With greater numbers of tourists visiting Orlando every year, the odds of being in an accident increase every year. Drivers often have no idea what to do next. In the aftermath of a serious accident, it’s important for you to discuss your options with a personal injury attorney who represents the victims of car accidents. While hiring the right Orlando car accident attorney can seem overwhelming, it shouldn’t be. Take your time to do the proper research because a good lawyer can make a huge difference in your case.
What you should do next?
There are few things to consider when you begin your search for an Orlando car accident lawyer. The process, albeit seemingly intimidating, is actually simple and important in securing the best possible person to represent you and your family. You can search for local lawyers in your area online, but you shouldn’t just pick the first result. There are two steps to finding an attorney with the experience to succeed:
Do your Research
As with any important decision, it is crucial that you do your research before hiring a car accident attorney. We see and hear ads for personal injury firms every day on TV and radio, but who can you really trust? Just because an attorney can afford TV commercials, does not necessarily mean that they have the legal experience to stand up to insurance companies and win cases in court. Look for these qualities:
Attorney’s Credentials
You need to look for a lawyer with experience. Credentials, such as board certifications, legal awards, and peer ratings from other attorneys take time to accumulate and are strong indications that the attorney has been practicing for a while. Do not be afraid to request qualifications from your attorney.
Litigation Experience
Experience inside of a courtroom is critical. As with most things, practice makes perfect, and a lawyer who does not regularly appear in a courtroom may make fundamental errors when they enter that arena. While many car accident cases do result in a settlement, not all do. Find a lawyer who is capable of going to court for you if they have to. Also, verify that the lawyer has represented others with your type of case before.
Will Pursue the Maximum Amount of Damages
Most car accident lawyers work on a contingency basis, but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t choose an attorney with care. Many firms will take numerous cases just to make a fast commission by settling them quickly. That is not in your best interest. Once your case settles, you’ll be sharing that settlement with your attorney. Find a lawyer who will pursue your case for the maximum possible settlement.
Attorney Pricing
Nearly all car accident lawyers in Orlando work on a contingency basis, which means that they only get paid if you receive a settlement or jury award. You shouldn’t have to pay anything out-of-pocket. If your personal injury lawyer is asking you for a consulting fee, keep looking. There are many reputable law firms who only work on a contingency basis.
Ask for a Referral
In the age of social media, word of mouth is more powerful than ever. We are constantly seeking the advice of friends and strangers when we need help in a situation. Don’t underestimate this when it comes to an attorney either! Find out if the person was satisfied with their lawyer, whether or not they communicated freely throughout the process, did they have the passion to follow the case through? If the answer to any of these questions is a “no,” you should probably be looking elsewhere.
Choosing the right car accident attorney
In the unfortunate event that you do need a car accident lawyer in Orlando, the process of finding one should be as stress-free as possible. Hopefully, these tips will lead you in the right direction. Remember to do thorough research to find an attorney that is right for you and your case.
