Car accidents are often an unavoidable part of life for many people living in America today. Statistically, getting behind the wheel of a vehicle is the most dangerous thing many people do each and every day.
If you have been injured in a car accident, you could be entitled to compensation. Due to the complexities of Florida’s accident laws and the cold reality of dealing with your insurance company, having a trusted attorney on hand can make the whole process much easier. Additionally, with the right attorney, you are far more likely to receive the maximum amount of compensation that you deserve.
Here at The Law Place, our attorney team has over 75 years of combined experience in dealing with car accident claims. We also offer free consultation over the telephone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Contact us for more information on (941) 444-4444.
How Long After a Car Accident Can an Attorney Help Me to Receive Compensation?
In Florida, the timeframe within which you can file a lawsuit following a car accident is governed by the state’s Statute of Limitations. These laws are crucial as they set the deadline for when legal action must be initiated.
Historically, Florida allowed a four-year period to file a claim related to car accidents. However, recent changes to the law have altered this timeframe significantly. As of the latest update before 2023, the statute of limitations for car accident cases has been reduced to two years. This adjustment means that from the date of your car accident, you now have only two years to initiate legal proceedings for compensation.
The reduction in time underscores the importance of acting swiftly following an accident. Contacting an attorney at The Law Place immediately after your incident ensures that you do not forfeit your right to seek compensation due to the passage of time. Each day that elapses post-accident is critical. As time passes, evidence that could support your claim may become harder to obtain or may be lost entirely. Additionally, the opposing party’s attorney could be building a case that undermines your potential compensation.
Given these changes, it’s more crucial than ever to be proactive after experiencing a car accident. Engaging with legal representation promptly not only helps preserve essential evidence but also ensures that your case is developed effectively from the outset. Don’t let the shortened timeframe deter your pursuit of justice and the compensation you deserve. Reach out to The Law Place without delay to secure your legal rights and maximize your chances of a favorable outcome.
How Do I Know If I Need a Personal Injury Lawyer After a Car Accident?
After the trauma of being involved in a car accident, it can be tempting to want to simply keep moving and get your life back on track. This is a trap many people fall into, especially as your insurance company will often offer you what seems like a reasonable settlement without any additional legal recourse on your part.
The truth is, in any car accident that causes you injury, you are entitled to make an injury claim. It does not have to be a serious injury, nor does it have to be purely physical. Emotional and financial injuries are just as valid for an accident claim. You may be traumatized and suffering from anxiety or sleeplessness, for example. You may have incurred a minor injury that has prevented you from working, meaning that you have been suffering from lost wages.
The following is a list of factors that will be taken into account for your injury claim. If you believe that you fall into one or more of these categories, then you may be entitled to compensation. To maximize this compensation, you will need a lawyer from a trustworthy law firm like The Law Place.
- Physical Injury – This is a common result of a car accident, one for which you could be owed compensation. It is important to document your injuries. As soon as it is safe to do so, begin to take photographs of your injuries and also document the recovery process. This will make it easier for your personal injury lawyers to prove your claim.
- Emotional Distress – a car accident is a common source of trauma. This trauma may result in many different emotional or mental complications. You may have increased anxiety or depression. You may suffer from flashbacks or other PTSD symptoms, which make it impossible for you to get back on the road.
- Medical Bills – With the American healthcare system, a physical injury is only the beginning of the complications. Medical expenses can leave you with large bills, which the correct level of compensation can help you handle.
- Lost Wages – If you have taken any time off work due to your accident, you could reclaim that lost income in your injury claim. It is important that you keep a record of all correspondence with your employer concerning this time spent off work, as it will make it much easier for your personal injury lawyer to prove your claim.
- Pain and Suffering – Pain and suffering is the legal terminology that covers the additional complications of a physical injury. Compensation of this type considers the length and pain level of the recovery process, as well as any additional permanent changes to your lifestyle or handicaps you may have incurred because of your injury.
- Property Damage – Due to their nature, it is often not just people who are damaged by a car accident. Your vehicle, as well as any expensive belongings inside it, may have been irreparably or expensively damaged in the accident. This damage of your property can also be considered when calculating the amount of compensation you are owed.
