If you’ve been injured in an accident, you’re probably feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. That’s where GJEL Accident Attorneys comes in. Our San Jose personal injury law firm has many years of experience serving the San Jose area. Our team of highly rated attorneys can help you navigate the legal system and fight for the compensation you deserve.
But we know that we’re not the only law firm out there.
What’s most important is finding an attorney you can work with for the long term. Sometimes personal injury cases can take years to settle.
That’s why we put together this article to help you find Find the Best Personal Injury Lawyer in San Jose whether that’s our firm or another. At the end of the day we want what’s best for you in your situation.
To start you need to find attorneys you want to speak with
Here are some of the common ways you can find an attorney.
- Referrals from family or friends who have used a personal injury attorney before.
- Online search engines such as Google or Bing.
- Local bar associations or state bar referral services.
- Legal directories, such as Avvo or Martindale-Hubbell.
- Advertising on billboards, TV, radio or newspapers.
- Professional organizations, such as the American Association for Justice.
- Social media groups or forums where people share their experiences and recommendations.
- Review websites such as Yelp or Google Reviews.
- Contacting a law school’s legal clinic or legal aid program.
- Asking other attorneys you know for a recommendation, even if they don’t practice personal injury law themselves.
No matter where you find an attorney there are certain criteria you will want to review before landing on your decision on who to hire.
There is no one “best” way to find an attorney, as it can depend on your individual needs and circumstances. However, there are some methods that may be more effective than others.
Make Sure to Vet Any Potential San Jose Lawyers
Vetting a lawyer involves doing your research, consulting with them, and reviewing their track record. Here are the steps to take to help you make the best decision for your particular case.
Start with Research Research
The first step in vetting a lawyer is to do your research. You can start by searching online for San Jose lawyers who specialize in the area of law you need help with.
Look for reviews and testimonials from past clients, as well as any news articles or press releases that mention the lawyer. You can also check with your local bar association to see if the lawyer has any disciplinary actions or complaints against them.
And although past results don’t indicate future outcomes, you should look at the firms past personal injury verdicts and settlements. We have recovered over $950 Million Dollars for our clients.
Have a Consultation (and make sure it’s free!)
Once you have a list of potential lawyers, it’s time to schedule consultations with them. Most lawyers offer free initial consultations, which can give you an opportunity to ask questions and get a feel for their communication style and expertise.
During the consultation, make sure to ask about their experience with cases similar to yours, their approach to handling your case, and their availability.
At GJEL we offer free, no obligation case evaluations at your home, office, hospital or anywhere that’s convenient for you.
Check out Reviews and testimonials
After your consultations, take the time to review any feedback or testimonials from past clients. This can give you a better understanding of the lawyer’s track record and success rate.
Look for patterns in the reviews, such as positive comments about their communication skills or negative comments about their fees.
You can see what our clients have to say about us here.
Factors you should consider when vetting a lawyer
When vetting a lawyer, there are several factors to consider before making your decision.
Experience and expertise of the firm and attorney you will be working with
One of the most important factors to consider when vetting a lawyer is their experience and expertise in the area of law you need help with. Look for a lawyer who has handled cases similar to yours and has a track record of success.
Unfortunately at bigger law firms you are sometimes just passed along to a junior attorney to quickly settle your case for less than it may be worth.
Communication skills
Good communication is essential when working with a lawyer. Look for a lawyer who is responsive, clear, and easy to understand. Make sure they are willing to answer your questions and keep you informed about your case.
Availability and responsiveness
Make sure to choose a lawyer who is available when you need them. This means they should be responsive to your calls and emails and willing to work around your schedule.
Fees and billing
It’s important to understand the lawyer’s fee structure and billing practices upfront. Make sure to ask about their fees, any additional costs, and how they bill for their services. Most personal injury law firms work on a contingency fee basis.
GJEL is a California Contingency fee firm which means you won’t pay us unless and UNTIL we win your case for you at an amount we agree upon before taking your case.
Experience with Specific Cases Types Like Yours
Since every personal injury case is different it’s important to work with an attorney who has settled a case similar to yours. Here are some of the areas we focus on throughout San Jose, California.
Fatal Car Accidents in San Jose
San Jose Car Accident Attorneys
San Jose Bicycle Accident Cases
San Jose Wrongful Death Lawyers
San Jose Truck Accident Lawyers
San Jose Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Red flags to watch out for when vetting a San Jose accident lawyer
When vetting a lawyer, it’s important to watch out for red flags that may indicate they are not the right fit for you. Here are some red flags to watch out for:
- Lack of Communication:
One of the most critical factors to consider when choosing a lawyer is communication. A good lawyer should be responsive, honest, and transparent in their communication with their clients. If you’re finding it challenging to get in touch with a potential lawyer, or if they’re not returning your calls or emails promptly, it may be a red flag.
- Lack of Experience:
Experience is another crucial factor to consider when vetting a lawyer. You want to work with someone who has experience handling cases similar to yours and who can provide you with valuable insights and guidance. If a potential lawyer has limited experience or lacks expertise in your specific legal issue, it may be a red flag.
- Lack of Professionalism:
Professionalism is essential in any business relationship, and it’s no different when working with a lawyer. If a potential lawyer is not treating you with respect, not listening to your concerns, or not taking your case seriously, it may be a red flag.
- Lack of Transparency:
Transparency is critical when working with a lawyer. You should be able to trust that your lawyer is acting in your best interests, and that they’re not hiding anything from you. If a potential lawyer is not being transparent about their fees, their strategies, or their previous successes, it may be a red flag.
- Lack of Empathy:
Empathy is an essential quality in any professional relationship, and it’s no different when working with a lawyer. If a potential lawyer is not showing empathy towards your situation, not understanding your concerns, or not treating you with compassion, it may be a red flag.
- Unreasonable Fees:
Fees are an essential factor to consider when choosing a lawyer, and you should have a clear understanding of what you’ll be paying before you agree to work with them. If a potential lawyer is charging you an unreasonable amount, or if their fees are not transparent, it may be a red flag.
FAQs
Q: Can I ask a potential lawyer for references?
A: Yes, you can ask a potential lawyer for references, and it’s a good idea to speak with past clients to get a better understanding of their experience working with the lawyer.
Q: What should I do if I suspect a lawyer of misconduct?
A: If you suspect a lawyer of misconduct, you should report it to your state bar association or regulatory authority.
Q: Is it essential to hire a lawyer who specializes in my specific legal issue?
A: While it’s not always necessary to hire a lawyer who specializes in your specific legal issue, it’s usually recommended