There are around 164k personal injury lawyers and 60k personal injury law firms in the US, with Florida a hotspot for personal injury case filings. California has the most injury law firms, with 22,721 PI law firms based there. Florida comes in second, with 17,214 law firms specializing in things like car accidents and slip and fall accidents, and Texas is third, with 13,652 businesses.
With so many law firms to choose from, it can be challenging to know which one to go with. In this article, Bill Winters and Marc Yonker, experienced personal injury attorneys in Tampa, FL, share the importance of consulting an attorney to understand how they can assist you with your lawsuit.
Review the Details of Your Personal Injury Case
One of the most important things a personal injury lawyer will do is thoroughly review all the details surrounding your injury. They will look at the accident report, medical records, expenses, lost wages, and all other documentation. Your personal injury attorney must understand the full scope of your injuries, treatment, and losses. This helps them determine the value of your claim and build the strongest case for maximum compensation.
Half plaintiffs receive less than $24,000, with one study finding the median settlement award was $31,000. That said, more complex cases like brain injuries will typically lead to a bigger award. Settlements like the $206 billion Tobacco Masters Agreement are rare.
Determine Liability in a Personal Injury Case
Your personal injury lawyer will investigate liability – who was at fault and to what extent. They will gather evidence like photos of the accident scene, video footage if available, eyewitness statements, police reports, and more. Establishing liability is crucial for proving your case and recovering damages. An experienced personal injury attorney has the skills to demonstrate negligence and strengthen your claim.
Negotiate with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies want to pay as little as possible on claims. A personal injury attorney will negotiate with insurers on your behalf. They know how to handle ridiculous offers, denied claims, and other tactics used to minimize payouts. Your attorney will tenaciously negotiate to get you fair compensation. Their legal expertise gives you leverage in settlement talks.
File a Personal Injury Lawsuit If Needed
If an acceptable settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, your personal injury lawyer can take the case to court by filing a personal injury lawsuit, although this happens in only 3-4% of all cases. They will handle all aspects of litigation – gathering evidence, filing motions, questioning witnesses, presenting arguments in court, and more. Your lawyer’s litigation experience can get you maximum compensation if a trial becomes necessary.
Communicate Expertly
Throughout the claims process, your attorney will communicate professionally with insurance adjusters, healthcare providers, experts, and other parties involved in your case. They know how to correspond effectively to move your case forward. You can avoid miscommunications that could jeopardize your claim by letting your personal lawyer handle all case communications.
Explain Legal Concepts
The world of personal injury law contains complex processes, terminology, and procedures that can confuse those without legal training. Your personal injury attorney will explain things in understandable ways so you know what’s happening at each stage of your case. Don’t hesitate to ask them questions. Making sure you’re informed is a key part of their job.
Having an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side levels the playing field against big insurance companies. Their legal skills and advocacy can maximize your injury claim compensation.