Did you know that according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, there were 235,778 motor vehicle accidents in Florida in 2009? This means there are seven traffic deaths per day in the state.
And even more sobering is the fact that there were 2,563 fatalities.
If you have been involved in a car accident, the question always arises: do I need a Florida personal injury lawyer? The answer to this question depends on the circumstances surrounding the Florida car crash. If its a simple fender bender, probably not. If bodily harm or injury has been sustained, absolutely so. Because the moments after a car crash are so chaotic, err on the side of at least consulting a personal injury lawyer. A reputable Florida car accident lawyer can tell you whether or not you have a valid claim and will not waste your time if you do not.
When To Call A Florida Personal Injury Lawyer: Here are some guidelines for when you should hire a personal injury lawyer:
1. Serious injury resulting in broken bones, permanent injury and hospitalization are involved.
2. Someone was killed.
3. If alcohol or drugs are involved.
4. The question of who is at fault is questionable.
5. Inaccuracies in the police report make you the party at fault.
6. Technical, medical and legal issues are involved.
7. Insurance matters, like no PIP insurance that is required by Florida law, no insurance, no property damage liability or problems with the insurer itself arises.
Too often auto accident victims feel fine after an accident, but later realize an injury resulted that can be traced back to the auto accident. There is a four year statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim in Florida (only two years if medical malpractice is involved), so it is imperative all the paperwork and the deadlines be met.
Other circumstances in which you should contact a Florida personal injury lawyer after a car accident include:
1. The insurance company denies your claim.
2. You are facing medical bills and loss of wages exceeding the amount provided by the insurance company.
3. Your auto accident claim is valuable but proof of loss in intangible.
4. Liability is at issue.
5. Complicated facts and circumstances surround your Florida motor vehicle crash.
6. The injured party has slapped you with a lawsuit.
Determining legal responsibility in an auto accident is anything but open-and-shut. Determining legal responsibility in a Florida court of law requires careful accident reconstruction analysis, interviewing witnesses, determining the accuracy of a police report, and the ability to explain the often very technical findings of this analysis to a jury.
Most Florida personal injury attorneys offer a free consultation, so you have nothing to lose by visiting an attorney if you are at all unsure about negotiating your own settlement. Personal injury lawyers are aware of the nuances of the state laws, particularly when there are gray areas. A qualified car accident attorney can ensure you receive all the benefits and compensation you are entitled to
What A Florida Car Accident Attorney Can Do
A Florida accident claim lawyer can help injured parties obtain:
- Proper payment for medical attention
- Compensation for lost wages
- Payment for property damages
- Compensation for incidental expenses related to the accident and/or injury
- Compensation for pain and suffering.
Anyone involved in a car accident is likely to be confused, traumatized and unsure of what measures to take immediately afterward. Taking the right steps after A Florida car crash can mean the difference between adequate compensation from insurance companies or negligent parties or financial devastation due to the monetary losses and costs resulting from the accident.
