Getting the Right Help in Settling Your Lawsuit
Being involved in a vehicular accident is a disruptive and painful event which can take months—even years—to resolve. Although your primary focus following an accident should be to improve your medical condition, it’s equally important to enlist the expertise of a personal injury attorney who is familiar with Florida law in case your claim turns into a lawsuit. The Tampa law firm of Gallagher Kennan, P.A., has the resources and skill to represent you in an accident lawsuit.
Selecting a personal injury lawyer may seem like an overwhelming task. The Florida Bar reports that there are more than 76,000 lawyers in Florida. There are some steps you can take to narrow down your choices and make a suitable decision regarding an accident attorney who will represent you and seek a reasonable settlement in your lawsuit.
• Start narrowing down the choices – Look in the phone book, search The Florida Bar web site and ask for references from trusted friends and colleagues. Focus on attorneys with experience in personal injury and accident lawsuits. (You can visit The Florida Bar web site or call 800-342-8011.)
• Look at credentials – Attorneys who practice in Florida are required to meet certain guidelines regarding ability to practice, ethical standards and continuing education. Many of Florida’s attorneys also are board certified which means that they have advanced knowledge and skills in their particular field of law. A board certified lawyer must be in good standing in The Florida Bar, pass a written examination in their area of expertise, and have a reputation for professionalism and high ethical standards.
• Interview your top selections – Meet with several personal injury lawyers to determine who you’ll be most comfortable working with on your lawsuit. Be open and honest about the facts of your case. Several local bar association groups in Florida have organized lawyer referral services through which you can set up first-time appointments for a nominal fee.
• Talk about money – Even if it is uncomfortable or seems inappropriate during a first meeting, you need to talk about how the attorney you work with expects to be paid. Depending on your claim and the type of settlement you’re seeking, payment plans will differ.
• Communicate openly – This is important in your initial meeting and throughout the stages of your lawsuit. Your personal injury attorney is your partner in reaching a successful settlement.
When you enlist an attorney’s services, that attorney is committing that he will work on your behalf and give you the best advice he’s capable of providing under the circumstances of your particular lawsuit. Your accident attorney will base his recommendations on similar cases he’s handled, the parameters of Florida law, the details of your case and the type of settlement that meets your needs. If, at any time, you have questions about his recommendations, ask for additional explanation.
Selecting a personal injury lawyer to represent you in your lawsuit is an important decision. Take some time to find an accident attorney that you’re comfortable working with and you believe will represent you appropriately in settlement negotiations or at trial.
