You are not required to work with an attorney to pursue losses in an Orlando car accident case. However, there are many benefits to working with a lawyer. For starters, the insurance company may try to offer a quick settlement and pressure you to sign a statement that absolves them of further losses.
Obtaining legal representation shows the insurance companies that you are serious. Most Orlando car accident attorneys work on contingency, which means they only get paid when you do. For most accident victims, the benefits of working with a lawyer far outweigh the fees they charge.
Can I Handle My Auto Accident Case on My Own?
While getting legal help can be beneficial, you do have the option to handle your case on your own. It will depend on your specific circumstances. For example, how severe were your injuries? What was the damage to your car? In accidents where there was only minor damage, you may be able to handle your case on your own.
Accurate documentation is essential. If you can, take photos and videos at the crash site to document what damages occurred. Seek proper medical treatment for your injuries. These steps can help you decide how much help you will need with your case later. For example, suppose you end up needing extensive medical treatment. In that case, you will likely need help from a lawyer if you pursue compensation for damages.
What Are the Drawbacks of Handling My Case on My Own?
It can be tempting to handle your case independently because it is possible in some cases. However, consider the following drawbacks of handling your auto accident case alone:
- Missing essential paperwork: You might leave out key documents or evidence in your case. An attorney can focus all their efforts on your case, while you likely have other competing priorities.
- Increased confusion: You might not understand the laws that apply to your case or what you specifically need to do to pursue compensation. Often the process is more complicated than anyone wants it to be.
- Increased risk of accepting a lowball offer: Some insurance companies will give offers that do not provide adequate compensation. It can be tempting to take these offers because it finishes the process faster, particularly when working through your case independently. An experienced attorney can help you review offers to help you understand what is reasonable.
- Missing deadlines for filing a lawsuit: Under Florida Statutes § 95.11(3)(a), you typically have four years to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you attempt to handle your case on your own and then decide later you need legal help, it is possible to miss key deadlines.
The Benefits of Working With an Orlando Car Accident Attorney
When you are involved in an Orlando car accident, you may consider filing the claim and pursuing losses on your own. However, we strongly recommend working with a personal injury attorney who understands how Florida laws may impact your case.
Here are several benefits of working with an Orlando car accident attorney. The attorney can do the following:
- Determine who is at fault: Not all car accidents are cut and dry. While Florida is a no-fault state (Florida Statutes § 627.7407), in some cases, you may be eligible to pursue compensation from another party. A car accident lawyer can determine if this applies to your claim.
- Accurately calculate your losses: You may be eligible to recover a wide range of losses, including medical costs, lost pay from work, and pain and suffering. A car accident lawyer can review your case and determine how much you are legally entitled to receive.
- Help you understand your options: It can get confusing, and you might not know what options you have available to you. Consulting an attorney can help you understand how to proceed after your auto accident, even if you decide not to pursue compensation.
- Handle all communication: You may be in the hospital or dealing with injuries after a car accident. Your lawyer handles the communication, so you can focus on getting better.
- Ensure your claim meets the statute of limitations: The statute of limitations in Florida (Florida Statutes § 95.11) means that Orlando accident victims have a limited amount of time to pursue compensation. Your lawyer can file a quick claim if you are close to the time limit, protecting your right to recover losses.
Costs of Hiring an Attorney
One of the major appeals of handling your own case is that you do not have to pay a lawyer. While this is true, it’s important to understand how legal fees work and to weigh the benefits of a lawyer against the legal cost.
At the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine, we do not charge you for our services unless we help you recover compensation. We take a percentage to cover your legal costs from the amount you recover. So, you do not have to worry about upfront fees.
Contact the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine Today
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles has noted that more than 400,000 car accidents happen yearly in our state. At the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine, our team is committed to protecting the rights of Orlando car accident victims. Let us take over the burden of the legal process so you can focus on recovering.
We can review your case, calculate the full extent of your losses, and ensure you are treated fairly every step of the way. Contact us today for your free Orlando car accident claim review.
