Matthew Mincone | August 13, 2024 | Personal Injury
It can be hard to know where to start if you’re looking for a lawyer after a car accident. Many attorneys in Florida specialize in many different areas of the law.
While you can technically hire any licensed lawyer to represent you, it’s a good idea to hire an experienced trial lawyer who has the skill set to take your case to court if necessary.
Our Orlando injury lawyers share a few key differences between lawyers and trial attorneys.
General Practice Attorneys vs. Trial Attorneys
When you think of a “regular attorney,” what you usually envision is a general practice attorney. This is someone who handles a wide range of legal issues. These attorneys can assist clients in a variety of legal matters – for example, family law, wills and estate planning, and drafting contracts.
That said, general practice attorneys usually do not have trial experience. They can help clients settle a case but don’t have extensive courtroom experience.
In contrast, trial attorneys specialize in litigation that goes to trial. They focus their practice on litigation, specifically complex cases that will end up in the courtroom.
If you’re not sure what type of attorney you need, it’s a good idea to schedule a free consultation with both a general practice attorney and a trial attorney. Each lawyer can discuss how they’d handle your case, and you can decide which strategy is right for you.
Why It’s Important to Have a Trial Attorney
Many personal injury and wrongful death cases settle before going to trial. That said, the threat of a jury trial is a key factor in getting the at-fault party to settle. Some attorneys always settle cases and do not have the expertise to try a case before a judge or jury.
Insurance companies and opposing counsel do their research and know when an attorney doesn’t want to go to trial. If you hire one of these lawyers, you have less leverage in negotiations because the at-fault party knows that your lawyer doesn’t want to go before a jury.
In contrast, if you hire an experienced trial lawyer with a track record of success, the at-fault party will know you’re not afraid to file a lawsuit and try the case. Plus, they’ll want to avoid facing a seasoned trial attorney in the courtroom.
Skill Sets of Trial Attorneys
By specializing in cases that go to trial, trial lawyers develop some unique skill sets that help them get the best results for clients.
They have courtroom experience and are skilled at presenting cases before judges and juries. They know how to argue in the courtroom and are not afraid to represent clients in this setting.
They know how to prepare a case for trial. While there is plenty of work and preparation involved in settling cases, it takes more in-depth preparation to successfully try a personal injury case in Florida. Trial attorneys have the teams and experience needed to effectively prepare for a jury trial.
They specialize in complex litigation. Cases that go to trial are more complex than cases that can be settled out of court. Trial attorneys are used to dealing with this type of case and are skilled at researching and arguing complex cases.
They are not afraid of risks. Taking a case to trial involves greater risk than settling it. That said, it also has the potential for great rewards. Trial attorneys understand this risk and are comfortable taking some calculated risks to get the best results for clients. They are confident in their courtroom skills and judgment. As a result, they can strategically take on some additional risks to get the best results for accident victims.
Contact the Tampa Personal Injury Lawyers at Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Tampa, FL, contact our skilled personal injury lawyers at Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free case review.
You should work with a legal team that is comfortable taking cases to trial but is also skilled at negotiating with insurance companies to get a fair settlement for clients.
We proudly serve Hillsborough County and its surrounding areas:
Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers
1925 E 6th Ave Ste 10
Tampa, FL 33605
(813) 430-3338