If you’ve been involved in a car accident, it’s highly recommended to hire legal representation as soon as possible. The sooner you consult with a Florida personal injury lawyer , the more effectively they can guide you through the complex process of filing an insurance claim, answering your questions, and providing essential legal advice. Victims of car accidents have the right to seek justice and claim the compensation they deserve, and timely legal support can make a substantial difference.
At The Law Place, our car accident lawyers bring a combined 75 years of experience to every case, serving clients throughout Florida. Hiring an experienced personal injury attorney soon after your accident not only increases the likelihood of securing the maximum compensation but also allows you to focus on recovering from physical and emotional injuries.
Our attorneys handle all aspects of your case—from paperwork to claim filings—minimizing the stress often associated with Florida’s legal process. By seeking legal representation shortly after a car accident, you can improve your chances of a favorable outcome. Call us at (941) 444-4444 to schedule your free initial consultation with a member of our legal team.
Can I Wait to File a Claim After a Car Accident?
In 2023, Florida revised its statute of limitations for personal injury claims, impacting car accident cases. Under the new law, car accident victims now have only two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim, reducing the previous four-year window. This significant change emphasizes the importance of taking prompt action if you’re injured in an accident.
While two years may seem like sufficient time, there are key reasons why filing your claim soon after the accident is beneficial:
- Easier to Prove Causation – Filing soon after the accident makes it easier to prove that your injuries were directly caused by the incident, as medical records and other documentation will be more recent and detailed.
- Eyewitness Testimonies – Eyewitnesses are often more willing to give statements shortly after the accident, while memories are fresh. Waiting too long may result in hazy recollections or reluctance to participate.
- Time for Case Preparation – Building a strong case takes time. Filing promptly gives your lawyer the time they need to gather evidence, consult experts, and prepare a solid case well before the deadline.
Delaying action can significantly hurt your case, and waiting past the two-year mark will make you ineligible to receive any compensation. We highly recommend contacting one of our experienced personal injury attorneys soon after your accident to ensure your claim is handled effectively and within the required timeframe.
How Can a Personal Injury Lawyer Help Me After a Car Accident?
In many personal injury cases, hiring a qualified car accident lawyer in Tampa , FL, is the difference between receiving compensation and not. An attorney can ensure that the settlement that your insurance company has proposed is fair and reasonable and fight to ensure you get the highest amount of compensation possible for your claim.
Our personal injury lawyers at The Law Place offer the following services to our clients:
- Clearly explain the laws and legalities surrounding your specific case.
- Offer the best legal advice throughout the claims process.
- Investigate your claim to determine if it’s strong enough to go forward.
- Establish who was responsible for the accident.
- Lead negotiations with the insurance companies involved.
- Calculate the damages you may be entitled to claim.
- Represent the claimant in court if necessary.
We’re here to serve you. Our phones are open 24 hours a day. What Should I Do After Being Involved in a Car Accident?
Timeline of Actions After a Car Accident
What you do after a car accident can often determine how much compensation you can receive from your claim. The following steps give advice on what to do after being involved in a car accident:
- Contact the Police – After the crash, it’s important to stay at the scene of the accident and contact the police as well as paramedics if necessary. A police officer will carry out a quick investigation to determine what happened and write a police report.
- Seek Medical Care – Car accidents often result in those involved sustaining mild to severe injuries. Even if you feel fine after the crash, we highly recommend seeking medical attention. Some injuries are not always immediately apparent, and it can take days or weeks for symptoms to show. A doctor can perform a physical examination to check that you have no underlying injuries from your accident.
- Collect Evidence – If you don’t need immediate medical attention, try to collect as much evidence as possible from the scene of the accident. Take photographs of the vehicles involved in the crash, any skid marks on the road, and other evidence, including the general surroundings of where the accident took place. Take photographs of the injuries that the people in your vehicle have sustained and try to collect the contact details of any eyewitnesses.
- Take Notes About What Happened – Write down the details of the accident, including what caused it, the weather conditions at the time of the accident occurring, and any other information you may find important. Make a note of the pain you feel as well as any doctor’s visits you may have had.
