According to rankings based on livability criteria such as living standards, schooling, nightlife, diversity, things to do, etc., Gainesville is considered one of the finest places to live in Florida. However, vehicle accidents may occur anyplace, whether in the parking lot of your neighborhood supermarket or on a busy freeway. Yet, fatalities are more likely to occur near crossroads or on busy routes. Should you always seek legal representation after a car accident? Having an experienced personal injury attorney by your side can make navigating this challenging event much less stressful. Here is why you should consider hiring an attorney after a car accident.
Understanding Your Rights
Florida is a no-fault state, which means drivers primarily receive coverage through their own policy through personal injury protection coverage. An attorney can answer questions about how much your policy will cover your medical bills, property damages, and other losses.
Numerous experienced car accident lawyers in Gainesville, FL, tell us many clients might be unaware of their rights after a car accident.
In some cases, the injuries are extensive enough to justify a liability claim against the party responsible for the accident. Your personal injury lawyer can advise whether your injuries meet this threshold.
Gathering Evidence
When filing an insurance or liability claim, you`ll need to establish proof of what happened and how the accident affected you.
Gathering evidence can be complex, especially if the accident had consequences like lost wages or a reduced quality of life.
An experienced lawyer can gather supporting evidence on your behalf, including medical records, the police report, bills, car repair expenses, lost wages, and more. They can also obtain testimonies from witnesses.
Negotiating With Your Insurance Company
One of the things a personal injury attorney can help with is filing a claim with your insurer and negotiating a payout.
In Florida, PIP coverage covers payouts for up to 80% of your medical bills, but this percentage can be lower if your injuries don`t require emergency treatment. Your insurer will cover up to 60% of your lost wages, but not all policies include a lost wage clause.
Your lawyer can help establish the accident’s severity and prove that you deserve higher compensation than what the insurer is offering. If your insurer denies your claim, your lawyer can appeal this decision.
Filing a Liability Claim
Did you know that law enforcement issued over 330 DUIs in Alachua County in 2022? If an accident involves reckless practices like drunk driving, speeding, or distracted driving, you can file a liability claim against the driver who caused the accident.
Filing a liability claim can be complex since you must prove the other person is at-fault. You`ll also have to prove that they breached their duty of care by engaging in unsafe behavior.
Lastly, you`ll have to prove the extent of the injuries or damages that resulted from the accident.
Hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer is crucial if you file a liability claim. An attorney can help you determine if your case qualifies for a liability claim. They can also gather evidence, file a claim with the other driver`s insurance company, and negotiate a settlement on your behalf.
Representing You in Court
There are two situations where your case might go to court. If another driver caused an accident due to their dangerous and irresponsible behavior, you could file a civil lawsuit against them. It`s a step you can take if their insurance company isn`t offering a fair settlement.
You might also have to go to court if your own insurer is denying your claim or won`t cover all the damages.
Hiring a lawyer with a successful track record is critical if your case goes to court. Your lawyer will help you navigate this complex legal process and will do everything in their power to convince the judge or jury that you deserve fair compensation.
Wrap Up
Contacting a personal injury attorney is one of the first things you can do after a car accident. Having an experienced legal representative by your side will make this experience less stressful. You can count on your personal injury lawyer to help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
