The ideal lawyer is someone you can completely trust and who you believe will always do what is in your best interest. This is why knowing which lawyers are good or bad lawyers can be tough. It is important to remember that this is a subjective topic and some lawyers can seem good or bad, depending on the person. This article is not aimed at tearing down other lawyers, but to give you an idea of what to look for when choosing a lawyer.
Signs of a Good or Bad Lawyer
In most cases, a lawyer will not outright tell you how good or bad they are at their job. You will have to look for signs. One of the easiest ways to tell if you have a good lawyer or not is communication. A good lawyer will always respond to your emails and calls as soon as they can. Also, if they will be unavailable for a certain amount of time, they will let you know. Good lawyers do not allow their clients to wait weeks or months to hear back from them.
On the other hand, if a lawyer is ignoring your calls and emails, then they may not be the right lawyer for your case. No matter how big of a case load a lawyer has, they have a duty to keep in contact with you and answer your questions in a timely manner. However, it is important to understand that the nature of being a lawyer is having an extremely busy schedule. A lawyer could be juggling multiple cases or having to be in court, so it may be difficult for them to communicate sometimes.
Deadlines are another way to tell if you have a good lawyer or not. Good lawyers DO NOT miss deadlines. This is a serious red flag. Missing deadlines can be extremely damaging to a client’s case, as well as an attorney’s reputation. If an attorney misses one deadline, then you have good reason to believe they are not equipped to handle your case at this time. A good lawyer is organized and is on top of deadlines.
Promises can be seen as a red flag. A good lawyer does not make a client a promise about their case because there are too many factors at play for any lawyer to promise a specific outcome. A lawyer can make an educated guess, but they cannot guarantee anything. When it comes to cases relying on a judge’s interpretation of the laws, or a jury’s reaction to evidence, nothing is ever 100% guaranteed.
Costs Associated with Partnering with a Good Lawyer
Depending on your case, there could be additional costs that will be taken out of your settlement. A good attorney should make you aware of additional costs as they arise, however, it is always good to understand the expenses you may be accumulating as your lawsuit progresses. Fees and costs associated with a car accident lawsuit may include:
- Copy fees
- Cost of obtaining medical records, accident reports and other necessary records
- Cost of securing expert witnesses
- Cost of travel and lodging expenses for you and anyone else involved in your case
- Expenses related to independent accident investigations
- Deposition costs and fees
- Postage costs
- Trial costs (if necessary)
A bad lawyer may try to include costs within your agreement that you do not understand. Or they may have you sign something without going over it. These can be signs of a bad lawyer, however, it is always important to go over the fine print of anything you sign as well as address any issues with an attorney.
Can I Fire My Lawyer?
If you feel you have a bad lawyer, you may be wondering if you can fire your lawyer? In California, you can, and should, fire your attorney if you do not believe you are receiving the representation you agreed on at the outset of the relationship.
Before firing your current attorney, you should have retained another attorney to represent you afterward. Having another lawyer assigned to your case is an essential part to reaching a successful outcome for your case. This is so no important dates or deadlines are missed, which could jeopardize your chance to recover full compensation.
You should confirm your desire to end the attorney-client relationship in writing. This is acceptable through a written letter or email. It is recommended to do both, so there is no misunderstanding. This letter should also request your case file be sent to your new representation. This will make for a smooth and professional transition of your case to a reputable Personal Injury Lawyer.
Benefits of Having a Good California Lawyer
At Maison Law, our attorneys understand how essential it is to have someone you can trust after suffering a serious injury. Here are some of the ways our firm helps clients with their personal injury claims:
- Identify all liable parties: personal injuries such as back injuries typically involve multiple liable parties. An attorney will investigate all responsible parties and file a personal injury lawsuit against them, maximizing your chance at full, financial recovery.
- Manage your claim with the insurance companies: insurance companies can and will attempt to get injured victims to agree to a “lowball” settlement, or get you to admit fault. Having your attorney file a lawsuit against the insurance company will let them know you’re aware of your rights and are prepared to exercise them to achieve fair compensation.
- Following proper legal procedures: An experienced back injury attorney understands the complexities of suing liable parties and the specific legal rules that must be followed. Having your lawsuit properly filed and the details of your situation perfectly outlined for the insurance adjuster will let the defense know you are aware of your rights and are prepared to exercise them.
- Prepare for litigation: An attorney will expedite the litigation process if no acceptable offer is made. They will prepare you for trial, handle all legal proceedings, and represent you in court.
- Allow you to focus on recovery: Hiring a well-practiced attorney will allow you to recover, while they deal with the legal side of your case for you. Not only will this give you a better chance at compensation, but it will alleviate your stress and give you peace of mind while dealing with a very traumatic injury.
Contact a Good Lawyer in California
If you or a loved one are unsure about where to begin the legal process, the experienced Attorneys at Maison Law can help. We understand the importance of communication, transparency, and our duty to manage your case to the highest level of professionalism possible. Take the first step and contact us today to get the legal help you need. We offer a no-cost, no-obligation consultation to anyone looking to understand their legal options.
