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.
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:
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.
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.
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:
In some cases, expert witnesses may be called upon to clarify how an accident happened or explain the extent of your injuries.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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:
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.
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.
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:
Going to court is never easy, but with a seasoned car accident attorney guiding you, it becomes a lot less intimidating.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
Our Personal Injury Law Offices
Fort Lauderdale Office
1700 NW 64th St Suite 460
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
(954) 712-8877
Hialeah, FL Office
2300 W 84th St Ste 213
Hialeah, FL 33016
(954) 712-8877
