If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident, the legal process can be complex and confusing. You do not have to navigate the accident’s aftermath without legal support. A car accident lawyer can demystify the steps involved in filing an insurance claim or lawsuit. They can also investigate the accident and help you build a strong case for financial compensation.
When a Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer represents you, they will describe the potential timeline of your case. Hiring a lawyer can be beneficial and risk-free. You can get legal support for your car accident claim on a contingency basis. With this fee agreement, you only compensate your lawyer after they recover damages for you. If you do not get a financial award, you will not owe your lawyer anything.
What to Expect From Your Initial Car Accident Consultation
Many law firms offer free consultations that allow you to get to know the law firm and its processes and allow the law firm to gather basic, yet critical, information about your motor vehicle accident. Your attorney will ask:
- Questions about the crash
- Whether you gathered any evidence
- Whether you filed a police report
- How serious your injuries are
Your personal injury lawyer will also ask about any statements you made to the police, witnesses, the other driver, and either insurance company (theirs or yours). They will also explain their fee structure and allow you to ask your case-related questions.
The Car Accident Lawsuit Process Starts With Understanding the Filing Deadline
You have a limited time to file a personal injury lawsuit after a car accident. Due to a 2024 change in Florida law, you have less time than before. According to Florida Statutes § 95.11, you generally have just two years to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit.
The legal process of a car accident can end if the statute of limitations expires. The court will not permit you to file your lawsuit late or will simply dismiss it if you do. You could have no way to get fair compensation from the at-fault driver. Your personal injury attorney can protect your legal rights and help you avoid this costly outcome.
The Car Accident Claim Procedure Starts With a Comprehensive Investigation
After your consultation, your auto accident lawyer will investigate the details of your accident to prove the at-fault driver’s negligence. The legal elements of negligence include:
- Duty of care: The at-fault party’s legal duty to drive safely
- Breach of duty: The liable party’s failure to meet their obligation
- Causation: Proof that the responsible party’s action directly caused the collision
- Damages: The financial expenses and losses resulting from the accident
Your lawyer will collect evidence that proves these elements and identifies the at-fault party or parties.
Your Car Accident Lawyer Will Aim to Build a Compelling Evidence File
The evidence your lawyer collects can help lead your case away from a potentially lengthy trial and toward an out-of-court settlement. Your case file will include compelling evidence, such as:
- The police report describing the accident, its causes and contributing factors, and the condition of each driver and vehicle
- Medical records and bills describing your injuries, their severity, their costs to date, and your prognosis
- Employment and salary history records for all full-time, part-time, freelance, and other sources of employment
- Statements from any witnesses, medical and financial specialists, and accident scene reconstruction experts
Your case file will also include visual evidence, like photos of your injuries, the accident scene, and both vehicles. It can also include dashcam, smartphone, and traffic cam video footage, if available. The strength of the evidence can also challenge any allegations of fault that could decrease or eliminate your financial award.
A Personal Injury Law Firm Can Help You Navigate the Legal Steps After Car car accident.
Most car accident cases will settle out of court. You could attempt to settle your claim without a lawyer, but that can be risky. The steps involved in settling your personal injury claim include:
- Investigating your accident and collecting evidence
- Examining the at-fault driver’s insurance coverage
- Assessing the value of your injuries and related costs
- Creating and submitting a settlement demand letter
- Weighing the pros and cons of each offer you receive
- Submitting counteroffers, when appropriate
Once you agree on an offer, the insurance company will submit compensation to your lawyer. Your car accident attorney will deduct their fee, and you will receive the remainder.
Your Lawyer Can Document the Monetary Value of Your Car Accident Claim
Getting financial compensation after a negligence-based accident is important. Even more important is getting fair compensation—the full value of your injury claim. According to Florida Statutes § 766.202, you may recover:
- Economic damages, including past and future medical bills, past and future income loss, loss of the ability to earn in the future, and property damage, loss, or diminishment
- Non-economic damages, including lasting impairments, disfigurement and scarring, ongoing pain and suffering, mental and emotional distress, lost enjoyment of life, and lost quality of life
- Wrongful death damages, where applicable, including funeral and burial expenses, loss of your loved one’s income and domestic support, and loss of consortium, companionship, and guidance
An auto accident attorney can detail your expenses and losses and collect evidence that supports their monetary value. Your car accident lawyer serving Fort Lauderdale will file your lawsuit and navigate the settlement negotiation process. They will also fight for the best possible financial recovery for you and your family.
Call (954) 633-8270 for Your Free Car Accident Consultation
Pursuing financial compensation after a car accident is a complex legal undertaking. Demystifying the legal process can be easier when a car accident attorney is your advocate.
You do not have to handle your claim alone. Contact our consultation team at the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato for a free review of your case and find out how hard we work to streamline car accident recovery and obtain favorable compensation.
