Five Things to Know Before You Hire a California Personal Injury Lawyer
It is emotionally and physically devastating to be the victim of an accident; particularly if the mishap could have been avoided by a little more than due diligence from a person. If you find yourself in a situation where you have suffered a loss because of someone's negligence in Los Angeles; it is time to consider whether you should hire a California personal injury lawyer. Hiring an attorney is neither easy nor cheap. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the repercussions of your decision. This article lists four things you - as the litigant - should know before you step out of your home to find and hire a personal injury lawyer in Los Angeles.
Initial consultations do not cost anything
Many people refuse to contact a lawyer because they are scared off by costs. They think it will cost them a fortune to merely discuss their problem. Reality is different. Many reputed California personal injury lawyers charge you nothing for initial consultation i.e. discussing the essential facts of your case to figure out if you should move to court.
Experience counts
There is no dearth of top attorneys who limit their practice to one or two branches of law. It is usually a wiser decision to hire a lawyer who specializes in personal injury cases. When you set out to hire a lawyer, make sure he or she has experience fighting cases similar to yours. You may get calls from unknown lawyers shortly after you have had an accident. This is called ambulance chasing. It is illegal in many states. If you get such a call, beware. Do not hire a lawyer unless he or she has relevant experience.
Lawsuit may not be necessary
Oftentimes many cases can be settled without you and the other party ever going to court. In fact, many cases settle without reaching ever reaching the trial stage. A good lawyer can negotiate with the defendant to help you and the other person reach a compromise acceptable to both of you. This is a faster - not to mention, less expensive - way to settle cases.
Fees matter
When you go out to hire a lawyer, make sure he or she is paid on time. But there is one factor that works in your favor - many personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee. In other words, you do not pay anything to the lawyer until the case has been decided in your favor. This is rather good for you because this system lets you hire some of the best lawyers - without having to pay them upfront. It is generally good to ask if your lawyer works for a contingency fee.
Nothing in guaranteed
Finally, do not walk away if a lawyer tells you he or she cannot guarantee if you will win the case. He or she may be merely expressing his or her honest opinion.
Many people refuse to contact a lawyer because they are scared off by costs. They think it will cost them a fortune to merely discuss their problem. Reality is different. Many reputed California personal injury lawyers charge you nothing for initial consultation i.e. discussing the essential facts of your case to figure out if you should move to court.
There is no dearth of top attorneys who limit their practice to one or two branches of law. It is usually a wiser decision to hire a lawyer who specializes in personal injury cases. When you set out to hire a lawyer, make sure he or she has experience fighting cases similar to yours. You may get calls from unknown lawyers shortly after you have had an accident. This is called ambulance chasing. It is illegal in many states. If you get such a call, beware. Do not hire a lawyer unless he or she has relevant experience.
Oftentimes many cases can be settled without you and the other party ever going to court. In fact, many cases settle without reaching ever reaching the trial stage. A good lawyer can negotiate with the defendant to help you and the other person reach a compromise acceptable to both of you. This is a faster - not to mention, less expensive - way to settle cases.
When you go out to hire a lawyer, make sure he or she is paid on time. But there is one factor that works in your favor - many personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee. In other words, you do not pay anything to the lawyer until the case has been decided in your favor. This is rather good for you because this system lets you hire some of the best lawyers - without having to pay them upfront. It is generally good to ask if your lawyer works for a contingency fee.
Finally, do not walk away if a lawyer tells you he or she cannot guarantee if you will win the case. He or she may be merely expressing his or her honest opinion.
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