If you suffered an injury in an accident that wasn't your fault, hire a San Mateo personal injury lawyer to seek compensation for you. Choosing the right lawyer can greatly improve your case's outcome.
Let's review what you need to know to find the best personal injury attorney to represent you in San Mateo.
Table of contents
What Does a San Mateo Personal Injury Lawyer Do?
First, let's discuss what a personal injury lawyer does. Their job is to help people who have been hurt due to someone else's negligence seek money for their injuries and other losses.
A good personal injury lawyer will investigate your accident, gather evidence, consult expert witnesses, handle all communication with insurance companies, and fight to get you maximum compensation, whether through a settlement or at trial.
Many personal injury attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis. They only get paid if they recover money for you. You don't owe them any legal fees if they don't win.
Qualities to Look for in a Personal Injury Lawyer
So, how do you find the right personal injury lawyer? Here are some of the most important qualities to look for:
Experience
One of the most important factors is the attorney's experience handling cases like yours. You want someone with several years of experience and a track record of success with your specific type of case, whether it's auto accidents, premises liability, dog bites, etc.
An experienced lawyer will know the applicable laws, consult a network of experts, properly value your damages, and understand insurance companies' tactics. They can anticipate challenges and build a strong case on your behalf.
Ask potential lawyers how many years they've been practicing, what percentage of their practice is devoted to personal injury, and how many cases similar to yours they've handled. Look for a personal injury attorney with experience with every stage of the process, from pre-lawsuit negotiations to filing lawsuits to going to trial if needed.
Results
In addition to experience, you also want a lawyer with a history of getting good results for their clients. Ask about their track record of settlements and verdicts. Have they recovered millions of dollars for clients with catastrophic injuries? Do they consistently get fair settlements without needing to file lawsuits?
Every case is unique, so past results don't guarantee a particular outcome in your case. However, a pattern of successful recoveries indicates that the lawyer has the skills and resources to get you the best possible result.
You can often find information about a lawyer's settlements and verdicts on their website. You can also look at their profiles on legal directories like Avvo and Super Lawyers, which may include client reviews and peer endorsements. Some state bar associations also certify lawyers in civil trial law or other personal injury specialties.
Resources
Pursuing a personal injury claim often requires significant resources. To build a strong case, your lawyer may need to hire expert witnesses like accident reconstructionists, medical specialists, life care planners, and economists. Your accident and proving liability may involve subpoenaing records, conducting depositions, and more.
Complex cases may take months or even years to resolve, so your lawyer must have the financial resources to advance these costs and thoroughly prepare your case. Look for a law firm with a track record of investing in their clients' cases and taking on well-funded adversaries like large insurance companies and corporations.
Many personal injury law firms are small practices. While there are excellent solo practitioners and small firms, you may want to consider a firm with multiple attorneys and an experienced support staff so that your case gets the time and attention it deserves.
Communication & Accessibility
Throughout your case, you'll likely have many questions and concerns. Your lawyer must be responsive and accessible when you need them.
Do they return your calls and emails promptly? Do they take the time to explain things and keep you updated on the progress of your case?
Look for a lawyer who communicates clearly, listens to your needs, and involves you in decisions about your case. Avoid attorneys who are hard to get in touch with or make you feel like you're in the dark about what's going on.
You should feel comfortable talking openly with your lawyer. In addition to regular phone and email communication, find out if they offer other ways to stay in touch, like secure client portals, video conferencing, or texting.
Depending on your injuries, you may prefer a lawyer willing to meet with you in your home or at the hospital.
Reputation & Reviews
A lawyer's reputation in the legal community and among former clients can tell you much about their skills, integrity, and client service. Look at online reviews from sites like Google and Avvo to see what past clients have to say about their experience. Did the lawyer deliver the results they promised? Did clients feel like a priority? Would they recommend the lawyer to others?
Remember that a few negative reviews aren't necessarily a red flag, especially if the firm has dozens or hundreds of positive ones. Look for overall patterns and themes in the feedback.
You can also ask for referrals from friends, family members, or other lawyers you trust. Attorneys often refer cases to one another, so a lawyer you know in another practice area may recommend excellent personal injury lawyers.
Finally, look for a lawyer with a strong reputation among colleagues and adversaries. Have they received awards or other professional honors? Are they active in legal organizations or community groups? Have they taught continuing legal education courses or published articles in their field of practice?
An attorney's professional reputation indicates their ethics, knowledge, and skill.
