When To Hire A Personal Injury Lawyer After An Accident In Florida

The accident in Florida has thrown you into a new world of difficult questions. Personal injury lawyer: Is it the right time to hire one now?

Handling this choice is really difficult. You could be feeling pressure from insurance companies or even being totally unaware of your rights. Knowing when you need legal help is the most important thing.

JIMENEZ MAZZITELLI MORDES are everyday helpers like you. They take the legal steps out of the way and help you with the next steps. If you were seriously injured or if there is a dispute about the fault, you should think about getting a lawyer. Moreover, if the insurance company is not cooperating, a lawyer can help you.

Having a lawyer on your side is a guarantee that you will be treated fairly and that your compensation will be as high as possible. Don’t forget that timing is very important.

If you act fast, you will be able to keep the evidence, and your case will be stronger. It is almost certain that you will be successful if you act immediately.

Besides, you should always remember that information is power. Do not let the situation get the better of you. The doctors’ bills or the lost wages, and if you want to succeed, then you need the right guidance. After an accident, you are entitled to tranquility and ​‍​‌‍​‍‌justice.

In this article, I will talk about the following things:

• What is the Florida personal injury law?
• What should you do after an accident in Florida?
• When to hire a personal injury lawyer?
• Benefits and costs of hiring a lawyer in Florida for PI cases.

Therefore, if these are some of the things that you want to know, keep on reading this blog till the end…

Understanding Personal Injury Law In Florida

Florida​‍​‌‍​‍‌ laws are intricate and different in cases of personal injury. Knowing about the statute of limitations is very important.

It is a general rule in Florida that one has four years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. However, there are exceptions that could either extend or shorten this time. Comprehending these can have a great impact on your case.

The severity of your injuries should be the determining factor when deciding to employ a lawyer. Minor accidents may not require the assistance of a lawyer. On the contrary, serious injuries such as those that need surgery or long-term care usually do.

According to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, the state is witnessing a large number of accidents every year, a big portion of which end with severe injuries. In such situations, legal guidance is a good ​‍​‌‍​‍‌idea.

What Are The Steps To Take After An Accident In Florida?

Immediate actions after an accident can influence your case. Here are the steps you should follow:

• Seek medical attention, even for minor injuries.
• Document the accident scene with photos.
• Gather contact information of witnesses.
• Report the accident to your insurance company.
• Consider consulting a lawyer for advice.

When To Hire A Personal Injury Lawyer?

Knowing when to hire a personal injury lawyer involves assessing your situation. Consider seeking legal advice if:

• You suffered significant injuries.
• The fault is unclear or disputed.
• The insurance company is not cooperating.
• You are unsure about settlement offers.

Do I Have To Hire A PI Lawyer In Florida After An Accident?

It​‍​‌‍​‍‌ is not always necessary to hire a personal injury lawyer in Florida after a mishap. If the accident is minor, there is very little damage, and no one is hurt, then you can probably handle the claim on your own through the insurance companies.

Still, a lawyer is almost always needed in all other cases, and particularly if any of the following situations apply:

1. Serious Or Permanent Injuries:

If you are faced with a large medical bill, need medical treatment continuously, or have physical limitations or disfigurement that will last for a long time, then a lawyer can be instrumental in making sure that you receive the amount of money that is required for covering all your expenses not only now but also in the future.

2. Disputed Fault:

In the case of a dispute regarding who was at fault in the accident, a lawyer can collect evidence (e.g., police reports, witness statements, expert testimony, accident reconstruction) to show that the other party was negligent and to protect you from being overly blamed for the accident because of Florida’s comparative negligence system.

3. Insurance Company Issues:

Insurance adjusters are very good at their job —keeping payouts as low as possible. You should hire an attorney if an insurance company does the following things:

• Rejects your claim.
• Gives you a low settlement offer.
• Commits bad faith actions.

In such cases, an attorney is the person who can fight for your best interests and come to terms with a fair amount of compensation.

4. Complex Cases:

A lawyer’s skill is highly valuable in cases related to commercial vehicles, multiple parties at fault, uninsured/underinsured motorists, or wrongful death.

5. Significant Financial Losses:

A lawyer can do a thorough job of computing all your economic and non-economic damages (for example, pain and suffering) should you have considerable lost wages, diminished earning capacity, or even extensive destruction of your ​‍​‌‍​‍‌property.

Benefits Of Hiring A Lawyer

Having a lawyer can provide many benefits. They help gather necessary evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if needed. This support is essential in securing fair compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and medical expenses.

Scenario	Action
Minor injuries and clear fault	Consider handling on your own
Serious injuries or unclear fault	Hire a lawyer
Insurance disputes	Hire a lawyer
Unsure about the settlement	Consult a lawyer

How Much Does A Personal Injury Lawyer Cost In Florida?

Most​‍​‌‍​‍‌ personal injury lawyers in Florida operate on a contingency fee basis. That is, they only receive payment if they win the case, and their payment is a percentage of the settlement or award that has been agreed upon in advance.

The percentage will depend on various factors, such as the case’s complexity and the stage at which it is resolved. Additionally, it will typically be between 33% and 40%.

Moreover, an attorney will most likely offer a free first meeting to hear your side of the story and give you an idea regarding his/her fees.

1. Contingency Fee: It is the most frequent type of agreement. A lawyer’s payment comes as a fixed portion of the final settlement or award.

2. No Win, No Fee: You are not supposed to pay the lawyer for the time if the lawyer does not succeed in your case.

3. Percentage Range: The percentage may change, but usually, it is between 33% and 40%. For instance, if a case is settled earlier, the percentage could be lower (e.g., 33%). When it goes to trial, the percentage might be higher (e.g., 40%).

4. Case Expenses: You may need to pay for the costs of the case besides the legal fee, which can include charges for filing, expert witnesses, and obtaining medical records. Usually, these are paid from the settlement before the lawyer’s fee is determined.

5. Free Consultations: A first meeting with the lawyer will most commonly be free, in which the lawyer will hear your side of the story, and you will then decide if you want to employ the lawyer and learn about their fee structure ​‍​‌‍​‍‌beforehand.

Get Your Lawyer ASAP!

In Florida, determining whether to hire a personal injury lawyer may take some thought, but knowing what the signs are can help. Reaching out quickly when injuries are serious or communication with insurance becomes difficult allows everyone to move towards a fair resolution for what you’ve endured.

Legal professionals can guide you through some of the more difficult times in life in order to enable your focus on all aspects of recovery and medical treatment while legal professionals handle the legal work.

If you would like to further educate yourself about your rights as it related to personal injury in Florida, you may consider visiting the Florida Bar website. You will see and find useful information, along with resources you can use to educate yourself related to your rights and options.