Tampa is known for its heavy traffic along I-75 and I-4. Unfortunately, car accidents can happen at any moment and you’re never prepared for them. Depending on the severity of the accident, you may need to hire an attorney.
Not sure where to start? Here are six tips when choosing the best car accident lawyer in Tampa.
- Get Information About the Firm
Choosing the right lawyer isn’t just about the person. You’ll also want to know about the firm.
When vetting different lawyers, make sure they give detailed information about the company. This includes their direction, vision, and how many wins they’ve had with car accident cases.
- Ensure Their Familiarity With Your Case Type
There are many different types of lawyers with various specialties. Providing legal advice for a car accident case requires specific training to understand the laws associated with the incident as well as how to properly work with your insurance company.
For instance, a family law professional won’t have the same knowledge as someone who handles personal injury law. Make sure when choosing a law firm that they have the knowledge and experience in this industry.
- Find Out The Cost and Payment Options
Unfortunately, there isn’t one specific fee arrangement for lawyers. Depending on the firm, there could be varying costs or payment options.
Some lawyers require a consultation fee while others provide them for free. They could require being paid hourly, a flat fee, retainer fees, or based on contingency. This means the lawyer will be paid a percentage of the amount awarded to you at the end of the trial.
- Ask About the Ideal Outcome of the Case
An honest lawyer is the best kind. Make sure they’re upfront with you as to the ideal outcome for your case.
Even if the result might not bode in your favor, it’s better to know you can trust the person you’re working with and that they’ve listened to everything you’ve shared with them. They should be able to provide a specific approach as to the best way to handle your case.
- Talk to Former Clients
There is no better way to learn about the quality and effectiveness of a lawyer than speaking with former clients. As you begin the process of narrowing down which lawyer to select for your case, ask to speak with a few of their previous clients.
Ask them about the attorney, if they were easy to get in contact with, how they managed the case, and what the outcome of the case was.
- Read Client Testimonials and Reviews
Regardless of whether you’re able to speak with previous clients or not, it’s important to ask about client testimonials and online reviews.
Most of the time, people will leave a review if their experience was negative and websites will only show testimonials when there has been a positive outcome. It’s good to collect these testimonials and review them beforehand.
Ask your lawyer why this particular person had an issue with the firm. You’ll be able to see right away how the lawyer chooses to respond as to whether or not it’s worth working with them.
Summary
Getting into a car accident can be scary and sometimes you’re not sure what to do when it happens to you. Choosing the best lawyer for your car accident case in Tampa requires you to do a lot of research and questioning. Make sure not to simply search online and choose the first one you see.
This is your life, money, and well-being on the line. You want to know you’re in good hands and will be made a priority rather than simply just another client.
