Skip to main content
Auto AccidentsPersonal Injury

7 Tips to Find the Best Car Accident Lawyer in St. Petersburg

By November 3, 2020February 2nd, 2024No Comments
car accident lawyer

There are about 135,221 personal injury attorneys and 56,494 law firms throughout the country. Personal injury lawyers handle everything from trip and fall incidents to medical malpractice cases. Before hiring an attorney, it is essential to look for someone with the specialization you need. Are you searching for a car accident lawyer? Here are seven tips that can help during your search. With these tips, you can find a professional, qualified lawyer for your case. Finding the best car accident lawyer around can help you win your case and earn a higher payout. Ready to start searching? Start by using these seven tips today!

Don’t want to read the full blog? Watch the video.

1. Ask Around

As you begin your search for the best car accident lawyer around, turn towards friends and family members. Ask if any of them have worked with a qualified car accident injury lawyer recently. Their recommendation can streamline your search.

If you know someone who has recently worked with a car accident lawyer, learn everything you can about their experience. Ask questions and learn about the lawyer’s abilities. For example, consider asking:

  • Did the lawyer remain professional throughout every step of your case?
  • What was your first impression when meeting the attorney?
  • Would you work with the same lawyer if given a chance?
  • Did your attorney keep you informed throughout every step of your case?
  • Did they answer your questions in a way that was easy to understand?
  • Do you regret working with the attorney you chose?
  • Did the attorney handle your case with your interests in mind?

Speaking with a friend or family member can help you learn from their experience. Ask if they hit any walls while working with their attorney.

Learn about the case process while you are at it, too. That way, you have peace of mind before hiring a car accident injury lawyer.

Know What You Need

If your friends and family members cannot help, that is okay. You can find a car accident lawyer on your own.

First, make sure you know what you are looking for. Instead of hiring an attorney with a broad specialty, look for someone who specializes in car accidents. A personal injury lawyer might have a lot of experience with car accident cases.

However, they might have more experience winning medical malpractice cases.

Choosing someone with the right specialty will help you narrow down your choices. Car crashes are the world’s nine-leading cause of death. Choosing a car accident lawyer with years of experience will give you peace of mind.

They will know how to navigate the complexities of your case and protect your best interests.

What expectations do you have regarding your case? Are you aiming for a specific payout? What qualities are you looking for in a lawyer?

For example, you might want to choose someone with years of experience under their belt. Maybe you want to find a long-established law firm with the resources necessary to win your case. It can help to evaluate a law firm’s entire staff instead of just one lawyer on their team.

Does the law firm have connections that could benefit your case?

Take the time to outline the specifics of your case, too. For example, were you injured from the crash? Were you hit by a drunk driver?

Did you lose a loved one? These factors can determine the compensation you may be entitled to for your case.

Check Online

Once you know what you need, you can head online to find a Tampa car accident lawyer with the necessary credentials to win your case.

There are a few online resources you can explore, including online directories. Make sure to look for a lawyer who specializes in car accident law. That way, they have the experience and expertise you need.

While searching online, you can also check the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Lawyers.com ratings of lawyers.

Once you have a list of potential lawyers, you can use these tips to narrow your options down further.

Read Reviews

While online, take the time to read reviews about each car accident injury lawyer. You can find reviews on the law firm’s Google My Business listing, or better known as Google reviews.

Reading reviews can help you learn more about each law firm’s online reputation.

Does the firm have any complaints filed against them? Scratch that law firm off your list. Reading reviews can give you unique insight from clients who were previously in your shoes.

2. Determine Their Experience

It is important to find a lawyer with years of experience. After all, people learn from time and effort. A lawyer who has learned from their mistakes will not make those same mistakes when representing you.

Make sure the lawyer you are interested in has experience with cases that are similar to yours. For example, did you lose a loved one in the crash? About 6% of crashes result in fatalities, while 27% result in non-fatal injuries.

You might want to find a lawyer who has handled a similar situation.

How long has the attorney worked as a licensed lawyer? How long have they specialized in car accident cases? Do they make an effort to remain up to date with procedures, laws, and relevant cases?

A lawyer with up to date knowledge will have the know-how to win your case. Make sure they are experienced in the courtroom, too. You do not want to end up with a lawyer who is apprehensive about heading to court.

The best car accident lawyer will have the hands-on experience you need.

Check The Local Bar Association

Before you choose a car accident injury lawyer, make sure to check your local bar association’s website. Is the lawyer an active member and able to practice in your area?

While on your local bar association’s website, see if the lawyer is a member of any law associations. Do they hold a leadership role? If they do, it indicates they have earned the respect of their peers.

If the lawyer you are interested in is not licensed to practice in your area, scratch them off your list and keep searching.

3. Ask Who Will Work Your Case

If you are researching a law firm, the first person you speak with might not take your case. Make sure you determine who will try your case. That way, you can assess their experience and expertise.

Otherwise, you might end up working with a lawyer who has inadequate experience. If they are new to practicing law, ask if someone will supervise them throughout your case.

Determine who will work on your case before signing a contract.

4. Evaluate Their Track Record

Once you have an idea of who will work on your case, you will want to make sure they are a winner. Ask each lawyer about their track record. How many cases have they won versus lost?

How many of those cases were related to car accidents? Were those cases recent?

Compare the lawyer’s recent cases to their overall track record. If the lawyer has not improved over the years, keep searching.

Ask how many cases they have settled out of court. Are they willing to fight and win your case? Are they more interested in maintaining their track record?

You can also ask about their recent cases. How much was the payout for each one?

Asking about their recent cases can give you a better idea of how yours will proceed.

5. Meet in Person

Before hiring a car accident lawyer, ask if you can meet in person. Many lawyers offer a free consultation. This consultation gives them a chance to learn more about your case.

After reviewing the specifics of your case, ask about their expectations. Do they think they can win your case?

Make sure to meet with more than one lawyer. Asking about your case will help you develop realistic expectations. If one lawyer seems too confident, they will stand out from the rest.

During these meetings, pay attention to how each lawyer speaks. Do they seem capable of analyzing your situation?

An analytical mind is more likely to argue the facts of your case.

Make sure they are ethical. Are they empathetic about your case or only interested in your check?

After each meeting, make notes. You can refer to your notes before choosing the best car accident lawyer from the bunch.

6. Consider Their Communication Skills

During your consultation, make a note of the lawyer’s communication skills. Do they speak clearly and concisely?

Are they an active listener? They will need to listen to opposing counsel in order to react promptly.

If they tend to interrupt you a lot, you might want to continue your search.

7. Ask About Their Fee Structure

Car accidents cost the US about $242 billion every year. Before choosing a car accident attorney, make sure to review their contract. How do they structure their fees?

For example, they might charge you based on a contingency fee. In other words, they will not ask for payment unless they win your case. Then, they will take a percentage of the compensation you receive.

Take the time to review the contract and ask any lingering questions you have as well.

Drive Toward a Win: 7 Tips for Finding the Best Car Accident Lawyer Around

Eager to win your case? You will need to find the best car accident lawyer in Tampa first. With these tips, you will have everything you need to choose a lawyer capable of winning your case.

With their help, you can maximize your compensation!

Want to discuss the specifics of your case? Contact us today for a free case evaluation. We are here to help.