Just as no two injury cases are exactly alike, neither are any two financial recovery experiences. If you or a loved one suffered an injury, property damage, or both due to negligence, these seven tips for hiring a personal injury lawyer can help you get legal representation that fits your unique and specific needs.
A Boca Raton personal injury lawyer will often represent you at no out-of-pocket cost. They will fight for the appropriate financial compensation on your behalf by proving the at-fault party’s negligence and fighting for a favorable financial settlement. With their guidance and support, you can receive compensation for your lost wages, medical bills, and more.
Choose a Personal Injury Attorney That Offers Free Initial Consultations
Most attorneys will consult with you about your case at no cost or obligation. During your initial consultation, a team member will ask questions about the accident, your injuries, and your property damage. You can also ask questions about the attorney and the personal injury law firm, including:
- Whether your case meets the criteria for personal injury
- Their experience and results with cases like yours
- Their fee structure and contingency fee agreement percentage
Your consultation allows you and the law firm to learn about each other and the type of working relationship you can form.
Choose a Personal Injury Lawyer Who Works on a Contingency Fee Basis
A contingency agreement means you can start working with a lawyer immediately rather than taking on the insurance company on your own. The law firm will cover all the costs of preparing your case and you will only compensate them when they recover damages for you. If you do not get a financial award, you will not owe the law firm or attorney any fees at all.
Contingency Fees Mean You Can Hire a Lawyer Who Respects the Filing Deadline
The personal injury and wrongful death statutes of limitations are generally two years, according to Florida Statutes § 95.11. If you are suing a government agency for damages, you generally have six months to notify them in writing, according to Florida Statutes § 768.28(6)(a)(1).
If the filing deadline expires, your right to compensation is jeopardized. Opt for a lawyer who understands the statute of limitations and the costly consequences of non-compliance.
Select an Attorney with a History of Handling Personal Injury Cases Like Yours
Personal injury law covers a large number of accidents, each of which can require specialized and intricate knowledge. A truck accident case, for example, can have multiple negligent parties, requiring your lawyer to deal with more than one insurance company. A lawyer who handles birth defect cases, however, may need to consult subject matter experts and specialists.
Ask the lawyer you are considering about their personal injury practice areas. One who is familiar with the intricacies of cases like yours can bring a wealth of resources to your case. They can also clarify all required legal parameters and ensure they are met.
Ensure the Personal Injury Attorney has Experience Dealing with Insurance Companies
The type of accident you were involved in will dictate the insurance company you pursue for damages. Some cases are straightforward—after a car accident, you deal with the at-fault driver’s auto insurance. Some cases can be more complex—after a dog bite case, you could seek compensation from the owner’s homeowner policy or from their pet liability policy.
In complex cases like truck accidents or multi-vehicle (chain reaction) collisions, it can be hard to understand which insurance company or companies to pursue. When you hire a personal injury attorney, they can decipher liability and insurance matters for you.
Consider Hiring a Lawyer When Your Injuries Exceed PIP’s Coverage
If you were hurt in a car accident, personal injury protection (PIP) insurance will cover some of your damages. The lawyer you hire can help you prove your injuries meet Florida’s serious injury threshold and entitle you to file a third-party insurance claim or lawsuit.
Understanding the Types of Recoverable Damages Available in Personal Injury Claims
Requesting the right amount of compensation is critical, as failing to do so could leave you with less than you deserve. Your lawyer will assess and document your:
- Medical bills
- Income losses
- Future lost earnings
- Property damage
- Property loss
- Diminished property value
- Physical disability
- Lasting disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Diminished quality of life
- Wrongful death damages, if applicable
Part of building your case file will include your lawyer obtaining bills, invoices, estimates, and other evidence that substantiates the value of your claim for compensation.
Review Their History of Client Awards via Settlements and Verdicts
A personal injury claim resolved in your favor will mean either a settlement agreement was negotiated, or your case went to trial, and a judge or jury awarded damages. When hiring a lawyer, look for one with experience in both areas—one who can negotiate a fair and appropriate settlement and who can also argue your case at trial.
A trial attorney can prepare evidence as exhibits and conduct a mock trial to help you understand what to expect in court.
Hire an Attorney with an Acceptable Communication Style and Frequency
Waiting for news and updates on your case can be frustrating. Before hiring an attorney, learn about their communication style, including:
- How often they provide updates
- How informative their updates are
- How quickly they respond to you
Online reviews and client testimonials from previous clients also provide valuable insight into an attorney’s communication style and frequency. If regular and timely case updates are important to you, make this a priority when hiring a lawyer.
Learn More About Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer by Contacting Our Firm Today
If you or a loved one was injured by another person’s or entity’s negligence, our personal injury lawyers can help you get maximum compensation from the at-fault party. These seven tips for hiring a personal injury lawyer can help you make the best choice for you.
The law firm you choose makes a huge difference in how your claim is handled. Contact our consultation team at Ged Lawyers to find out how hard we will work to get you the compensation you deserve.
