Have you been injured in a car accident in Walnut Creek, CA? An experienced car accident attorney, like those at Casper, Meadows, Schwartz & Cook, can help you pursue the compensation you deserve more effectively and efficiently than you could on your own. But given that your choice of an attorney can make a big difference in the outcome of your case, what should you look at when making a decision? Here are four key factors.
Local Familiarity
There are a few benefits to hiring a local attorney. The first benefit is simply that they’re nearby. You won’t have to travel far to meet with them, which can be especially important if your injuries make travel difficult.
They’ll also be familiar with the local roads and may have knowledge about where the accident occurred that an outsider attorney wouldn’t. Is that particular stretch of road known to locals for being dangerous? Information like that could be helpful in your case.
Reviews and Testimonials
One of the first things most of us do when buying a product is to check the online reviews. Do the same thing when you’re in the market for an attorney. Does the attorney have good online ratings? Do they respond to any bad reviews they might have received? These can be good signs.
Many attorneys also include client testimonials on their websites. These testimonials are often more in-depth than simple Google reviews and can provide more insight into how an attorney works for their clients.
Some attorneys may even have past clients whom you can call and ask questions about their experience working with the attorney.
Contingency Fee Structure
Most accident attorneys in California work on a contingency fee basis. A contingency fee is when the attorneys don’t collect a fee unless they recover compensation for you. A contingency fee structure can show that an attorney is confident in their ability to win your case.
Don’t be afraid to ask about an attorney’s fee structure. Most contingency fees are a percentage of the money recovered, and any reputable attorney will be willing to explain it upfront.
Someone You Can Trust
Arguably, the most important thing to look for in a car accident attorney is someone you feel comfortable with and can trust. Most attorneys will offer a free consultation. Think of this consultation as an interview. You’re interviewing the attorney to see if they’re a good match for you.
Are they able and willing to answer your questions? Are they listening, paying attention to your side of the story, and making you feel heard? Are they on the same page regarding legal strategy as you?
For example, if you want to take your claim to trial instead of settling, you’ll want an attorney on board with that. An attorney who understands what you’re looking to get out of your claim and is willing to work with you to achieve your goal is valuable.
Contact Our Car Accident Attorneys in Walnut Creek, CA
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Walnut Creek and need an accident attorney, contact the law office Casper, Meadows, Schwartz & Cook. Our team of legal professionals has been serving those injured in Contra Costa and the Greater Bay Area since 1979, and we’ve recovered over $375 million on their behalf. While we cannot guarantee results, our long tenure and successful track record speak to the tenacity and experience we bring to every case we handle.
Contact us today for a free consultation with one of our experienced car accident attorneys. We’ll evaluate your case, answer any questions you have, and explain your legal options. And, of course, feel free to look through our reviews, testimonials, and case results on our site.