How to Choose the Best Personal Injury Lawyer in Jacksonville, FL
If you are injured in an accident due to someone else’s negligence, choosing the best personal injury lawyer is crucial to a successful case.
Dealing with a personal injury claim can be complicated and stressful. However, hiring an experienced attorney can make this process easier.
Research Potential Candidates
There are many different areas of law that attorneys work in. It is important to find a lawyer that is experienced in the area of law that your case involves. If you were injured by another’s negligence, you need a personal injury lawyer, not a criminal defense attorney.
Once you narrow your list of potential candidates down to only personal injury lawyers, consider the type of cases that each lawyer has experience handling. For example, if you are injured in a motorcycle accident, you shouldn’t hire a personal injury lawyer who only specializes in medical malpractice.
Even if a lawyer has experience in the area of law that your case pertains to, you should always ask if they have handled cases similar to yours.
Know What to Look for in a Lawyer
Many law firms handle personal injury cases, but a few things set the best lawyers apart. When you’re considering potential candidates, it is important to know what to look for.
Consider the following factors when looking for the best personal injury lawyer:
- Years of experience working in personal injury law
- The lawyer’s reputation in the community
- Disciplinary record reflecting suspensions, disbarments, or complaints
- The lawyer’s availability to meet with you
- Past case results
Knowing what to look for in a personal injury lawyer can help you shorten your list of potential candidates.
View Testimonials and Read Reviews
One of the best resources at your disposal when choosing a lawyer is the opinions of former clients. Watching a testimonial or reading a review can help you get an idea of the attorney’s style of representation from the perspective of a client. You may be able to determine how a lawyer can help you by watching or reading about how they’ve helped others.
Screen Your Candidates
After researching potential candidates, you should contact the best lawyers on your list. Many personal injury lawyers offer free initial consultations for new clients. You can use this first meeting as an opportunity to determine if the lawyer is a good fit for you.
You can learn a lot about whether or not an attorney is a good fit by simply speaking with them. Make the most of your consultation and come prepared to discuss your case and legal options. Preparing a list of questions ahead of time will help you gather as much information as possible.
Helpful questions to ask at an initial consultation include:
- Have you been successful in handling cases similar to mine?
- What areas of law do you focus on?
- How long do I have to pursue my case?
- How long will it take for my case to be resolved?
- How often will I be updated on the status of my case?
- What is the fee arrangement for handling cases like mine?
- Do you think that my case could be successful?
- What will be my role moving forward?
The more information that a lawyer has about your case, the more accurate their legal advice will be.
Bringing the following evidence can be helpful when meeting with a personal injury lawyer:
- Photographs and videos of visible injuries and the accident scene
- Medical records and bills
- Police and accident reports
- Insurance information
- Witness statements and contact information
During your consultation, get clarity about the attorney’s fees and make the best decision for you. You should never feel obligated to hire a lawyer after an initial consultation. If you don’t feel confident about the lawyer, it may not be the right fit for you.
Understand the Cost of Hiring an Attorney
If you do not understand what the prospective lawyer’s fees will be, you should not sign an agreement to hire them. Many personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means that you will only pay your attorney’s fees if you get compensated. If your case is unsuccessful, you are not required to pay for your attorney’s work.
Contingency fee agreements allow clients to obtain skilled legal representation without having to take on financial risk. However, your prospective lawyer must specify, in writing, the percentage of your settlement or award that must be paid to them if your case is successful.
The fee agreement and your responsibilities regarding the case should be discussed at your initial meeting. Having this discussion early can help you determine if a lawyer is a good choice for you and your financial needs.
When you agree to a contingency fee arrangement, it must be done in writing and signed by you. Before signing an agreement, ensure you fully understand the amount of money your attorney will collect if your case is successful.
Hire the Best Jacksonville Personal Injury Lawyer for You
When you find the right personal injury lawyer for you, it is likely time to move forward and hire them. However, you may not have confidence in your decision, or you may be left with lingering questions. If this happens, note your concerns and follow up with the law firm if you are still interested.
When meeting with prospective candidates, consider the following before hiring a lawyer:
- The lawyer’s attention to detail regarding your accident, injuries, and losses
- Level of interest in your case
- Information provided about your rights and legal options
- Track record
- Willingness to go to court, if necessary
After doing your research, meeting with lawyers, and making a decision, it is finally time to hire your lawyer. At this point, an agreement regarding attorney’s fees and the terms of representation will be given to you. You should only sign this contract when you have asked all of your remaining questions and you understand what you’re agreeing to.
Once you fully understand and sign the agreement, your personal injury lawyer can begin pursuing the compensation you deserve.
Contact the Jacksonville Personal Injury Law Firm of Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers Today For Help
For more information, please contact the Jacksonville and Ponte Vedra personal injury law firm of Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.
We serve Duval County, St. Johns County, and its surrounding areas:
Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers – Jacksonville
9471 Baymeadows Rd #105,
Jacksonville, FL 32256
(904) 396-1100
Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers – Downtown Jacksonville
121 W. Forsyth St. #170,
Jacksonville, FL 32202
(904) 822-4225
Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers – Ponte Vedra
480 Town Plaza Ave #130,
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32081
(904) 675-1167