How To Choose the Best Personal Injury Attorney in Los Angeles? 2024

Douglas D. Shaffer - Personal Injury Lawyer - Manhattan Beach, CA

When you’re involved in an accident that was caused by someone else’s negligent behavior, the most important thing you can do is hire a personal injury attorney to represent you. However, choosing an attorney can be a complicated task, especially when you don’t know much about the law and are trying to heal from your injury at the same time. This makes it essential to know how to choose the best personal injury attorney in Los Angeles.

Finding the Right Personal Injury Attorney After an Accident

While every injury and every case are different, there are a few tips you should always keep in mind when searching for a personal injury lawyer who is right for your situation. Try considering the following:

  • Ask for ReferralsYou can start your search for a personal injury lawyer by getting recommendations from people you know, like family, friends, or coworkers. If someone you know had a good experience with a lawyer in a similar case, you should definitely take their advice. Hearing about someone you trust’s experience with a lawyer can help you understand how that lawyer handled their case, talked to them, and eventually got a good result for them.

    Referrals are another way to narrow down your choices and find a lawyer with a great name in the field. Online directories and legal referral services can also help you find a lawyer if you don’t have any personal links who can suggest one. A lot of the time, these platforms let you sort lawyers by location and type of law they practice, which helps you find personal injury lawyers.

  • Consider the Lawyer’s ExperiencePersonal injury law can be hard to understand, so it’s important to have a lawyer with experience in personal injury cases. In the event of a car accident, for instance, you should seek the services of a lawyer who practices in such situations. If you were hurt because of a slip and fall or bad medical care, you should find a lawyer who has handled slip and falls before.

    You should also consider how long the lawyer has been performing personal injury law. A lawyer with long-term experience knows how the local courts work, how insurance companies do things, and how to make a strong case.

  • Evaluate the Lawyer’s Track RecordA personal injury lawyer’s success can be judged by both how many years of experience they have and how many cases they have won. If you’re speaking with a lawyer, ask them what they did to help clients in similar cases. If an attorney has a good track record, it means they know how to handle cases well and get good settlements and outcomes.

    In addition to asking about specific cases, you should also ask how often they go to court. Some personal injury lawyers might rather settle cases without going to court, but the payments may be less. It’s important to have an attorney with courtroom experience in case your claim moves to the court.

  • Read Customer Reviews and TestimonialsOnline reviews and testimonials from past clients can tell you a lot about an attorney’s image and how happy past clients are with their work. Many law companies have reviews from past clients on their websites, but it’s also a good idea to read reviews on sites like Google or Yelp to get a more complete picture. Look for patterns in the comments, like when someone always says nice things about their communication, professionalism, or results.
  • Check the Lawyer’s Fee to See If It Fits Your BudgetMany personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if they win your case. However, the amount they charge can be different, so it’s important to know how the fees work before you hire a lawyer. You should find out how much of your settlement or prize the lawyer will take, and you should also ask about any other costs or fees that might come up during the case, like witness fees or court fees.

FAQs

Q: What Percentage Do Most Personal Injury Lawyers Take in California?

A: Most personal injury lawyers in California work on a contingency fee basis, which means they get a share of the settlement or judgment if they win the case. This percentage often varies with the intricacy of the case and can rise if the case proceeds to trial. The arrangement allows customers to pursue legal action without incurring any upfront costs, and the fee is only paid if the attorney successfully recovers compensation.

Q: How Much Does a Top Personal Injury Lawyer Make?

A: Top personal injury lawyers in California can make various amounts of money depending on their experience, fame, and the difficulty of the cases they take on. Some lawyers charge more for cases that get a lot of attention or have a lot at stake, especially when the settlements or decisions are big. A lawyer’s income is also affected by where they work, the types of clients they get, and how focused they are on personal injury law.

Q: What Is Personal Injury Law in California?

A: Personal injury legislation in California is intended to reimburse those who have been hurt by another party’s negligence or malicious actions. California has a “comparative negligence” statute, which means that compensation can be decreased depending on the plaintiff’s level of fault in the accident. There is also a statute of limitations in place to ensure claims are filed and pursued in a timely manner.

Q: How Are Personal Injury Settlements Calculated in California?

A: In California, the computation of personal injury settlements usually takes into account both non-economic and economic damages. Non-economic losses include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life, while economic damages include medical costs, lost pay, and property damage. The ultimate settlement amount is determined by a number of variables.

Contact Shaffer Law Today

If you have suffered a personal injury, it’s important that you find a lawyer who is prepared to advocate for you. At Shaffer Law, we understand how complex California personal injury cases can become. We have spent years fighting for the rights of our clients and can do the same for you. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you with a personal injury claim.

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About The Author

Douglas D. Shaffer

Douglas D. Shaffer is a seasoned attorney based in California, specializing in personal injury and complex litigation. With an impressive career marked by significant case wins and a strong dedication to his clients, his professional background and expertise are noteworthy. Education: Graduated magna cum laude from Pepperdine Law School; holds a Bachelor of Science from Ohio State University. Experience: Over three decades of legal practice, focusing on catastrophic injury cases. Recognition: Repeatedly recognized as a Super Lawyer; named a top lawyer by US News and World Reports. Community Involvement: Actively contributes to community services and coaches youth sports. Bar Admissions: Admitted to the State Bar of California, U.S. District Court Northern District of California, and U.S. District Court Central District of California since 1984.

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