Florida has one of the highest car accident rates in the country, but the possibilities for personal injury don’t end there. From slip and falls to work injuries or pedestrian accidents, thousands of people are hurt annually by the negligence of others. And while most of these accidents are minor and don’t affect the victim’s lifestyle, others can be life-altering and devastating. Regardless of the situation, speaking to a lawyer can help you to determine the merits of your case and if you should consider legal action. But with so many to choose from, how can you pick the best personal injury attorney for you?
Here are a few tips to get you started on your search.
Check on their fee structure: Most personal injury firms work on a contingency basis, meaning that you don’t have to pay if your legal team does not win. This type of arrangement provides the client with confidence that the attorney will be motivated to secure a favorable settlement. On the other hand, an attorney will not want to spend time working on something they do not believe they can win. Therefore if they accept a case, they will fight hard to ensure your victory – and their payment. While understanding how and when you will pay your attorney is essential, this is not the only factor to consider regarding fees. Be sure to ask what percentage of your settlement will be deducted from your compensation award. Be sure that you are comfortable with their proposed percentage so as not to be surprised when the settlement is reached. Be sure to compare this percentage among the attorneys you are considering.
Consider their experience and reputation: There are two aspects of reputation to consider – that of your prospective lawyer and that of their firm overall. You can start by reading their website and looking for win/loss percentages and successful cases. You can also utilize a search engine to research the attorney, read reviews or look into high-profile cases. It would help if you read as many reviews as possible, carefully considering both good and bad feedback.
Remember that not all personal injury law firms specialize in every type of case. Therefore, before hiring them, clarify that the firm and the attorney are experts in your particular case – be it a car accident, a workplace injury, or an accident at a big box store.
Make sure their personality meshes with yours: Once you are comfortable that the firm, the attorney, and the fee structure are all appropriate, make sure that your potential lawyer has a personality that you can work with. While you don’t have to feel like best friends, you need to feel a level of compatibility. Therefore, an initial consultation should be used for two purposes – for the attorney to determine if they want to take on the case and the client to determine if the lawyer is the best personal injury attorney for them. There is no one way to define the “right” personality – that qualification will be determined by each individual. Keep in mind that you are not interviewing for a friendship – so if the attorney seems tough or aggressive, it may work in your favor when negotiating a settlement!
At Probinsky & Cole, we have developed a reputation as an experienced and successful personal injury team. Call today for a consultation f you are looking for the best personal injury attorney team to take on your Sarasota, Tampa, or Orlando area case. Read more about our attorneys here.
