Five Tips for Choosing the Right Car Accident Lawyer in Orlando
If you have been involved in a car accident, the right attorney can make all the difference in your ultimate compensation. A skilled car accident lawyer in Orlando can handle insurance disputes, investigate accident liability, calculate your losses, and fight for a fair settlement amount.
While there are many reasons to hire a Florida personal injury lawyer, how do you choose the right one? The following five tips can help you evaluate car accident lawyers in Orlando.
1. Look for Someone With Relevant Experience
Many attorneys handle personal injury claims, but you will want a lawyer with experience relevant to your case. Ask how many auto accident claims they deal with in a year and the percentage of their practice they devote to car collisions.
You will also want to know if they have handled cases with facts similar to yours. For example, Florida’s no-fault insurance laws allow you to seek compensation from the at-fault party only if your injuries are “serious.” Ask the lawyer about their background in cases regarding the serious injury threshold.
2. Make Sure They Have Trial Experience
Furthermore, you will want to choose a car accident lawyer in Orlando with litigation experience. The majority of car crash claims are settled out of court. However, if you cannot reach an agreement with the other party, you will want an attorney with the skills and experience to represent you at trial. The Law Offices of Marc L. Shapiro, P.A., has a dedicated Litigation Department devoted to navigating your case through the court system.
Only attorneys admitted to practice law in the state can represent clients in court. Check with the Florida Bar to confirm that the attorney is admitted and in good standing. You can also find more information about the lawyer, including their practice areas, languages spoken, and law school attended.
3. Ask If They Work on a Contingency-Fee Basis
Many car accident lawyers in Orlando work on a contingency basis. This means they will deduct their legal fees from your eventual settlement rather than charging up front. Typically, the contingency fee will be a percentage of your compensation recovery.
In Florida, if your claim is settled prior to filing a lawsuit, the fee is typically 33 and 1/3% (one third) of the settlement amount. If your case is formally filed in court, the fee can be 40% of the settlement amount depending on when you settle or win your case. A free case evaluation is an ideal time to ask a lawyer about their fee structures.
4. Learn More About Them and Their Practice
In addition to their legal experience, you will want to know more about the prospective attorney-client relationship. Do you like how they communicate? Do they listen to you and respect your concerns? Will there be a point person or team working on your case? How quickly can you expect a response to a phone call or an email?
5. Check Their Customer Reviews
Speaking directly with a car accident lawyer is a great way to gather useful information, but you also want to know what others say about them. Online ratings on Google and Yelp are a good place to start. While any professional can have one or two bad reviews, look for any concerning patterns in the comments.
You can also look for client testimonials on the law firm’s website or ask the attorney for references from previous clients.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer in Orlando Today
If you are looking for a car accident lawyer in Orlando, contact The Law Offices of Marc L. Shapiro, P.A. We have experience fighting for the rights of car crash victims in Florida since 1992.
Whether you have been hurt in a drunk driving accident, a commercial truck accident, or an uninsured motorist accident, call us today at 239-500-5000 or contact us online.
