The Biggest Mistake People Make Before Hiring a Lawyer in Florida

One of the biggest mistakes people make when hiring a lawyer in Florida is failing to do proper research. Understanding the importance of selecting the right lawyer can help avoid unnecessary complications down the road. Here’s why it matters and how you can choose wisely.

The Biggest Mistake: Not Researching Enough

Hiring a lawyer is often one of the most significant decisions you will make in your life, especially when dealing with personal injuries, legal disputes, or accidents. Whether you are a victim of a car crash or need representation in a personal injury claim, the process of selecting the right legal expert is critical. Unfortunately, many people in Florida make a crucial mistake before hiring a lawyer: they don’t do enough research.

At Serrano Law, we understand that selecting the right legal counsel is an essential first step in any legal journey. With our deep expertise in personal injury law, we’ve seen first-hand how this common mistake can lead to further stress, legal complications, and missed opportunities for clients. Here, we’ll guide you through how to avoid this mistake and ensure you’re making the right choice for your legal representation.

1. Not Understanding the Specialization of the Lawyer

The legal field is vast, and not all lawyers are created equal. Different types of cases require expertise in specific areas of law. For example, a lawyer who specializes in criminal defense may not have the right knowledge or experience to handle a personal injury case. Similarly, a family law attorney might not be the best choice for a complex medical malpractice case.

It’s vital to hire a lawyer whose practice area aligns with your needs. If you’ve been involved in a car accident, for instance, hiring a lawyer who specializes in personal injury law, specifically car accidents, is essential. A personal injury lawyer who handles car accident cases on a regular basis will have the experience, understanding of local laws, and resources to get you the best results. Serrano Law has a proven track record of handling car accident and personal injury claims in Florida, and we recommend working with a lawyer whose expertise closely matches your specific case.

Michael Serrano

Founding Attorney

Candace “Cea” Hartley

Attorney

Molli Gard, ESQ.

Attorney

2. Failing to Read Reviews and Check Testimonials

In today’s digital age, it’s easy to gather information about almost any service, including legal representation. Reading reviews and client testimonials can provide valuable insights into a lawyer’s reputation, communication style, and ability to handle cases like yours. When browsing law firm websites, don’t skip over the testimonials. They can provide a clear picture of how a lawyer works with clients and what results they’ve achieved.

At Serrano Law, we proudly showcase the success stories of our clients. These testimonials are a testament to our commitment to achieving the best possible results for those we represent. Be sure to research lawyers thoroughly by reading online reviews, checking the firm’s website, and reviewing their past case successes.

3. Not Scheduling a Consultation or Interviewing the Lawyer

The consultation is an essential step in the process of hiring a lawyer. This meeting gives you the chance to gauge whether a lawyer is the right fit for your case. At Serrano Law, we offer free consultations to ensure that our clients feel comfortable and confident in the lawyer they choose. During the consultation, you should ask about the lawyer’s experience in your specific legal issue, their approach to handling cases, and their fee structure.

A consultation also provides you the opportunity to assess the lawyer’s communication skills. Do they take the time to listen to you? Do they explain legal terms in a way that makes sense to you? Are they approachable and open to answering your questions? These are essential factors to consider, as the lawyer-client relationship plays a crucial role in the outcome of your case.

Mike Serrano’s law office was everything I needed after a very traumatic accident. He was always super up front and honest with me. I never got the feeling he was trying to sell me on something or to do something that I wasn’t comfortable with. He listened to my concerns and when it tough moments came that I needed to stand my ground. He backed me and made me feel 100% secure. He got me exactly what I needed in a settlement and I would never consider using anyone else. His office staff is also phenomenal.”

- Mary

Mike Serrano was a great attorney for my case!! He was very flexible with phone calls/ Zoom meetings. His staff are always friendly, whether it be on the phone or emails. They keep you updated during your entire case! They don’t leave you silent for months. if you call, they always call back with updates! Highly recommend!"

- Kylie Collier Border

I’ve never had to deal with a lawyer before but Mike has set the bar HIGH. He was always available to communicate my concerns and explain each step of the way. I know no other lawyer would have been able to achieve the same results because he jumped on an opportunity that was a little out of the ordinary and it paid off. He really fought for my case and over delivered. I really hope I never have another accident but if I do I’m running to Mike for help."

- Sandy Carter

4. Overlooking the Costs and Fees

Understanding how a lawyer charges for their services is an essential part of the hiring process. Many lawyers, particularly in personal injury cases, work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they don’t charge you unless they win your case. However, even within this structure, it’s crucial to clarify the percentage they will take and any additional costs that may arise throughout the legal process.

At Serrano Law, we believe in full transparency with our clients. We ensure that you understand how we charge and provide a clear breakdown of fees so that there are no surprises down the line. It’s always best to discuss costs during the initial consultation to ensure that you are comfortable with the terms and conditions of the agreement.

5. Not Asking About Trial Experience

While many legal cases can be resolved through settlement, there are situations where going to trial is necessary. If your case is particularly complicated or if the opposing party is unwilling to settle, you’ll need a lawyer with trial experience. Some lawyers may prefer to settle cases outside of court, but if your case goes to trial, it’s important to have a lawyer who is comfortable and experienced in litigation.

