How to Find the Best Personal Injury Attorney in Southwest Florida

Jason B. Goldman • February 9, 2021
How to Find the Best Personal Injury Attorney in Southwest Florida

Physical injuries can change everything about your life. Even after the physical damage is healed, other traumas remain.

For example, you may experience PTSD depending on the accident and everything you went through. You may have lost significant wages from not being able to work. Some people even lose their jobs entirely.

If someone else was responsible for your injury, shouldn’t they be held liable? 

If you find yourself in this situation, you need a personal injury attorney to help you get the compensation you’re entitled to. But how do you find the right one for your case?

We’re here to help you answer that question. Keep reading for everything you need to know to hire the best personal injury attorney in Port Charlotte, FL.

Ask for Recommendations

Start by asking your friends, family members, co-workers, and anyone else you trust if they have any recommendations. The people close to you may have experience with personal injuries attorneys and lawsuits. 

If you can’t find the answers you need from your direct contacts, consider reaching out on Facebook. You can ask your local Facebook friends if they have any suggestions. Otherwise, join a community page and ask for recommendations from other members of the community.

Ask for a Free Consultation

If you have a few Southwest Florida personal injury attorneys in mind, contact each of them and ask for a free case evaluation. This is a good way to narrow down your options. 

If they won’t evaluate your case for free, cross them off your list. There are plenty of other attorneys out there who desire your business and are willing to give you something in return. 

Use this face to face interaction as a time to learn more about the personal injury attorney, their methods, and the way they interact with clientele. 

Communication Skills

While in the consultation or on the phone with prospective attorneys, get a feel for their communication skills. The best personal injury attorney will treat you with respect and equality. They won’t interrupt you or try to talk over you. 

If the attorney doesn’t seem terribly interested in your thoughts and opinions on your own case, they don’t deserve your business. They should be patient and willing to listen to everything you have to say about your case. This includes answering questions and addressing concerns.

Client Reviews

When looking at service-based businesses in any industry, you must consider client reviews and testimonials. This is one of the most accurate ways to understand how a company operates and how it treats its clientele. 

A good personal injury attorney in Port Charlotte, FL will post their  client reviews  on their website and/or social media pages. This is their way of helping potential clients see that they are trustworthy and effective. If you can’t find reviews on their website, try using a Google search. 

Case Outcomes

Before hiring a personal injury attorney in Southwest Florida, ask them about their typical case results. They should be willing to show you their track record. 

However, ask them how they define “success” in their cases. Some attorneys look for the easy win by accepting low settlement offers, rather than fighting for what their client wants or deserves. They should be upfront about how they operate and what they will do for you.

Ask About Availability and Caseload

Next, you need to make sure that you’re a top priority for whatever personal injury attorney you hire. The top personal injury lawyer on your list might have too many clients already. Even if they take you on, you can’t be sure your case is getting adequate attention from them.

Furthermore, when you try to contact attorneys with a heavy caseload, it may take days for them to get back to you. This breakdown in communication could be detrimental to your case and your peace of mind.

Pricing

When looking for the best personal injury attorney in Port Charlotte, FL, you must also think about your costs. Ask the top attorneys on your list for consideration of how they charge for personal injury cases.

Most often, personal injury attorneys charge a contingency fee. In other words, they only get paid if you get paid. Find out what percent they charge based on your winnings. 

Additionally, find out about any additional charges not included in the contingency fee, if there are any. This could include things like mailing costs, court fees, expert witness fees, etc. Ask them upfront what you can expect in your billing.  

Expertise and Experience

While every attorney for personal injury cases has to start somewhere, it’s important to ask about experience. You may feel more comfortable working with an attorney who’s been in the business for a while. They can have more knowledge, confidence, and instincts. 

However, you should also consider their area of expertise. Do they specialize in personal injury cases? What  types of personal injury cases  do they have experience with?

