The Top Reasons to Hire a Local Attorney in California

Why should you hire a local attorney for your personal injury claim? Whether you were injured in a slip and fall accident, motorcycle accident, car accident, or another type of accident, take a look at the top reasons to hire a local California lawyer instead of a national or out-of-state firm.

Local Lawyers Know the Law

Yes, all lawyers should know the personal injury laws that are applicable to your individual situation. But this doesn't necessarily mean they know the laws in your state or specialize in your area's local regulations. Not only do local attorneys know the general personal injury laws, they also should have a full understanding of state-specific or area-specific issues. This in-depth local knowledge may make a difference in the speed, accuracy, and amount of your claim.

In California the statute of limitations (the amount of time you have to file a lawsuit) varies by the type of claim. The statute of limitations for a personal injury claim is two years from the date of the injury or one year from the date of discovery (if the injury was not discovered immediately after the incident), according to the California Courts.

A breach of written contract has a four-year statute of limitations, property damage has a statute of limitations of three years, and claims against government agencies has a statute of limitations between six months and one year (depending on the agency/claim).

The different statutes of limitations demonstrate one area of knowledge a local attorney would and should have. This type of local knowledge could make the difference between you filing a claim that the court will hear and waiting too long. A lawyer who works in another state may only know their state's statutes. These could differ from California's, putting your lawsuit at risk.

Local Lawyers Know the Courts

Not only do local lawyers know how to navigate the California court system, they may even know the people involved in the legal process. After years of experience dealing with the legal system, a local attorney may know who to contact and who not to contact. This could possibly help to expedite the claim and may make the process easier.

Local Lawyers Are There For You

Do you prefer to meet with your attorney face-to-face? A lawyer who lives and works in another state won't have the ability to meet with you in-person. If you don't want to conduct all of your business via the phone, email, or video calls, you need a lawyer who works close-by. This makes it possible for you to drive to the attorney's office and meet with them more than just immediately before a trial.

Local Lawyers May Have an Easier Time Gathering Evidence

Did someone witness your fall at a local store? Does another motorist have important information about the accident that you were involved in? Again, a local attorney can easily set up in-person meetings—instead of making multiple calls to witnesses or anyone else involved in your case.

A local attorney may also have an easier time getting supporting documents, such as medical records, than a lawyer who works in another state. The attorney may have existing local connections or they could drive to the record's department, medical office, or other similar place to pick up the necessary documents.

Local Lawyers Have Local References

Should you trust an anonymous review of an attorney that's written on a national website or from someone who lives hundreds or even thousands of miles away? Local attorneys have local references. If you're not sure where to start your search, talk to your nearest and dearest. Family members, friends, coworkers, or neighbors who live nearby can help you to find an attorney who works in your community.

Do you need help with a personal injury claim? Contact Frank Penney Injury Lawyers for more information.