Being involved in a car accident can be a traumatic and stressful experience. You may be entitled to financial compensation if another driver’s negligence caused your injuries and vehicle damage.
However, getting the most money from your car accident claim requires understanding your legal options and taking the right steps immediately after the collision.
This guide will walk you through key actions you can take to build a strong injury claim and maximize the value of your car accident settlement in Florida.
Step 1: Gather Evidence to Prove Liability
The at-fault driver’s insurance company will look for ways to reduce how much they pay you. A personal injury attorney will immediately start gathering evidence to build a strong liability case, proving the other party was responsible for causing the collision.
An experienced lawyer knows what evidence will be most compelling, such as:
- Police reports
- Photographs of property damage, injuries, and accident scene
- Statements from eyewitnesses
- Video footage from street cameras or businesses
- Data from the vehicles’ computers
- Weather and traffic reports
Thorough evidence collection and analysis help establish fault and prevent the insurance adjuster from claiming you share any blame.
Step 2: Seek Medical Attention Right Away
It’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible, even if you feel well in the beginning. Symptoms may be delayed by certain injuries, such as soft tissue damage or concussion. An official medical evaluation will provide documentation of your injuries and treatment needs. Be sure to follow all your doctor’s recommendations diligently – gaps in care can negatively impact the value of your claim. Keep records of diagnosis results, prescriptions, bills, and expenses.
Step 3: Consult a Car Accident Attorney Before Talking to Insurance
Before talking to any insurance companies, contact an experienced car accident lawyer. A lawyer can properly value your accident case, handle calls and negotiations with insurance adjusters so you get the full compensation you deserve. They can review your coverage options – including filing PIP or MedPay claims if you have those policies.
An attorney can also examine the at-fault driver’s policy to see if additional coverage applies to your injuries, calculate lost wages and other damages, and determine if you need to file a lawsuit. Ultimately, a lawyer gets accident victims 3 to 28 times more money.
Step 4: Understand Your Legal Options
Florida is a no-fault insurance state. This means both drivers’ insurance policies will pay out medical expenses regardless of who was at fault. However, you can only get compensation for non-economic damages like pain and suffering if the other driver was negligent. A Miami personal injury attorney can help determine all available sources of compensation under the at-fault driver’s liability coverage and your own policy.
Step 5: Don’t Rush Into Accepting a Settlement
Insurance companies often make low first offers, hoping unrepresented victims will settle for less than they deserve. An experienced lawyer knows what a case is worth based on the severity of injuries, medical treatment history and costs, and other factors. They will fight for the full value through every stage – first claim, negotiations, and in court if necessary. While insurance companies have profits in mind, lawyers get clients the maximum settlement they deserve.
Step 6: Be Prepared to File a Lawsuit
Your lawyer may file a personal injury suit on your behalf if the insurance company refuses to negotiate a fair settlement. This legal action puts pressure on the insurance company and demonstrates you are serious about getting maximum compensation. While most claims settle out of court, your lawyer will take the case to trial if needed.
Step 7: Hire a Reputable Personal Injury Law Firm
Having an experienced car accident attorney on your side is crucial to getting the most money possible from your claim. Abogadas305 has won millions for injury victims through settlements and verdicts.
Their bilingual legal team aggressively fights for their clients while providing compassionate support. With over a decade of combined experience, their team has the experience to maximize the value of your car accident case.
Suffering injuries in a car crash caused by someone else’s negligence can derail your life. Don’t struggle alone against the insurance companies. The dedicated car accident lawyers at Abogadas305 offer free case evaluations to help accident victims get back on their feet.
Call today or contact them online to discuss your legal options.
