As a New Port Richey auto accident personal injury attorney for over 18 years, I can understand the confusion that exists on the part of someone injured in a Pasco County accident. There is massive saturation of TV and other ads imploring you to “call immediately” if injured in an automobile accident and in search of a lawyer. What’s worse, many of these 800 and 411 ads are not even from law firms, but rather attorney referral services. With this in mind, I would like to provide three tips to those looking for an injury attorney, as well as my position on each issue.
Tip 1 – Be Aware of Referral Services
Never use a “1-800-Ask-_________” or “1-411-____” etc. number that you heard on an ad from a referral service. I cannot stress this enough. Many of these ads originated from chiropractors, not attorneys. Furthermore, by calling one of these numbers, you will have no control over which attorney you are sent to by the service. If you needed open-heart surgery, would you call a “”1-800” number that promised to send you to a random surgeon? Then why do so to find an attorney?
My Position: Scott M. McPherson, P.A. will never hire one of these lawyer referral services to tout us. If you call my firm’s number (727-848-8892), then the phone in my office rings, and you will talk to me.
Tip 2 – ALWAYS Meet With Your New Attorney
Never hire an attorney that does not meet with you personally! I continue to be amazed at the number of attorneys who use a paralegal or assistant to go to a person’s house and “sign them up.”
Where I stand: First, whether the appointment is in my office, at a hospital, or at your house, you will meet with me and not an employee. I always like for new clients to meet at my office when possible, primarily because I want them to see that we take a great deal of pride in professionalism. However, even when the appointment is outside of my office, it is me that will be there.
Tip 3 – Hire Someone Whom Will File a Lawsuit (if needed)
Hire someone with litigation experience. Ask these questions: How many cases do you have filed in Court right now? Do you have experience as the lead attorney in contested personal injury cases? This is important because while the majority of cases will settle without the need of litigation, there are many that will require a lawsuit to pursue a clients damages. If an attorney never files a lawsuit, then he or she may try to convince you to settle your case for the “best offer,” which may not be the actual fair value of your case.
Where I stand: I have actual litigation experience in federal and state court, currently have cases filed in court, and am happy to advise prospective clients about my jury trial experience.
Summary
These are just a few of many tips, and I will address more in future blogs. Hiring an excellent personal injury attorney should be your top priority if in need of legal representation for injuries from a car accident. Feel free to contact me or call me (727) 848-8892.
By: Scott McPherson
