A significant number of personal injury claims and lawsuits are reported in California every year. The majority of these cases are settled outside of court, but winning a fair settlement is seldom easy for claimants. Without legal expertise, people often make mistakes that result in serious consequences. If you have a case and need an injury lawyer in Roseville, here are some red signs to watch for.
The lawyer doesn’t specialize in personal injury law
An attorney who helped you draft your agreement with your tenant isn’t the best person for your auto accident case. You should hire someone who specializes in personal injury law, and it should be the primary area of their practice.
The lawyer doesn’t have enough experience
How much experience is enough to hire a personal injury lawyer? There is no one answer to that but look for someone who has been in the field for at least three to five years. The lawyer must share details of their work profile and landmark cases when requested and should be open to answering questions.
The lawyer doesn’t have time for an appointment
All local law firms in Roseville would be happy to offer a consultation session, and it is absolutely important to ensure that the right lawyer is available. If you called an attorney’s office but couldn’t get an appointment because they are too busy, it is clearly not a positive sign. A good lawyer will work on the matter without unnecessary delays.
The lawyer wants a fee now
Generally speaking, all personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee in California. This fee is a share of the client’s recovery/settlement, ranging from 25% to 40%. If you meet an attorney who wants a fee to review the case or before they start the legal work, they are clearly misguiding you. Steer clear of lawyers who promise great things.
The lawyer is ready to settle
Many lawyers don’t have experience representing clients in court for personal injury lawsuits. If an attorney doesn’t have courtroom practice or wants to settle the case without trying any further, you should not hire them – period. Trials are typically not needed for such cases, but there are exceptions too.
If you are new to hiring a lawyer for your personal injury claim, take your time to review your options. There are also websites like Nolo and Avvo that can come in handy to find potential names.