CAR ACCIDENTS
AUTO INJURY ATTORNEY FLORIDA
CAR ACCIDENT LAWYER IN WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA
Car accidents are the most common cause of personal injuries in the United States and every year millions of people are injured in vehicle crashes. Being involved in a car accident can change your life forever and the personal injuries sustained in the accident can linger a lifetime. Before being involved in an accident many people only think about securing car insurance in case it needs car repairs after a car accident, however after personally experiencing an accident your only thought should be how to repair yourself. Being involved in an accident is just the beginning of a very long process and can be tiring and intimidating trying to battle against insurance companies and the law by yourself.
Marcos Gonzalez has decades of experience working for or fighting against insurance companies and we know how to navigate the process to compensate our clients and get them the justice they deserve. You may have been a person who said you would never file a lawsuit, however when you have been in a car accident and have experienced trauma, injuries and a financial burden, often times the only way to make things right is by suing so you can move on with your life. After all, this was an accident that should have never happened.
If you have been in an accident due to someone else being careless and negligent, compensatory damages that could be awarded in an automobile lawsuit include:
- Lost Income & loss of future earning capacity
- Medical Costs: past, present and future treatment
- Physical impairment
- Pain and Suffering
- Property damage
- Loss of consortium
After you have been in a car accident speak to a lawyer first before dealing with the insurance company or accepting a settlement check. We will help guide you. This process can be very intimidating so it is important not be become distracted and accept the first offer. Insurance companies will try to pay out the least possible to close the case, which is why you should have an experienced law firm like Marcos Gonzalez to battle the bully insurance companies. After experiencing a car accident this is what your personal injury timeline should look like:
1. Police Report
First thing first is to ensure a police report was conducted at the time of the accident, photos and videos were taken, information was exchanged including insurance companies, drivers license, name and address, and the car make and model, and lastly and all documentation was noted.
2. Hospital
If you haven’t already, seek medical treatment. This is especially important because you may not feel much pain shortly after the accident but you could have withstood personal injuries inside your body, common injuries include:
- Whiplash
- Brain injury
- Spinal cord injuries
3. Call your Insurance Company
Report your car accident to your insurance company, as they need to be notified of the accident.
4. Call a Accident Lawyer
Once you have hired a lawyer, your case will be reviewed, documents and reports will be requested, and medical records will be reviewed to determine the compensatory damages that you could be awarded.
5. File a Lawsuit
Your lawyer will send a demand letter to the insurance company or opposing counsel and file your lawsuit.
6. Negotiations with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies and the opposing counsel will try to settle outside of court and usually do this through a low-ball offer instead of a reasonable offer.
7. Go to Trial
We will go to trial if the insurance company or opposing counsel offers less than what we feel is reasonable for your injuries sustained.
8. Get a Settlement
You will receive a monetary value for your personal injuries sustained during your car accident.
Not all states are the same with respect to the law. Below we have discussed some frequently asked questions about car accidents in Florida:
FLORIDA IS A NO-FAULT SATE, HOW WILL THIS AFFECT MY CLAIM?
A no-fault state means your claim will likely go through your personal insurance company first regardless of who is at fault. Florida State legally requires all drivers to carry personal injury protection, also known at PIP insurance. If you are involved in an accident your PIP insurance will cover the first $10,000 of damages. However if you personally endure more injuries than what is covered through PIP and you want to seek further compensation you are able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the person responsible.
I DON’T HAVE MONEY TO PAY THE FEES FOR A LAWYER, WHAT CAN I DO?
You need not to worry. Personal Injury lawyers are contingency-fee lawyers, which means we do not get paid unless we win your case. Once a settlement has been reached or you won your personal injury lawsuit, your lawyer will take a reasonable percentage from your award. We do not ask for any money upfront or monthly payments.
HOW MANY DAYS DO I HAVE TO SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION UNDER PIP?
If you have been involved in a car accident you should seek medical attention immediately, because although you may not show visible physical signs of injuries, some may be internal or progress over time. In addition contact your PIP insurance to ensure you are following standard procedure so you are covered. With PIP insurance you have 14 days from the accident to seek medical treatment or you will lose access to your personal injury protection.
HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO REPORT AN ACCIDENT?
Most people call the police at the scene of the accident and this is extremely important so a police report is conducted, witnesses are interviewed and pictures are taken. However if you failed to call the authorities you have 10 days to report a car accident from the date it occurred. However most insurance companies will require you to file a claim within 24 hours of the accident.
WHAT KIND OF SETTLEMENT CAN I EXPECT TO RECEIVE?
Every car accident involves different circumstances so there is no precise formula that can be given. However experienced lawyers will use different variables to determine the compensatory damages you could be awarded such as injuries endured, medical bills, lost wages and the capacity for future earnings, property damages and others. We will strategically evaluate your case and advise you on your best options moving forward.
WHY SHOULD I CONTACT A LAWYER?
Car accidents can destroy your life forever. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident contact Marcos Gonzalez today for a free evaluation. You should not have to fight large insurance companies alone and experience a financial burden. We are a firm of experienced and aggressive lawyers who will fight to get the justice you deserve.
