How to Choose the Best Accident Lawyer

Selecting a Knowledgeable Injury Attorney in the Stuart Area

When a victim suffers injuries in an accident, one of the first things to consider is whether they are entitled to compensation from another party for their medical expenses and other damages. The financial burden of even a relatively ordinary car accident can be devastating for the victim and his or her family. At Donaldson & Weston, our Stuart accident lawyers have assisted many people who are looking for the best accident lawyer after they suffer injuries in an unnecessary accident caused by someone else. Our team recognizes the importance of vigorous advocacy to putting your life back together, and we are 100% dedicated to advocating for accident victims.

How Finding the Best Lawyer Can Strengthen Your Claim

The legal system is complex, and there are many issues that your attorney should want to address even before you file your claim. One of the key aspects of presenting a strong case for compensation is acquiring and developing evidence. There are different types of evidence that you can use to help show that you are entitled to compensation, and it is very helpful to have a seasoned attorney who understands the rules of evidence.

The best accident lawyers are typically those who only handle personal injury matters because they become thoroughly familiar with the procedural and substantive rules that apply. For example, Florida follows the pure comparative negligence standard, which allows a defendant to offer evidence showing that the plaintiff was negligent at the time of the accident and that this negligence contributed to his or her injuries. The jury can then weigh this evidence and decide whether it is appropriate to assign a percentage of fault to the plaintiff. If the jury awards the plaintiff any compensation, the amount is then reduced by this percentage. Understanding whether the defendant may have evidence indicating that you also acted negligently and preparing to refute that evidence is a critical step in ensuring that you receive the maximum amount of compensation that you deserve.

Common Causes of Action in Accident Cases

After conducting a thorough investigation and gathering all of the available evidence, your Stuart attorney can then assist you with determining whether you have a viable legal claim against the person who caused your injuries. Personal injury law covers a broad spectrum of accident types. There are also many different causes of action under Florida laws that may be available to injured people. A cause of action is a legally recognized basis for awarding an accident victim compensation from a defendant. Each cause of action is unique and requires the plaintiff to prove specific things before he or she is entitled to compensation.

In a premises liability action, for example, the plaintiff will be required to show that the defendant owed him or her a duty of care but failed to maintain the property in an appropriately safe condition. Depending on the relationship between the defendant and the plaintiff, this standard of care may have involved providing appropriate warnings about dangerous conditions or actually repairing the dangerous conditions. As another example, a car accident can give rise to multiple causes of action that are not immediately apparent, such as negligent supervision of a minor behind the wheel or dram shop liability if a bar overserves a patron who then gets behind the wheel. Finding the best attorney for your accident case often means (among other things) finding the attorney who will help you identify all of the causes of action that you can assert and all of the parties that you can bring into your case.

Meet with an Aggressive Accident Lawyer in Stuart

If you were injured as a result of an avoidable accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Your loved ones and family members may also be entitled to compensation from the person who caused you to suffer harm. At Donaldson & Weston, we understand that you want and deserve the most effective legal counsel available in this difficult time, and we are ready to assist you. We have helped clients throughout Martin, Palm Beach, and St. Lucie Counties, including in Stuart, Port St. Lucie, and Jupiter. To schedule your free consultation, call us at 772-266-5555 or contact us online.