When you’ve been injured in an accident, the last thing you want to worry about is dealing with insurance. If you were seriously hurt, recovering the money you deserve can be an uphill battle.
That’s where a personal injury attorney comes in. A lawyer represents and advocates for injury victims. A lawyer performs various roles to provide legal advice, support, and practical help. From handling paperwork to negotiating a settlement, their goal is securing the best possible outcome.
Here’s a more in-depth look at the many roles of a Florida personal injury lawyer and what they can do for you.
Provides Legal Advice and Expertise
One of the first things a personal injury lawyer will do is provide you with clear legal advice. You will get an honest assessment of your case and its strengths and weaknesses. With their expertise, you are better equipped to make informed decisions.
Your lawyer will also help you avoid common missteps that may harm your case. This includes making statements that may be used against you or oversharing on social media.
Handles All Communications
Dealing with insurance companies can be daunting. The goal of the insurance adjuster is to minimize payouts and deny claims when possible. While the insurance adjuster may seem friendly and sympathetic, they are not on your side. They will try to solicit statements that can harm your claim and look for anything they can use against you.
Your lawyer will act as your representative and handle all communications. Your lawyer ensures that statements are clear and accurate without giving the insurer information they do not need.
Gathers Evidence To Build a Strong Case
Evidence is the backbone of your claim, especially when liability is unclear. Your personal injury lawyer conducts an investigation into your accident to uncover the facts and gather evidence. The insurance company will perform its own investigation to look for evidence that it isn’t responsible for paying out any claims.
The type of evidence a lawyer will gather depends on the type of case.
After a car accident, crucial evidence may include:
- Traffic crash report
- Traffic citations issued after the crash
- Photos of the scene of the accident
- Dash cam or traffic cam footage
- The other driver’s cell phone records
If your crash was complex, your lawyer may work with an accident reconstruction specialist to establish how it happened.
In a slip and fall accident, property maintenance logs and previous injuries at the property may be critical.
No matter what type of case you have, your medical records and witness statements will be important to build your case. Your lawyer may work with many experts and medical professionals to provide insight into your accident and testimony that bolsters your claim.
Calculate Your Damages and the Value of Your Case
Understanding what your personal injury case is worth is essential to pursue fair compensation. While investigating your accident, your lawyer will build documentation that establishes the value of your damages.
You may be entitled to both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and out-of-pocket costs. Non-economic damages cover pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and other non-financial losses.
Your lawyer will meticulously document all your losses, ensuring that no detail is overlooked. They will also consider future expenses, such as ongoing medical treatment or rehabilitation, to provide a comprehensive assessment of your needs.
Some damages are complex and may require expert testimony. Diminished earning capacity can be challenging to calculate without vocational or economic experts. Future medical bills for a catastrophic injury, for example, may be extensive and complicated to estimate. A spinal cord injury costs $42,000 to $185,000 per year in medical expenses alone after the first year.
This thorough evaluation helps establish a target settlement amount, guiding negotiations with the insurance company. By having a clear understanding of what your case is worth, you are better positioned to secure a fair and just settlement.
Negotiates on Your Behalf
Negotiation is an art, and personal injury lawyers are skilled artists. They use their knowledge and experience to negotiate with insurance companies, seeking a fair settlement that covers all your damages. This process often involves multiple rounds of discussions, during which your lawyer will advocate tirelessly on your behalf.
The goal is to reach a settlement that reflects the true extent of your losses without the need for a lengthy court battle. Your lawyer’s negotiation skills can make a significant difference in the outcome, often resulting in higher compensation than you might achieve on your own.
Throughout this process, your lawyer will keep you informed, explaining each step and advising you on the best course of action. This transparency ensures that you remain an active participant in your case.
Presents Your Case To a Jury if Necessary
While most personal injury cases in Florida are settled out of court, some may proceed to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached. In this case, your lawyer will file a personal injury lawsuit and prepare to present your case before a jury.
After a lawsuit is filed, your case will go through many stages, including the discovery phase, depositions, and pre-trial motions. Your lawyer will make sure you and any witnesses are prepared. Negotiations will also continue. Even if a lawsuit is filed, a settlement may still be reached. In fact, the insurance company may be more likely to reach a settlement during the discovery phase when they learn the true strength of your case.
Contact a Florida Personal Injury Lawyer for a Free Consultation
In the challenging aftermath of an accident, a personal injury lawyer can be your greatest ally. Their legal guidance and experience can help you navigate the claims process and secure the compensation you deserve. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an accident, Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law is here to help you. Don’t hesitate to contact our law office by calling (407)-801-3000 to discuss your case. Call us today to schedule a free consultation with a Florida personal injury lawyer who is ready to fight for you.