Safety is a top concern for most people. When we leave our homes, we always hope that we will safely return home later that same day. Unfortunately, there are times in which that does not happen, whether you suffer an injury at work, are injured in a car accident, or sustain injuries in some other way that is no fault of your own.
These unfortunate accidents can happen anywhere at anytime, and getting the compensation for your expenses and injuries can increase your stress and frustration at a time when you should be recovering from your injuries. That is where a personal injury attorney steps in.
Before speaking to an insurance adjuster or the responsible party, it is always a good idea to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney to discuss your case. An attorney can help you understand what your legal options are and the best steps to take in handling your specific case.
With advertisements on nearly every street corner, it can be overwhelming to determine who the best lawyer is to handle your case, but finding the right attorney can make the difference in how quickly your case is resolved and how much compensation you receive. it is important to do your homework and do not settle for the first attorney that catches your attention.
Where to Look for an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
When you hire an attorney for your case, you may be hiring him or her for several months or even years, so it better be someone who you like and feel like you will be able to work with for a while. You should be comfortable with your attorney and feel assured that he or she knows what is best for you. So, how do you find the perfect attorney for you? Start with one of these suggestions:
- Ask Family and Friends: It is a good possibility that someone you know has had to hire an attorney before. Ask around and they may have someone that they liked and would recommend. They may also have recommendations for attorneys to avoid.
- Research Attorneys Online: While there is plenty of information on the internet that you should not trust, it can be a good way to find out what other peoples’ experiences with certain attorneys have been. Look for reviews outside of the attorney’s website to see if the attorney you are considering might be a good match for you.
- Ask the Attorney for References: If you have narrowed down your search to a just a few options, do not be afraid to call the attorneys to ask for references. A good attorney should have a list of clients listed as references.
This is just a handful of options to get you started, but many good attorneys are found through word of mouth. Do not settle for the first attorney that you find unless you are sure that he or she is a good match for you. You want experienced attorneys who have handled hundreds of cases.
What Characteristics Should I Look for in a Good Attorney?
The person you hire as your personal injury attorney matters. He or she can make sure you get good medical care without having to fight for over every bill. You attorney can get you compensation for lost wages due to time off from work and can give you peace of mind during your recovery. So, how do you know if you have found a good attorney? These are signs you should look for:
- Good Communication: Good communication is the key to success in all aspects of life, and that includes the communication between you and your attorney. You need to make sure that the attorney you hire will be easily accessible and can easily communicate with you about your case. Ask how often you will be informed about the case, and make sure you feel like your attorney will take the time to listen to you and understand your wishes. A good attorney will be willing to return your calls and schedule appointments so you can talk to them face to face.
- Professional Conduct: Your attorney should always be on time for meetings and other important appointments and should always file documents in a timely manner. Florida law has strict statute of limitations for personal injury cases, and failing to meet those deadlines can result in a complete loss of compensation. A good attorney will also discuss important decisions with you before moving forward on your case. If you feel like the attorney you are considering is not acting professionally, that should be a red flag.
- Experience: While all attorneys are often lumped into one category, there are actually many different areas of law, and not all lawyers are experienced in all areas. Unfortunately, an attorney who has never handled a personal injury case can still advertise him or herself as a personal injury attorney. You want to be sure that the attorney handling your case has extensive experience in the area of personal injury and has handled cases similar to yours. Just because he or she has handled a car accident case, for example, does not mean that he or she has handled a medical malpractice case. Do not be afraid to ask the attorney if he or she has handled cases just like yours, and what the outcomes were.
- Empathetic and Compassionate: While you want an attorney who will get the job done, you should also feel like your attorney cares about the experiences you are going through. Most people who have experienced a personal injury have suffered from pain and frustration or even the death of their loved one. Those situations should never be taken lightly by an attorney. You do not need to be best friends with your lawyer, but he or she should be compassionate and understanding about what you are going through.
You Found the Perfect Attorney: Now What?
If you feel like you have found the perfect match for your case, the rest of your journey will be much smoother. If you are comfortable with your attorney, leaving the case in his or her hands will give you peace of mind that your case will be handled to the fullest extent of the law. While the search can take time, in the end, it will pay off not just in your peace of mind, but in the compensation that you receive. The attorneys at Brill & Rinaldi, The Law Firm, have decades of experience specializing in personal injury claims. Contact them today to schedule a consultation.