Being involved in a car accident in Fort Lauderdale, Tamarac, Hollywood, or anywhere else in Florida can be a scary experience. You may have a lot of questions about fault, liability, and the car accident claims process. If you were not to blame for the crash, you may have less anxiety about the process than you would otherwise. You may even assume that, because you were not at fault, you will surely get the compensation that you deserve. What’s more, you may assume that because you didn’t do anything wrong, you don’t need a lawyer to represent you in your interactions with the insurance company.
However, after most car accidents, you should consult with an experienced lawyer. This is especially true if:
- You or your passengers suffered serious injuries; or
- You were not to blame for the crash.
Here are some things to think about after being involved in an accident caused by the negligence of another party (or parties):
Is Fault The Only Consideration In a Car Accident?
Whether or not you need a lawyer after a car accident is only partially based on whose fault caused the accident. Even if you were not at fault for a car accident, an insurance adjuster (even one with your own insurance company) may try to get away with offering you less than what you deserve. The primary job of an insurance adjuster is to save the insurance company money, which means looking for any way to reduce the value of your claim or to avoid paying it altogether. An experienced attorney can protect your legal rights and will and work hard to improve the chances of your recovery of your full settlement amount.
You Should Speak with a Lawyer Before Filing an Insurance Claim
Even if you were not at fault for a crash, you should speak with a Florida car accident lawyer before you initiate the claims process. Reasons why you should meet with a lawyer include:
- A consultation is free of charge. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by sitting down for a free review of your case by a legal professional.
- An attorney can review the facts of your case. Based on this review, the lawyer can provide you with insight about what tactics an insurance company may use based on your specific case, and what you can do to protect your right to recover full and fair compensation.
- A lawyer will tell you what to expect. An attorney can provide you with a rough overview of what happens during the claims process, including how much your case may be worth.
If you decide not to hire the attorney after the consultation, that’s fine. You have every right to not do so. However, you should make an informed decision and understand the many benefits that a lawyer can provide before you make that important decision.
What Kinds of Damages Are Available After a Car Accident in Fort Lauderdale?
Another reason to work with an attorney is because an attorney can help you to maximize your financial recovery, especially if you pursue a negligence-based claim. A lawyer can help you to seek the full value of your medical expenses, lost wages, property damage cost, pain and suffering, emotional anguish, diminished quality of life, and/or loss of consortium.
Not only will an attorney explain the types of damages that may be available when you file a car accident suit, a lawyer will take every step required to pursue that compensation. The attorney can investigate the car accident and work with various professionals whose opinions can help to establish your case and determine the value of your claim. These professionals might include accident reconstruction specialists, doctors, mental health professionals, financial professionals such as accountants, and more.
Get Help from Our Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Law Firm Today
Being involved in a car accident can change your life. After you have been in a crash, especially one that you did not cause, you deserve to be compensated for the full extent of your losses. Do not make the mistake of assuming that the insurance company will simply accept that you were not at fault and offer you a fair settlement. Instead, it is wise to be skeptical during the claims process. The other side’s insurance company is not looking out for your best interests – they will do everything possible to reduce the value of your claim or deny it altogether.
When you call our Florida car accident attorneys at the office of Englander Peebles, you can count on working with a team who will put your needs first. Please reach our law firm today, schedule your free consultation, and get started on the claims process.