- Hire a Lawyer – Hiring an attorney immediately after your accident can increase the likelihood of getting a higher amount of compensation. Your lawyer will make sure that your case is as strong as possible and help file your insurance claim.
- Request the Police Report – When possible, request a copy of the police report that was made on the day of the accident. This report will detail what happened in the accident, the location of the accident, and the parties involved. A police report can be used as evidence that the other driver was responsible for the accident.
We’re Florida’s top litigation team with over 75 years of combined experience What Not to Do After a Car Accident
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, it’s important to stay at the scene of the accident and not to admit fault or apologize to anyone for the accident occurring. Apologizing for the accident or leaving the scene before the police arrive could be used against you in the future as an admission of guilt.
Don’t sign any paperwork that your insurance provider gives you before your lawyer looks at it. By signing paperwork without your attorney’s approval, you may be agreeing to an unreasonably low settlement without realizing it. Be sure to consult your attorney before making contact with your insurance company.
We also highly recommend not speaking to the at-fault driver’s insurance company. An insurance adjuster may call and ask you to record a statement to explain what caused the accident. The other driver’s insurance company may seem friendly, but they are most likely hoping to find inconsistencies in your statement in order to dispute your claim. Therefore, we recommend our clients not speak to any insurance companies directly if they can help it.
From the initial call to updates on your case status, we are here to get you answers. Do I Have to File a Claim With My Insurance Company After a Car Accident?
Auto insurance companies can be notoriously difficult to handle when filing an insurance claim. Your insurance company will most likely try to deny or dispute your claim in order to avoid paying you a large settlement. Therefore, it’s recommended to hire a lawyer soon after your accident. A car accident lawyer can advise you on how to handle your insurance company and lead negotiations to ensure that you get a fair settlement.
Under Florida Statute 627.7407 , the State of Florida is a no-fault state. Therefore, claimants are required to file an insurance claim with their own insurance company in order to receive compensation. You may be able to file an additional claim with that other person’s insurance company if you find that the damages you have incurred exceed your insurance coverage limit.
In the case that your insurance company denies your claim, we highly recommend seeking legal counsel. Insurance adjusters may deny a claim for multiple reasons. For example, if the policyholder doesn’t provide enough evidence for their claim or the insurance provider believes the claimant is exaggerating their injuries, they may dispute your claim. If this is the case, call our law firm today for a free consultation. Our car accident attorneys have ample experience dealing with insurance companies, so we know how to ensure that your case can’t be denied.
Determining Liability in a Car Accident
In order to receive compensation after a car crash, it’s essential to determine who was liable for the accident. For example, if it is proven that the other driver was using their cell phone just before the accident occurred, then this can be used to prove the driver’s negligence, and therefore, they may be held responsible for the collision. An experienced car accident attorney can establish who was at fault in your accident by collecting evidence such as CCTV or dashcam footage.
In order to establish negligence, a car accident lawyer must prove the following:
- The driver owed the claimant a duty of care.
- The at-fault driver breached the duty of care.
- The breach of the duty of care caused the claimant to sustain injuries.
- The claimant incurred economic and/or non-economic damages as a result.
In Florida, liability is calculated based on the state’s comparative fault laws as per Florida Statute 768.81. The state allows more than one person to be held liable for an accident if it can be proven. If a person is found to be partially responsible for an accident, then their final settlement may be reduced. For example, imagine you were speeding before the collision occurred and were found to be 40% responsible for the accident. If you are then awarded $50,000, the settlement will be reduced by 40%, so your final settlement will be worth $30,000.
Insurance companies tend to use comparative fault laws in order to reduce the settlement that they have to pay out to their client. If you’re concerned about dealing with your insurance company, you should contact The Law Place today. One of our car accident lawyers will review your claim in addition to your own insurance policy to determine how much a fair settlement will be for your case.
Damages You May Be Entitled to Claim After a Car Accident
It’s no secret that car accidents often leave the victims in debt, and the bills that usually follow an accident can be very concerning for many of Florida’s citizens. When examining your car accident claim, your attorney can calculate how much money you could receive to cover the expenses you have incurred.
