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Getting a lawyer for a car accident is easier than you think. A simple phone call to a trusted law firm can turn your suffering into a life-changing win. However, there are plenty of things you should consider before hiring the best lawyer to take on your car accident case.
If you are hurt in a car crash, you may have to deal with insurance companies to get the maximum insurance coverage to meet your medical expenses. With the help of a lawyer, you can easily navigate through the confusion insurance companies might throw at you. Having a top automobile accident attorney means you’ll have someone in your corner advocating for your rights. This move increases your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve.
The best part is that you only pay them once the other side pays you, thanks to something called a contingency fee agreement. But more on that later.
Arash Law, directed by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., is a premier personal injury law firm with branches all over California. Our firm has a long pedigree of success in litigating or settling car accident disputes, giving our clients the best possible shot at getting paid for the suffering they endured resulting from accidents where they are not at fault. Our car accident lawyers will gladly help with a free, no-obligation case evaluation if you call us at (888) 488-1391.
Starting Your Search for the Best Car Accident Attorney
You should choose a lawyer who specializes in car accident cases. The variety of choices in your location may be too much for you to handle, and it may seem as if every advertisement, bus stop bench, and billboard promotes the services of a different lawyer. You can select the best option by asking the proper questions and looking for the necessary credentials.
How Much Experience Do They Have in Personal Injury Cases?
Personal injury lawyers specialize in certain types of cases. Some deal with car accidents, while others prefer handling class actions against manufacturers or upholding workers’ rights to compensation for workplace accidents. Find a lawyer with plenty of court experience in vehicular accident cases.
In most cases, especially where it is clear whose fault it was, the negligent party would want to settle the case immediately. Things get dicey when multiple circumstances are at play, or the crash involves many other parties.
The ideal lawyer should have years of extensive litigation experience in the rare event that your case does not settle before trial. They should have a successful track record of obtaining proper settlements and judgments against insurance companies.
Hiring a veteran accident attorney is always in your best interest because they know how to handle the complexities of personal injury claims to win in your case.
Do They Work on Contingency?
Lawyers are not cheap; that much is true. Choose a lawyer who accepts contingency fees, which means they will get paid once you receive your settlement or award of damages. Personal injury lawyers usually take a cut of the overall settlement. If your case proceeds to trial, this could increase to more than 33% of recovered compensation.
The costs of filing the case and obtaining an expert witness will likely be something you will need to prepare for. However, when you have lawyers working on contingency, you can feel more secure financially because costs will only come out after the compensation has been recovered.
If you want to know what they expect you to pay, carefully read the lawyer’s fee agreement. Never base your choice entirely on the cost. The additional cost might be justifiable if they are the best in their field.
Do They Have Clear Communication Skills?
Throughout your case, several burning questions will surely come up. You need an attorney who can explain things to you in a way you can quickly grasp. Although a lawyer who only uses legal jargon may sound impressive, you will need even more clarification.
Do Their Peers Respect Them?
Find out what other lawyers say about them by doing online research. Ask them what portion of their services is generated by referrals from other lawyers. If their referral rates are high, then you’ve got a winner.
Referrals imply that other lawyers highly regard the person you’re speaking with—enough respect that they would risk their reputation in exchange for a referral. A reputable lawyer will also be happy to offer testimonials about their skills.
Contact the state bar to know if the lawyer has ever faced disciplinary action.
Is Their Office Neat and Organized?
To manage your case, you need a lawyer with resources. Having resources shows that they are equipped with staff that does research and deals with problems as they crop up. You’ll probably communicate with a few of their legal staff as your case develops. Additionally, a well-kept office reflects strongly on the lawyer’s ability to manage a successful practice. When you come in for a consultation, it would be difficult to trust a lawyer who is rummaging through files for your case when you visit.
Hiring a California Auto Accident Lawyer: What the Process is Like
In California, a typical client goes through the following procedures when filing a vehicle accident lawsuit:
Step 1: Intake of Evidence
Gathering and preparing all the paperwork, images, and data required to initiate your case.
