Why You Should Talk to an Attorney After an Auto Accident in Florida
After a Florida car accident, it can be tempting to handle things alone without legal help. However, speaking with an experienced car accident attorney can make a significant difference in your claim. Florida’s insurance regulations, strict deadlines, and the tactics insurance adjusters use can all work against you if you try to handle your claim alone.
After an auto accident in Florida, there are several crucial reasons to talk to an attorney as soon as possible. Below are some of the main reasons why you should contact a car accident lawyer promptly.
Understanding What Claims You Can Make
In Florida, the laws governing car accidents are complex and often hard to navigate. Depending on your situation, you might have to file a claim through your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage (Florida Statutes section 627.736), or you could pursue a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
However, things are not always that straightforward. Florida does not require most drivers to carry bodily injury liability coverage, which means the at-fault driver might not have insurance to cover your injuries. If the at-fault driver doesn’t have liability insurance and your injuries go beyond what your PIP covers, you might need to pursue other recovery options. An attorney can help identify all possible sources of compensation that may apply to your case.
Protecting the Evidence You Need To Prove Your Case
Regardless of the claim you make, you cannot win your case without strong evidence. Without strong evidence, the insurance company can dispute or minimize your claim.
The photos and videos you take at the scene are helpful, but you need more evidence to prove your injuries, establish liability, and prove damages. You might not be able to gather the necessary evidence by yourself.
An experienced Florida car accident attorney can step in quickly to:
- Interview witnesses
- Obtain surveillance footage before it’s deleted
- Secure the police report
- Work with experts, if necessary, to reconstruct the accident
Understanding the Complete Value of Your Claim
Determining how much your claim is worth is not just about adding up your medical bills. A proper evaluation requires a detailed look at your current and future losses, including:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
- Long-term physical limitations
In Florida, if your car accident injuries meet the serious injury threshold as defined under Florida Statutes section 627.737, you may be eligible to recover compensation for pain and suffering. But you can only recover fair compensation if you know how to properly value pain and suffering. A skilled lawyer can ensure you value your claim accurately.
You Can’t Trust Insurance Companies To Determine Your Losses
You cannot trust that your insurer or the at-fault driver’s insurance company will calculate your damages accurately. In fact, insurance companies are not required to do so. While the law requires insurers to handle claims in good faith, it’s not up to them to determine your case’s value. That is up to you. An attorney can help gather all the information you need to accurately determine the value of your case.
Contact Us for Legal Help
Our Fort Lauderdale car accident attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm can help protect your rights, build your claim, and pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Fort Myers, Ocala, Orlando, Tampa, Miami, Bradenton, Daytona Beach, West Palm Beach, Jacksonville, Naples, and Melbourne areas.