Should I Hire a Lawyer if I’m in a Car Accident?

How car accidents are filed with insurance companies in Florida

Florida is a no-fault state, meaning that typically, the auto insurance companies will cover medical expenses and property damages associated with a car accident. The at-fault driver’s insurance company is responsible for paying their property and medical expenses, according to the insurance plan, while the injured person’s insurance company is responsible for paying their medical and property damage, according to their insurance plan. So, should you hire a lawyer if you’re in a car accident?

In the summer of 2021, Governor Ron Desantis vetoed a bill that would have overhauled Florida’s “no-fault” system with a fault-based system; therefore, Florida auto insurance law will continue. The minimum amount of auto insurance coverage that drivers are required to carry is $10,000 of Personal Injury Protection (PIP), which is also the most commonly required coverage in no-fault states, such as Florida.  After your claim is filed with your insurance company, the insurance company will offer you a payout. However, insurance companies do not always offer a payout amount that is requested by the injured party. If the initial offer is below what you expected, you will need to negotiate with the insurance company.

Why should I hire an attorney after a car accident?

If you were in a car accident that was a result of another driver’s negligence, you have the right to seek compensation for damages that were caused by a driver’s negligent or careless behavior. Even in car accidents that initially result in minor or moderate injuries, the injured person should seek medical attention and contact an experienced personal injury attorney right away. Sometimes injuries are not always apparent at the time of the accident, and one to two days later, a person’s injuries become noticeable.

A personal injury lawyer can negotiate with the auto insurance company on the injured person’s behalf. Further, if the insurance company requests the injured person to sign a waiver to forgo their right to sue, the injured person will want an experienced attorney who can advise them on that decision. In the case that the extent of the injured person’s expenses includes medical bills beyond the insurance coverage, reduced earnings or lost wages, or pain and suffering due to the accident, hiring a personal injury lawyer is a critical step to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver.

By filing a lawsuit against the at-fault driver, the injured person can attain compensation for their injuries, pain and suffering, and overall disturbance that the accident brought to their life. Often, personal injury cases are settled prior to trial. In these cases, the plaintiff and defendant agree on a payment offer to the injured person. If a settlement cannot be reached in negotiations, the case will go to trial.

Why should I hire Clayton Trial Lawyers, LP after a car accident?

Clayton Trial Lawyers, LP is committed to representing your best interests when you are hurt and most vulnerable. We promise to be your trusted advisor. We will listen closely to your story. We will bring compassion, legal knowledge, resources, and expertise to your case. We will work around the clock to provide you with compassionate legal counsel to make sure that you recover the maximum compensation available after an injury. We know that finding the right personal injury attorney and law firm is important. We are different than other firms. We pride ourselves in providing you with individual attention, guidance, and care. We are proud to stand up for the rights of our clients in the face of powerful adversaries. We are privileged to represent you and will stand by your side. Contact us today if you believe we can assist you.