What Should I Look For In A Florida Personal Injury Lawyer?
If you have been injured in an accident due to another person’s negligence, you may think that you are able to handle filing suit against them by yourself. Sometimes, this may be the case – but in the majority of situations, you will be better served by enlisting an experienced Florida personal injury attorney who can help guide you through the legal process. There are several things you should look for when trying to find the best attorney for your case.
Is the attorney competent and experienced in the area of personal injury law? Florida law requires that a lawyer must be competent to represent their clients. Competency means that an attorney has the knowledge, thoroughness, and preparation to be able to represent their clients effectively, not that they must always prevail at trial. Experience is also important, so that an attorney understands how a potential settlement or trial will unfold.
Does the attorney treat you with respect? It may seem obvious, but it is crucial that your attorney see you as a person, and not just as a potential cash cow. Too many attorneys will treat their clients like numbers, rather than individuals, to the point of farming out their calls to other staff or never replying at all. A good attorney will provide updates on your case and be reasonably available to answer your questions.
Does the attorney request money up front? Personal injury attorneys work on contingency in Florida, meaning that they do not ask for fees up front, and only recover if your case is successful. This is an ethical requirement – if a personal injury attorney is paid up front, there is little to no incentive for them to exert themselves to get a good outcome for their client. If a personal injury attorney asks for money before delivering results, it is a serious red flag.
Are they highly regarded? In many areas of life, reputation does not matter, but for a personal injury lawyer, it can make all the difference. It is worth your time to investigate reviews and any past complaints made against an attorney, either with the Better Business Bureau, or with the Florida Bar Association. Some complaints are unfounded, but many are very serious and can actively impair an attorney’s reputation and credibility.
Do they know when to quit? While no one likes to think of ending a lawsuit with a settlement offer, a good attorney knows when it is best to push to trial and when it is best to entertain a settlement offer. The objective is to try and make an injured plaintiff whole, not to punish a defendant; a good personal injury attorney will be able to make the choice that is best for their client and not their ego.
Call A Tampa Personal Injury Attorney
If you have been injured, you need an attorney that will work hard to give you the best chance at the compensation you deserve. The Tampa personal injury attorneys at the Rinaldo Law Group are dedicated to getting the best possible outcomes for our clients, and we are ready and willing to try and assist you with your case. Contact our offices today for a free consultation – we are happy to help.
https://www.tampainjuryaccidentlaw.com/explaining-florida-personal-injury-protection-insurance/
