If you were injured in an accident through no fault of your own, you will likely want to hire an accident lawyer to help you pursue a claim for compensation from those at fault for your injuries. However, you shouldn’t have to settle for just any lawyer. Here are five tips to help you find the best personal injury lawyer for you and your case.
An Accident Lawyer or Law Firm Should Have Professional Investigators
First, you should ideally look for an accident lawyer or law firm that has their own professional investigators on staff or on retainer. Many accident cases turn on the testimony of expert witnesses, or persons who testify based on “special knowledge or proficiency in a particular field that is relevant to the case.” Professional investigators can perform work such as accident reconstruction, examining defective products, reviewing your medical treatment records, and calculating future lost earning capacity. Your accident lawyer should have close relationships with experienced investigators to determine the strength of your case and to help prepare effective and persuasive legal arguments on your behalf.
A Useful Accident Lawyer Will Have Multiple Fields of Expertise
Although finding an attorney with a high degree of specialization means that they will have considerable knowledge and experience in that specialized field, many accident cases can involve multiple areas of law. You should look for an accident lawyer who can examine your case from multiple angles to determine the true cause of the accident and your injuries and to determine who should be held liable to compensate you. An attorney with experience in multiple areas of law can also help you to pursue different types of legal claims from an accident, such as pursuing both workers’ compensation and a personal injury claim if you were injured on the job due to a third party’s negligence.
Choose an Accident Lawyer with Extensive Relevant Experience in Your Type of Case
Of course, you should make sure that your accident lawyer has substantial experience in handling accident cases similar to yours. For example, if you were injured by a defective product, you probably wouldn’t want to hire an attorney who has only handled motor vehicle accident cases.
In addition, an effective accident lawyer should have extensive trial litigation experience. Although most accident claims are resolved through settlement, you might be able to negotiate for a higher settlement if the other side knows you are represented by an attorney with a track record of winning cases at trial. Having an experienced trial litigation is also helpful to have in your back pocket if your case does end up going to court.
Avoid So-Called “Ambulance Chasers”
Be wary of accident lawyers who want you to hire them soon after your injury and to quickly resolve your case in a settlement. Instead, the right accident lawyer for you will put in the time and effort necessary to recover the maximum compensation possible under the circumstances of your case.
Look for Accident Lawyers with Certifications, Awards, and Accolades
Finally, the mark of a good accident lawyer is an attorney with certifications and awards. Certifications may include those given by state bar associations to recognize an attorney’s experience in a particular field of law, such as medical malpractice or trial litigation. Awards and accolades may take the form of client-driven recognition, such as through platforms such as Avvo, or peer-recognition through services such as Super Lawyers or Martindale-Hubbell
Contact a Lake Worth Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Accident Case in Florida
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to an accident in Florida? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A. represent clients injured because of accidents in Miramar, Coral Springs, Davie, Boca Raton, and throughout Florida. Call (561) 533-0345 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 813 Lucerne Ave., Lake Worth, FL 33460, as well as offices in Pompano Beach.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.