Do I Need A Lawyer For An Accident That Wasn’t My Fault?
Q. What does fault mean in an accident in Florida?
A. Under Florida law, those who are injured in an accident of any kind can seek financial compensation for their injuries if they can show that the other side acted in a way that was negligent or reckless. This means that they did anything that a reasonable person would recognize as such, including things like:
* Speeding
* Drunk driving
* Texting while driving
* Failure to obey traffic laws
*Failure to maintain a safe working environment
Depending on the nature of your accident, fault can mean different things. But the basics are clear – if your accident was caused by someone else, you may be entitled to compensation.
Q. How does my attorney prove fault?
A. An attorney uses a variety of techniques and tools to prove that you are owed restitution. Some of these steps may include:
• Security camera footage
• Witness statements
• Mobile phone records
• Past safety violations
• Accident reports
Your lawyer will also often work with numerous experts to recreate the accident or determine what happened, ensuring that you get the justice you deserve. It’s not always easy to show that you’re owed restitution, but our lawyers fight to make sure you get what’s yours.
Q. If I’m already being offered a settlement, why do I need an attorney?
A. For many, the idea that they are quickly being offered a settlement for their injuries is a great thing. After all, accepting a settlement lets you move on with your life and get money to get back on your feet. But the reality is that most insurance companies will offer settlements that are lower than you really deserve, hoping that you accept. Your settlement could include a variety of different things, and you need to make sure that you get what you’re really owed. An attorney will review settlement offers and your case to make sure you get a fair amount.
Q. What if I’m filing a PIP claim with my own policy?
A. PIP coverage is indeed intended to provide you with protection no matter who is at fault in an accident. However, sometimes a PIP provider will refuse to give you the compensation that you deserve, and contacting an attorney is the only way to get what you’re owed. Additionally, if the accident wasn’t your fault then you may have the ability to get additional compensation beyond just what PIP provides. Contacting an attorney will help ensure not only that you get the restitution you need form your PIP coverage, but also that you’re able to get any additional financial assistance from those who directly caused your accident and your injuries.
Q. How does a lawyer impact my settlement amount?
A. Your personal injury lawyer will take the time to make sure you get what you’re owed. We review each case carefully with experts in the medical and economic fields. This gives us a clear picture of just what you’re really entitled to. Then, we negotiate to get you the most from your case. Our reputation means that you get instant respect from the other side and that they are more likely to work with you to give you what you deserve. With a lawyer on your side, you’ll get more from your case.
Q. What if I’m partially to blame for the accident?
A. Florida is a comparative negligence state. This means that even if you are partially to blame for the accident, you still could receive compensation. However, you’ll be entitled to whatever your percentage of blame would provide. For instance, if you’re found to be 50% responsible for the accident, you’ll only be able to recover 50% of the total damages you would get if the other party was entirely responsible. Negotiating in situations like this can be difficult, and one more reason why you need to trust in an attorney.
