Personal injury cases are some of the most common legal cases that directly affect individuals and citizens in the State of California. They can also become some of the most complicated cases because of the many different layers that exist within each case. With so much going on, it is important that you find a personal injury attorney that meets your needs. Here are five important factors to consider when looking for a personal injury lawyer in San Francisco. They will help you discover the right lawyer for your particular case, and that could increase your chances of getting the compensation you need to move on from your incident.
1. Knowledge
Your lawyer needs to understand personal injury law. This is a given, but it also means that you should find someone who specializes in this particular kind of law. Since personal injury cases require courtroom experience, outside settlements, and some medical knowledge, going with a lawyer who doesn’t practice personal injury could put your case in jeopardy. Always go for a dedicated personal injury lawyer in San Francisco and never settle for anything less.
2. Experience
Just as your personal injury attorney needs to have the know-how, it also helps if they have been in the game for some time. Personal injury cases are multifaceted and constantly changing, so having someone who knows how they work based solely off of years of experience is extremely beneficial. That is why many people who are looking for a personal injury lawyer in San Francisco go for a firm with experience. It makes for a stronger case.
3. Resources
Personal injury cases can get extremely complicated very quickly, and many require more than just a single attorney and their assistant to effectively take to trial. This is why you will need a personal injury lawyer in San Francisco who has access to a bigger team of legal aids, assistants, and even medical experts to help make your case the strongest it can possibly be. Without the right resources, even the greatest attorney on the planet will end up falling short. See if the firm’s size and access will be a bonus for your defense, or a liability.
4. Status with the Bar Association
The State Bar of California keeps open records of every member, stating if they have had disciplinary hearings or actions taken against them. While most of the details are unavailable, it can give you a window into any potential personal injury lawyer in San Francisco and how they conduct themselves. It is not recommended that you choose someone with a history of run-ins with the Bar Association. Instead, look for someone who has a clean record or a long record without a pattern of problems. While many lawyers end up being disciplined for minor reasons, paying attention to who learns from their mistakes will help you find an honest lawyer who will fight for you.
5. Personality
When we refer to the personality of a potential personal injury lawyer in San Francisco, we are not referring to their likability; we are referring to their compatibility. You need to be able to communicate openly with your personal injury lawyer and have the complex legal jargon translated into something you can understand. But, most importantly, you need someone with a personality that will go out and get what you deserve.
There are a lot of personal injury lawyers in San Francisco, which is why you should carefully consider how your interaction with a potential attorney goes. When you are at that initial meeting, pay attention to what they pay attention to. Are they actively listening and asking important questions? Are they distracted and trying to rush through what you are communicating? Do you feel confident that they will take charge without bulldozing you? All of these issues are important when evaluating a potential attorney in any situation, but especially in personal injury since so much depends on your experience and position.
When disaster strikes and you are hit with a life-altering personal injury, you need to have the proper representation. Without it, you could end up not receiving the compensation you need to move on. That is why every person who is in need of a personal injury lawyer in San Francisco should consider very carefully the person they choose. Look for knowledge, experience, resources, status with the bar association, and a personality that matches your needs. With all of those factors in place, you could have a personal injury lawyer in San Francisco that can get you the compensation that you deserve.