When Jane, a busy Florida mom, was unexpectedly struck by a distracted driver on her way to pick up her children from school, she faced serious injuries, a challenging recovery, and mounting medical bills. Realizing the importance of finding the right personal injury attorney to seek compensation in her Plantation personal injury case, she began her search for a Florida personal injury lawyer – one who would personally fight for her rights.
But with so many personal injury attorneys available, how does one make the right choice? In this blog, we’ll discuss the factors to consider and the questions to ask during an initial consultation to provide valuable guidance for finding an attorney to passionately advocate for your personal injury case.
If you or a loved one has suffered a personal injury, let us personally fight for you to get fair compensation for your injuries. At Cohen and Juda, P.A., our Florida personal injury lawyers have over 30 years of experience serving personal injury victims. Call us at (954) 424-1440 to schedule your FREE consultation.
Suffering a Personal Injury in Florida
Unfortunately, there is a strong chance you or someone you know will suffer a personal injury if you use Florida’s roads. Some sobering preliminary statistics from the Florida Crash Dashboard reveal that in 2022, there were 390,700 crashes resulting in 248,724 injuries and 3,434 fatalities.
Here’s a snapshot of some of the specific types of crashes included in those statistics:
| Type of Crash | Total Crashes | Total Injuries | Total Fatalities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bicycle | 7,108 | 6,639 | 209 |
| Motorcycle | 9,120 | 7,843 | 581 |
| Pedestrian | 9,962 | 7,748 | 752 |
| Hit and Run | 105,314 | 22,990 | 268 |
| Impaired Driver (alcohol only) | 5,018 | 2,874 | 290 |
While these numbers highlight the dangers on Florida’s roads, personal injuries can occur anywhere. In the following section, we’ll explore the importance of having a personal injury lawyer on your side to help navigate the complexities of these cases and secure compensation if you’ve suffered a personal injury.
The Importance of a Personal Injury Lawyer
Why having a personal injury lawyer matters
A good lawyer can help you navigate the legal system, negotiate with insurance companies, and ensure you receive compensation for your injuries.
The role of a personal injury lawyer
Personal injury lawyers are experienced in tort law, which covers civil wrongs, such as accidents, malpractice, or product liability. They represent clients injured physically, emotionally, or financially and advocate for their clients’ rights to receive just compensation.
Types of cases a personal injury lawyer handles
Choose a personal injury lawyer who handles all types of personal injury cases:
- Aviation accidents
- Birth injuries
- Brain injuries
- Boat accidents
- Bus accidents
- Car accidents
- Construction accidents
- Defective products
- Dog bites
- Drone accidents
- Electrical accidents
- Escalator and elevator accidents
- Fire and burn accidents
- General accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Motorcycle accident cases
- Nursing home neglect
- Pedestrian accidents
- Scuba diving accidents
- Slip and fall accidents
- Swimming pool accidents
- Train accidents
- Truck accidents
- Workers comp
- Wrongful death
Finding the Right Personal Injury Lawyer
Research potential candidates
Begin your search by looking for personal injury lawyers in your area. Utilize online directories, bar association listings, and search engines to find potential candidates. Compile a list of attorneys to research further.
Look for referrals and reviews
Ask friends, family, or colleagues for referrals. You can also read online reviews and testimonials to get an idea of each lawyer’s reputation and how they have handled previous cases.
Verify credentials and experience
Ensure your potential lawyer is licensed to practice in Florida, has a clean disciplinary record, and has the necessary experience handling personal injury cases. Check their website for relevant information and any professional affiliations.
Meeting Potential Personal Injury Lawyers
Gather and organize important documents
Before meeting with potential attorneys, gather and organize all relevant documents related to your case. This can help streamline the process and provide crucial information to the personal injury attorney. Important documents may include:
- Medical records and bills
- Police or incident reports
- Insurance policy information
- Photos of the accident scene, injuries, and property damage
- Witness statements or contact information
- Records of lost wages or other financial losses
Understand the personal injury claims process
A basic understanding of the personal injury claims process can help you ask more informed questions during consultations and better assess each attorney’s level of skill and experience. Key aspects of the claims process include:
- Investigating the incident and gathering evidence
- Determining liability and assessing damages
- Filing a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company
- Negotiating with the insurance adjuster to reach a fair settlement
- Filing a lawsuit and preparing for trial, if necessary
Prepare for the consultation
Next, prepare a list of questions to ask during the consultation. This will help you better understand their level of skill and experience and assess whether they are a good fit for your case. Here is a suggested list of questions:
- How long have you been practicing personal injury law, and what percentage of your practice is dedicated to personal injury cases?
