If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Florida, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Hiring an experienced car accident lawyer can help maximize your settlement or court award.
There are 100,000 attorneys in Florida, so it can be challenging to find the right one. Use these tips to choose a car accident lawyer who will fight for the compensation you deserve.
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Do Your Research
Don’t just pick the first lawyer you find in the phone book. Take time to research potential attorneys. The Florida Bar Association website allows you to search for lawyers by location and practice area. Look for lawyers specializing in car accident and personal injury cases, not real estate or family law. Also, read online reviews to understand an attorney’s reputation and results. With over 381,000 crashes per year in Florida, there are lots of lawyers with experience handling car accident claims.
Consider Experience
An experienced car accident lawyer knows how to build a strong case, negotiate with insurance companies, and take a case to trial if needed. Ask about the lawyer’s track record with past cases. Have they taken car accident cases to trial before? Do they have experience negotiating large settlements? For example, in 2021 a Florida car accident lawyer won a $2.3 million settlement for a client, the highest recorded payout for a car crash in the state. An attorney proven to get results will fight hardest for you.
Discuss Fees
With most car accident lawyers, you won’t have to pay anything unless they win your case. The fee is a percentage of your final settlement or award, often around 30-40%. Understand the fee structure before signing a contract. Will expenses like filing fees and expert witness costs be deducted from your payout? Ask for estimates of total costs. Make sure the lawyer’s take seems reasonable based on their experience and track record.
Meet in Person
Schedule in-person consultations with at least three potential lawyers. This lets you evaluate their communication skills, professionalism, and knowledge. Be prepared with questions about their experience, case strategies, and fees. Also, pay attention to how well they listen and explain legal concepts in understandable terms. The right car accident lawyer will show compassion for your situation while demonstrating tenacity to get the best outcome.
Check Resources
What resources does the lawyer have to build a strong case for you? Do they have connections to accident reconstruction experts, doctors to assess injuries, and vocational experts to determine lost earning capacity? Will paralegals and legal assistants be working on your case? A robust team means your case gets more attention. Also, ask if they have sufficient financial resources to take a case to trial if needed, rather than settling too early for less.
Trust Your Instincts
Go with your gut feeling after meeting potential lawyers. The right attorney-client relationship is built on trust and communication. You want an attorney who is responsive, makes you feel comfortable asking questions, and is honest about the challenges ahead. If you don’t mesh well with a lawyer during a consultation, moving on to other options is perfectly fine. There are plenty of qualified car accident lawyers in Florida.
Don’t wait to find the right car accident lawyer after a crash. Taking time to research lawyers, ask questions, and find one you trust will pay off with maximum compensation. A good lawyer can make all the difference in getting the settlement you deserve.
