Being involved in a car accident can be a life-changing event either permanently or for the foreseeable future. When you have been injured in a car accident, you could be entitled to two different types of damages: economic damages and non-economic damages. Economic damages include costs such as your medical bills, lost wages, any follow-up care or medical devices you will need, and property damage to compensate for damage to your vehicle. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering.
No matter what type of damages you are suing for, you will need an experienced car accident attorney handling your personal injury case.
Here are some tips for finding the right one.
Schedule A Consultation
Most personal injury attorneys offer a free consultation when you get to meet with them to ask questions about their experience handling claims similar to your personal injury lawsuit, their track record of verdicts and settlements as well as how they will be paid.
During your initial consultation, your attorney will also ask you questions about when and where the accident occurred, what kind of injuries you sustained, what medical treatments you have received so far, and any other documentation that you have, including but not limited to:
- Photos from the accident
- Police report
- Medical records
- Any documentation that may be relevant to your case
Professional Memberships
Membership in professional organizations shows a level of the attorney`s commitment and professionalism. Admission to the Florida Bar Association is by examination only. Applicants must have graduated from an ABA-accredited law school. The purpose of the bar examinations is to ensure that those who are admitted have demonstrated minimum technical competence in practicing law. Admission to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida is another exceptional accomplishment.
Bigger Isn`t Always Better
While it seems like a great idea to hire an attorney from a large law firm, you risk not getting the individualized attention that you deserve from working with a smaller firm. In fact, when working with a larger firm, you`re less likely to speak with your attorney directly. Instead, when you call with a question about your case, you might be talking to Legal Aide. While they are very intelligent and driven, legal aides are not the reason why you chose the law firm.
Area of Practice
Make sure that the attorney that you were speaking to practices the exact type of law that you need representation in. Just like doctors specialize in certain parts of areas of practice, lawyers specialize in different fields within the law, from real estate to criminal defense, personal injury, and even immigration.
You also want to find an attorney in the area where the accident occurred. There may be laws in the jurisdiction where the accident happened that could play a big part in your case. You want to speak with an attorney who knows the area.
Great Client Reviews
It`s a good idea to hire an attorney with positive client reviews from individuals who say that their attorney was hard-working, detail-oriented, communicated regularly, and was always there to answer questions. To see an example, view here. You want an attorney who can educate you on the legal matters related to your case and answer questions you have about the process.