Don’t be afraid to hire a lawyer if you were injured by a negligent person – you have a right to receive compensation for your damages. Hiring the right Fort Lauderdale injury lawyer can be difficult due to the sheer number of injury lawyers in Fort Lauderdale.
Here are a few tips you need to know that will help you when hiring a personal injury lawyer:
Find an Attorney Who Specializes
There are many types of personal injury cases, such as auto accident cases, workplace injury cases, dog bite cases, and more. If you were injured in a car accident, the better choice would be an attorney that specializes in auto accident cases.
Choosing a lawyer that does not practice the type of personal injury law that your particular situation needs can only jeopardize your case.
Choose an experienced lawyer
You need a lawyer that has extensive legal experience handling cases like yours. Such personal injury lawyers understand how the laws apply to your particular case and can not only investigate your claim but also create a solid case that has a better chance of success.
Before you hire a lawyer, ask them about their most recent cases and find out how many cases like yours they have previously handled.
Also, ask them about the outcome of the cases they’ve handled and how many years they have been practicing. You may be able to gauge how knowledgeable they are by reading the articles and posts on their law firm’s website.
It’s always a good idea to have questions for them at the ready, so bring along a pen and notepad or use your smartphone to help you remember the questions you want to ask, as well as helping you remember the answers they give you.
Find three attorneys and choose the best among them
The playing field is crowded and finding the right attorney can feel overwhelming. So, narrow your search to three attorneys that closely match your requirements. Then call them and request a free consultation so you can ask them questions.
One of the things you should consider during the consultation is whether the lawyer’s personality matches yours. That can be very important.
If you have matching personalities, the communication between the two of you will likely be easier. Compare your research and look back at your notes to help you make an informed decision.
Consider the reputation and credentials of the lawyer
You need to find a lawyer that has extensive experience, respect from their peers, and a history of success. Most Fort Lauderdale injury lawyers with a great professional reputation are members of respected attorney associations.
They also have various awards or hold reputable positions in respected institutions or organizations. There are also rating sites for lawyers, such as Lawyers.com, Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings, and the Better Business Bureau. These sites can provide credible information.
Finding Fort Lauderdale Injury Lawyers
The first place to look when trying to retain a lawyer is the internet. Be sure to read the testimonials on the lawyer websites to get a rough idea about the law firm’s reputation and experience. If you don’t trust those testimonials, you can always read online reviews of the law firm on sites that publish law firm reviews.
Google Maps can help you locate an attorney near where you live. You can also ask for recommendations from friends and family members that may have had a similar case in the past. Word of mouth endorsements can be the best type of referral.
Do you need a lawyer?
A personal injury lawyer knows how personal injury law works and will explain your rights, as well as your next steps. The lawyer can also negotiate on your behalf with insurance companies so that you receive the compensation you deserve.
If your personal injury case goes to trial, your lawyer will stand as your representative and speak in front of the judge so that you don’t have to. Contact the experienced lawyers at Clayton Trial Lawyers for more information.