- Wrongful Death – Not every car accident is the same. Some accidents are much more severe and can lead to loss of life. If you have lost a loved one in a car accident, we know that no amount of money can make that easier. But compensation for wrongful death will include calculations for loss of income, companionship, and emotional distress. These additional payouts can make it easier to handle the financial strain of funeral and burial costs, and make it less overwhelming for your family.
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Insurance Companies Make Having a Personal Injury Lawyer Essential
Following any car accident, you are required to report the event to your insurance company within an allotted time frame. While this time frame differs from insurance company to insurance company, it is typically around 24 hours from your car accident.
This obligation to contact your insurance company is another reason why having a personal injury attorney that you trust is essential after a car accident. Insurance companies are accustomed to dealing with accident claims and often try to gather extra details. They may ask you for additional details about your accident in a seemingly innocent context, trying to take advantage of the fact you are still shaken from your accident. An insurance company will often do this with the aim of deliberately lowering the worth of your claim, and thus the amount of compensation that they will have to grant you.
It is also common for an insurance company to offer you a settlement that seems reasonable, but in reality, is significantly less than you deserve. Your average insurance company is also almost guaranteed to have its own team of highly experienced lawyers, as well as a staff of claims adjusters who will be employed to professionally devalue your accident claim.
With the above factors in mind, The Law Place can offer some small pieces of advice which apply in any accident situation when dealing with an insurance company. When calling the insurance company to report your accident, you should avoid any discussion that divulges the extent of your injuries. Even in the case of a serious injury, there could be further complications down the line, and your compensation potential may be damaged by a recording of your phone call. In fact, you should assume all telephone contact with your insurance company is recorded for the purposes of lowering your claim. Only give what information is absolutely necessary. It is also of extreme importance not to sign any kind of documentation from your insurance company without a lawyer present.
Dealing with insurance companies can be an overwhelming and disheartening experience. It is important to seek the correct legal representation from a trustworthy law firm, preferably before interacting with an insurance company in any way.
We have over 75 years of combined experience dealing with insurance companies. Don’t let yourself be caught out. Speak to an accident attorney at The Law Place today.
We’re Florida’s top litigation team with over 75 years of combined experience
Is It Worth Getting a Lawyer for a Car Accident?
Hopefully, the above sections have demonstrated the many uses an accident attorney can have in guaranteeing your claim runs smoothly.
However, if you are still feeling unconvinced about hiring a lawyer for your personal injury, we understand. In today’s economy, especially after the financial complications of an accident, the cost of services is never far from our minds.
Luckily, every personal injury attorney at our law firm works on what is known as a contingency basis. This means that your attorney will cost you absolutely nothing upfront. All of the fees charged will only be taken from your settlement once your personal injury claim has been successful. This also means that, if for whatever reason your case should be unsuccessful, the entire process will cost you absolutely nothing at all.
The contingency work of every attorney at our law firm is strictly monitored by the State Bar Association. This means that you can be absolutely certain that seeking compensation for your accident through an attorney will be of no risk to you.
Let our law firm lift the anxiety and weight of your personal injury claim today. Get in contact with an accident attorney from The Law Place.
From the initial call to updates on your case status, we are here to get you answers.
How Would I Go About Getting a Pain and Suffering Settlement Without a Lawyer?
While we here at The Law Place would never advise attempting to get a settlement without a lawyer, it is possible. Without representation by an attorney, it is much easier to fall into the various pitfalls set by the complexities of Florida’s accident laws and insurance companies. However, as it is our ethos to offer full transparency, the following section will explain the process of seeking a settlement without a lawyer.
Without an attorney, it is important to know what level of compensation you deserve. Consult the list of possible damages covered earlier in this article and see how many of them apply to your case, and with what level of severity. This will help you get an idea of how high a settlement will be appropriate from your insurance company.
It is important to collect the correct level of evidence if you are not planning on using an attorney. This evidence will be incredibly useful in ensuring that the insurance company is forced to acknowledge the damages you are claiming for.
