The Barnes Firm

Expert Tips for Hiring Best Auto Accident Lawyer in the San Francisco Bay Area

• January 15, 2019
• Sandy

Everyone deserves to feel safe on the road. But it’s a sad truth that driving in the San Francisco Bay Area is far more dangerous than people believe.

Each year, there are over 6 million auto accidents, resulting in 3 million injuries.

If you’ve been injured in an auto accident, you deserve an advocate who will fight for you. Here’s what you’ll need to know about hiring the best auto accident lawyer in the Bay Area.

When to Hire an Attorney

If you’ve recently been in an auto accident, you’re likely experiencing a flood of emotions. Fear, frustration, grief, and panic are all common after car accidents.

And though your friends and family see your struggle and encourage you to reach out to a lawyer, you’re still not sure when to get an attorney for a car accident.

It’s advisable that all auto accident victims consider hiring a legal professional in the following situations:

• The insurance company payments are too low or they’re refusing to pay.

• You’re seriously injured, affecting your ability to work and thus your livelihood is at stake.

• You’ve suffered extreme mental trauma as a result of the accident.

• The other party in the accident has filed a suit against you.

• You wish to file a suit against the other party.

If you’ve experienced any of the above or are curious to explore your options, contact a legal professional in the Bay Area at your earliest convenience.

Experience Matters Most

A simple search in your favorite search engine for ‘best car accident attorney’ will likely come back with well over a dozen results. So how are you supposed to choose between your almost limitless options?

The answer is quite simple: Go with experience.

You’re likely to find young, hungry attorneys hoping to make a name for themselves through your case. And though that’s admirable, your legal case isn’t worth the gamble.

If your financial future is at stake, you deserve a lawyer with a track record of success. An experienced car accident lawyer knows the laws to the fullest extent, strengthening your chances of a legal victory.

Ask the Right Questions

To ensure that you and your possible legal representation are a good match, you’ll need to undergo a consultation.

You’ll be asked a series of questions about your accident and may need to present information on your insurance policy or an accident report.

Here are three of the most important questions you should ask:

What is Your Availability?

Questions or problems don’t pop up only during business hours. In case of an emergency, you should be able to get in touch with your attorney 24/7.

How Long Do You Expect the Case to Take?

Though a lawyer can’t control certain things – court dates, evidence collection, etc. – a good accident attorney knows that you need your award as soon as possible and will aim to wrap things up in a timely manner.

What Are Your Compensation Procedures?

Often, accident attorneys work on what’s known as a contingency fee. They don’t require payment for their services but do take a portion of the financial award upon victory.

Other firms, however, do charge fees. Legal cases can take a while and add up, make sure you’re prepared financially if need be.

Tips for Hiring the Best Auto Accident Lawyer

Are you considering legal action? If so, follow these tips for hiring the best auto accident lawyer in the San Francisco Bay area and increase your chances of a legal victory.

For more in-depth information on hiring an auto accident attorney, contact us today.