If you’ve been in a car accident and experienced all the stresses and complications that go along with it, it is tempting to accept the first settlement offer the insurance company makes, even if it is much lower than the amount you need to cover your medical expenses and damages. However, this is usually a mistake.
Rather than settling for less than you deserve, consider hiring an auto accident attorney based in Florida, knowledgeable about and experienced in local accident law. There are several benefits to hiring a lawyer to take on your case.
Attorneys Know When You Can File a Lawsuit
Since Florida is a no-fault state, Florida drivers are required to have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance. When a road accident occurs in Florida, those involved make claims to their vehicle insurance companies, regardless of who was at fault.
While the no-fault system can be beneficial for both parties, there are cases where a third-party car insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit can be filed against the at-fault party. For instance, if the victim’s injuries are serious enough to exceed the PIP coverage or pass the law’s injury threshold, a third-party claim may be appropriate. Legally, serious injuries include permanent limitation of an organ, a substantial full disability for 90 days, and disfigurement. A personal injury lawsuit also allows victims to claim for pain and suffering damages.
You may wish to file a claim if the at-fault party is neither you nor the other driver. Sometimes, accidents are caused by other factors, such as defective automotive parts. In this case, a lawsuit may be brought against the manufacturer. Whatever your situation, an experienced attorney can help you determine whether a personal injury lawsuit can be filed.
Lawyers Assist in Establishing Liability
Establishing liability for an auto accident can be extremely challenging. If you are involved in a car accident and are physically able, gather as much evidence as possible at the crash scene, for instance:
- Photos of the vehicles, injuries, road, and surrounding area.
- The names, license plates, and contact details of everyone involved in the accident and eyewitnesses.
- Notes about what happened, how the accident occurred, and any admissions of responsibility from the other party.
However, even with this evidence, establishing culpability is complex and incredibly challenging for the average claimant. Your best bet for a successful claim is to collaborate with an experienced auto accident attorney.
Your Attorney Handles Communications With the Insurance Company
After a traumatic incident such as a car accident, the last thing you want to have to deal with is communicating with insurance companies, particularly if you have suffered injuries because of the crash. Fortunately, you can hire an auto accident attorney to handle your claim.
Your lawyer negotiates on your behalf and knows what information to ascertain from the insurance companies and how to do so. For instance, they can find out the at-fault party’s insurance coverage liability limits and whether the accident’s liability has been determined.
Auto accident attorneys are also invaluable resources for understanding your insurance policy. Insurance documents are often incredibly dense texts that most people don’t know where to begin deciphering. Car accident attorneys work with these documents every day and fill you in with details such as whether you have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.
Auto Accident Attorneys are Skilled Negotiators
The sooner you contact a car accident lawyer, the better because insurance companies have a habit of swiftly offering crash victims low settlements. This is a calculated move that takes advantage of the stress and confusion following an accident, not to mention the financial pressures claimants experience after being injured in a collision. Your lawyer protects you from falling for these early offers.
Once your attorney has helped you avoid this initial low offer, they continue to negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf. This relieves you of the pressure of negotiations, allowing you to focus on your recovery, but it will also undoubtedly lead to a better final settlement. This is because your attorney is highly experienced at negotiation, but also because they can file a lawsuit.
Lawyers are Experts at Proving Injuries and Damages
It’s a common misconception that the insurance company identifies all of a claimant’s injuries and compensates them adequately after being involved in an accident. Unfortunately, this is not the case, and many road accident victims find themselves having to pay hefty bills to cover medical expenses and vehicle damage from their own pocket.
Auto accident attorneys know what evidence needs to be gathered to prove your injuries’ validity, cause, and cost. They are skilled at gathering this evidence and presenting it to the insurance company or in court.
Your Attorney Gives You Valuable Legal Advice
On paper, Florida’s no-fault law makes achieving compensation for injuries and damages sustained due to a car accident straightforward. However, you must always remember that an insurance company’s goal is to pay out as little as possible, and they are skilled at accomplishing that goal.
Because auto accident attorneys frequently deal with insurance companies, they know their tricks and can advise you on how to avoid falling for them. For instance, your lawyer advises you to attend all your medical appointments and follow up on any recommended treatment so that your injuries cannot be questioned.
They also pass on tips like monitoring your social media activity, so you do not mention the accident or post anything that could be used to disprove your injury claims. While these tips may seem insignificant, they could be the difference between winning and losing your case. When you hire an attorney, you will gain invaluable knowledge.
Let Your Florida Attorney Fight Your Case
Working with an auto accident attorney not only relieves you of the stresses of managing a personal injury claim but also improves your chances of achieving the settlement you deserve.
At Jesse Davidson, P.A., we use our many years of experience to assist you in reaching the best possible settlement for you. Whether dealing directly with the insurance companies or representing you in court, our strategic approach ensures you receive rightful compensation. Contact our law firm at (561)-252-7850 for a free consultation.
