Why You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer in Florida After an Accident

The Florida Department of Highway Safety Motor Vehicles has reported more than 195,000 crashes in the state since the start of 2024. The 2023 report, awaiting confirmation, indicated more than 394,000 crashes resulting in 215,000 injuries.

Nobody wants a car accident to happen, much less be in one. However, the reality is that they still occur and can be potentially damaging for an individual. An accident can pull you into a daunting series of challenges, from unexpected medical bills to property or life damages.

However, a Florida injury lawyer can help you seek the rightful compensation for all the damages you experienced in an accident. A personal injury lawyer in Florida can negotiate on your behalf with insurance companies.

(Source)

Additionally, they can help you reach fair settlements with the parties involved in an accident. More importantly, they can also prevent the other party from suing you for unethical or unfair liabilities.

Immediate Steps to Take After an Accident

You should know that swift action can protect your legal interests. Here’s what you should do immediately after an accident:

• Seek medical attention immediately to establish medical records
• Document the scene through photos and videos
• Gather witness accounts and contact information
• Report the accident to law enforcement
• File a police report
• Keep detailed reports and contact a trusted Florida injury lawyer 

Understanding Personal Injury Laws in Florida

By knowing the personal injury laws in Florida, you can make sure your injury claims and appeals are within the Sunshine State’s legal framework.

Firstly, you have four years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury claim in Florida. For medical malpractice, that period is only two years following discovery.

Secondly, there is a “comparative fault” practice which reduces compensation based on the degree of your fault that led to the accident.

Lastly, no-fault car insurance requires your insurer to pay for medical expenses and lost wages. This is regardless of who causes the accident – unless your injuries meet certain thresholds.

Benefits of Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer

It can be awfully difficult to manage filing for a personal injury claim and then negotiating with the involved parties on your own. On the other hand, it becomes easier when you have a skilled personal injury lawyer in Florida right by your side. It can be the difference between getting the due compensation for your damages and failing to represent yourself successfully.

• Years of Knowledge

Without a doubt, an experienced Florida injury lawyer will have the legal expertise and understanding of your case. They will be aware of the personal injury laws and nuances in cases such as yours. This will help them create effective legal defense strategies for you.

• Negotiating Expertise

Many personal injury lawyers in Florida have law experience. However, only a handful have honed the crucial negotiating skills to help clients reach favorable settlements or successful court proceedings. Their negotiating power is extremely useful in dealing with insurance companies.

• Representing in Court

Sometimes, negotiations between accident parties fail. This leads to trials in the relevant court. An accident attorney Florida can represent you in court with a compelling case to safeguard your rights. They ensure you receive fair compensation and prevent the other party from pursuing unlawful claims.

• Case Management and Compliance

Professional injury attorneys in Florida can handle the complex paperwork and legal formalities for clients. This means that you can focus on other important aspects, such as your recovery and medical treatments, without the stress of completing paperwork before the deadline.

• Contingency Fee Benefits

One of the most undiscussed benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer in Florida is the contingency fee. It means that the Florida injury law firm doesn’t require you to pay anything unless they win your case. While this happens rarely, it can make legal representation accessible for many people.

How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help with Insurance Claims

Right after an accident, you should seek legal counsel from a personal injury lawyer Florida. They have the knowledge and expertise to negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.

Such companies often try to settle low amounts to maintain profitability. However, your physical and financial health matters to a responsible lawyer. They will negotiate with the insurers to cover medical expenses and lost wages among other damages.

Moreover, suppose you reach a settlement with the other party. In that case, your lawyer will also complete the legal process to ensure tax exemption for the compensatory awards, according to IRC Section 104(a)(2).

The Process of Working with a Personal Injury Lawyer

The complexity of the process can vary on the severity of the case and the parties involved. If the case unfortunately led to a fatality or life-altering injury, the process could be more complex than, say, a minor head-on collision that resulted in a less severe whiplash.

You will initially consult a personal injury lawyer in Florida to discuss your case. They will assess the details and start an investigation. They will review the evidence and devise a legal strategy based on their findings.

Next, they will negotiate with insurance companies or the opposing parties to reach a settlement. However, if the settlement approach fails, they will pursue court trials to help you represent your interests.

Common Challenges in Personal Injury Cases

Did you know that Florida has had the highest number of personal injury cases going to trial? According to Business Observer, personal injury cases accounted for more than 60% of civil cases in court.

However, that doesn’t mean you will be held in favor during case proceedings on your own. Proving liability can be a challenge but a personal injury lawyer in Florida can help you build a strong case.

They can deal with insurance companies to maximize payouts while professionally managing difficult negotiations. An accident attorney Florida can advocate for fair compensation for you and help you meet the legal paperwork requirement before deadlines.

Choosing the Right Personal Injury Lawyer in Florida

 Here are a few factors you should consider to choose the best personal injury lawyer in Florida:

• Experience – You should look for personal injury lawyers in Florida who have extensive experience in handling such cases, especially ones similar to yours.
• Expertise – Your selected lawyer should have knowledge and expertise in dealing with personal injury cases. It will guarantee that they are aware of Florida’s legal system.
• Knowledge – Also, make sure you select an injury lawyer in Florida who has in-depth knowledge of the relevant case precedents and statutes to help you build a strong case.
• Track Record – You should look for someone with a track record of success and positive client testimonials to increase your chances of getting a favorable outcome.

Conclusion

You can increase your chances of a successful outcome following a car accident claim by hiring a personal injury lawyer in Florida. They have the knowledge and experience to deal with the legal complexities involved in seeking compensation from the responsible party.

Furthermore, they can protect you from unlawful claims or harassment from those involved in a car accident by offering legal defense. Personal injury lawyers in Florida know the specific laws surrounding accidents and subsequent court proceedings. Hence, they can provide you with valuable guidance and help you achieve a favorable verdict.

(Source)

Don’t wait if you’ve been in a car or other type of accident. Contact Ziegler Diamond Law and schedule a consultation with the best personal injury lawyer in Florida today!