Immediately after your accident, as soon as it is safe to do so, you should take thorough photographic evidence of the scene. This is easier in the contemporary world, as almost everyone carries a mobile phone capable of taking high-quality photographs. Be sure to take several photographs of all vehicles involved in the accident, from several angles. It is also important to remember to photograph other relevant details of the accident scene. Make sure to get pictures of any tire skid marks, damaged signage, or property, as well as anything else you feel may have played a role in your accident. As mentioned earlier, it is also important to get photographs of your injuries at every significant stage of your recovery.
While you are at the scene of the accident, it is also important to get the details of everyone else involved. At a minimum, you should get the full name and telephone number of everyone involved in the accident, as well as those eyewitnesses who saw the car accident take place. Without an attorney, you will lack access to private investigators or accident reconstruction teams who could otherwise assist you in the collection of these vital details.
It is also important to keep a record of any relevant documents. Keep records of any and all medical bills you may have incurred, as well as correspondence with your employer detailing any time off work for lost income compensation. Without an attorney, it can also be helpful to keep all correspondence with your insurance company itself. Ensure that everything agreed with your insurance company and with the third-party’s insurance company is in writing.
Without an attorney, it is also vital that you ensure you have fully recovered from your car accident before negotiating a settlement. What you think to be minor tissue damage could become a permanent neck movement complication over time. Ensure that your doctor agrees with your diagnosis as fully recovered.
Once you have gathered all the relevant information, it is time to request fair compensation. Total the cost of your medical expenses, property damage, and lost income. This amount should then be multiplied by an amount that you think is relevant to your level of pain and suffering. There are many online calculators available to assist with this.
Unfortunately, insurance companies rarely accept an initial settlement demand. This is especially true without representation by an attorney. You will likely have to negotiate with the insurance company to reach an amount acceptable to both parties.
How Long After a Car Accident Could I Feel Pain?
Unfortunately, there is no simple answer to this question. The length of time you may be in pain for following a car accident depends on the type and severity of the injuries inflicted upon you.
It is possible that you may make a quick recovery, the pain level will be minimal during this process, and you may return to perfect health.
However, it is also possible that the recovery process will take a large amount of time and involve a considerable amount of pain. Some car accident victims, unfortunately, receive injuries that can cause them pain for the rest of their lives. This may be due to nerve damage or due to injuries which make any level of movement painful.
Thankfully, an attorney from The Law Place can ensure that you receive a level of compensation that is appropriate to the scale and duration of your pain. While we know that this will not make your life any easier to live, it can be helpful to have the funds to adapt your life to your new conditions. Contact an attorney at The Law Place today to see how much compensation your unique situation deserves.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident
Being involved in a car accident can be overwhelming, but taking the right steps immediately afterward can significantly impact the outcome of any potential legal or insurance claims. Here’s what you should do:
Ensure Safety and Report the Accident
First, ensure that you and any passengers are safe. Move to a secure location if possible without compromising the accident scene. Call 911 to report the accident, ensuring that police and emergency services are dispatched to the scene. A police report is a crucial document in car accident cases, as it provides an official record of the incident.
Document the Scene and Exchange Information
If you are able, take photographs of the accident scene, including all vehicles involved, any visible damages, road conditions, traffic signs, and injuries. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver but avoid discussing fault or details of the accident. Collect contact information from witnesses, as their statements could be vital to your car accident claim.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible after the accident. Some car accident injuries, such as whiplash or internal injuries, may not be immediately apparent. A medical professional can assess your condition and provide a report, which can be crucial for insurance claims and any legal action.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Inform your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. Provide them with the basic facts, but be cautious about making any statements that could be interpreted as an admission of fault. Remember, insurance adjusters are trained to minimize the company’s payouts.
Consult with Car Accident Attorneys
Before making any decisions or accepting any settlements, consult with experienced personal injury lawyers. An auto accident attorney can offer valuable advice on how to proceed, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you are adequately compensated for your injuries and other losses.
Keep Detailed Records
Start a file for your accident where you can keep all related documents, including the police report, medical records and bills, correspondence with insurance companies, and records of any other expenses incurred due to the accident. These documents will be important for your insurance claim and any legal actions.
