Getting involved in a car accident is usually a downright unnerving experience. Besides nursing injuries, you also have to grapple with costly automobile repairs. Plus, you need to file a claim with your insurer. If you live in Florida, consider seeking assistance from Orlando’s reputable auto accident law firm.
Admittedly, choosing a viable option from the numerous law firms can be frustrating, if not difficult. That said, the attorney you ultimately settle for can, to a large extent, impact the outcome of your claim. Based on that reasoning, we’ve compiled a list of qualities to look for when searching for a reputable car accident lawyer in Orlando, Fl. We hope these pointers can help you narrow down your options.
1. Won Trials
The personal injury attorney you hire in Florida should have a series of won cases under their belt. That means they’ve handled cases similar to yours. As such, they can anticipate the challenges you’re likely to face and prepare for them in advance.
Request information regarding such cases from potential candidates to help find a suitable option. Review or assess their portfolio of cases to see how their win column looks, as this can help you select the right attorney. In short, do your homework before signing on the dotted line.
Also, analyze the compensation the attorney recovered in their cases. Unfortunately, some legal practices prefer negotiated settlements, which in most cases means you could get a low-ball offer. A reputable attorney, on the other hand, can help you obtain reasonable compensation, which is usually better than settling matters out of court.
2. The Right Experience
Not all lawyers have the requisite experience to handle auto accident cases. Proper legal training is great, but it won’t cut it if a lawyer hasn’t practiced for a while. Thus, they would be a poor choice.
It’s best to look for an attorney who has handled numerous such cases over the years. Given their experience, they likely know the ins and outs of such trials. They can also tell you what to do (and not to do) to increase your chances of success in a trial.
3. Free Consultation
Beware of lawyers who want to charge you for an initial consultation. The reputable ones usually offer this service free of charge. As a victim, you’re already under enough financial pressure. The last thing you need is to spend more money on multiple initial consultations.
Make the most of your free consultation by preparing a list of questions in advance. This will help you determine whether the attorney is a good fit for your specific case. Some of the queries you might have include:
- How much experience do you have with car accident cases?
- What is your success rate?
- How long will it take to resolve the case?
- What are the fees you charge?
These questions can give insight into what to expect should you retain the lawyer’s services. And without such information, you might make a hasty decision you might regret later.
4. Communication Skills
An attorney worth their salt keeps you in the loop regarding how your case is progressing. They should also promptly return your calls and answer any questions you might have. If they’re unresponsive or take their sweet time to get back to you, it might be a sign they’re not the right match for you.
Also, during the initial consultation, check for subtle clues that might suggest they’re not fully focused on your case. For instance, it would be best to look elsewhere if they appear distracted or are constantly checking their phones. Another red flag might be if they try to rush you through the consultation.
These might be small aspects, but they can give you some insight into the lawyer’s communication style. After all, you want somebody who will make you feel like a priority, not an afterthought.
5. Compassion and Assertiveness
Your car accident lawyer should show genuine concern for you and what you’re going through. After all, the period following an accident is a trying time for you, and it helps to get all the support you need.
They should also be assertive when it comes to safeguarding your interests. That doesn’t mean being pushy or overbearing. It implies they should stand their ground and get you the best possible outcome. Plus, having a competent lawyer in your corner means they can fight for you with all the legal resources at their disposal.
Ultimately, a good car accident lawyer in Orlando – or anywhere else for that matter – puts your interests first. In short, they’re committed to caring for you. By taking the edge off the legal process, they can help put you at ease. And as anyone involved in an accident might know, that’s no small feat.
