Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reported almost 391,000 crashes in 2022, injuring nearly 250,000 people and killing over 3,400. If you were involved in a vehicle crash, you’d need to file a car accident claim. To avoid the hassle involved, consider hiring an auto accident attorney.
An experienced car accident lawyer in your area familiar with your local court system can make all the difference because they have in-depth knowledge of how car accident claims work. They can handle your case so you can focus on your physical recovery.
How Do Car Accident Lawyers Help?
You’ll benefit from hiring an experienced car accident attorney unless your vehicle only has minor damage. Car accident victims, especially those who sustained injuries, often don’t know the legal process for personal injury claims or how to obtain fair compensation through insurance claims.
An attorney focusing on personal injury law can handle your claim successfully. First, most offer a free consultation to assess your car accident and injuries. When you hire a good attorney, they typically:
- Explain your legal options
- Help you file your insurance claim or legal action
- Investigate your accident to gather evidence against the at-fault party
- Speak to insurance company representatives on your behalf
- Negotiate a reasonable settlement offer with the liable insurance provider or file a civil lawsuit if necessary
An experienced lawyer will protect your legal rights. Many personal injury law firms use a contingency fee. That means you won’t have any initial out-of-pocket expenses and usually won’t owe fees until you receive compensation.
Won’t an Insurance Company Pay Without a Car Accident Lawyer?
You can file a car accident claim on your own. However, people with legal representation typically receive more compensation than those without legal counsel.
When drivers buy car insurance, the carrier agrees to pay eligible claims against the insurance policy. If the other driver caused your car accident, their insurance company should compensate you for your damages. Unfortunately, insurance companies only want to pay the bare minimum.
Insurance companies may try assigning more fault than you bear, and they often use other underhanded tactics to attempt to reduce what they pay. A good lawyer knows the legal issues and how to negotiate until you have a successfully resolved legal case.
Most claims settle out of court, but your attorney may recommend filing a civil lawsuit if liable insurance companies don’t cooperate.
What Damages Are Available?
All motor vehicle accidents are different, and accident insurance claims vary accordingly. Florida uses comparative fault to determine whether you can seek damages and how much compensation you might obtain. Your auto accident lawyer will tell you what you’re eligible to receive.
Economic Damages
Car accidents often result in injured victims owing immense monetary sums. You may obtain damages for:
- Lost wages
- Car repairs and other property damage
- Medical bills and other qualifying medical expenses
- Specific replacement services
Keep your receipts for appropriate reimbursement.
Non-Economic Damages
Physical injuries are usually visible, but accident victims often have other types of wounds. You might receive compensation for things like:
- Mental distress
- Pain and suffering
- Diminished quality of life
Car accidents can cause significant injuries with lifelong repercussions, and victims deserve compensation. Your attorney will use your medical records and other evidence to substantiate your claim.
Punitive Damages
Few personal injury cases are eligible for punitive damages. The at-fault driver must have exhibited gross negligence or intentional misconduct for you to qualify.
Do You Need a Personal Injury Attorney?
1800 Ask Gary is a free helpline that will help you find an experienced attorney in your area who knows car accident law to assist with your claim. We can also ensure you find a physician who can give you appropriate medical attention.
Car accidents happen at all hours, so we’re available 24/7. Use our online contact form or call 1-800-ASK-GARY, 1-800-275-4279.