Florida Personal Injury FAQs
If you were hurt in an accident due to the negligent, or careless, actions of another person, you likely have a lot of questions. Our Florida personal injury lawyers know this because we have heard so many of these questions over the years. Below are some of the most common Florida personal injury FAQs, and the answers to them.
How Can I Afford a Personal Injury Lawyer?
Many people do not get the legal help they need with their accident case because they do not think they can afford a lawyer. Truthfully, you likely cannot afford to take on your accident case alone. Most Florida personal injury lawyers do not charge a fee unless you win your case. If you lose, you pay nothing and if you win, you only have to pay a small percentage of any damages awarded. A Florida personal injury lawyer can also help you secure three times the amount of damages than you would on your own.
Most Florida personal injury lawyers also do not charge a fee for the first initial consultation where they review your case. So, it costs you nothing to schedule a meeting with a lawyer to learn more about your case and your legal options.
How Can I Pay My Medical Expenses Before Receiving a Settlement?
Every personal injury case is different. While some are settled within weeks of the accident, others take years before a settlement is awarded. Generally, the worse your injuries are, the longer your case will take to settle. Still, you will incur high medical bills until you receive that settlement and will likely wonder how to pay them. Fortunately, Florida is a no-fault auto insurance state, which means you can first exhaust any benefits available to you under your own insurance policy. If your injuries exceed that insurance minimum, you can also apply for short-term disability benefits through your employer.
Is There a Time Limit on My Claim?
Yes. The statute of limitations, or time limit, in Florida is four years from the date the accident occurred. Unless your case falls into one of the rare exceptions, if you do not file before this time limit expires, you will lose your right to claim any damages at all.
Can I Claim Compensation if Florida is a No-Fault State?
Due to Florida’s no-fault auto insurance laws, many people think they cannot claim compensation after a car accident. That is not true. Your first option after a crash is to claim personal injury protection (PIP) benefits from your own insurance policy. Those benefits will only cover you up to $10,000 though, so you will need more compensation if your injuries are serious. If you exceed your policy’s PIP limits, you can file a claim against the negligent driver to recover the remaining compensation you need.
Will I Have to Go to Court?
The vast majority of personal injury cases settle out of court in Florida. Still, it is important to work with a Florida personal injury lawyer. A lawyer will negotiate with the insurance company and at-fault party to help you recover a fair settlement. You should also only work with a lawyer that has trial experience, in the rare instance that your case requires it.
Do I have a Case if My Injuries are Not Serious?
Even if you do not think you are injured, it is important to seek medical attention. The adrenaline rush you experience after an accident can hide certain injury symptoms. Sometimes, an injury may not show any symptoms at all. You must see a doctor that can examine you for certain injuries to protect your own safety and well-being. Also, if you do not see a doctor after an accident, the insurance company will likely argue that you were not injured.
What Should I Say if the Liable Party’s Insurance Company Contacts Me?
It is important that you do not speak to the other party’s insurance company if they reach out. Instead, direct them to your personal injury lawyer. Insurance companies will contact you soon after an accident so they can record statements, take your words out of context, and potentially even try to gain access to your medical records. It is crucial that you do not allow them to do this, as it could hurt your case. If you are working with a lawyer, they will ensure you do not say anything that could be used against you and that you do not sign your rights away.
How Much is My Case Worth?
One of the most common questions our personal injury lawyers hear is how much a certain case is worth. Without fully reviewing the facts of your case, it is impossible to determine how much you can receive in damages. The value of your case will depend on the severity of your injuries, your own degree of fault for the accident, and more.
How Long Will My Personal Injury Case Take?
No one wants a personal injury case to drag on for months, or even years. Unfortunately, sometimes that happens. Like the value of your case, the length of time your personal injury case will take is dependent on the facts of your case. The more severe your accident was, and the more parties that are involved, the longer your case will take. Whether your case ends in a settlement or trial will also affect the amount of time your case takes to close. After reviewing your case, a personal injury lawyer can provide you with a general timeline you can expect from your claim.
Our Personal Injury Lawyers in Florida Can Answer Your Questions
While the above are some of the most common Florida personal injury FAQs our Florida personal injury lawyers hear, we know you have so many more. At Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith, PLLC, our skilled attorneys will listen to all of your questions and provide the answers you need. Call us today at 561-472-8165 or contact us online to schedule a free case evaluation.
