Florida has consistently recorded one of the highest number of motor vehicle accidents of all US states. According to statistics by the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle (FHSMV), the state reports roughly 400,000 car accidents annually.
A significant percentage of these auto crashes result in physical and emotional trauma. Not to mention the financial implications of repairing damaged automobiles and footing medical bills.
But despite the outcome, it’s imperative to contact a car accident attorney immediately after getting involved in an accident. The lawyer will assess your case and help negotiate proper settlements with insurance companies.
Auto accident attorneys are also well-versed in legal nuances. If the matter ends up in a court of law, their professional experience can be instrumental in prosecuting the case in your favor.
However, finding the best car accident lawyer can be an uphill task for many auto accident victims. That’s where we come in.
This article outlines the top five qualities to look for while scouting for a car accident attorney in Florida.
1. Insist On a Specialized Lawyer
Car accident cases fall within the broader context of personal injury. So, if you’ve been involved in an auto crash, settling for the following personal injury attorney available may be intuitive.
However, personal injury also encompasses matters entirely unrelated to automobiles, such as workplace accidents. Therefore, looking for a law firm specializing in car accidents is best.
Experienced car accident attorneys in Florida have potentially handled dozens of similar cases as yours. They understand every legal challenge involved in prosecuting the aftermath of a car accident and have mastered effective techniques to navigate those pitfalls.
Be sure to ask for referrals from the lawyer and contact some of those. This lets you vouch for the attorney’s credibility and suitability for your needs.
2. Check and Countercheck Credentials
Law is a professional field. As such, any car accident lawyer would be eager to bill themselves as duly trained and professionally experienced. However, you’d be naïve to take them at their word.
To establish if a car accident attorney is duly credentialed, ask for proof of a state-issued license. The lawyer should also be board-certified.
The Florida Bar is the principal official body that certifies legal practitioners within the state. It verifies that a car accident lawyer possesses the minimum educational qualifications, professional experience, and ethical standards required to practice.
To further verify that the car accident attorney you’ve identified is licensed and certified, you’ll need to run their credentials on the Florida Bar website. Shun attorneys have no presence on the platform, and certainly, they cannot provide proof of valid licenses and certifications.
3. Verify Track Record
We’ve already highlighted the significance of references. If a car accident attorney claims to have successfully prosecuted cases similar to yours, it’s only fair that they produce contacts of their previous clients.
Phone these people for insights into what it entails to work with the attorney. You may gather crucial information pertaining to the lawyer’s success rate, professional conduct, and legal fees.
It’s also best to look up a car accident lawyer online before engaging them. For starters, the attorney must have a vibrant online presence, complete with a website detailing their core services, contact information, and social media handles.
Besides, the car accident lawyer must have racked up tremendous reviews from most of their previous clients. Sample feedback published on independent law websites rather than those affiliated with specific law firms.
4. Test The Lawyer’s Responsiveness and Accessibility
When you’ve been involved in a car accident, the last thing you want is a lawyer who takes forever to reply to your calls. As every passing minute affects the case’s outcome, you deserve an attorney who can act promptly on your every request.
How long did the attorney take to arrive at the crash site? And after getting there, how quickly were they able to secure the scene and gather evidence? Are your calls getting answered immediately, missed, or dropped?
The answers to these questions will help you determine whether the law firm is worth your time.
Since you want a car accident lawyer who addresses your concerns as a matter of urgency, you may consider test-driving their support before engaging them. Make random inquiry calls to assess the firm’s responsiveness.
5. Ask About Fees
When it comes to legal fees, there’s always a lot at stake.
Many car accident attorneys who charge rock-bottom commissions also tend to offer substandard representation. Similarly, a law firm that demands a significant chunk of your compensation might only be interested in the bottom line. So, how do you strike the right balance?
Well, insist on a lawyer who charges contingency-based commissions. That means you only pay if you win, and the legal fees should average 20 – 40% of the total settlement.
However, note that you’ll still be responsible for certain costs, like crime scene investigation, despite the case’s outcome. Inquire about such fees ahead of time to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Wrap Up
Implementing the above pointers can be helpful when searching for the right car accident attorney.
To have better luck, it’s prudent to proactively identify an auto accident lawyer rather than look for one after the fact. The trauma associated with motor vehicle crashes might impair your judgment and have you settle for an inexperienced or unqualified person for the job. Visit dutable for more articles.
