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How to choose a right car accident lawyer in Tampa, FL

Whether a car Accident is minor, major or fatal, it takes a toll. This can be the victims, their loved ones and even society at large. Everyone feels the impact of an accident.

Accidents can result in pain, suffering, death, loss of jobs/income, permanent disabilities, and emotional injuries.

Many insurance companies can quickly solve accident issues. However, a good Car Accident Lawyer is invaluable to the process.

So, how do you choose the right Car Accident lawyer?

Understanding car accidents

Traffic accidents have two categories; accidents caused by human error and accidents caused by other factors.

Causes of human error accidents

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over 94% of accidents occur due to human error. Some errors include:

●     Distracted driving

Our brain works best when we are focusing on one particular task at a time. This is because our brain switches between different tasks making it unable to focus on the primary task. Thus, talking, eating, texting or doing other things that take away your focus from the road isn’t advisable.

●     Drunk driving

Over the years, drunk driving has been responsible for causing many car accidents. Fortunately, this has lessened with awareness and also tighter laws. Save lives, don’t drink and drive.

●     Speeding

We have all been there. Running late for appointments, school or work, and increasing our driving speed above our usual pace, trying to get there on time. However, this can unintentionally lead to overspeeding and result in accidents.

●     Assuming stop signs and red lights

Many accidents happen at intersections because drivers ignore the signs. Be patient. Remember, one or two seconds/minutes waiting at a stop sign can prevent years of agony.

●     Reckless driving

Reckless driving involves blatantly disregarding the safety of other people and property and includes behaviors such as switching lanes fast, cutting others off, racing on public roads, and failing to give way.

●     Aggressive driving

Aggressive driving may include any combination of events that endanger properties, pedestrians or drivers, including speeding, road rage, trying to run others off the road, and tailgating.

●     Fatigue

Exhaustion, drowsiness or sleepiness can impair the driver’s ability to react, respond competently, discern or react correctly to the road conditions.

Other causes of car accidents

Sometimes even the most defensive driver may fall victim to road accidents but not due to human error. Other factors that do influence car accidents in a more significant way include:

●     Weather conditions

Sometimes mother nature can unleash harsh weather conditions that can cause accidents. This includes heavy rains, fog, high winds, snow, and other less than ideal driving conditions.

●     Poor road conditions

Potholes, poorly marked roads, narrow lanes, missing road signs, and other road factors can cause accidents.

●     Vehicle defects

A vehicle consists of hundreds of different parts that enable it to run smoothly and safely. A poorly maintained car, manufacturer defects or acute failure (such as sudden brake failure) can cause road accidents.

How to choose a car accident lawyer

Accidents, whether caused by human error or other external factors, can happen anytime.

It is vital to look for a suitable car accident attorney to look after your interests as you focus on your recovery. An ideal lawyer should

  • Collect evidence
  • Give proper legal guidance
  • Fill out legal paperwork correctly
  • Determine an accurate settlement estimation
  • Negotiate with your insurance company
  • When necessary, represent your case in the courts.

When to look for a car accident lawyer

It’s advisable to reach out to an accident lawyer when you or your loved one is a car crash victim. Such time includes:

●    Have sustained serious injuries

If a negligent accident results in serious injuries, consult a car accident attorney and let them handle the claim process. These injuries may include head/traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, herniated/ruptured disc, lacerations, burns and contusions.

Your accident lawyer can easily retrieve your medical records from your health care provider and file suit accordingly. This ensures you receive proper compensation.

●    An insurance company contacts you to enquire about the accident

If either your insurance company or the culprit insurance company reaches out to you about the accident, it’s time to consult a lawyer. Insurance agents know insurance law, and they can easily jeopardize your claim. Do not sign anything or meet with them in the absence of your lawyer.

Your car accident lawyer can review your insurance exclusions, coverage and restrictions to receive fair compensation for your damages.

●    To avoid missing deadlines

The injury claim filing process can be tiresome and must be carried out with a specified time period. Without proper knowledge, you can miss the deadline, thus locking you out of receiving compensation. Contacting a lawyer will ensure quick and appropriate filling of your claim.

Qualities of an ideal car accident lawyer

●    Great insurance negotiation skills

Car insurance companies have their team of insurance adjusters and lawyers familiar with insurance regulations and personal injury laws to minimize losses. They have specific strategies that can be enticing to an accident victim including issuing quick settlements and payouts. This can prevent you from getting the fair compensation.

A good car accident lawyer should have insight on ways to counteract these tactics to win you the best compensation deal.

●    Understanding of potential damages

Besides negotiating with insurance adjusters and lawyers, your lawyer needs to have full scope and legal understanding of accident damages.

Your car compensation should cover property damage and any medical expenses. Additionally, it should cover non-economic damages like emotional distress and pain.

In case after the accident you can’t work, your lawyer should ensure you get compensation for the lost income. A lawyer conversant with legal damage claims should cover all the bases to ensure you get what you deserve.

●    In-depth legal knowledge

Your lawyer needs to understand ways of proving your accident claims, like getting surveillance footage to showcase the mistakes of the at-fault driver.

Additionally, they should understand legal ways of collecting evidence, contacting the witnesses and collecting their testimonies, without jeopardizing the case.

What credentials to consider when looking for a car accident lawyer?

While legal knowledge is essential, your lawyer needs to have passion for this segment of law and also possess:

●    Experience

Experience matters. A lot. Consider the years your lawyer has legally been pursuing accident injury law. This ensures you get a combination of knowledge in theory and true-tried practice.

●    Local legal reputation

Experience without a great legal reputation means nothing. Good legal reputation showcases your lawyers’ upper hand in negotiating and handling insurance companies, thus winning their cases.

Remember that insurance adjusters and lawyers know the weak and robust lawyers in the market. Choosing the weak can significantly impact your claim and compensation.

Check out their awards from various organizations, especially those representing injury victims. Additionally, check whether they are duly registered to practice by the local bar association.

Also, ensure your potential law firm doesn’t have a history of unethical misconduct or disciplinary action.

●    Satisfactory customer reviews

During the initial meeting, you can easily understand your lawyer’s personality, but to learn more, dig into their website, and check out their customer service reviews.

The customer’s reviews can showcase the firm’s law/lawyer professionalism. Look for further reviews on independent sites such as Google and Yelp, to learn about your potential lawyer’s disposition and capabilities.

Final thoughts on choosing the right car accident lawyer

Accidents cause traumatic experiences, and injuries can derail your life resulting in lifelong and permanent stagnation. Use our tips above to choose the right car accident lawyer. A good lawyer ensures you get well compensated for your injuries and economic loss.

However, keep in mind that a majority of car accidents are caused by human error. We can go a long way in preventing accidents by avoiding drunk driving, aggressive and reckless driving, distraction and fatigue. Safe driving is a duty to yourself, your loved ones and the entire community. Embrace it.

The post How to choose a right car accident lawyer in Tampa, FL appeared first on Find US Lawyers.



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