Don’t feel embarrassed or uncertain about asking these types of questions. 

Rapport

Finally, while talking to the various personal injury attorneys on your list, try to get a feeling of the rapport between you and each lawyer. Mutual respect is important  in any relationship.

Do you feel like you are a priority for them or just another empty box that needs checked off their to-do list? Do they seem to want the same outcome for your case, or do they want you to settle with a low offer?

Rapport is imperative in an attorney/client relationship. You must feel confident in the legal professional you’ve chosen to represent your case. The result of your case will directly impact your future for years to come.

Looking for a Personal Injury Attorney?

If you’ve been injured and are seeking compensation, you only deserve the best personal injury attorney in Port Charlotte, FL. Most injuries come with pain, suffering, lost wages, and mental trauma. We want to make sure you’re taken care of. 

Contact GTS Attorneys at Law today to get a free personal injury claim evaluation. We’ll walk you through your case and talk to you about how to move forward. 

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Out-of-State Defendant for a Personal Injury Case

By Jason B. Goldman • September 8, 2025
Getting injured because of someone else’s negligence is stressful enough but what happens if the person or business responsible doesn’t live in Florida? Many people wonder if they can pursue a personal injury claim against someone out-of-state. The answer is yes, but there are some important details to understand. How Out-of-State Laws Affect Your Case When a defendant lives outside Florida, courts may need to consider jurisdiction . Essentially, whether Florida courts have the authority to hear the case. In many situations, if the incident happened in Florida or caused harm here, the court can still proceed. Additionally, different states have different laws regarding personal injury claims, including statutes of limitations, liability rules, and damages. This can affect how a case is filed and what compensation may be available. Steps to Take Consult an Experienced Attorney: A skilled Florida personal injury attorney can determine whether your case can proceed here or if another state’s laws may apply. Gather Evidence: Documentation such as medical records, accident reports, and witness statements is crucial, especially if the defendant is out-of-state. Understand Service of Process: The defendant must be formally notified of the lawsuit. Serving someone in another state follows specific legal procedures to ensure the court has jurisdiction.  Consider Legal Strategy: Sometimes, pursuing a claim in Florida is straightforward; other times, filing in the defendant’s home state may be necessary. Your attorney will guide you through the best approach. Protect Your Rights Handling a case with an out-of-state defendant can be complicated, but you don’t have to navigate it alone . The team at GTS Law Firm has experience helping clients pursue personal injury claims, even when the responsible party lives outside Florida. We focus on protecting your rights and working toward the compensation you deserve. Contact GTS Law Firm today to speak with an attorney about your personal injury case. (941) 625-6666

Driving Habit Accidents: How Everyday Choices Can Put You at Risk

By Jason B. Goldman • September 8, 2025
When it comes to staying safe on the road, habits matter. Many car accidents are not caused by reckless behavior or extreme conditions, but by everyday driving habits that increase risk over time. From texting while driving to consistently rolling through stop signs, these seemingly minor behaviors can have serious consequences. Common Driving Habits That Lead to Accidents Distracted Driving – Phones, navigation systems, or even conversations with passengers can take attention away from the road. Distracted driving contributes to thousands of accidents each year. Following Too Closely – Tailgating reduces reaction time and can turn a minor slowdown into a major collision. Speeding in Familiar Areas – Drivers often feel comfortable speeding on roads they know well, underestimating risks like sudden stops or pedestrian crossings. Improper Lane Changes – Not checking mirrors or blind spots increases the chance of side collisions. Rolling Through Stop Signs and Traffic Signals – A habit of ignoring stop signs or lights, even slightly, can lead to intersection accidents. Why Habits Matter Repeated behaviors form patterns. Even safe drivers can develop risky habits over time without realizing it. Insurance companies, accident investigators, and courts often consider a driver’s habits when determining fault or liability after a crash. Protect Yourself and Others Be mindful of your driving habits – Small adjustments can prevent accidents. Avoid distractions – Keep your focus on the road at all times. Maintain safe following distances – Give yourself enough time to react.  Follow traffic laws consistently – Stop signs and lights exist to protect everyone. At GTS Law Firm , we understand how habitual driving behaviors can affect accident outcomes. If you or a loved one has been involved in a collision caused by another driver’s habits, our experienced team is here to help you navigate the legal process and secure the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and protect your rights. (941) 625-6666

