In 2022, 50.3 million people sought medical care for accident injuries in physicians’ offices and emergency rooms throughout the United States. In addition to the millions with injuries warranting medical treatment, 227,039 accident victims died.
Those coping with injuries or the wrongful death of a loved one may be able to seek compensation. If you’ve been injured in an accident in the Tampa area, you should consult an injury law firm and hire an attorney. You may still be in shock or uncertain about what questions to ask during your consultation, so let’s look at some questions you should ask personal injury lawyers in Tampa and why these questions will help you find the best personal injury lawyer for your Tampa accident case.
Consult Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys, To Discuss Your Personal Injury Case Now.
What Experience Do You Have With Personal Injury Cases Similar to Mine?
When you choose a Tampa accident lawyer with experience handling your type of case, you’re hiring a Tampa personal injury attorney familiar with relevant case law and legal precedents they can use to strengthen your claim. Consequently, they’ll be more efficient and can speak with greater authority when answering your questions.
Can You Provide References From Past Clients?
An experienced Tampa injury attorney should have testimonials from past clients, which you can read. These testimonials verify the attorney’s professionalism and ability to negotiate a fair settlement successfully.
What Is Your Track Record for Settlements and Verdicts?
You can feel confident hiring a Tampa injury lawyer with a good track record of favorable verdicts and settlements. Your attorney’s track record indicates they effectively utilize their legal expertise to get clients the compensation they deserve for their injury claims.
Will My Case Go to Trial, and if So, Do You Have Trial Experience?
Your lawyer can’t say for certain if your case will go to trial before they begin settlement negotiations unless you’re pursuing a claim against an entity known for refusing to settle out of court. However, your lawyer can assess the complexities of the case and identify reasons it may be challenging to settle.
Approximately 95% of personal injury cases conclude with a settlement, while 5% go to trial. Although there’s a high likelihood you’ll settle, you should look for an attorney with trial experience in case you have to go to trial.
How Will You Handle My Case Specifically?
Your attorney should have an appropriate strategy for handling your case. Suppose you were in a truck accident with a company vehicle. Your lawyer should plan to subpoena maintenance and employee records to confirm whether the company is liable for damages or whether the driver was at fault. You should feel confident your legal team will conduct an effective investigation that is appropriate for your case.
Who Will Be Handling My Case?
Many law firms have senior partners and newer attorneys without as much practical experience. You want to know who will handle your case to ensure your lawyer has relevant experience and that you’re comfortable with your attorney. You must be able to discuss sensitive matters, such as medical test results and how your injuries have impacted your personal life. If you’re uncomfortable with your attorney, you may withhold pertinent information that could strengthen your case.
You may also wonder if you have to stay with your personal injury attorney after hiring them. You can fire your attorney if you’re unhappy with their approach to your case; however, it could take longer to resolve it while you find another attorney. Ensuring the best personal injury attorney in Tampa handles your case will give you confidence in your legal team.
How Often Will You Communicate With Me About My Case?
You should know what to expect so you don’t become stressed or anxious if you don’t hear from your attorney in a few days or weeks. Knowing what to expect can ensure your peace of mind while you recover from your injuries.
What Are the Potential Challenges in My Case?
Legal cases are complex, and your attorney should be aware of potential challenges that could keep you from settling or make winning your case at trial hard. Your attorney won’t have all the facts during your initial consultation. However, they should be aware of issues that could arise during their investigation and the discovery process that could compromise your case.
You should know potential challenges from the start to ensure you manage your expectations and understand why it could take months to resolve your claim.
What Is My Case Worth?
Case values vary. In 2005, individuals injured in car accidents received median settlements of $16,000, while those injured in premises liability cases received median settlements of $90,000. While these results are decades old now, there are still factors affecting the value of your case, which include the following:
- Grounds for seeking punitive damages
- Identity of the at-fault party
- Severity of injuries
- Type of injury case
What Are Your Fees and How Are They Structured?
You should discuss legal fees before hiring a Tampa personal injury firm. Personal injury attorneys typically charge contingency fees, which means you only pay legal fees if they secure a settlement or judgment. A percentage of your settlement or judgment goes to your attorney, and you may also pay for some expenses. Any costs you’re responsible for paying should be outlined in your contract when you hire your attorney.
