According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are more than 61,000 lawyers working in Florida. If you have been hurt in a car accident and are seeking representation, you have no shortage of options. The trouble is, like everything in life, finding a good one is not always straightforward.
There are several factors, including experience, track record, and recommendation, that can make a difference in your search. Read on to discover how to find a good car accident lawyer who will aggressively pursue the best outcome in your auto accident case.
Look for Car Accident Experience
Personal injury law covers a broad range of cases, from slip-and-fall accidents to medical malpractice. However, if you have been hurt in a car crash, you want someone with years of experience in handling car accident cases.
Choosing a lawyer with a focus on auto accidents helps in several ways, including:
- Thorough understanding of relevant state and federal laws
- Experience in negotiating with insurance companies and combating their tactics
- Successful track record of negotiating settlements and obtaining favorable verdicts at trial
To find out the area of law the firm focuses on, check out the firm’s website and read their case results page. Do you notice a focus on all aspects of traffic accidents along with a healthy number of car accident case victories? If so, you are dealing with an experienced car accident lawyer who is worth investigating further.
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We specialize in personal injury claims.
Demand a Track Record of Success
You get one chance to hire a car accident lawyer to represent you, so make sure you choose one who knows how to win. Of course, every case is different, and success is never guaranteed. However, you may give yourself a better chance of a successful outcome if you hire a car accident lawyer with an outstanding record of success.
Big numbers are eye-catching and important, but the highest payouts are generally reserved for the most serious injuries. Also, look for evidence of success in less serious cases. If the case results page is full of substantial negotiated settlements and trial verdicts, you know this lawyer has what it takes to win cases consistently.
If there is no case results page on the car accident lawyer’s website and the firm does not advertise how much it has recovered for its clients, this may indicate that they have a less-than-desirable track record and should be avoided.
Read Online Reviews
Former clients tend to write online reviews when they are very happy – or very frustrated – with the service they have received. While reviews can give you insights into the car accident lawyer’s strengths, be sure to read them critically.
Some positive patterns to look for include:
- Good communication style
- Aggressive and tenacious approach
- Favorable case outcomes
On the other hand, the following could be red flags:
- Lack of transparency
- Poor communication
- Lack of commitment
Of course, you can expect the firm’s testimonial page to be full of glowing reviews, which, while helpful, may not paint the most complete picture. So check out a range of review sites, such as Google or Facebook, and cross-reference your findings. You will likely quickly see patterns emerging, which will either build your trust or send you looking for alternative attorneys.
Ask Family and Friends
Word-of-mouth has been described as the most effective form of marketing in existence. This is because we instinctively trust recommendations from friends and family over other sources. The same applies when looking for a good car accident attorney.
Talk to friends and family, or post a shout-out on social media (without sharing any details of your case), asking for recommendations. You may find the car accident lawyer recommendations flooding in, along with stern warnings about which ones to avoid.
Need free legal help in Florida?
We specialize in personal injury claims.
Schedule a Free Consultation
Car accident lawyers offer free consultations to discuss your case, explain your legal options, and decide whether they believe it has a strong chance of success. However, while the lawyer is evaluating your case, you have the opportunity to evaluate the auto accident attorney.
Some questions to consider include:
- How comfortable do I feel working with this lawyer?
- Is his or her communication style clear and forthright?
- What experience does the lawyer have with cases like mine?
- Will I deal with the car accident lawyer handling the consultation, or will another lawyer be my point of contact?
Expect clear, open answers that build your trust. If the lawyers you speak to are vague, unclear, or otherwise seem untrustworthy, you do not owe them anything. Move on and look for one who inspires confidence and trust.
Understand the Fee Structure
Car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront payments. This is sometimes advertised using phrases such as “no fee until we win.” The attorney only gets paid if he or she wins or settles your case.
While many car accident lawyers work on this basis, the good ones are transparent about how much you will pay if they secure a payout on your behalf. For example, in Florida, the percentages that personal injury lawyers can charge are limited by the Florida Bar. In cases with payouts under $1 million, they are limited to 33⅓ percent. After that, they rise, with additional fees chargeable if the case goes to trial rather than being settled through negotiations.
A good car accident lawyer will be happy to discuss:
- The contingency fee the firm charges
- Whether any additional costs are payable
- What happens if you fire your attorney before the case concludes
If the lawyer will not provide a clear answer to these questions, the search should carry on.
Why You Can Trust an Andrew Pickett Law Car Accident Attorney
While it is true that there are many car accident lawyers to choose from in Florida, few win your trust like Andrew Pickett Law attorneys do. We are on a mission to remove barriers to justice and help you get your life back on track. As we pursue justice, we keep you updated every step of the way, so you are never in the dark.
One thing that sets Andrew Pickett Law apart is our trial experience. Over the last 10 years, Andrew Pickett has personally tried over 50 jury trials to verdict. So no matter how complex your case is, or tenacious the defense required, we have the experience and skills you need to see it through to its conclusion.
Set up a face-to-face meeting with a car accident lawyer today so we can hear your story and make sure it’s told right. Call us at (561) 559-6018 or fill out our contact form today to take the first step on the road to justice.
Need free legal help in Florida?
We specialize in personal injury claims.
