If you were seriously injured or lost a loved one in a car accident, you probably expect the insurance company or at-fault driver to step up to the plate and cover your losses. But insurance carriers spend millions on heavy-hitting legal teams who are tasked with finding reasons to deny and undervalue claims. They might try to coerce you into making a recorded statement or offer a low settlement before you have a chance to speak with a lawyer. The Fort Lauderdale car accident attorneys at Englander Peebles will make sure you aren’t bullied into accepting an unfair payout, and we will help you avoid costly mistakes that can harm your claim.
Our South Florida accident attorneys will handle correspondence with the insurance company on your behalf so you don’t end up making statements that could be used against you. Call us today at (954) 231-1384 for a free initial consultation.
Read on to learn a few reasons why you should hire a personal injury attorney immediately after a car wreck:
1. We Can Help You Avoid Costly Mistakes
As previously mentioned, an experienced car accident lawyer can help you avoid making recorded statements without preparation that would harm your claim, or accepting a settlement too early. A skilled lawyer can also make sure you don’t:
- Miss important deadlines
- Post sensitive information about your case on social media
- Overlook non-economic damages, punitive damages, and future damages
- Overlook important evidence
2. We Will Gather Evidence You Might Have Overlooked
The success of your claim will hinge on the strength of your evidence. This is especially true if the insurance company or at-fault driver disputes liability.
You may already know that the police report and photos of the crash scene can be valuable evidence for proving your car accident claim. Your attorney can help you gather other evidence that you might have otherwise overlooked including:
- Toxicology reports
- Black box data and the Hours of Service logbook (if you were hit by a commercial truck)
- Surveillance footage
- Prescription records, diagnostic imaging, and other medical documentation
- Receipts for necessary home modifications to accommodate your injury
If necessary, the attorneys at Englander Peebles can also arrange testimony from a medical expert witness, financial expert, and accident reconstruction expert.
3. We Will Calculate Your Damages
It is common for claimants who represent themselves to overlook certain types of damages, thus significantly reducing the amount of compensation they recover. The Fort Lauderdale car accident attorneys at Englander Peebles will make sure your claim includes all potential damages you may be entitled to including:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Vehicle repairs
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
- Home modifications
We can also help you pursue punitive damages if the at-fault driver was drunk or otherwise acted with gross negligence or intentional misconduct.
4. We Will Make the Insurance Company Take Your Case Seriously
If you attempt to represent yourself, the insurance company may assume that you wouldn’t be willing to take your case to trial and, as a result, might be more inclined to offer a low settlement. Having an experienced attorney by your side tells the insurance company that you are serious about enforcing your rights and being fairly compensated.
Discuss Your Case with a Car Accident Lawyer in South Florida Today!
Get the resources and experience of a well-respected car accident lawyer on your side. Call us today at (954) 231-1384 to schedule a free consultation with a South Florida injury attorney.