Step 2: Arranging for Your Treatment
Your case manager will assist you in getting to the doctor, dealing with the insurance provider, and, if you were involved in a car accident, helping to have your car fixed.
Step 3: Collecting Your Medical Records
By this phase, you will have finished treatment. You will receive and review all medical bills and documents with the help of a medical specialist.
Step 4: Sending the Demand Packet
Your bills, records, and other papers are collected in a demand packet, which your lawyer sends to the insurance provider. Your attorney can negotiate a reasonable compromise. But if you do not reach a settlement, you must gather your legal documents and file a lawsuit.
Step 5:Liens Negotiation
If your case has been resolved, your lawyer will negotiate payment for your medical expenses and issue you a check whenever the requests or legal proceedings have concluded.
Why Would I Need a Lawyer for a Car Accident?
Anyone can manage a vehicular accident injury case on their own, but that’s not a good idea. If you handle the case independently, an insurance company will likely offer you minimal compensation, which is why you need to hire an auto accident attorney. Insurance companies are in the business of turning a profit, and one of the ways they achieve this is by trying to minimize the expense of claims.
You might be surprised to discover that you have legal rights to claim damages for things like mental trauma. A vehicle accident lawyer is an expert in the legal process and can help you receive the maximum compensation for your accident. That’s what they do.
Although you can hire a lawyer at any point until the insurance company closes the deal, it’s advisable to do so as soon as you are hurt. The attorney may suggest specialized medical professionals to help with case evaluation and ensure you receive the best care possible.
Additionally, having legal representation from the get-go reduces the possibility that you’ll say something to the insurance company that hurts your chances of receiving a favorable settlement. Clients learn that the sooner they retain a lawyer, the greater their compensation for a vehicle accident. You don’t have to retain legal counsel, but getting one you can trust to work for your best interest is life-changing.
Can I Afford to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
The short answer: Yes. At Arash Law, with Arash Khorsandi, Esq. at the helm, our expert auto accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This setup means we get paid a portion of the awarded damages or settlement amount obtained. Our services are provided at no cost to you. Moreover, you will only be responsible for paying our legal expenses if your case is successful.
The real question is whether you can afford not to engage a car accident lawyer since contingency fees remove the initial cost of hiring an attorney from the picture. You risk having your rights violated by an auto insurance provider if you don’t have car accident attorneys to defend your interests.
You can receive far less compensation than you are entitled to because insurance companies have resources to utilize in defending their position against responsibility for motor vehicle crashes.
A lawyer has significant resources, is skilled in negotiations, and is motivated to seek the highest possible financial compensation on your behalf as a client. Even after deducting attorney’s costs from the settlement received, car accident victims who hire attorneys typically obtain higher compensation for damages than plaintiffs without a legal representative.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do car accident lawyers typically charge in California?
The typical fee for a California auto accident attorney will range from 33% to 40% of the settlement sum. Based on the contingency fee system, this amount will be deducted from your total settlement or award.
Should I hire a lawyer in California for a car accident that wasn’t my fault?
In California, hiring a lawyer after a car accident you didn’t cause can be helpful because they can assist in protecting your legal rights while ensuring you get compensation for any harm or injuries you suffered.
How much may a person recover after a car accident in California?
Like many other states, there is no ceiling or limit on the amount you can recover in compensatory damages in California. The jury or judge may decide on an award that they believe is fair in your case.
Consult with California’s Trusted Car Accident Attorneys for Free
If you’ve been in a vehicle accident, you want tenacious, sympathetic representation from attorneys who can secure the medical attention and monetary settlement you deserve. Our California car accident lawyers at Arash Law, founded by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., can assist. We will provide you with full support without charging you anything.
That’s why we would be glad to help. We understand that the problems that arise after an auto accident can overwhelm you quickly and can definitely ruin your life. Allow us to help you heal in peace and get back on the road as soon as you recover.
For a free consultation, contact (888) 488-1391, Arash Law, founded by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., by phone or text. Our firm knows how much of a setback a car accident can be.
