As per reports, in 2020, Miami showed 16 percent more boating accidents than in 2019, as the count reached 836. Among these, there were 79 boating deaths recorded in the area.
When you are part of a boating accident in Miami, it is crucial to seek legal assistance as soon as possible. Many factors need to be considered when hiring a lawyer for a boating accident, and it can be challenging to make the right decision on your own.
In this blog post, you will learn five aspects that you should keep in mind when hiring a lawyer for Miami boating accident.
- Experience of the Lawyer
The key thing to consider is the experience of the lawyer. How many cases like yours have they handled in the past? What was the outcome of those cases? You can also ask for referrals from people you trust who have been in a similar situation. Furthermore, you can look up reviews online to better understand the lawyer’s experience.
- Area of Practice
Second, you need to ensure that the lawyer you hire specializes in maritime law. This area of law is different from other types of personal injury law, so it is crucial to find someone familiar with it. Otherwise, you may not reach the best results.
- Size of the Firm
If you hire a lawyer from a large firm, they may have more resources at their disposal, but they may also be less personal and attentive to your case. On the other hand, if you hire a lawyer for a Miami boating accident from a smaller firm, they may be more invested in your case, but they may not have as many resources.
- Fee Structure
The fourth aspect to consider is the fee structure of the lawyer. Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis, which means they only get paid if you win your case. However, you should still ask about the fee structure upfront so that there are no surprises later on.
The average cost of hiring a boating accident lawyer in Miami is $3,000. This figure is based on the hourly rate that lawyers charge in the area, typically between $200 and $300 per hour. The total cost will also depend on how many hours are needed to resolve the case. The contingency fee is typically 33% of the total settlement. Therefore, if the total settlement is $30,000, the lawyer will receive $10,000.
- Communication
Finally, you need to make sure that you can communicate well with the lawyer. It is essential because you will be working together closely on your case. You should feel comfortable asking questions and raising concerns. If you do not feel like you can communicate well with the lawyer, you may want to consider finding someone else.
Conclusion
These are five essential aspects to keep in mind when hiring a lawyer for a Miami boating accident. If you take your time and do the due diligence, you can find the right lawyer for your case.