There are over 400,000 auto accidents in Florida each year. If you were seriously injured in one of those accidents, you have options. Allow us to explain how an attorney can help after an auto accident.
Car accidents often leave drivers and passengers with serious injuries, such as broken bones, torn ligaments, brain damage, or even symptoms similar to PTSD. At Julian Rudolph Law, we believe that if you suffered these types of injuries in an auto accident, you don’t need the additional stress of paperwork and insurance interviews. That’s why we focus on these three things after an auto accident.
Avoid Liability
Most states have at-fault insurance laws. That means insurance companies investigate the accident to determine who is more at fault, however slightly that may be. In Colorado, if one driver is 51% responsible for a crash, they cannot receive any compensation from the crash.
Florida is a no-fault state. If you’re injured in a car accident, you don’t have to prove the other driver was at-fault to collect damages. Both parties involved in the accident can receive financial compensation, regardless of who actually caused the crash.
No-fault laws come with some consequences, however. Florida insurance premiums are often higher than those in surrounding states. Additionally, premiums almost always go up after an accident, regardless of who is at fault. Likewise, even if you did not cause the accident, the other driver may file a lawsuit against you in an attempt to claim additional damages.
If you received a ticket from your accident or you believe the police report suggests you caused the accident, you may want to contact an attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can examine the police reports, speak to witnesses, and file your paperwork to make sure your insurance premiums don’t go up any farther than necessary.
Negotiate with Insurance
If you were seriously injured in a car accident, you should always speak to an attorney before accepting a settlement from the insurance companies. An auto injury attorney can help you navigate the maze of insurance company phone lines and can help you avoid common traps. For example, you have no obligation to speak with the other driver’s insurance company.
When you speak to an insurance adjuster with an attorney by your side, you maximize your chances of earning a fair compensation. Statistically, injured parties who hired attorneys receive more compensation than they would from a standard insurance settlement. That legal representation can be invaluable in helping you pay your bills, especially if an accident caused you to miss work.
Fight for Your Rights
When an attorney takes your case, they promise to fight on your behalf, whether you are right or wrong. After an auto accident, your attorney will handle all the legal paperwork. You don’t have to worry about filling out complex forms or petitioning the court because you have an experienced legal professional handling it for you.
Likewise, your attorney can use your settlement and insurance payout to cover medical costs, such as surgery, ambulance rides, or a hospital stay. If you can’t afford a doctor or you don’t have insurance, your attorney can help you find a doctor who waits for payment until your case is settled, just like your attorney.
If you suffered serious injuries in a car accident, you might have a case. If you’d like to schedule a free consultation with a Miami auto injury attorney from Julian Rudolph Law, please don’t hesitate to send us an email or call (305) 300-2702.