Serrano Law has extensive trial experience and has successfully represented clients in court. It’s important to ask potential lawyers about their trial experience and whether they are prepared to take your case to court if necessary. If a lawyer isn’t comfortable with the possibility of trial, it could impact your chances of securing a favorable settlement or outcome.

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6. Not Understanding the Lawyer’s Communication Style

Effective communication is key to a successful legal experience. Before hiring a lawyer, it’s essential to understand how they communicate with clients. Are they responsive to emails and phone calls? Do they keep you updated on the progress of your case? Poor communication can lead to frustration and misunderstandings.

When you meet with a lawyer, pay attention to how they communicate. Do they take the time to explain things clearly and in detail? Are they patient and willing to address all of your concerns? At Serrano Law, we pride ourselves on maintaining open and consistent communication with our clients throughout their legal journey.

7. Not Looking at the Lawyer’s Track Record of Success

While every case is different, it’s always beneficial to hire a lawyer who has a proven track record of success in cases similar to yours. A lawyer with a history of winning cases or securing favorable settlements is more likely to do the same for you. While past results are not a guarantee of future success, they can offer valuable insight into the lawyer’s ability to handle your case.

At Serrano Law, we have helped countless clients recover the compensation they deserve. Our commitment to excellence and our dedication to our clients are reflected in our impressive track record of successful personal injury cases.

Case Results

Car Accident

This client was injured in an auto accident with a driver who improperly merged into her lane. Her vehicle was totaled. She sustained an aggravation of her pre-existing disc herniations in her neck and new disc herniations in her lower back. We obtained the full limits of both the at-fault driver’s bodily injury coverage and our client’s underinsured motorist coverage, which were significant. The settlement was achieved without a law suit and within four months after the client finished treating.

Rear End Collision

This particular client was injured in an accident in late 2015 when she was rear-ended. She sustained an aggravation of pre-existing disc herniations in her neck and a new disc herniation which ultimately required a surgical fusion. By the time of trial, her medical bills exceeded $180,000.00. The Defendants’ offer pre-suit was $20,000.00. We were able to obtain a jury verdict of $441,000.00, plus attorneys’ fees.

Car Accident

A client was injured in a rear-end collision where he sustained an aggravation of a pre-existing disc bulge that developed into a herniation in his lower back. We obtained a jury verdict which was over 6 times what had been offered prior to trial.

Car Accident

In this case, our client injured her shoulder after being struck by a vehicle while she was performing volunteer services. The driver was traveling at such a high rate of speed entering a parking lot that he clipped another vehicle, hit a parking barrier and was launched into a tree. After the client attempted to negotiate with the insurance company prior to hiring us, we were able to obtain an amount that was over double the prior offer.

Intentional Torts

Our client was injured from an assault by a patron of a party while working security. His shoulder required multiple surgeries. He hired our office to pursue a claim to recoup his medical bills, which exceeded $130,000.00. After his assailant offered him $10,000.00 to resolve his case, we took the case to a jury to decide. The jury awarded our client all of his medical bills and tripled his award for pain and suffering.

Car Accident

This client came to us about a car wreck that occurred in 2014 where she sustained injuries. She approached our firm just one week before the statute of limitations was set to expire after being turned away by several other law firms. We filed a lawsuit and were able to obtain the limits of the at-fault driver’s bodily injury coverage and an additional settlement from the client’s insurance carrier.

Truck Crash

This couple was injured in an automobile accident after they were rear-ended in a seven-car pileup caused by a semi-trailer. Of the 15 people who made claims on the same insurance policy, our clients each received the second and third highest offers, which covered all of their past and future medical bills and their attorney’s fees.

Truck Crash

In this case, our client was injured from a rear-end collision with an eighteen-wheeler. Her original lawyer procured a settlement offer of $7,000.00 to settle her case. Because the offer did not approach the amount of bills she incurred from accident related treatment, she came to our firm for a consultation. She decided to hire us. We promptly filed suit and obtained a settlement for her.

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8. Rushing the Decision

Choosing a lawyer is a big decision, and it’s important not to rush the process. Many people make the mistake of hiring a lawyer quickly without taking the time to fully assess their qualifications, experience, and approach. Remember, you’re not just hiring a lawyer; you’re hiring a partner to guide you through a difficult process.

Take your time to research potential lawyers, schedule consultations, and ask the right questions. Don’t settle for the first lawyer you find—make sure they’re the right fit for your case. At Serrano Law, we encourage potential clients to take their time when making such an important decision. We’re here to answer your questions and provide the guidance you need to make an informed choice.

Choose Wisely for Your Future

Choosing the right lawyer is one of the most important steps in resolving your legal matter. By taking the time to understand a lawyer’s specialization, reviewing their track record, asking the right questions, and being transparent about fees, you can avoid the common mistake of hiring the wrong legal professional.

At Serrano Law, we are committed to helping you through every step of the legal process with confidence and clarity. Don’t rush the decision—your case deserves the best possible representation. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you navigate the legal challenges ahead.

To learn more about this subject click here: Choosing The Right Wrongful Death Lawyer