Even if it seems like a car accident will never happen to you, that won’t always be the case. Car accidents happen more often than you realize. And when more than two million drivers experience permanent injuries because of crashes every year, you need to know how to get help if it happens to you.

You need to know what to look for when looking for a California car accident lawyer. Use the five tips below to find an accident lawyer who can help you get the settlement you deserve.

1. Learn About Credentials

A credentialed lawyer is a must if you want great representation on your car accident case. Lawyers must go through the proper educational process and get certified with your state. If someone doesn’t, they aren’t qualified to handle your needs.

Get the credentials of your accident lawyers to see how much work someone has done to get certified. Look for someone with enough experience and the correct certifications to handle accident cases.

2. Consider Specialties

While a general accident lawyer may be able to handle your case, it won’t always be the best choice. There is a difference between a seat belt injury, slip and falls, and medical malpractice. If you don’t hire accident attorneys with specialized experience with car accidents, you may not get the result you need.

Ask a car accident lawyer what experience they have with accident cases. Look for someone with several years of experience and a track record of success.

3. Interview Your Actual Lawyer

You may not speak with your actual lawyer when interviewing at a large law firm. These firms have more prominent lawyers who handle interviews. Once they sign a client, they pass the case to an associate.

There’s nothing wrong with this, but you need to be aware of it. Ensure you get a chance to interview the lawyer you’ll work with so you can also vet them.

4. Find Good Pricing

You don’t always want to work hourly with an accident lawyer. Your case may not be open and shut, so your lawyer may need to spend some time on your case. It will cost a small fortune if you hire an hourly lawyer.

Depending on the length of your case, it makes more sense to hire someone on contingency. You’ll only pay if your lawyer wins and will pay with a percentage of your settlement amount.

5. Get References

References are a must when looking for accident attorneys. You won’t be able to figure out all the issues a lawyer has when speaking with them. That’s why you need to learn from people who have been there before.

A great place to start is online reviews. You can read about past experiences with a quick search on Google. You can also get references from friends and family who have been in a similar situation.

Don’t Hire a California Car Accident Lawyer on a Whim

You have a lot on the line when dealing with an accident case. You rely on your settlement to get the cash you need to cover car repairs and medical expenses.

That’s why you can’t afford to work with a California car accident lawyer who doesn’t have the skill for the job. Use the tips above when looking for car accident lawyers who will give you the results you need.

Head back to the blog to find more tips to help with other life situations.