What Does a Florida Car Accident Lawyer Do?

Car accidents cause more than just physical pain; they can leave victims in Florida with mounting medical bills, an inability to return to work, and a long list of questions. While insurance companies may initially reach out quickly, navigating the claims process can be overwhelming and stressful, undoubtedly so when you’re trying to recover.

It is in circumstances like these when hiring a Florida car accident attorney can prove remarkably beneficial, but what do car accident attorneys do, exactly?

A Florida car accident lawyer will review your case, offer expert legal guidance, investigate the crash, determine fault, prove liability, manage communications with insurance companies, build a strong claim, file a lawsuit, handle negotiations, and litigate in court on your behalf if necessary.

In short, they take care of all the legal details and focus on recovering maximum compensation for your injuries so that you can focus on healing.

As you’ll find out, their role is often broader than most initially assume. The right lawyer will be your strongest advocate, handling legal work, communicating with the insurance companies, and helping you get the compensation you need after a car crash.

Case Review and Initial Guidance

Typically, the first thing a car accident lawyer will do is review all of the facts regarding your situation, asking you questions such as the following:

• Where and when did the accident happen?
• Were you injured?
• Did you file a police or accident report?
• Were there any witnesses at the scene?
• Have you spoken to your insurance company?

These inquiries will help assess whether you have a valid claim or not. Your first meeting with an attorney also gives you a chance to ask questions that will help you understand your rights. Many lawyers offer initial consultations for free, which allows victims to explore their options without feeling pressured into taking any kind of action.

Explain Your Rights and Legal Options

Many people, understandably, don’t know much about personal injury law, which means it’s easy for most to feel overwhelmed after being injured in an accident. The right attorney can help explain how state laws might apply to your case and what your best options are moving forward.

They also can walk you through what to expect in the upcoming weeks and months, from insurance negotiations to how long you have to file a lawsuit under the statute of limitations. Having that kind of knowledge early on in the legal process can help you make informed decisions.

Investigate the Crash

Trying to determine who is at fault in a crash is not always a straightforward endeavor. Even if a police report seems clear, insurance companies will often conduct their own investigations that, in turn, lead them to different conclusions.

Car accident lawyers will dig deeper by gathering and examining evidence that includes the following:

• Crash scene photos and videos
• Police or accident reports
• Medical records
• Surveillance or traffic camera footage
• Eyewitness statements
• Vehicle black box data

In some cases, expert witnesses may be called upon to clarify how an accident happened or explain the extent of your injuries.

Determine Fault and Liability

Once they’ve examined all the facts, your lawyer will work directly on determining fault. Their efforts will involve showing that another person acted in a negligent way, such as by running a red light, texting while driving, or following too closely behind your vehicle.

In the state of Florida, it is possible for multiple parties to share fault in an accident. Your lawyer will look at every possibility, including whether a business, vehicle manufacturer, or even a government agency may have partial responsibility for your crash; identifying all liable parties is essential to improving your chances of getting the compensation you need and deserve.

Communicate With Insurance Companies

Dealing with insurance adjusters can be one of the most difficult and overly frustrating parts of a car accident. They may ask for statements, request access to your medical records, or try to offer a settlement that doesn’t come close to meeting your needs or covering all of your losses.

Your personal injury attorney will handle these conversations on your behalf, protecting you from any tactics that could weaken your claim. When settlement offers are too low, your lawyer will push back and negotiate for a more accurate amount based on your injuries.

Help Document Your Losses

Building a strong claim also requires proof of your financial and personal losses. Your attorney can help you gather the right information that ensures you cover all your bases. These documents include the following:

• Medical bills
• Pay stubs for car repairs
• Estimates for car repairs
• Out-of-pocket costs for travel, medications, or home care
• Notes from your doctor about long-term recovery

Lawyers can also help establish non-economic losses, such as pain and suffering or a loss of enjoyment of life. These are often harder to quantify, but they are just as important and real as something like your medical costs.

Estimate the Value of Your Claim

Sometimes, it can be difficult to know how much a car accident claim could be worth. Certain losses, like car repair bills, are relatively straightforward, while others, like future medical costs or changes in your ability to earn a living, may require professional analysis.

Your lawyer will look at the big picture, taking the following into account:

• The severity of your injuries
• The costs of ongoing treatment or rehabilitation
• How the accident has impacted your job
• Whether you’ll need help with daily tasks in the future
• The emotional toll the accident has had on your life

Determining these factors will help your lawyer arrive at a reasonable settlement goal, one that reflects both your current needs and any that may become necessary later on.

Handle Legal Deadlines and Paperwork

Car accident claims are more than just phone calls and emails to insurance companies; there’s a substantial amount of paperwork involved as well. From insurance forms to medical authorizations to court filings, staying on top of all of these tasks can be time-consuming and stressful, to say the least.

But just as with the many other parts of your claim, your attorney will manage all of them. They’ll ensure all of your documents are filed correctly, on time, and in compliance with any state laws.

File a Lawsuit If Needed

Most cases settle long before a trial becomes necessary, but it’s important to recognize that there are instances where filing a lawsuit may be the only way to move forward. These are especially common when insurance companies deny claims or refuse to offer fair settlement offers.

If your case does go to court, your lawyer will do the following:

• Draft and file the legal complaint
• Participate in discovery (the evidence exchange phase)
• Take depositions from witnesses or experts
• Argue motions before a judge
• Present your case at trial, if necessary

Going to court is never easy, but with a seasoned car accident attorney guiding you, it becomes a lot less intimidating.

Negotiate a Fair Settlement

The role of a negotiator is likely the most important one your attorney plays. Even when you aren’t going to court, you’ll likely have to negotiate with an insurance company or defense attorney to resolve.

Your lawyer will be there to represent your best interests, using evidence to show why a higher settlement is justified. If negotiations start to stall, they’ll explore options like mediation or arbitration to help move things forward without a trial.

Support You Throughout the Process

Beyond paperwork and legal strategies, car accident attorneys offer something just as valuable: their unwavering support. They listen, and they help you understand and process what’s happening and what will come next. Most importantly, though, they ensure your feelings are valid.

When Should You Contact a Car Accident Lawyer?

In general, it’s important to talk to a lawyer sooner rather than later. A few signs that it might be a good time to make the call include the following:

• You’re unsure about your rights or the insurance process
• You’ve suffered serious injuries
• The other driver’s insurance company is difficult to deal with
• You’re being blamed for an accident that wasn’t your fault
• You’ve received a settlement offer that feels too low
• Your medical bills are growing, and you’re missing work

Even if you’re not sure whether you need legal help, a consultation can give you clarity and help you make the right choice. Knowing the answer to “What do car accident attorneys do?” can help you decide whether they might be a good advocate by your side.

Speak With Our Top-Rated Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorneys Today

If you’ve been in a car accident in Florida and are feeling unsure about what comes next, Schilling & Silvers Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers are here to help you. Based in Fort Lauderdale, our team understands how confusing and stressful the claims process can be, and we’re ready to help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

Call 954-712-8877 today to discuss your case, and let us handle the legal details while you focus on your recovery.