Damages that you may be eligible to claim after a car accident include:
- Medical Bills – Now more than ever, receiving medical treatment to treat car accident injuries can be extremely costly. Serious injuries often require medical treatment, including surgery and physical therapy that can make medical bills particularly expensive. A lawyer will review your medical records in order to calculate how much you may be able to claim for past, present, and even future medical expenses.
- Lost Wages – Being left with large debts after an accident can cause huge amounts of stress, especially when the individual is unable to work due to an injury. By reviewing your payslips, tax returns, and bank statements, an attorney can calculate how much you may be owed in lost wages.
- Property Damage – If your property has been damaged during the car crash, you can claim compensation to cover repair or replacement costs. Property including motor vehicles and cell phones can be especially costly to repair, so seeking compensation to cover these expenses is often very necessary.
- Pain and Suffering – Pain and suffering is a legal term for damages awarded to compensate victims suffering from physical pain and emotional anguish. The total worth of a pain and suffering claim depends greatly on the evidence available to prove the damages. A lawyer will collect medical records and gather expert testimonies to act as evidence for the pain and suffering you may have suffered after your accident.
- Wrongful Death – Losing a loved one in a car accident is devastating. Dealing with the funeral costs and other debts after the person’s death can be extremely difficult, especially during the mourning period. Your attorney can help you make a claim for the damages incurred so that you can cover the costs of the accident and mourn in peace. As per Florida Statute 768.21, a family member can claim for the loss of support and services from the date of the decedent’s death.
We know how to file personal injury claims quickly and efficiently so that you can receive the compensation that you may be entitled to as soon as possible. If you’re looking for an experienced attorney to provide legal counsel, guidance, and support after a car accident, call The Law Place today. Our legal team can inform you of your legal rights and ensure you receive fair compensation for the damages you have incurred.
How Much Will a Car Accident Lawyer Cost?
Before you hire an attorney, it’s important to know how much hiring their legal services will cost. At The Law Place, we work on a contingency fee basis as monitored by The State Bar Association, which means you won’t have to pay for our services if we don’t manage to win your case. If we do win your case, you will only have to pay a percentage of the final settlement that we win for you.
At our law firm, we offer our clients a free consultation before they decide to hire us to take on their case. Deciding to seek compensation can sometimes be daunting, which is why it’s important to have full confidence in your legal representatives. During your free consultation, you’ll be given the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about your accident or about how we work at The Law Place. We’ll go through all your legal options with you and explain the laws and legalities of your case so that you feel confident in filing your claim.
Attorneys at The Law Place
At The Law Place, our personal injury team combines legal skill and deep empathy to support clients through challenging times. Attorney David Haenel brings years of experience in personal injury law, known for his tenacious approach to securing maximum compensation for clients.
Attorney Darren Finebloom is another key member of our team. With a perfect AVVO rating of 10.0 and recognition from Super Lawyers, Darren has built a reputation for his client-focused approach and successful track record in both personal injury and wrongful death claims. His dedication to justice, coupled with his years of experience in Florida’s courts, means our clients receive dedicated, high-quality representation.
At The Law Place, we’re committed to fighting for your rights and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. Our team is here to support you every step of the way.
Resources for Hiring an Attorney After a Car Accident in Florida
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Florida, here are some resources that can help you understand your rights, assess your options, and decide if legal representation is right for you:
- The Law Place – Offers a free consultation with experienced car accident attorneys who can explain your options, discuss potential compensation, and guide you through the claims process.
- Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) – Provides information on accident reporting, driver’s rights, and steps to take following a car accident in Florida.
- Florida Statutes – Motor Vehicle Laws – Review Florida’s traffic and motor vehicle laws, including those related to accidents, insurance, and liability, to better understand your rights and obligations.
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) – Provides data and resources on road safety, accident prevention, and the impact of legal representation on accident claims.
- Florida Justice Association – Access educational resources on personal injury cases, learn more about the claims process, and understand how personal injury laws apply to Florida car accidents.
These resources can assist in making informed decisions about hiring legal representation, understanding Florida’s accident laws, and protecting your rights after an accident.
When Should You Hire an Attorney After a Car Accident? FAQ
Is it necessary to hire a car accident attorney immediately after an auto accident?
