If you’ve been injured in an accident in Florida, you may be wondering how to choose a lawyer to represent you. There are many factors to consider, such as the lawyer’s experience, success rate, and fees. To help you make an educated decision, here is a list of the 8 most important things to consider when choosing a personal injury lawyer in Florida.
1. Experience
This is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a personal injury lawyer. You want to choose a lawyer who has a proven track record of success in handling cases like yours. Ask the lawyer about their experience with cases involving similar types of accidents, similar injuries, and settlements and verdicts they have obtained for clients.
2. Reputation
A lawyer’s reputation is vitally important to consider when choosing someone to represent you. Ask family, friends, and colleagues for recommendations. You should also check online reviews to see what other clients have said about the lawyer. Make sure to choose a lawyer who has a reputation for being honest, ethical, and effective.
3. Communication Skills
After being injured in an accident, you will have many questions pertaining to setbacks you suffered due to your injuries. For example: How do I get treatment for my injuries? How and where will I get my car repaired? What will I do for income if I’m not able to work? You want to be able to communicate easily with your lawyer and feel comfortable asking them questions. Be sure to choose a lawyer who is responsive to your needs, keeps you updated on the status of your case, and answers your questions honestly.
4. Fees
Personal injury lawyers typically work on a contingency basis. This means you ONLY pay them if they win your case and you receive financial compensation from a settlement or jury verdict. However, you should ALWAYS ask about fees upfront! It is also important to ask about any other costs you may be responsible for, such as court costs and expert witness fees.
5. Comfort Level
It is vitally important to feel comfortable with your personal injury lawyer. You will be working closely with this person throughout the legal process, so it’s crucial to choose someone you trust and have confidence in. They should be sympathetic, empathetic, and above all, resilient. Make sure to schedule a face-to-face consultation with lawyers you are considering to get a feeling for their personality, and whether or not you will be comfortable working with them.
6. Specialization
Many personal injury lawyers specialize in particular areas, such as car accidents, medical malpractice, or premises liability. It makes sense to choose a lawyer who specializes in the area of your accident. This ensures that the lawyer has the experience and knowledge to handle your case effectively.
7. Availability
Make sure the lawyer you choose has the availability to represent you. You don’t want the case to drag on. Confirm that they can start on your case promptly and have the time and staff to make your case a priority. Get the attention you deserve!
8. Resources
Personal injury cases can be complex and time-consuming. It is important to choose a lawyer who has the resources, – financial, time, staff – to handle your case effectively. Be sure to ask your attorney about their team of support staff, and if they have the resources needed to investigate your case, hire experts, and go to trial if necessary.
Once you have considered all of these factors, you can start narrowing down your choices. Schedule consultations, – they are normally free – with at least a couple different lawyers before making a decision. Choosing the right personal injury lawyer is an important decision, as it may have a significant impact on the outcome of the case. By considering the factors listed above, you can feel confident in choosing a lawyer who will help you get the compensation you deserve!
Suffered an injury due to someone else’s negligence? You may have the right to file a personal injury claim! If you are not sure of the process, contact the expert injury lawyers at GOLDLAW for a FREE consultation. Questions, call 561-222-2222, 24/7!