FAQs

I just had an accident. Do I need to hire an attorney?

You should consult with an attorney; however, not every accident justifies hiring an attorney. He will let you know if there are reasons to actually hire an attorney. Most attorneys who handle accident cases do not charge for this first consultation.

What should I look for in an attorney?

Of course, you want an attorney who is competent, who has experience and credentials such as Board Certification, or who has references from people you know. Another consideration is whether your attorney is someone you feel comfortable with. Your attorney will be advising you on important matters. You should feel that his advice is thoughtful and that he gives you the information to make important decisions.

What if I have a legal problem other than a car accident or injury case?

Walker Law Group handles only injury and insurance cases. Mike Walker has practiced in the Tampa area for over 20 years. Even if your problem is not one the Walker Law Group can help you with, we can certainly recommend an attorney in the practice area you need.

If I need medical treatment how do I pay for it?

If you have Florida auto insurance, you have mandatory medical coverage through your auto insurance. The coverage is called Personal Injury Protection or PIP, sometimes referred to as "No Fault". You may also have a coverage called Medical Payments which will cover medical expenses from your accident as well. Additionally, health insurance will pay for accident related treatment after your auto insurance is used up, or if the injury was caused by a fall or other non-auto related incident.

My doctor said he doesn't treat car accident injuries. What should I do?

Consult an injury attorney. Most injury attorneys are used to recommending doctors who specialize in the treatment of particular types of accident injuries. Even if an attorney recommends a doctor, it is wise to do some independent research on that doctor. The internet is a good source for researching information about the recommended doctors.

I hired an attorney, but I am not happy with him. What should I do?

Even after signing a contingency fee agreement, you can discharge an attorney. It is your right. The attorney may be owed a fee for his services to date, but often that fee can be paid from the fees of the attorney you hire subsequently. If you have a problem with your current attorney, we generally recommend that you make an effort to talk about your differences with them before discharging them.

If I hire a Trial Attorney, does that mean my case is more likely to go to trial?

No, a very small percentage of cases actually result in a jury trial. Hiring an attorney who is experienced in trying injury cases is a good idea though. A trial attorney is likely to be in a better position to present your case to the insurance company for settlement because of his experience preparing cases for trial. Most insurance companies are aware of whether your attorney has a reputation for trying cases. This may result in a better settlement offer.