Back-to-School Safety: Staying Alert in Busy Parking Lots

By Jason B. Goldman • August 13, 2025
As Charlotte County families prepare for the new school year, stores are crowded with parents and children picking up backpacks, notebooks, and other supplies. While the excitement is high, parking lots at big-box stores and shopping centers can become dangerous if drivers and pedestrians aren’t paying attention. Why Parking Lot Safety Matters Parking lots can be high-risk areas, especially during peak back-to-school shopping times. With increased traffic, pedestrians—especially children—can be hard to see, and distractions can lead to accidents. For Drivers: Navigating Parking Lots Safely Slow Down: Keep speeds low and be ready to stop suddenly. Stay Off Devices: Distractions can cause you to miss a pedestrian. Watch for Children: Kids can dart out from between cars without warning. Use Signals: Let others know when you’re turning or backing up. For Parents and Shoppers Hold Hands with Young Children: Keep them close in busy parking areas. Load Carefully: Position carts and children out of moving traffic while loading purchases. Teach Awareness: Remind kids to stop and look before crossing lanes or emerging from between cars. GTS Law Firm: Protecting Families in Charlotte County At GTS Law Firm, we know that even a quick shopping trip can lead to unexpected accidents. If you or your child is injured due to a driver’s negligence in a parking lot, our attorneys are here to help you understand your rights and seek fair compensation. Let’s keep this back-to-school season safe—not just on the roads, but in the parking lots where families gather to prepare for the year ahead. If you’ve been involved in a parking lot incident, contact GTS Law Firm for a consultation.

Back to School Safety: Sharing the Road with Buses and Students in Charlotte County

By Jason B. Goldman • August 13, 2025
As summer winds down and the school year begins, Charlotte County’s roads become busier with school buses, parents dropping off children, and students walking or biking to class. This time of year is a reminder for all drivers to slow down, stay alert, and take extra precautions to protect our community’s youngest members. School Bus Safety School buses are one of the safest modes of transportation for students, but safety depends on drivers following the law: Stop for School Buses: Florida law requires drivers to stop when a school bus has its stop arm extended and red lights flashing, regardless of the direction you’re traveling (unless there’s a divided highway with a barrier). Keep a Safe Distance: Maintain at least 20 feet behind a stopped school bus to give children space to cross safely. Be Patient: School bus stops take time as children may be crossing from multiple directions. Pedestrian and Bicyclist Safety Students walking or biking to school are more vulnerable during early morning and afternoon hours: Watch for Crosswalks: Always yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and school crossings. Slow Down in School Zones: Observe posted speed limits, which are often 15-20 mph in school areas. Avoid Distractions: Keep phones down and focus on the road, especially during pick-up and drop-off times. Tips for Parents and Students Teach Safe Habits: Remind children to look both ways before crossing the street and to use crosswalks. Bike Safety: Ensure children wear helmets and use bike lanes when available. Visibility Counts: Bright clothing or reflective gear can help drivers see students more easily. \ GTS Law Firm: Advocating for a Safer Community At GTS Law Firm, we are committed to helping keep Charlotte County safe—on and off the road. Unfortunately, accidents can still happen despite best efforts. If you or a loved one is injured due to a driver’s negligence, our experienced attorneys are here to protect your rights and seek the compensation you deserve. As we head into the school year, let’s all do our part to share the road responsibly and make this season a safe one for every student. If you have questions about your rights following a traffic incident, contact GTS Law Firm today for a consultation.