Whether you need to hire a car accident lawyer after an accident is not always clear. Some people assume they can handle everything through insurance, but they may not realize that a lawyer could significantly affect the compensation they recover. If you are wondering when the right time is to hire a car accident lawyer, the answer often depends. Here are some key situations where hiring an attorney may be beneficial.
You Suffered Serious or Permanent Injuries in Your Car Accident
One of the most important reasons to hire a Florida car accident lawyer is if you sustained serious injuries. Medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care can cost tens of thousands of dollars or more.
The stakes are too high to handle claims on your own when you have serious injuries involving broken bones, spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, or other harm. A car accident lawyer can help you calculate the full value of your damages, including compensation for:
- Current and future medical bills
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Disability or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Insurance companies often try to settle quickly when serious injuries are involved. A car accident lawyer can help you avoid accepting a lowball offer that will not cover your full losses.
Liability Is Disputed or Unclear in Your Car Accident
Hiring a Florida car accident lawyer is beneficial if there is any question about who was at fault for the accident. Multiple parties may share blame in a car accident case. Insurance companies may also use vague or contradictory evidence or witness statements to deny responsibility. A lawyer can defend you from allegations of shared fault.
Under Florida’s modified comparative fault rule, even a small percentage of fault on your part could reduce your compensation. A lawyer can help protect you from unfair allegations of fault.
An Insurance Company Is Acting in Bad Faith
Not all insurance companies play fairly. Even if your claim is valid, the insurer may still delay, underpay, or deny it. These tactics may constitute bad faith, which is more common than most people think. You may need to hire a car accident lawyer if:
- Your claim is being delayed for no reason
- You are offered a settlement that does not reflect your total losses
- An insurer refuses to investigate or communicate with you about your claim
- You are being pressured to give a recorded statement or sign documents
A Florida car accident lawyer can handle communications and negotiations with the insurer and, if necessary, file a lawsuit to hold the insurance company accountable.
You’re Unsure About the Value of Your Florida Car Accident Claim
Most people do not know what their claim is worth. You may consider only your immediate medical bills, but it is important to also account for future care, lost earning potential, or pain and suffering. A car accident lawyer can bring experience and access to experts to your case to help you avoid leaving money on the table. They can help you by:
- Accurately calculating your economic and non-economic damages
- Projecting cost of ongoing treatment or permanent impairment
Lawyers are skilled negotiators who know how to push back against insurance companies that undervalue claims.
You’re Overwhelmed or Stressed
Hiring a lawyer can take the burden off your shoulders, even in more straightforward cases. You should be focused on healing, not dealing with paperwork, insurance adjusters, or claim deadlines. An attorney can manage all aspects of the legal process, including:
- Filing claims
- Gathering supporting evidence
- Coordinating with medical providers
- Handling negotiations with the insurance company
- Representing you in court, if necessary
Peace of mind is a valuable part of the recovery process. A lawyer can help give you that.
When Should You Contact a Florida Car Accident Lawyer?
You should contact a Florida car accident lawyer as soon as possible after a car accident, especially before speaking to an insurance adjuster. Early involvement can allow your lawyer to preserve evidence, handle communications, and avoid costly mistakes that could harm your claim. Most personal injury lawyers offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront; your lawyer only gets paid if you win your case.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Florida Car Accident Lawyer Today
Not every car accident requires a lawyer, but most benefit from it. If your injuries are serious, fault is contested, or an insurance company is not cooperating, working with a Florida car accident lawyer can make a huge difference.
At the very least, schedule a free consultation to learn about the personal injury claims process and your rights. Do not leave your ability to recover compensation to chance. Reach out to Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney at Law today to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. You can contact us online or call (863) 999-9000.