Auto Injury Attorneys’ Function in Revealing Hidden Damages Following an Accident
Your auto accident injury lawyer can investigate your accident, and based on the evidence discovered and their experience handling automobile accident cases, they can uncover damages you may not have considered claiming.
For most people, it will be their first time in a car accident, their first time filing a claim. For a car accident lawyer, they have handled hundreds. They know how a car accident can affect a victim and what to look for as they build your claim for compensation. They understand the law and the legal process of pursuing rightful compensation.
How a Lawyer Determines Damages After a Car Accident
A fort lauderdale car accident lawyer can be a powerful asset for an injury victim seeking compensation from the at-fault driver. Here are some of the ways an auto injury lawyer can help you uncover hidden damages after an accident:
Knowledge of Personal Injury Law
As we stated above, your Miami car accident lawyer understands tort, or personal injury, law. They know the legal requirements to meet in your case and can explain your case’s strengths and weaknesses. They know the insurance laws and legal procedures for pursuing accident compensation, such as seeing your doctor within 14 days of the accident, per Florida Statutes § 627.736.
Also, a fort lauderdale personal injury attorney’s knowledge of personal injury claims can be quite beneficial in complex cases, such as multi-car pileups and truck accidents. The law firm will know how to identify the cause and the liable party to your case.
Independent Investigation of Your Car Accident
A powerful resource your legal team can provide is the investigation of your accident. They have the staff necessary to:
- Visit the accident scene
- Photograph the cars, injuries, and relevant details
- Collect video from dashcams, surveillance, and traffic cameras
- Gather important documents, such as police reports and medical records
- Interview witnesses to the accident
- Consult with experts, like medical professionals and accident reconstruction experts
This evidence can help illuminate possible hidden damages in your legal claim.
Determine a Fair Settlement Value
From the gathered evidence, they can then ascertain how much you have lost because of the accident. They can determine the value of your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. They can also assess how much you may need in the future.
Most people are unaware of the full range of damages they can claim. With the expert testimony your lawyer collects, your doctors may uncover hidden injuries, and financial advisors could determine a value for any injuries with long-term effects. Your auto accident attorney can request fair compensation for continuing healthcare costs and lowered earning potential due to a disability, for example.
Negotiating With the Insurance Companies
Armed with that knowledge, they can effectively negotiate with the insurance companies for your settlement. They can advise you on the merits of settlement offers and whether said offer covers the hidden damages in your insurance claim.
Most insurance companies will try to deny coverage of hidden damages, but your fort myers car accident lawyer can advocate on your behalf. Additionally, they will speak with all parties involved, protecting you from questionable insurance adjuster tactics that could hurt your case.
Representation In Court
If your lawyer and the insurance companies cannot reach a fair settlement that covers your known and hidden damages, they can provide you with legal representation for your car accident in court. Your personal injury lawyer should prepare your case for trial from the beginning, and if done correctly, they will be ready to transition from negotiations to courtroom arguments.
Examples of Hidden Damages Your Lawyer Can Pursue
Filing an auto accident claim is a daunting task for someone coping with the injuries they suffered. With medical bills piling up and income paused as you heal, you may feel the desperate need to accept whatever the insurance companies offer you. We always suggest seeking legal advice on your case and the offers you receive because there could be additional money you have not considered in your case.
The following are examples of hidden damages that you may not have considered:
- Future medical expenses, such as surgeries, rehabilitation, therapy, medications, and home modifications
- Pain and suffering you experienced from the accident and any chronic pain you still experience
- Loss of enjoyment of life if you can no longer enjoy the hobbies and activities you once did
- Loss of consortium for the relationships between you and your loved ones that have been affected by the accident
- Emotional distress, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) you know live with and the care you receive for it
- Diminished earning capacity if you can no longer work as you once did before the accident
Call the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato to Discuss the Hidden Damages in Your Case
At the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato, we can explain our role as your auto injury lawyer in Florida and how we uncover hidden damages in your case. We start by providing a free case review to all accident victims. Plus, we work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless we win. One warning, though, is you need to start your claim before the statute of limitations expires. Under Florida Statutes § 95.11, you generally have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit. Contact us online or call (954) 633-8270 so we can get started identifying the hidden damages in your auto accident claim.
