Although you do not have to hire legal representation to help you pursue a claim for your injuries and damages, there are significant benefits of hiring a Florida car accident lawyer after a crash.
These benefits include having an in-depth knowledge of Florida laws, having the ability to negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf, and providing the resources you need to recover and get your life back on track. In addition, a lawyer may have extensive experience helping car accident clients settle their claims and can use their experience to benefit you.
How Will a Lawyer Benefit My Car Accident Case?
Unless you are a legal expert, a car accident lawyer will have a much more in-depth knowledge of Florida statutes and case law, particularly those related to negligence, personal injury, and personal injury protection (PIP). Our attorneys also understand how to obtain the necessary supporting documentation to prove the at-fault party’s liability—before the statute of limitations expires for your claim.
A lawyer from our team can:
- Ensure that you have proof of the other party’s negligence
- Review and evaluate your police report, medical records, and medical bills
- Locate, contact, and interview witnesses to the accident
- Keep you continually updated on the progress of your claim
- Calculate the financial impact of the accident and assign an accurate value to your claim for financial recovery
- Negotiate a favorable settlement with the at-fault driver’s insurance company
- Make sure your claim complies with the four-year statute of limitations imposed by Florida Statutes §95.11
- Help you navigate Florida’s no-fault rules
A Lawyer Can Help You Understand No-Fault Rules
One of the first questions you may have after an accident is, “How does no-fault insurance work in Florida?” An attorney can explain everything you need to know about how Florida law affects your case.
First, all licensed Florida drivers who own a car must carry insurance. This includes:
- $10,000 maximum coverage for personal injury protection (PIP)
- $10,000 maximum coverage for property damage liability (PDL)
Under no-fault rules, your initial claim will always be with your own insurance company if you get in a crash. Your PIP coverage pays:
- 80% of your medical bills up to the limits of your policy ($10,000)
- 60% of your lost wages
While this can be sufficient coverage if your injuries were not serious and the damage to your vehicle was minor, it may not cover ongoing care, in-home nursing care, wheelchairs and mobility aids, or a significant enough portion of your lost wages—especially if you are out of work for an extended period of time. PIP insurance will also not compensate you for your non-economic losses like pain and suffering or emotional distress.
Suppose you want to pursue damages beyond what your PIP coverage provides. In that case, you will need to prove that your injuries meet the threshold requirements for what Florida law considers a “serious injury.”
An attorney can help you demonstrate the extent of your injuries. They can also handle the process of bringing a personal injury lawsuit if you are entitled to do so based on your case’s facts.
How Can a Lawyer Help Me Get Compensation?
Our lawyers work daily to help clients obtain insurance settlements for injuries and damages they suffered due to a car crash.
We understand how the insurance companies work, what they need to see in support of your claim, and how to deal with their adjusters and lawyers. We will recognize when the insurance company fails to negotiate in good faith or tries to offer a settlement that does not adequately compensate you for your damages.
Depending on the details of your case, you could seek compensation for:
- Medical bills, such as medications, surgeries, emergency room care, rehabilitation, chiropractic care, diagnostic testing, and more
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Mental anguish
- Wrongful death damages, if you lost a loved one in a Port St. Lucie car accident
What if the Insurance Company Will Not Offer Fair Compensation?
Insurance companies commonly offer low settlements immediately after an accident to minimize costs. A lawyer with strong negotiation skills can push the insurance company for a settlement that provides adequately for your medical care, compensates you for lost wages, and provides for your future needs. If the insurance company refuses to offer a reasonable settlement for your injuries, your lawyer can help you file a lawsuit and pursue your case in court.
If you attempt to negotiate with the insurance company’s adjustor or lawyers, you may not recognize their attempts to reduce your payout.
Will an Attorney Protect My Rights After a Crash?
Our primary objective is to protect your legal rights during the insurance claim process. The insurance company’s lawyers may attempt to obtain a recorded statement from you, hoping you will say something that could invalidate your claim or minimize the at-fault party’s liability. Talk to an attorney’s team before making any statements or signing any documents. It can help ensure that you retain the right to continue seeking the financial compensation you deserve.
How Will a Lawyer Help Strengthen My Claim?
Most injury accident victims lack the type of resources necessary to build a strong claim.
If you want to bring a personal injury case or file a lawsuit, we will build evidence to show that your injuries meet the serious injury threshold. Our team can review your medical records and the prognosis from your physician to confirm you suffered a serious, life-altering injury.
After we confirm that you do, indeed, meet the threshold requirements, we would launch an investigation to establish liability for the accident. We must prove that the driver had an obligation to obey the law and treat you with care—and that he or she failed to do so, causing an accident that resulted in your serious injuries.
We would then gather all evidence related to your claim, including:
- Police reports, eyewitness statements, and medical records
- Video or photos available from the crash
- Analysis of the damage to the vehicles
- Examination of documented evidence, including skid marks
- Information obtained from accident reconstruction specialists
- Proof of your economic losses
Medical experts, investigators, accident reconstruction specialists, and others can provide critical testimony regarding your injuries and the facts of the crash. Having these resources strengthens your claim to the insurance company. If you need to take your case to court, it can also help convince a judge or jury.
We have a team of experts standing ready to provide what you need to pursue a settlement.
How Will a Lawyer Determine How Much My Claim Is Worth?
To understand how much financial compensation to request when submitting your claim to the insurance company, you need extensive knowledge of the Florida statutes, case law, and the insurance industry. You also need a thorough understanding of the extent of your injuries and how they will affect your health and your ability to work in the future.
Our attorneys will calculate a fair value for your claim—including non-economic damages like pain and suffering—that will provide for all your needs.
How Else Can a Lawyer Help?
If you have no health insurance or other way to pay for treatment, you may struggle to get the medical care you need, especially if your injuries left you unable to work.
We work with an extensive network of doctors and treatment professionals who understand what you are going through. Many of these professionals will provide medical care and other services and await payment from your insurance settlement.
What Are the Benefits of a Case Review With a Law Firm?
You may be interested in speaking with a lawyer’s team if:
- You have questions about the legal process.
- You want to know if you might be eligible to bring a personal injury lawsuit.
- You do not want to make any mistakes when speaking with an insurance company.
- You would like advice on how to proceed after your car accident from a legal perspective.
- You are strongly considering bringing a lawsuit.
You may have other questions, concerns, or reasons for calling. Free consultations are free for a reason: They offer a no-obligation forum for you to connect with a lawyer’s team. Our firm can take your call for free and explain all of your legal options.
How Can I Work With a Car Accident Lawyer’s Team for Free?
After you sustain physical severe injuries in a car accident, you may also suffer emotional or psychological challenges as you struggle to recover and get your life back on track. Trying to face these challenges alone can feel overwhelming.
Having a car accident attorney on your side means always having an advocate to fight for you and protect your legal rights. The Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyers at the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine will work hard to answer all your questions, explain all your options, and ensure you understand how your decisions will affect your future. To learn more about how you can benefit from having a car accident attorney on your side, contact us today. We provide complimentary case reviews to help you make the best choices for your future.