Avoid Discussing the Accident on Social Media
Refrain from discussing the accident or your injuries on social media platforms. Insurance companies and the other driver’s legal team may monitor your online activity and could use your posts against you in your car accident case.
Follow Through with Medical Treatment
If you’ve sustained injuries, follow your doctor’s treatment plan and keep records of all appointments and treatments. Consistency in seeking and receiving medical treatment not only aids in your recovery but also strengthens your personal injury claim.
By following these steps, you can protect your health and legal rights after a car accident. Remember, the period immediately following an accident is critical for gathering evidence and establishing the groundwork for your car accident claim. Consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible can help ensure that you take the right steps toward recovery and compensation.
How Long Do You Have to Get a Lawyer After a Car Accident? FAQ
Is there a specific timeframe for hiring an attorney for car accident cases?
Following an accident you have just two years to make a claim, therefore it’s advisable to hire a car accident attorney as soon as possible following the incident. This ensures that your car accident claim is handled effectively from the start. Engaging experienced personal injury lawyers early can significantly impact the claims process, especially when dealing with insurance adjusters and the other driver’s insurance company.
Why should I hire a car accident attorney immediately after the accident?
Hiring an experienced personal injury attorney promptly after your accident ensures that your rights are protected throughout the claims process. An auto accident lawyer will help you navigate the complexities of insurance coverage and ensure that all necessary steps, such as filing a police report, are completed correctly. Additionally, immediate legal representation can prevent you from making statements that might undermine your car accident case.
Can I handle my car accident claim without an attorney if I’ve only suffered minor car crash injuries?
Even if you believe you’ve only sustained minor injuries, it’s wise to consult with an auto accident attorney. Some car accident injuries may not become apparent until days or weeks after the accident. An experienced personal injury attorney can advise you on the best course of action and help you understand the full scope of your rights and potential compensation, including aspects related to the motor vehicle accident that you might not have considered.
How does having an attorney impact the car accident settlement process?
Having personal injury attorneys represent you can significantly impact your insurance claim, especially if you have serious injuries. They have the experience and knowledge to accurately assess the value of your claim, negotiate with insurance companies, and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and other losses. They can also represent you in court if a satisfactory settlement cannot be reached.
What should I do if the other driver’s insurance company contacts me before I hire an attorney?
If the other driver’s insurance company contacts you, it’s important to refrain from providing detailed statements or accepting any settlement offers before consulting with an experienced personal injury lawyer. Insurance adjusters may attempt to minimize your compensation. An experienced attorney can handle communications with the insurance company to protect your interests.
Are there any benefits to hiring an attorney even if I plan to settle out of court?
Yes, there are several benefits to hiring an attorney, even if you anticipate an out-of-court settlement. An experienced attorney can provide a realistic assessment of your car accident settlement potential and negotiate aggressively on your behalf. They can also prepare your case for trial in the event that a fair settlement cannot be achieved, ensuring that you are always one step ahead.
How can I find the right attorney for my car accident case?
When considering car accident attorneys, you should seek someone who has a proven track record of success in similar cases and who is willing to provide a free initial consultation to discuss your case. This meeting can help you understand their approach and determine whether they are the right fit for your needs.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer at The Law Place Today
If you have been involved in a car accident, you could be entitled to compensation. An attorney from The Law Place can help you to maximize that compensation. This money can be used to cover all of the financial complications involved in your accident and to help you move on with your life as quickly and simply as possible.
Here at The Law Place, we have over 75 years of combined experience dealing with accident lawsuits. We know that you have a choice in legal representation, so we are 100% committed to going above and beyond the call of duty for every single one of our clients. Our lawyers have the knowledge, wisdom, and empathy to ensure you are treated with the knowledge, professionalism, and respect that you deserve.
All of our cases are no-obligation and no-win-no-fee, which means there is no risk present in seeking the compensation that you deserve for your injuries and their complications. We also offer a free consultation with a knowledgeable attorney 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you are interested, do not hesitate to contact us by phoning (941) 444-4444 today.
