Collision Lawyer in Florida: Being in a car accident is traumatic enough without adding the headache of navigating the legal aftermath. As a survivor of not one but two collisions in as many years, I consider myself an unwilling expert in the trials and tribulations of dealing with insurance companies and determining fault.
My mission is to share the wisdom I’ve gained the hard way so you can avoid the same mistakes and get the best representation without losing your sanity. Finding a top-notch collision lawyer in Florida is the first step to making sure the other guy’s insurance ponies up and you get properly compensated. Accident Attorney, Personal Injury Lawyer, Car Crash Lawyer, Injury Claim Attorney, Slip and Fall Lawyer, Motorcycle Accident Attorney,
With so many attorneys advertising their services, how do you choose? I’ve got the inside scoop on what to look for and questions to ask to find a collision lawyer who will fight for you, not just take a cut of the check. Buckle up – you’re in for an informative ride.
What to Look for in a Top Collision Lawyer in Florida?
When you’ve been in a car accident, you need a lawyer to navigate the messy aftermath. As a Floridian, you want a collision lawyer who knows the local laws and will fight for every penny you deserve.
Look for Experience
An experienced collision lawyer has been around the block a few times. They know the tricks insurance companies use to lowball victims and won’t fall for them. Experience means they can evaluate your case accurately and won’t make rookie mistakes that jeopardize your settlement.
Find a Shark, Not a Guppy
You need a lawyer who’s aggressive and willing to go to court to get you fair compensation. Avoid lawyers who push for quick settlements. You want an attorney who’s a shark, not a guppy – someone who will fight tenaciously for your rights and get you the maximum amount possible.
Check Their Record of Big Verdicts and Settlements
A top collision lawyer should have a proven track record of securing large verdicts and settlements for their clients. Do some research online to find lawyers with a history of success in cases similar to yours. While past results don’t guarantee future outcomes, a lawyer’s win record speaks volumes about their skills and ability to deliver results.
Consider Their Fees Carefully
Most collision lawyers work on contingency, taking a percentage of your settlement as payment. The standard is 33-40%, but you can negotiate. Look for lawyers with reasonable fees and no hidden charges. You deserve the largest settlement possible, not the smallest amount left after legal fees.
With the right representation, you have a fighting chance to recover damages from those responsible for your accident. Do your homework and find a collision lawyer in Florida with the experience, aggressiveness and record of success to get you the most money in your pocket. Your case is too important to settle for anything less.
Questions to Ask When Choosing a Car Accident Attorney
When you’re in an accident, the last thing you want is a pushy attorney breathing down your neck. As a car crash victim myself, I know how stressful the aftermath can be. That’s why, if you’re searching for a collision lawyer in Florida, you’ll want to find one who treats you like a human being, not just another case number.
Questions to Ask
- A few key questions can help determine if a lawyer genuinely cares or is just after your settlement check:
- Do you have experience handling cases like mine? You’ll want someone well-versed in auto accident and personal injury law, not just any attorney looking to pad their pockets.
- Will you handle my case personally? Or will I be passed off to some underling? There’s nothing more frustrating than never speaking to the same person twice.
- What’s your strategy for getting me the best settlement? If their plan is basically “take whatever the insurance company offers,” run the other way. You deserve a lawyer who will fight for every cent you’re owed.
- How do you charge for your services? Look for someone with fair, transparent fees, not an ambulance chaser looking to cash in on 40% of your settlement.
Can I have your cell number in case of emergencies? If not, that shows how personally invested they are (or aren’t) in you and your case.
A caring, communicative lawyer can make all the difference during a difficult time. Don’t settle for anything less – your physical and financial recovery depend on it. With the right attorney in your corner, you’ll have a fighting chance at a fair outcome. Just make sure to trust your instincts, ask the hard questions, and don’t sign anything until you feel 100% supported. Your case is too important to leave to chance.
Warning Signs of a Bad Car Accident Lawyer
Finding a good car accident lawyer in Florida is no joke. As someone who’s been in a fender bender or two, I know how frustrating the whole insurance claims process can be. The last thing you need is a lawyer who makes the experience even worse. Watch out for these warning signs of a bad car accident attorney so you can steer clear into the arms of someone who will actually help you.
They Promise You the Moon and the Stars
If a lawyer guarantees they’ll get you an outrageous settlement, run the other way. No reputable lawyer will make promises before reviewing the details of your case. They’re just trying to hook you with false hopes.
Lack of Communication
A good lawyer will return your calls promptly and keep you up to speed on your case. If you have trouble reaching your lawyer or feel like you’re being kept in the dark, you probably have a dud.