With contingency fees, attorneys receive no legal fees if you lose your case.
How Do You Deal With Expenses and Medical Bills Related to My Case?
Your lawyer may be able to negotiate with hospitals and medical professionals to prevent you from paying medical bills until your case is resolved.
Injury attorneys cover case-related expenses. You will only pay these expenses once you receive your compensation. These terms should be in your contract when you hire your attorney.
How Long Do You Think It Will Take To Resolve My Case?
You should ask, in general, how long do slip-and-fall settlements take? Car accident claims? Premises liability cases? The time required to resolve your case will depend on the following factors:
- Who’s at fault: It may take longer to obtain evidence supporting a claim against a business because your attorney will have to subpoena business documents and review those documents to determine if the company is wholly or partially liable for your accident.
- The insurance company: Some insurance companies refuse to negotiate settlements, and it may take longer to resolve your case if you’re dealing with one of those companies.
- Incapacitation: It may take longer to resolve your case if the at-fault party is incapacitated because of their injuries.
- Number of defendants: If there are multiple at-fault parties, it may take longer to conduct an investigation and determine each party’s percentage of fault.
- Your prognosis: You may need to complete medical tests to have a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan for your injuries. This information can help establish the severity of your injuries and justify damages.
What Should I Do To Protect My Case?
Your attorney should advise you to take appropriate steps to support your case, such as seeking medical care, getting medical tests, and pursuing treatment. They should advise you to collect medical records and comply with doctor’s orders to avoid aggravating injuries. They should also recommend you comply with any legal requirements, such as supplying insurance information or staying at the scene of a car accident.
What Happens if We Lose the Case?
Confirm you aren’t responsible for legal fees if you lose your case. Your attorney should also explain potential grounds for appeal if you lose at trial.
How Do You Approach Negotiations With Insurance Companies?
Negotiating with insurance companies can be challenging. Understanding your lawyer’s approach to negotiations can help you navigate the process. Your attorney can explain whether they have unique strategies for different insurance companies and what they do when multiple insurance companies are involved. Since 95% of injury cases conclude during negotiations, you must be confident in your lawyer’s approach.
Let Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys, Fight For You
You may be wondering, What are the benefits of hiring a personal injury attorney? Our attorneys at Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys, will use our resources to thoroughly investigate and determine who is liable. We will also ensure you consider all relevant expenses when calculating damages and use relevant case law and trial precedents to strengthen your case. Plus, we will advise you of the steps to take to protect your claim.
Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys, will give your case the care and attention it deserves. We’ll look after the legal matters while you recover and use our expertise to fight for fair compensation for your injuries.
Were you injured in an accident? Contact Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys, now.
Sources:
Accidents or Unintentional Injuries. (2024).
Driscoll, B. (2023). Personal Injury Lawsuit Guide 2024.
Johnson, J. (2022). Personal Injury Settlement Amounts Example (2024 Guide).
Tampa Car Accident + Personal Injury Lawyers
For more than 40 years, personal injury lawyer Jack G. Bernstein has protected the rights of individuals who have been injured in a variety of circumstances. Throughout his career, Bernstein has been a strategist thoroughly dedicated to the idea of protecting the rights of his clients. Mr. Bernstein is a member of the Florida State Bar Association, the Hillsborough Bar Association and the Clearwater Bar Association.
Mr. Bernstein has the experience and expertise to handle a wide range of injury cases. Among the types of plaintiffs Mr. Bernstein represents are individuals involved in car accidents caused by drunk drivers or other exhibiting negligence, medical complications resulting from carelessness caused by a physician or a medical facility, including brain injury, bicycle, motorcycle, moped and truck accidents, admiralty law and cruise ship accidents, accidental drownings, all types of wrongful death lawsuits, along with most injury, catastrophic occurrences and legal malpractice issues.
Our firm handles every type of personal injury and accident case, using negotiation and litigation tactics effectively. We handle cases throughout Tampa, Sarasota, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater, FL. With a staff of approximately 40 people, including six lawyers and 34 support personnel, we have the legal resources to get the justice you deserve and the maximum recovery for your losses. Schedule your free consultation today; we are always here to help.
Free Case Evaluation
No Fees Unless We Win
No upfront fees, no risk, and no out of pocket cost to you or your family.
Entirely confidential – we respect your privacy, consultations are privileged.