Why Should I Hire A Personal Injury Lawyer After A Car Accident In Florida?

If you’ve sustained injuries in a car accident due to the negligence of another person, you may be hesitant to hire a personal injury lawyer.

You’re not alone.

Many drivers fear that after paying the attorney’s fees they are going to end up with a smaller insurance payout. Others believe their injuries are just too insignificant to even justify hiring a lawyer, and then there are those who are simply intimidated by the whole process.

The truth, however, is quite the opposite. In fact, one study reports that claimants who chose to hire an attorney received on average three and a half times more compensation than those who tried to settle the claim on their own. Plus, you should keep in mind that some injuries can show up weeks or even months after the accident occurred.

Many clients don’t initially consult a lawyer because they believe that insurance companies will offer them a fair compensation that will adequately cover things like medical treatment, lost work, and auto repairs. But it’s a well-documented fact that insurance companies are not working in your best interest. They are out there to maximize profits often at the expense of the very people they’re supposed to be helping.

So if you’ve been injured in a car accident, especially in the state of Florida, you should resist the urge to just contact the insurance company yourself to get your claim started. You really need someone on your side who knows the system and who will work on your behalf to help you get the compensation you deserve.

3 Undeniable Reasons To Hire A Personal Injury Lawyer After An Auto Accident

A lot of people don’t realize they have options in the wake of an accident. Aside from getting a bigger payout and protecting yourself in the event of future medical issues, there are three very good reasons to hire a lawyer as soon as you can.

1. A lawyer knows The Insurance Company’s Tactics

There are many rather sophisticated tactics that insurance companies routinely use to pay the lowest claim possible. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) compiles an annual list of the most common complaints consumers have about their insurance providers. The top three reasons for consumer complaints involving the handling of claims in 2019 were

• Significant processing delays (19%),
• Denial of claim (14%), and
• Inadequate settlement or offer (11.7%).

2. A lawyer knows How To Build A Case And Fight For It

In the state of Florida, you don’t just need a qualified personal injury lawyer: you need an experienced and knowledgeable professional who has spent several years working with in-state insurance claims.

Let me explain why.

The state of Florida has a no-fault insurance system that can make it extremely difficult to secure adequate compensation after an accident. According to the no-fault system, if you suffer from a “minor” injury, then your right to sue for the full amount of your damages is basically taken away. Only accidents with serious injuries can lead to a lawsuit in court — that is, as long as certain conditions are met.

Any dispute involving minor injuries must be resolved directly with your insurance company regardless of who was at fault. This means you have a lot less leverage to get the compensation you deserve.

Experienced personal injury lawyers are not only well-versed in the tactics insurance companies use to keep payouts as low as possible, as mentioned above. They also have access to a range of data and advanced technologies, such as software for accident reconstructions, and are aware of recent settlement values. All of this helps them assess claims. They are thus in the best position to put the maximum pressure on insurance companies to pay up.

3. Peace Of Mind

This last benefit is really priceless. After being injured in a car accident, your attention should be on your recovery and any other fallout of the incident.

Personal injury claims are tough and stressful, involving a significant amount of documentation and back and forth over email and on the phone. When you hire an experienced personal injury lawyer, what you are really doing is gaining an advocate who will help you make critical decisions, fight and negotiate on your behalf, and handle all the difficult grunt work. You also want someone who will take the time to explain your options and the processes they entail so you understand why it may be better to wait it out for a few months instead of taking that seemingly good settlement now.

In the end, you’ll have less worry and less stress. Plus, you’ll be in the best position to get the compensation you truly deserve.

When looking for a personal injury law firm, make sure you choose someone who knows what they’re doing and has your best interest in mind. Contact us at The Law Office of Michael D. Barber for a free consultation today.

Disclaimer

The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.