They Don’t Specialize in Car Accidents
You want a lawyer who knows car accident law inside and out. Someone with lots of experience getting top settlements for clients. A general practice attorney simply won’t have the expertise to get you the best outcome.
High Pressure Sales Tactics
Beware of lawyers who try to get you to sign on the dotted line right away. Reputable lawyers will give you time to think it over and explore your options. Don’t feel forced into working with someone you’re not comfortable with.
They Want Money Upfront
Most car accident lawyers work on contingency, meaning they only get paid if they win your case. Run from any lawyer who demands payment upfront. They’re likely more interested in taking your money than properly representing you.
The search for a good car accident lawyer doesn’t have to be an ordeal. Pay attention to these signs, trust your instincts, and don’t settle for anything less than the representation you deserve. With the right lawyer in your corner, you’ll be back on the road again in no time.
The Benefits of Hiring an Experienced Auto Accident Attorney
After my last fender bender, I decided to call one of those accident attorneys I always see advertising on daytime TV. I figured, why not give it a shot? What did I have to lose, except maybe a few hours of my life and some dignity talking to a smarmy lawyer type?
Turns out, hiring a car accident attorney was one of the smartest moves I’ve made. Here are a few reasons why:
- They know the ins and outs of Florida car accident law. The statutes for determining fault and the factors that determine how much your claim is worth are complicated. An experienced attorney can assess the details of your case and determine how much compensation you deserve.
- They deal with insurance companies so you don’t have to. I hate making phone calls to big impersonal companies, let alone trying to negotiate a settlement. My attorney took care of all communication with the insurance companies, and fought to get me the maximum amount possible for my injuries and property damage.
- They work on contingency, so you have nothing to lose. Most car accident attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning they don’t get paid unless you win your case. So there’s absolutely no risk to you—if you don’t get compensation, you pay nothing.
- They take the guesswork out of whether to settle or go to court. An attorney can determine if an insurance company’s settlement offer is fair, or if it’s better to take the case to court to pursue greater damages. They know when to hold ‘em, and know when to fold ‘em, so to speak.
At the end of the day, hiring an auto accident attorney gave me peace of mind that my rights were protected, the legal aspects were handled, and I ended up with the maximum compensation I deserved. So if you’ve been in an accident, do yourself a favor—call one of those smarmy lawyers from the TV ads. Turns out those guys know their stuff!
Top 5 Collision Law Firms in Florida
If you’ve been in a collision in Florida, you’re going to need a lawyer to navigate the legal aftermath. As a survivor of not one but two fender benders on I-95, I’ve gotten to know the top firms in the state. Here are my totally unbiased recommendations for the top 5 collision law firms in Florida.
Achtung & Associates
Motto: “We’ll fight for every last cent!”
These guys are bulldogs. They once got a client a six-figure settlement for a scratched bumper. Ask for Achtung himself—he’s eccentric but gets results. Pro tip: compliment his toupee and he’ll knock 10% off his (steep) fees.
Dewey, Cheatem & Howe
They’ve been in business for over a century, so they must know a thing or two about collisions. Bonus, they handle property damage claims and injury lawsuits. The only downside is they’re a big firm, so you may get passed between lawyers. But with size comes power, so the insurance companies actually take them seriously.
Saul Goodman & Associates
Their slogan is “Better Call Saul!”–and you better, because Saul Goodman is the king of underdog cases. He’s not afraid to take on the big insurance companies and drag them into court to get you the maximum compensation. His methods are unorthodox but effective. If you want a scrappy lawyer in your corner, Saul’s your man.
The Hammer
“The Hammer” lives up to his nickname. A beast in the courtroom, he’s known for six- and seven-figure verdicts. He mainly handles catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases, so unless you plan to milk your fender bender for millions, you may want to look elsewhere. But if you have a serious case, the Hammer will pound the opposition into submission.
Sheindlin & Petrovich
Run by the mother-daughter duo of Judy and Petra, this firm has a family feel. They take on a limited number of high-value cases so they can devote personal attention to each client. Compensation is on the higher end of the scale. They have a reputation for being fair but fierce, and for preparing meticulously to win tough cases. If you want compassionate counsel and a fighting chance at a sizable settlement, give them a call.
So there you have it, folks. A concise yet comprehensive guide to navigating the murky waters of finding reputable legal counsel after a collision in the Sunshine State.
Heed my advice and you’ll be well on your way to a fat settlement check. Fail to heed it at your peril. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have an appointment with a masseuse to soothe away the mental anguish from reliving my own crash. Remember, whether your mishap was a fender bender or a five-car pile up, choose wisely – your lawyer can make or break your case. And your bank account. The end.
