In Crestview, a bustling city in Florida that has its own unique traffic patterns and road hazards, auto accidents are unfortunately common. Many collisions result in bodily harm, mental stress and a flood of questions with regard to your legal rights. If you find yourself in such a situation, hiring an experienced auto accident lawyer is not just advisable but crucial. Our Crestview auto accident lawyer explains why below.
Understanding Florida’s No-Fault Insurance Laws
Florida is a no-fault insurance state, which means that after an accident, your own insurance policy is required to cover your medical expenses and other financial losses, regardless of who was at fault. This is done through Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance, which is mandatory for all Florida drivers. However, this no-fault system can be confusing and limiting, especially when your injuries are severe.
While PIP can cover up to $10,000 of medical bills and lost wages, that amount is only a start if you are dealing with serious injuries that require more extensive medical care. Note that if you are in this situation, you have a right to hold the other driver accountable for your damages. An auto accident lawyer from Crestview can help you through the process and make sure you obtain the compensation to which you are entitled.
Proving Fault and Liability
Crestview has its fair share of traffic (much of it on busy US-90), and plenty of accidents are multiple-vehicle pileups. That said, our Crestview auto accident lawyer can help conduct an independent investigation of your case and provide the legal help you need to demonstrate liability. Initially, you may believe that you can handle your case on your own; however, if you don’t have an attorney, you may have a difficult time collecting the evidence you need to prove that another driver’s negligence is what caused your injuries.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies are businesses, and their primary goals are to make a profit and minimize payouts. After an accident, you may be dealing with adjusters who are skilled in negotiating settlements that favor the insurer, not you. It is not uncommon for an adjuster to try to rush you into accepting a lowball settlement or try to get you to say things that devalue your claim.
A skilled auto accident lawyer can protect you from the tricks of insurance companies. Your attorney will speak to the insurance company on your behalf and protect your rights, helping you to get the settlement that you deserve. And if necessary, your lawyer can also use the evidence and the law as a means of taking your case to court and winning the compensation you deserve.
Understanding and Calculating Damages
As an accident victim, you may be entitled to damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. Your compensation may include future medical expenses and long-term losses for things such as a prolonged recovery from your injury.
Your auto accident attorney will sit down with you and determine the actual nature of your losses and, if necessary, seek additional guidance from medical and financial experts who can help calculate the total damages. Settlements and verdicts are won and lost on these numbers. Without a skilled lawyer by your side, you’re more likely to undervalue your claim and settle for less than you deserve.
Navigating the Legal Process
Should you file a lawsuit? If so, when do you have to file? Currently, in Florida, you typically have up to two years from the date of the accident to pursue a personal injury lawsuit.
A lawyer can walk you through every step of the legal process, from filing documents and negotiating with opposing counsel to making sure all deadlines are met and your case is handled promptly and efficiently. You will have peace of mind knowing that your case is in the hands of a professional, which will allow you to concentrate on your recovery.
Maximizing Your Compensation
The primary reason to hire an auto accident lawyer is to ensure that you get the maximum amount of compensation you deserve. An experienced lawyer will put together a case for you that accounts for every aspect of your injuries and losses, and he or she will aggressively negotiate with insurance companies and opposing counsel so that you get the compensation to which you are entitled. This includes medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, as well as amounts for emotional distress and other damages stemming from your accident.
Providing Peace of Mind
So, what happens after the car accident? The stress from dealing with the paperwork and trying to get back to normal is often high and nerve-racking. Still, your focus should really be on taking care of yourself and getting better. After all, you have enough to worry about without having to face the possibility of going to court if the insurance company offers you a less-than-desirable settlement amount.
In Crestview, where local laws and regulations can have a significant impact on your case, having a lawyer who understands the local legal landscape is invaluable. Your attorney will handle all the details, allowing you to focus on healing and getting your life back on track.
Speak to a Crestview Auto Accident Attorney Today
When an auto accident happens, it can impact your health, as well as your finances and overall happiness. So, it’s vital to have an experienced auto accident lawyer on your side. From navigating Florida’s no-fault insurance laws to dealing with insurance companies and proving fault, a Crestview auto accident lawyer will protect your rights and work tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve. Contact our office today to discuss the specifics of your case.