5 Sure Signs You Need a Florida Personal Injury Lawyer
Personal injury law in the US is a $38 billion industry, and it’s not hard to see why.
Thousands of car accidents occur daily, along with countless slip-and-fall incidents. In addition, one American worker gets injured on the job every seven seconds.
With numbers like these, it’s no wonder there are so many accident attorneys out there. The question is: How do you know if you should call a personal injury lawyer yourself?
Keep reading for five sure signs you should contact Florida attorneys today.
1. You Have Serious Injuries
The worse your injuries, the greater an impact they’ll have on your life now and in the future.
If you only suffered a few bumps and bruises, you should heal up without complications or major medical bills. But if your injuries have restricted your daily activities or your ability to work, that’s a different story.
A broken bone can put you out of work for weeks. Spinal cord or brain injuries can take months to heal and may result in permanent damage. Even a soft tissue injury like whiplash can require ongoing treatment to correct.
Often you don’t know the full extent of your injuries right after the accident. You have no way of knowing how long it will take to heal or what kind of long-term treatment you’ll need in the future. You may even receive a diagnosis of partial or permanent disability.
A personal injury lawyer will consider all these factors and make sure you get enough compensation for your injuries.
2. You Receive a Lowball Settlement Offer
Insurance companies have lawyers working for them to try to pay out as little money as possible. Shouldn’t you have an attorney on your side who’s trying to maximize your claim?
All too often, insurers throw out pitifully low settlement offers. The hope is that you’ll accept it without question so everyone can put the incident behind them.
The problem with this is that these lowball offers usually don’t come close to covering your medical expenses or car repair bills. They don’t factor in future medical expenses or lost wages. They also fail to include intangible factors like emotional pain and suffering.
Florida attorneys are skilled negotiators who know how to work the system. They can accurately determine how much your claim is worth, factoring in all of the items mentioned above.
Then they’ll help you down one of two paths. Either they’ll negotiate with the insurance company for a fair settlement amount, or they’ll represent you in court if you file a lawsuit.
3. It’s Not Clear Who’s at Fault
Some personal injury cases are easy to figure out. If you get rear-ended at a red light, or you slip and fall because there was no “Wet Floor” sign, it’s clear who’s responsible.
It’s not always this easy to determine who’s at fault, though.
For example, what if you’re involved in a multi-car accident during bad weather? What if you didn’t see the “Wet Floor” sign because you were texting? What if a guest floods your vacation property and Airbnb suggests you speak with a homeowners insurance attorney?
As you can see, it’s not always clear which party is responsible for the damages. When this happens, insurance claims can become incredibly difficult and complicated. You may even find yourself dealing with multiple insurance companies at once.
This is definitely a scenario when you’ll want an experienced lawyer on your side. They can dig deeper to better determine who’s at fault.
And they’ll not only speak to the insurance companies on your behalf, but they can also stop insurers and bill collectors from harassing you.
4. Your Insurance Claim Was Denied
When you’re recovering after an accident, the last thing you want to hear is that your claim has been denied. Sadly, though, this happens to one in seven people.
Having your claim rejected is as bad (or worse) than receiving a low settlement offer. There are several reasons this could happen, from unclear liability to the insurance company simply playing dirty.
Whatever the case, a lawyer can uncover the facts and make sure your claim goes through. If the insurance company still refuses to pay out, your lawyer will help you through the litigation process.
What type of lawyer should you hire for this scenario? Keep in mind that many offices specialize in more than one type of law.
For example, Hale Law in Sarasota has a homeowners insurance claim attorney, as well as an auto accident attorney and personal injury lawyers.
5. You Were Injured by a Defective Product
Not all accidents are a result of negligence. In some cases, you could be injured as a result of a faulty or defective product.
There are three main areas where this could apply:
- A failure to warn about potential hazards
- A design flaw or an inherently dangerous product
- A manufacturing defect in that specific product
For example, GM faced a lawsuit over the use of a coolant that caused engine leaks. Dow Corning paid out $3.2 billion in a class-action lawsuit over defective silicone breast implants.
Whether your case was a one-off incident or part of a class-action suit, Florida attorneys can help you navigate every step of the legal process.
Where to Find the Best Florida Attorneys
As you can see, there are a host of reasons why you might need a personal injury lawyer.
This is definitely true if your injuries are severe, you’re now disabled, or you’re unable to pay your medical bills. Accident attorneys can also help you negotiate with insurance companies or determine who’s at fault.
If any of the above scenarios apply to you, don’t delay. Contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your case.
Looking for the best Florida attorneys or more legal advice? Keep browsing our law directory to learn more or find a reputable lawyer in your locale.
