If you own a TV and have ever turned it on during daytime programming, then you already know this – there are a ton of lawyers who handle personal injury and accident cases. And is it just me, or does every ad say basically the same thing? No fees, no costs if no recovery. You may be entitled to at least $10,000 we care, blah, blah, blah. And on and on they go. I never realized how many personal injury lawyer ads there were until my wife’s recent maternity leave, and, I am shocked at how pervasive they are. I also cannot believe, how useless they appear.
Now, I will candidly admit, I am also a large advertiser and marketer in this area, although, I probably spend less than 10 percent of what the big boys spend. That was not always true. There was a time within the last three years, where I threw a small fortune at advertising. However, I soon realized it was a race I simply could never win. I do not have a trust fund to fall back on, and quite frankly, I didn’t always love the cases the mass advertising brought.
So, over a year ago, I decided to do something different. I decided that my marketing, instead of shouting at people to call me, and making all kinds of illusory promises, I would instead invite the public to free information that I authored about auto accident injury and auto accident insurance claims. My goal was to educate and to teach the public what exactly, with no added fluff, goes into having a car accident and insurance claim. I have since written two books, and three guides. One book focuses specifically on pitfalls of the new Florida PIP law, and the other is a Complete Accident Claims guide. We also publish a free monthly newsletter, with helpful tips and information. To date, thousands of my books have been downloaded for free at my website, or given away for free through my office and at community events.
As I write this, I just lost a potential new case due to another firm promising to reduce their fee up front. You see, this is the new gimmick that some advertising firms apparently want to use. In my opinion, if you get a lawyer for one of these cases on a reduced fee up front, you are setting yourself up for a reduced effort, experience and outcome.
First off, what a lawyer charges in my field is a standard rate set by the Florida Supreme Court. It is 33 percent of the overall recovery if settled without a lawsuit. It can go to as high as 40 percent if litigation is necessary. Again, this is the standard, regulated norm – It is the average fee. Also, just so you know, we all have no fees and no costs, if you do not recover in your case. It is the industry standard, not the exception. That is why a “no fee” guarantee is worthless as a choice factor.
So, think for a moment what you are saying about your choice of lawyer when you accept below the average from the onset of your relationship? Does it not scream, “I am less than average.” To me, when you say it out loud, it just doesn’t sound good. I went to law school, and worked my butt off to try to be well above average. So, why would I sell myself short from the beginning?
This is why, as a practicing auto accident lawyer, I do not ever negotiate my fees up front. Simply, I don’t think it is good for the client, and, for the reasons above, I don’t think it is good for me. However, if you read my book, I have a standard practice that I, and hundreds of clients have found fair. That is, if your net is less than our fees, we will adjust our fee to make your net more. There are exceptions, but, it occurs every week, without compromise.
Over time, there will probably be more and more lawyers yelling out during “The View” that they are cheaper. I am sure I will lose a few more potential clients to the same. However, just remember, cheaper isn’t always better. Decisions in your accident case could last a lifetime. Choose wisely, and whatever you do, do not simply accept 15-30 seconds of promises. Do your homework, and make the best decision for you and your family.
By the way, all my books and reports on www.autojusticeattorney.com, are 100 percent free.
Michael T. Gibson is an Auto Accident Lawyer in Orlando. The law firm of Michael T. Gibson can help you obtain compensation for medical treatment, loss of wages, pain and suffering, etc. that you have incurred as a result of a car accident. Call 407-422-4529 or visit the website at www.autojusticeattorney.com.
Mr.Gibson, I read your article and I have to say their are a lot of contributing factors to some people who choose to go with a P.I.Attorney. My own Mother went with a blah, blah ,blah Attorney 1.) Because she didn’t know any better 2.) She thought she was’nt going to recieve anything worth while from a settlement, what She was told from her own insurance co. “go figure” She went with one of the most advertized law firms. 3.) She was also under the impression that it was best to go that way because she was’nt going to get anything anyways , better to get something than nothing at all and was also intimidated because she did not have money for high legal fees . Most people think yea hire an Attorney with what and better yet what do I do if I loose. The un educated are pressured into believing their only worth x amount and certain injurys can’t be proven ex. back injurys. Also the loss of work factor,etc. yea, some are ambulance chacers I’m sure. I’m so glad to see that someone has a better way to get the message across. You seem to be a good Lawyer and education is key, keep up the good work. There are some people who are ethical in this world. Judylee Highbrown