectly fine to ask a lawyer if they have dealt with cases like yours before, or if they have experience dealing with the issues involved in your case. That said, experience isn’t everything. There might be issues in your case that your lawyer hasn’t dealt with before. But a great lawyer from eAccidents will be honest with you about what they don’t know, and will be able to familiarize themselves with your legal issue so that they can help you effectively.

• The Lawyer Doesn’t Offer The Experience You Want

It’s also important to ask the lawyer what your experience will be like if you choose to hire them. How will you communicate with the lawyer? Can you contact them by text message? Can you expect regular updates on your case, or will you only hear from them when things go wrong? These are questions that you want to ask before you hire the lawyer.

Furthermore, you may want to work with a solo practitioner or a lawyer from a smaller firm for a more personal and hands-on relationship. On the other hand, you may be looking for the many benefits that can come with working with a larger law firm, such as greater resources and more support and administrative staff to support your case. If the lawyer can’t offer you the experience that you want, then they may not be the best choice for you.

• The Lawyer Was Hard to Reach

How long did it take for you to get to speak with the lawyer, and how friendly was the staff? Were you able to talk to the lawyer right away? How long did it take them to return your call? If it was difficult to reach the lawyer for a consultation, that may be a sign of how difficult it will be to reach them during the course of your case.

• You are Uncomfortable with the Lawyer’s Fees and Billing Practices

To some extent, how competitive a lawyer’s fees are should be the least important factor to consider when looking for the right lawyer for your case. Sure, you may be able to find a lawyer that charges a lot less than everyone else, but what if that is reflected in the quality of their service?

That said, be wary of personal injury lawyers that charge an upfront fee. Personal injury lawyers typically work on a contingency fee basis. This means that the lawyer will be paid a percentage (33% – 40%) of the settlement or judgment they obtain on your behalf, at the end of the case. But only if they win your case.

Contact a Qualified California Personal Injury Lawyer

It is important that you hire a qualified and experienced personal injury lawyer to assist you with your California personal injury case. When it comes to hiring the right lawyer, it ultimately comes down to choosing someone that you can trust.

You can trust the personal injury lawyers at eAccidents to be with you through every step of the process, and to ensure that you receive the maximum amount of compensation possible for your case. eAccidents has managed to combine the resources of the larger law firms while still maintaining that personal touch you get with a sole practitioner. Call us today at 844-400-0123 to arrange a free consultation and find out what it’s like having a great personal injury lawyer fighting for you.

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