Crucial Things To Know Before Hiring A Personal Injury Attorney In Fort Lauderdale
If you have suffered a severe injury in a Fort Lauderdale accident that was not your fault, your next step should be to hire a personal injury attorney. Hiring the right attorney can help you recover the compensation you deserve from the at-fault party’s insurance company.
If you were seriously injured in a Fort Lauderdale accident because of another party’s fault, the following are some crucial things you need to know even as you look to hire a personal injury attorney.
Representing Yourself
You have the right to represent yourself in your injury case. Nevertheless, it is not advisable that you do so unless you are a personal injury attorney. Insurance companies are known to take advantage of plaintiffs who handle their injury cases alone. You will likely obtain less than you deserve if you tackle your Fort Lauderdale personal injury case without an attorney.
Damages Recoverable in a Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Claim
In Florida, personal injury victims are eligible to recover economic and non-economic damages from at-fault parties. Examples of economic damages you can be compensated for in a Fort Lauderdale personal injury claim include;
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Property damages
- Lost earning capacity
- Other out-of-pocket costs such as childcare
Examples of non-economic damages you can be compensated for in a Fort Lauderdale personal injury claim include;
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disfigurement
Depending on the specifics of your case, you may even be eligible to recover punitive damages.
Benefits of Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney
An attorney can help you obtain the compensation you deserve from the at-fault party’s insurance company. But how exactly can an attorney help you do this?
A personal injury attorney understands personal injury law and can help you decipher what laws pertain to your particular case. A good understanding of personal injury law can help you recover the compensation you deserve.
A qualified personal injury attorney can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf and ensure that you only accept a fair settlement. Negotiating with an insurance company can be challenging if you do not have the necessary skills. You might accept a low amount if you try to negotiate with the insurance company without an attorney.
Finally, an attorney can represent you in court if your case proceeds to court. An attorney can present evidence to help you recover the compensation you deserve. They can help you answer questions and fight any allegations the defense side makes. These are all things that can increase your odds of recovering the compensation you deserve.
How Much Will Representation Cost?
Most personal injury attorneys handle cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay an attorney upfront. Instead, an attorney recovers their payment from the compensation you recover. And if you don’t recover any compensation, you are not required to pay the attorney.
When Should You Hire an Attorney?
It is best for you to hire a personal injury attorney as soon as possible because you have limited time to file a personal injury claim. Also, you should hire an attorney as soon as possible to prevent evidence from being altered or destroyed.
Legal Help Is Available
Contact our Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm if you need help with a personal injury case.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Fort Myers, Miami, West Palm Beach, Orlando, Ocala, Tampa, Jacksonville, Bradenton, and Daytona Beach areas.