Personality & Values
Choosing a lawyer is a highly personal decision. Your attorney will be your advocate during a difficult time in your life. In addition to looking for experience and results, you must choose a lawyer whose personality and values align with your own.
Look for a lawyer who treats you with empathy and respect. Do they take the time to listen to your story and understand how your injuries have affected your life? Do they seem passionate about fighting for the rights of accident victims?
Consider whether the lawyer has a personality and communication style that works well for you. Some people prefer a more aggressive lawyer, while others want someone with a collaborative approach. There's no right answer - it depends on your needs and preferences.
At the end of the day, you should feel confident in your lawyer's ability to represent you and fight for the compensation you deserve. Trust your instincts - if something doesn't feel right, keep looking until you find a lawyer you can fully trust.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
While many reputable personal injury lawyers are out there, some also engage in unethical or illegal practices. Here are a few red flags to watch out for when choosing an attorney:
Guaranteed Outcomes
No lawyer can ethically promise a specific result in your case, such as a certain dollar amount for your settlement. A lawyer may give you a ballpark estimate based on their experience with similar cases, don’t trust anyone who guarantees an outcome. Every case is unique, and many factors can affect the value of your claim.
Pressure to Settle Quickly
Insurance companies often try to get injury victims to settle their claims quickly and for less than they're worth. An ethical lawyer will advise you to wait until you fully understand your injuries and damages before accepting a settlement.
If a lawyer pressures you to take the first offer or seems more interested in getting a quick payout than fighting for full and fair compensation, that's a major red flag.
Poor Communication
As discussed above, regular communication is key when working with a personal injury lawyer. If you have trouble getting in touch with the lawyer or their staff, if they don't return your calls or emails, or if they're vague or evasive when you ask for updates, that's a sign that you may want to look elsewhere.
Your lawyer should inform you and make you a priority.
Lack of Resources
Handling a personal injury case often requires significant resources, including access to experts, advanced technology, and legal databases. If a lawyer seems to be operating on a shoestring budget, that can limit their ability to fully investigate your case and get you the best outcome.
While a solo practitioner can provide great advocacy, ensure they have the tools and network needed to take on a well-funded adversary.
Disciplinary Issues
Before hiring a lawyer, check their disciplinary history with your state's bar association. A suspended, disbarred, or otherwise disciplined lawyer raises a major red flag. You can usually look up an attorney's record on the state bar website or by calling the bar association directly.
Steps for Choosing a San Mateo Personal Injury Lawyer
Now that you know what to look for in a personal injury lawyer, to find the right attorney for you:
- Start with referrals: Ask friends, family members, co-workers, and other lawyers you trust if they know any good personal injury attorneys. A personal recommendation can create a great starting point.
- Do your research: Once you have a few names, do some online research to learn more about each lawyer. Check out their website, read their bio, and look for information about their experience, results, and client reviews. You can also check legal directories like Avvo and Super Lawyers.
- Check disciplinary records: Before going any further, ensure the lawyers you're considering are in good standing with your state's bar association. Look up their disciplinary history on the bar website or call them directly.
- Schedule consultations: Most personal injury lawyers offer free initial consultations in person or by video conference. Take advantage of this opportunity to meet with a few different lawyers and get a sense of their personality, communication style, and approach to your case.
- Ask questions: Come with a list of questions for each lawyer.
Making Your Choice
Choosing a personal injury lawyer is a big decision, but if you research and trust your instincts, you can find an advocate who will fight for your rights and seek the compensation you deserve.
Remember, your lawyer works for you - don't be afraid to ask tough questions, voice your concerns, and expect regular communication and updates.
Once you've chosen a lawyer, it's important to actively participate in your case. Promptly provide your lawyer with any requested information or documents, follow your doctor's treatment recommendations, and avoid discussing your case with others or on social media.
While no lawyer can guarantee a specific outcome, the right personal injury attorney can make a huge difference in your case. They can handle the legal details so you can focus on healing, and they can fight to get you maximum compensation for your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages.
If an accident injures you, don't wait to seek legal help. The statute of limitations for many personal injury claims is one to four years from the date of the injury.
If you miss this deadline, you can lose your right to seek compensation altogether. If you don’t know whether you have a case, get a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer to discuss your options.
Call a San Mateo Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you suffer an injury in a car accident that wasn't your fault, don't hesitate to seek experienced legal representation. A skilled San Mateo personal injury lawyer can navigate the complex claims process, deal with insurance companies, and fight for the full and fair compensation you deserve.
