Car wrecks may be commonplace, but the consequences are rarely—if ever—routine. Not only can many injuries drastically alter your day-to-day life, but the damages stemming from a collision can also be financially crippling.  

In the challenging days following a wreck, strong guidance could make all the difference, and this is exactly what a personal injury attorney can provide. He or she can help you navigate proceedings, take steps to help build your case, and provide tenacious representation at every stage. 

However, with hundreds of law firms in the state eager to take on your business, you may be wondering how to find the right attorney to handle your case. In this article, we list a few qualities that you should look for to help narrow down your search: 

Experience Handling Similar Claims 

On paper, all personal injury attorneys possess the relevant knowledge to help you win your claim. However, car accident claims make up one of many in this area of the law and, in many cases, benefit from a lawyer with a nuanced understanding of how certain laws and statutes apply to such claims. For example, for that reason, someone with success handling dog bite claims might not be the best candidate to oversee your auto accident case. 

As such, you should find someone who has handled a significant number of claims similar to your own. During the initial consultation, you should make sure that they’re familiar with what these types of cases entail and ask about their track record of success in this area of the law. 

Trial Expertise 

While few claims go to trial, yours could be one of a small pool that sees in the inside of a courtroom. As such, it’s worth looking into a lawyer’s litigation experience before you sign on the dotted line. During your first meeting, ask them about the types of cases they’ve taken to court and their track record of success at trial. You can also read through testimonials from former clients to get further insight into an attorney’s expertise. 

Honesty 

While attorneys are expected to practice with integrity, many—especially those in search of quick profits—engage in dishonest behavior. For instance, an unscrupulous lawyer might advise you to accept an unfair settlement just to speed up the process and move onto the next case. 

During your first meeting, you should scrutinize the attorney’s answers and look out for any signs that they’re being dishonest. For instance, you could ask them about their fee structure. If they can’t be transparent—and clear—about what you will be expected to pay, it’s unlikely you can trust them to provide the representation you deserve. 

Discuss Your Case with a California Car Accident Attorney 

Were you injured in an accident caused by a negligent or reckless driver? You may benefit from sitting down with an attorney to discuss your next steps. At HPIL, we offer free consultations so that you won’t have to pay a cent to get the answers you need to make informed decisions about your case. Dial 1-800-GO-HARRIS or skip to our contact page HERE to request a free case evaluation with a California car accident attorney.