After a car accident, there may be many questions running through your mind. How will I get my car repaired? Who will pay all of these medical bills? When will I be able to return to work and provide for my family? Unfortunately, Fort Lauderdale car accident victims usually realize quickly that there are more questions than answers in those first few weeks following a car accident. If you have been injured in a car accident, it is important to review all of your legal options. Your attorney will be able to negotiate a significantly higher settlement with the insurance company, by seeking compensation for additional damages, such as pain and suffering and loss of consortium. Without legal representation, however, insurance companies usually only offer a fraction of what you may need to fully recover. Yet even when you know you need to hire a car accident lawyer, how do you know which one is best?
- Check Qualifications: If you have been injured in a car accident, you need a lawyer who knows car accident injury law. A law firm that has substantial experience with car accident cases will be able to identify key problem areas and negotiate a much higher settlement than a firm who only occasionally obtains injured car accident clients.
- Experience is Everything: When your injuries are severe or your accident is complex, you need a lawyer with experience. This experience will be paramount, if your case proceeds to litigation. Even in negotiation phases, an experienced and seasoned lawyer will know how to fight aggressively for the compensation you need—without buckling under the defense’s pressure.
- Cost: While the majority of car accident lawyers will take your case on a contingency basis (meaning they only get paid if you win your case), there are lawyers that don’t. Find out upfront whether your lawyer charges an hourly rate, a flat rate, or a contingency fee for his services.
- Trust: When you hire a Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer, you need to be able to trust that you will be taken care of and that your case will be treated as a priority. While some law firms have the resources to take your case, you may quickly find that you are shelved as a “lesser priority” client. Make sure that you have a comfort level with your lawyer and that they will give you and your case the attention it deserves.
- Communication: There are some great lawyers that aren’t great communicators. Yet communication between the client and lawyer is essential to building a solid case. Lawyers, who fail to return phone calls, seem too busy to explain unfamiliar legal concepts to you, or habitually cancel appointments, may be too busy to take your case. Be sure you are comfortable talking to your lawyer and that your lawyer is comfortable speaking with you.
