Florida Car Accident Attorneys

If you’re in a car accident, you may find you need an attorney to represent you. Factors include whether you’re at fault and whether your insurance company – and the other party’s insurance company – can reach a satisfactory settlement.
You may need the assistance of an attorney for two basic reasons: to defend you against criminal charges or to assist you with a personal injury claim. While some attorneys handle either type of legal situation, in many cases the attorney may specialize in one or the other type of law.
How do you find a Florida car accident attorney if you need to be represented because you face criminal charges? The best way is the old-fashioned way: personal referral and word of mouth. If you know any attorneys – even if they don't handle your type of case – ask them for recommendations. Check with friends, family, clergy, or other people you trust. You could also ask for the name and telephone number of the company lawyer for your employer. Business attorneys often know the best criminal defense lawyers in their locality. Make sure that you interview two or three lawyers before making a decision about which one to retain.
If you’re involved in a car accident and need to find a Florida car accident attorney who handles personal injury cases, follow the same process. Ask around. Seek referrals. A number of personal injury lawyers advertise heavily – just because they advertise doesn’t mean they’re the best attorney to represent you. Look for referrals from people you trust. While you can simply call the first attorney you find in the Yellow Pages, there’s no guarantee they’re the right attorney for you.
Keep in mind that in almost all cases a personal injury lawyer will act on a contingency basis – that means they will not receive a fee unless you win. Typically their fee for representing you will be approximately 33 percent of the settlement amount if the case is settled out of court, and more than 40 percent if litigation is necessary. While that may seem like a large percentage of the settlement, remember that the attorney may put significant time and expense into your case, and if you lose, the attorney receives no compensation. A good car accident attorney will work hard for their fee.
Once you’ve narrowed down your list of car accident attorneys, make an appointment with each and explain the facts of your case. Be honest and open – make sure the attorneys can make an informed decision about your particular circumstances. Take the time to assess each lawyer’s background, manner, and credentials: ask them about other cases they’ve handled, what experience they have, and what they realistically think the chances are in your case. Also assess whether you feel comfortable working with them, and whether they seem to be a good fit for your needs. Keep in mind, though, your lawyer doesn’t need to be your friend – if you’ve been in a car accident and need help, your lawyer most of all needs to be effective.
If you find that several Florida car accident attorneys refuse to take your case, it could be a sign that you’re unlikely to win in court.

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