Insurance companies begin working on claims quickly after a car accident to minimize their financial exposure. This can include trying to shift the blame of the accident to you or other drivers involved in a crash.
Speaking with an experienced Fort Lauderdale car accident attorney at Cecere Santana before talking with the insurance company can help ensure your legal rights are protected and that you receive appropriate compensation for damages.
Do I Need an Attorney for My Car Crash?
Speaking with a personal injury attorney immediately after an accident is always a good idea.
A lawyer can advise you of your legal rights and provide helpful step by step guidelines on how to preserve your claim and obtain the maximum settlement, such as taking pictures at the accident scene and obtaining the names of any potential witnesses.
Low Settlement Offer
The primary focus of an insurance company is to bring in more money than they payout. As a result, the insurance company will often make a low-ball offer within a few days of an accident and request that you sign documents releasing you of any future claims.
It’s critical that you don’t agree to a settlement before talking with a lawyer experienced in handling these types of cases.
Negligence by a Governmental Agency
Collecting injury damages from a government agency is more complicated than other car accidents involving negligence. If a government employee is involved in a crash, there may be limits on the amount of compensation available, even if the accident was entirely the government employee’s fault.
While challenging, a Fort Lauderdale, Florida attorney with experience handling car accident claims involving government agencies, can determine what steps are necessary to achieve the best possible outcome.
Significant Damage
If your car was significantly damaged or totaled and you have suffered injuries, calling an attorney can help protect your legal rights.
Personal Injury Attorneys have the resources and expertise to research all aspects of your case. They understand the significance of the details in the police report and hire specialists, such as an accident reconstructionist, to prove your case.
If your claim becomes a lawsuit, a car crash attorney can be your champion in court, advocating for a positive resolution to your case.
Death of a Loved One
If you lost a loved one in a car crash caused by another driver’s recklessness or negligence, you might obtain compensation through a wrongful death claim. For a successful lawsuit, you must show that the at-fault driver demonstrated reckless or negligent behavior. Examples of behavior that fit this situation include:
- Speeding
- Failing to yield
- Running a stop sign or red light
- Driving without a license
- Drunk driving
- Distracted driving
Drivers owe a duty of care to those they share the road with, whether it’s other motorists, pedestrians, or cyclists. Anyone who fails to follow traffic safety laws may be held liable for their actions.
Severe, Permanent Injuries
Catastrophic injuries often require multiple surgeries, hospitalizations, and modifications to home and car. This is in addition to lost wages and other costs related to a permanent disability. These expenses can be astronomical throughout a lifetime. An attorney can negotiate with the insurance company and the liable party’s attorney to obtain a settlement that can help you pay for the care and treatment you need now and in the future.
Is it Worth Getting an Attorney for a Car Accident?
In the days following an accident, it’s nearly impossible to understand the accident’s long-term costs, from car repairs to injuries. It can take several days or weeks for the full extent of the damage to be determined.
A car accident lawyer can help you assess potential future medical expenses and other damages..
Calculate Damages
An experienced car accident attorney understands how to account for non-economic and economic damages related to your accident. The attorney understands the types of financial liabilities you can expect and may be able to minimize or avoid out-of-pocket costs resulting from a crash that was someone else’s fault. This can include expenses relating to rental cars and repairing or replacing your vehicle, as well as lost wages and medical bills.
Negotiate with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies can be tricky. They may offer a settlement before you understand the extent of damages or deny your claim altogether. An insurance adjuster may visit you in the hospital, asking questions about the crash. You may find out later that this was considered an official statement, which negatively impacted your claim.
Having legal representation from the beginning can take some of the burdens off you by negotiating with the insurance company and letting you focus on healing.
Representation in Court
Although many car wreck claims are settled out of court, sometimes a personal injury lawsuit is the only way to receive reasonable compensation for damages. In these cases, having an attorney with personal injury trial experience is critical to building a solid case. In addition to hospitalization and doctor’s expenses, you could recover damages for things such as:
- Disfigurement
- Disability
- Awards for physical and emotional pain and suffering
- Lost future earning capacity
- Household help
- Costs for mobility devices and medical accessories
- Awards for the loss of life enjoyment
A personal injury attorney can evaluate your case thoroughly. Depending on your claim’s unique circumstances and the extent of the damage, you could receive compensation for reasons beyond those listed above.
Should I Get a Lawyer for a Minor Car Accident?
Suppose you were in a minor accident that involved being rear-ended, sideswiped, or other small fender benders. In that case, you may wonder if it’s worth hiring a Fort Lauderdale, Florida car accident lawyer.
It is always beneficial to speak to an experienced personal injury attorney and the initial consultation is free.
How Much Money Should I Expect for Pain and Suffering From an Auto Accident?
Generally, the more hurt you are in an accident, the higher compensation you will receive. It is critical to speak to an experienced personal injury attorney regarding your case to obtain a claim evaluation.
If you were injured in a car crash caused by another driver’s negligence, contact the Fort Lauderdale, Florida personal injury attorneys at Cecere Santana for a free consultation today. Our team can discuss the details of your case on the phone, at your home, or via video conference to determine the best course of action. We can take care of the details while you focus on recovering.
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