Finding The Right Commercial Motor Vehicle Accident Attorney For Me
In Florida, a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) is a vehicle that (1) is not owned by a government, (2) uses special fuel on highways; and (3) weighs over a certain amount. Accidents involving CMVs can be catastrophic, given the size of these vehicles and how fast they can move. These matters can involve more complex details than a standard road accident case, and as such, it is crucial to find the right CMV accident attorney for you.
Trial Experience Important
Perhaps the most important thing you should look for in a Florida CMV accident attorney is experience at trial. Personal injury lawsuits are civil matters, and while some of them wind up settled by an agreement between an injured plaintiff and the defendant, many go to trial. An attorney with trial experience will have a better sense of when a case should go to court and when it should not, and if trial is necessary, experience is integral in navigating proceedings.
You Should Be A Person – Not A Number
One of the most common complaints among legal clients is having an attorney who sees them as nothing more than a file number or a cash cow. A client deserves an attorney who is transparent and approachable, who updates them when it is necessary, but also allows them space to recover physically and emotionally after the trauma of a major CMV accident. This can be a difficult balance to strike, but it is important to do so.
Having The Resources To Take On Your Case
It is not uncommon for a CMV accident case to require the testimony of an expert witness on one or more subjects. An attorney should have the ability to access these experts, as well as any other tools needed to develop an accurate report of your accident and establish liability where possible. It is also worth noting that Florida’s law on expert testimony differs from that of many other states, and your attorney needs to be familiar with this and other relevant law.
Transparent & Honest About Fees
In Florida, personal injury cases can be accepted on what is known as a contingency basis, which means that you do not owe any attorney’s fees unless your case is won (though you may be asked to pay expenses such as filing fees). Contingency fees are usually paid as a percentage of recovery – for example, you may agree to pay your attorney 25 percent of any jury award. An attorney may not try to change the amount of the fee or demand more up front without running afoul of state and federal ethics rules, but unfortunately, this does not mean some do not try.
Contact A Tampa Commercial Motor Vehicle Accident Attorney
If you have been involved in an accident with a CMV, your injuries are no doubt severe. Finding the right legal help can mean the difference between success and failure in court. A Tampa truck accident attorney from the Rinaldo Law Group can give you the best chance to prevail in court. Contact our office today at (813) 831-9999 for a free consultation.
