5 Tips for Choosing a Los Angeles Accident Attorney
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If you live in Los Angeles, heavy traffic is likely embedded into the fabric of your daily life. With over six million residents, the often-congested traffic in this section of Southern California is notorious.
This higher volume of drivers on the road means there are increased chances you could be in an accident. As a resident of Los Angeles, it is crucial to choose a Los Angeles accident attorney that is right for you, and considering five key factors can help.
1. Communication Strategies
Make sure your attorney communicates in a manner that is beneficial to you. Cases involving car accidents can take a while to resolve, so it is important that you and your attorney establish clear guidelines for communication.
Before you select an attorney, ask them questions about how they will send updates and initiate dialog with you throughout the case. For example, if you prefer to speak on the phone, you may not want to choose an attorney who primarily communicates through email.
2. Fees
If you have been in an accident, you may be suffering from its impact on your finances. For this reason, you will want to assess your prospective attorney’s fee structure.
Does the attorney work on a contingency fee basis, or charge an hourly fee? In the case of the former, the attorney is paid a percentage of your judgment or settlement without any upfront costs required from you. If a lawyer operates by hourly fees, then the attorney charges you based on their hourly rate.
3. Litigation Experience
Not every car accident case goes to trial. However, if your injuries are severe enough, there is a chance that your case could see a courtroom.
If your case goes to trial, you will likely be seeking further compensation, including fees for injuries and lost wages, so it will be crucial that your lawyer has experience navigating the trial process in order to advocate on your behalf.
4. Car Accident Experience
If you are searching for a lawyer online, many of the top results are for personal injury attorneys. While a personal injury attorney may have the knowledge required to help you with your case, you will likely want to find a lawyer who specializes in car accidents for the best results.
If you are in contact with a personal injury attorney, make sure to ask them about their experience with cases involving car accidents. More specifically, make sure they are adept at dealing with car insurance companies, as this will be crucial throughout your case.
5. The Details Matter
As with all litigation, maximizing your chances of success means providing your attorney with as many details as possible. Even if particular aspects of the accident do not seem significant, your lawyer may be able to identify something that is crucial to your case. Such details include witness statements, police reports, and medical documents.
When it comes to medical documents, establishing a clear channel of communication between your doctors and attorney is paramount. Doing so will ensure your attorney has all the medical evidence required to either argue a settlement on your behalf or provide the judge with the information needed to make an informed judgment.
When to Hire an Accident Attorney
The best time to hire an accident attorney is as soon after the accident as possible. Some types of evidence are most readily available immediately after the accident, and your attorney will need time to explore all possible aspects of your case.
Saeedian Law Group’s team of skilled personal injury attorneys in Los Angeles is ready to advocate on your behalf. Call and schedule your free consultation with us to seek the compensation you deserve today.