Although you are within your rights to persue a claim without an attorney, it’s highly recommended to hire a car accident attorney as soon as possible after an auto accident. Early representation allows your attorney to gather critical evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and photographic evidence from the scene. Acting quickly also ensures that your legal rights are protected and helps prevent costly delays in the claims process.
Do I need an attorney if I’m considering a personal injury lawsuit?
If you’re considering filing a personal injury lawsuit, having an experienced attorney is essential. Most personal injury lawyers are skilled at negotiating with insurance companies to secure settlements outside of court, reducing the likelihood of going to trial. However, if negotiations fail, your attorney will be prepared to represent you in court to seek fair compensation.
Should I wait until I’ve completed medical treatment to hire a car accident attorney?
No, you should hire an attorney as soon as possible, even if you are still undergoing medical treatment. An attorney can help ensure your medical costs are accounted for in your claim and work with medical experts to project future expenses, which strengthens your case. Delaying could harm your ability to collect necessary evidence and receive timely compensation.
What if the motor vehicle accident was minor? Do I still need an attorney?
Even minor accidents can lead to hidden injuries, property damage, and unexpected medical costs. Consulting with an attorney after any motor vehicle accident is wise, as they can assess whether you have a valid claim. An attorney can help determine if the other driver’s negligence caused the accident and if you’re entitled to compensation, even if the damage seems minimal.
Do personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis?
Yes, most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they don’t charge fees upfront. Instead, they are paid a percentage of the settlement or court award if they win your case. This allows you to seek legal representation without worrying about immediate legal costs.
How soon should I seek medical treatment after an auto accident?
It’s crucial to seek medical treatment as soon as possible after an auto accident, even if you feel fine. Some injuries, such as whiplash or internal damage, may not show symptoms immediately. Getting prompt medical attention creates a record of your injuries and strengthens your claim, making it harder for insurance companies to argue that your injuries aren’t related to the accident.
Will hiring an attorney help if the accident involved disputed fault?
Absolutely. If fault is disputed in your accident, an auto accident attorney can gather evidence, interview witnesses, and consult accident reconstruction experts to build a strong case on your behalf. When the accident involved disputed fault, an attorney’s expertise in proving the other driver’s negligence can be instrumental in obtaining a fair settlement.
Can a lawyer assist in wrongful death claims following a fatal car accident?
Yes, personal injury attorneys can help families file a wrongful death claim if a loved one died due to another driver’s negligence. An attorney can handle the legal complexities of a wrongful death claim, helping the family secure compensation for medical costs, funeral expenses, lost income, and emotional suffering.
How important are police reports in car accident claims?
Police reports are often vital in car accident claims as they provide an unbiased account of the incident, document injuries, and outline preliminary fault. An attorney will use the police report to strengthen your case and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.
What if my injuries worsen over time? Can an attorney help with ongoing medical costs?
Yes, an attorney can help account for future medical costs when filing your claim. Personal injury lawyers are experienced in working with medical experts to assess ongoing needs, ensuring that any settlement you receive reflects potential future expenses for conditions that may worsen.
Speak to an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer Today
If you’ve been involved in a car accident and are seeking compensation, it’s highly recommended that you hire legal representation as soon as possible. You have the right to hire an attorney to take on your case at any time before the 2-year deadline. However, waiting too long to file a claim can be detrimental to the final settlement that you may be entitled to. Many accident victims are unable to pay off the debts and other expenses that usually follow car accidents, such as medical bills and lost wages which is why seeking compensation quickly and efficiently is essential.
During your free consultation, you’ll receive invaluable legal advice and support so that you’re fully aware of the next steps in the legal process. Our team of lawyers isn’t afraid to take on insurance companies, and we won’t hesitate to represent you in court if necessary. We recognize how important an attorney having the right expertise and experience is when taking on a car accident case. Most of our lawyers have the highest AVVO rating of 10.0 and are fully qualified to take on your case.
Our phone lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so you can contact us whenever you want. If we believe you’re entitled to compensation after your car accident, then we won’t stop until we win it for you. Call us at (941) 444-4444 to schedule your free case evaluation with one of our lawyers today.
