Being a victim of a car accident is not a desirable situation for anyone – especially if you sustained serious injuries as a result of the accident. In such cases, it would be wise to hire a West Palm Beach car accident lawyer (and hire the right one at that). You should do your research and should give some thought to whomever you choose because they can ultimately make or break your case. You should find an attorney who is affordable, trustworthy, and will fight for your rights at all costs.
But how do you find and choose the right lawyer? Well, here are some guidelines you can consider.
Do I Even Need an Car Accident Lawyer?
After a car accident, especially one where you suffered severe injuries from, it is always good advice to seek legal services. Yes, you could certainly go at it with the insurance companies alone, however, dealing with them won’t always turn out with the best results. An experienced auto accident attorney can start a lawsuit against the responsible party and seek a settlement for the damages caused by the accident including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and damages to your vehicle. The insurance company is also likely to retain their own legal counsel which can pose a problem for you since they will likely act upon their own best interests by limiting your damages.
The best time to retain a Florida lawyer is as soon as possible after the accident so that the claim can be started. While the length of time varies in which a person can file a personal injury claim, it is always best to do so sooner than later to prevent expenses from piling up.
What Should I Look for in a West Palm Beach Attorney?
Just as you would any other professional you are trying to get services from, you should always do your research and figure out if the individual or firm is the right fit for you. There are some criteria you should consider including:
- Price: Most personal injury firms operate on a contingency basis where you don’t have to pay for legal fees unless the lawyer is able to secure a settlement for you. At this point, they would receive a portion of the settlement based on whatever terms were agreed upon when you hired them. However, you may be expected to pay for court fees still so discuss this in length with whichever lawyer you are considering.
- Experience: Does the lawyer have experience handling similar cases to yours and what were the verdicts of those cases? How did they handle those clients, the insurance companies involved, and the court system in general?
- Reputation: Does the lawyer or firm have a good reputation? Do they have good reviews or testimonials online? Do they belong to any bar associations or professional organizations?
- Client Service: Is the lawyer available regularly to answer any questions? Are they transparent about the process and provide updates as needed? Are they responsible for filing all necessary paperwork and being on time for necessary hearings and appointments? Are they easy to work with, trustworthy, and friendly?
Hiring a Florida Lawyer for My Car Accident Case
If you were in an auto accident and were seriously injured, it is very important that you waste no time and secure a lawyer for your case as soon as possible. It is understandable that you are likely in pain and stressed about this life-disrupting situation, however, a lawyer can do their best to ensure that you receive compensation for the pain and suffering you now face. But, don’t go with just any West Palm Beach lawyer that you find. Do your research, interview, and consider your options carefully so that you will have a higher chance of success with your personal injury case.