- Have you handled cases similar to mine before? If so, what were the outcomes?
- What is your overall success rate in personal injury cases?
- Will you personally handle my case, or will other attorneys or paralegals be involved?
- How do you typically communicate with clients? Can I expect regular updates on my case?
- What is your approach to negotiating with insurance companies, and are you willing to take my case to trial if necessary?
- What is your contingency fee, and are there any other costs I should know about?
- Can you provide an estimate of how long it may take to resolve my case?
- What are the potential challenges or obstacles you foresee in my case, and how will you address them?
- How can I assist you in the process to help achieve the best possible outcome for my case?
- Do you have any references or testimonials from previous clients that I can review?
- How do you stay updated on changes in personal injury law and industry trends?
- What is your assessment of my case, and what kind of compensation might I be able to expect?
- Are there any deadlines or time-sensitive matters I should be aware of in my case?
- What is the best way to contact you with questions or concerns during my case?
Evaluate their communication style
During the consultation, pay attention to how the lawyer communicates with you. Are they empathetic and understanding? Do they explain things in a way that you can easily understand? Good communication is crucial for a successful attorney-client relationship.
Choosing the Best Fit
Trust your gut
Ultimately, you need to feel comfortable with the attorney you choose. Trust your instincts when making your decision, and consider whether you feel confident in their ability to handle your case.
Consider the overall package
Consider everything you’ve learned about each potential lawyer, from their experience and communication style to their fees and case management approach. Compare your options and choose the attorney who best aligns with your needs and expectations.
Checklist: Finding the Right Florida Personal Injury Lawyer
To recap, here’s a checklist to assist you when searching for the right Florida personal injury lawyer for you and your case:
☑ Research potential candidates – Utilize online directories, bar association listings, and search engines to find personal injury lawyers in your area.
☑ Ask for referrals and read reviews – Consult friends, family, and colleagues for recommendations and read online reviews to gain insight into each lawyer’s reputation.
☑ Verify credentials and experience – Ensure the attorney is licensed to practice in Florida, has a clean disciplinary record, and has experience handling personal injury cases.
☑ Schedule a consultation – Meet with potential lawyers to discuss your case and assess their communication style, case management approach, and overall fit.
☑ Prepare a list of questions – Bring a list of questions to ask during the consultation to better understand the lawyer’s expertise and approach.
☑ Assess case strategy and expertise – Inquire about the lawyer’s experience with similar cases, their success rate, and their overall strategy for handling your case.
☑ Understand the fee structure – Ask about contingency fees and any additional costs associated with your case, such as filing or expert witness fees.
☑ Compare your options – Evaluate each lawyer’s experience, communication style, fees, and case management approach to determine the best fit for your needs.
☑ Trust your instincts – Consider your overall comfort level with each attorney and trust your gut when making your final decision.
☑ Stay involved in the process – Once you’ve chosen a lawyer, maintain open communication and stay engaged to ensure the best possible outcome for your case.
Choose Cohen and Juda Personal Injury Attorneys to Personally Fight for Your Plantation Personal Injury Case
Don’t wait another moment to secure justice and compensation for your injuries. Take the first step towards a brighter future by contacting skilled and compassionate Florida personal injury attorneys who will fight tirelessly on your behalf. Together, we’ll turn the tide in your favor and ensure you receive the support and compensation you need to confidently move forward.
We offer a FREE consultation to discuss your case and determine the most suitable course of action for your circumstances. Our dedicated team will advocate for you to ensure you receive the best possible outcome. We will take the time to understand your case, answer your questions, and provide you with guidance and advice every step of the way.
We will not back down from insurance companies or other parties who may be liable for your injuries. Our law firm has been helping clients seek damages for their injuries and restore their lives for over 30 years, and we are here to help you too.
Call us today at (954) 424-1440, or fill out the contact us form on our website to schedule your FREE consultation with a South Florida personal injury attorney. We will represent you personally.
Copyright © 2023. Cohen and Juda, P.A. All rights reserved.
The information in this blog post (post) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.
Cohen and Juda P.A.
8211 W Broward Blvd, Suite 310
Plantation, FL 33324
(954) 424-1440
https://www.cohenandjudaflorida.com/
