The internet is a great resource, but it can be somewhat misleading if you don’t know the ins-and-outs of internet searches. Online searches make it easier to find any provider or professional, including lawyers, but it is important to keep a few key points in mind.
Normally, people just insert the name of their town and the type of lawyer they need in the Google search bar and hit enter. This will produce links to several attorneys in the area, but it doesn’t provide comprehensive or comparative information. When shopping around, there are certain characteristics that should top your list of requirements.
- Expertise: There are different categories of law, so seek out representation that specializes in the type of case you have.
- A Record of Success: Find out if the lawyer you are considering has a successful history with previous clients like yourself.
- Reputation: Look for success stories or any high-profile cases.
- Fair Price: Doing a quick cost comparison can ensure that you get the best rate for any legal work that’s done on your behalf.
For those involved in motor vehicle, pedestrian, or bicycle accidents in San Diego, you will find that the best attorneys are sometimes unavailable because of the sheer number of cases. The San Diego Union-Tribune reports that the city continues to have more than its fair share of pedestrian deaths despite programs put in place to reduce the historically high number. People out walking or bicycling never see the accident coming, but a good bicycle accident lawyer will aggressively go after the at-fault party.
Internet Tips and Tricks
Free learning site GCF Global outlines techniques that you can use to get better search engine results. The use of special characters and knowing how to use keywords will help narrow the search.
Special Characters Typically Used in Google Search
Use quotation marks to surround your phrase and add specificity to your search. Google will pull up only the phrase that is contained within the quotes.
You may also use the addition and subtraction signs to make results more relevant. The subtraction, or minus, key will remove a word, and the addition, or plus, key will add words.
An asterisk may be used as a wildcard character that lets Google replace the asterisk with whatever letter it deems most relevant. Hashtags and question marks can be used in the same way that asterisks are used, but asterisks are more common.
Phrasing Your Search
The ideal words and phrases that you use in your search will depend upon the type of attorney you are looking for. Narrowing down your selections once you have a general list, you can start to examine the specific qualities of each candidate to help narrow your search further. Online research can answer questions like how long the lawyer has been practicing or how long they have been specializing in a particular area.
Reviews
Online reviews are extremely helpful, and you can look for specific traits that good lawyers have. Good reviews are the equivalent of a recommendation. Bad or mediocre reviews may reveal a law office that is prone to miscommunication, hires inexperienced lawyers, or has had ethics violations. Lawyer registration databases can provide you with details on any ethics problems.
Get a Lawyer. Win Your Case
Whatever process you use to find an attorney, don’t wait to get legal help if you’ve been involved in an accident. A knowledgeable lawyer can wind up being your ace in the hole when seeking a fair financial settlement, and one can be found online with minimal effort and internet research proficiency.