Here's what you need to know...
If you were recently involved in a car accident you have probably asked yourself the question of should I hire a personal injury lawyer? There’s a lot of steps that follow an accident such as paperwork, communications with insurance companies, etc. It can be a lot to navigate but that is why we here at Demesmin and Dover law firm are here to help. We want to provide you with all the information as to why hiring a personal injury attorney is a good idea.
Top 4 Reasons to call A Personal Injury Attorney
There are numerous reasons as to why people call a personal injury attorney after a car accident, so we decided to list some of the top reasons to do so. This post is meant to clear up any reservations you may have about hiring a personal injury attorney as well as any other preconceived notions you may have about these types of cases.
The Top Reasons people call injury attorneys
1. They suffered an injury:
If you were injured during a car accident, chances are you’ve got medical bills. Whether your injuries were minor or severe, those bills add up. Not to mention, people don't realize that the injuries they sustained may be even more serious than they originally thought. When you are in the moment of an accident, your adrenaline kicks in causing you not to feel the pain of your injuries. People then try to get back to their normal routines but are unaware that they have some injuries they did not pay attention to or feel till then.
A personal injury attorney can help you in your time of need and guide you through the process. They will work with you to help you gain the compensation you deserve.
2. They need help negotiating:
This may be hard to believe, but the insurance companies are not on your side. They are notoriously challenging to deal with post car accident. The goal is to get the compensation you deserve for your medical bills, property damage, and pain and suffering. You owe it to yourself to do whatever is possible to get exactly that, in a fair settlement.
Having an experienced personal injury attorney to help you negotiate and navigate through this tough time with the insurance company, will help take some of that worry off your plate. That attorney will fully be able to handle the insurance company for you.
3. The person who is responsible isn’t clear:
If the party responsible for the accident can not be determined, you definitely are going to want to contact a personal injury attorney. If this is the case in your situation, it becomes your responsibility to prove your innocence. Things like police records, photos, eyewitness testimonials, etc. are all pieces of evidence you will need. Even if you were only partially at fault, it would be good to seek counsel to help guide you through the process.
4. They know that legal representation tends to lead to larger settlements
As we explained previously, car accident cases can be difficult to navigate, whether it is knowing the next steps or speaking to the insurance companies. Therefore, having a personal injury attorney who deals with cases like these daily usually results in a larger settlement than if someone were to handle the case on their own. In fact, a study shows that car accident settlements by individuals that have personal injury attorneys are 3.5 times more likely to win.
Other important reasons to consider:
These are just a few things to consider when looking into hiring a personal injury attorney.
No Fault State: Florida is a no-fault state which means they don't allow you to sue negligent drivers unless your injuries surpass a certain point. In a no-fault claim you are stuck with utilizing Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverages only.
Minor to No Injuries: If you were not physically injured but your car was bumped or scraped, you may want to consider handling this case on your own. Calling your insurance company and filing a claim for this usually will result in proper compensation, if not, then you can consider calling an attorney.
What will a car accident attorney do for my case?
Car accident attorneys can provide invaluable assistance in building a strong legal case.
Conducting a complimentary consultation to assess your case
Gathering essential evidence, such as police reports, medical records, witness statements, expert witness reports, and vehicle inspection reports
Managing all communications with involved parties on your behalf
Establishing fault and reconstructing the scene of the accident
Calculating the full extent of your damages
Negotiating settlement offers with insurance companies
Serving as your representative during this challenging time
How much compensation can a car accident lawyer get me on my case?
There are various factors that contribute to how much you can receive in compensation from an accident case. These instance can include anything ranging from the severity of your injuries to who is at fault.
Not every accident is clear on some of the essential information to pursue a case such as who is at fault? An instance of this is reflected in Florida's pure comparative negligence doctrine. In this instance, both you and the other driver may share some degree of fault. However, if your degree of fault is lower than the person on the opposing side there may be a case to pursue.
Another variable to consider is expenses, such as medical bills, lost wages, loss of benefits, household expenses, property damage, childcare costs, diminished earning capacity, and pain and suffering. While it's straightforward to calculate your economic damages, such as medical expenses and lost wages, it's more challenging to determine non-economic costs, like pain and suffering or diminished earning capacity.
By working with a knowledgeable car accident attorney who is familiar with the legal framework in Florida, you can more accurately calculate these damages and obtain fair compensation for your losses.
Although insurance companies may offer you a settlement, it's essential to understand that accepting a settlement could result in forfeiting significant financial recovery. With the help of a skilled attorney, you can compare any settlement offers you receive with your calculated damages and make informed decisions to achieve the best possible outcome.
How long after a case do I have to hire an attorney?
It is of utmost importance to secure legal representation for your car accident case at the earliest opportunity. In Florida, the law mandates that all car accident cases must be filed within four years from the date of the accident. Failure to meet this stringent deadline can render you ineligible for any compensation you may be entitled to receive.
We at Demesmin and Dover want to help you successfully get through your personal injury case and gain you the compensation you deserve. If you or a loved one has been injured or has gone through any of the issues listed above, give us a call. If your unsure if a personal injury attorney can help with your claim then call today at 866-954-MORE (6673) for your free consultation.