As a major metropolitan city on Florida’s east coast, Fort Lauderdale sees its share of car accidents. Most are minor, requiring little more than a police report, a doctor’s visit, and a repair estimate for an insurance claim. However, there are times when it may be necessary to contact and hire a Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer.
If you have suffered severe injuries or are having difficulty working with the insurance companies, a car accident lawyer could take on your legal burdens and allow you time to recover in peace.
Below, we discuss the issues and conditions to make an informed decision on the hiring of a Fort Lauderdale injury law firm.
Understanding the Basics of Car Accident Claims in Florida
Florida follows a no-fault insurance system. Under this system, you have coverage of your medical expenses and lost income, and death benefits for a lost loved one through your personal injury protection (PIP) policy. However, there are limitations to PIP insurance coverage:
- Medical Benefits: PIP will only cover 80% of “all reasonable” medical care.
- Disability Benefits: PIP will only cover up to 60% of your lost wages.
- Death Benefits: PIP only provides $5,000 per individual.
- Policy Limits: You must have at least $10,000 in coverage.
These benefits are available to you regardless of who is at fault in the accident, but PIP will not cover any non-economic damages, and you may not file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
The minimum policy limit of $10,000 may be enough for some accident victims, but what do you do when you’re seriously injured?
When Car Accident Injuries Are More Than Minor
Thankfully, Florida law does recognize that PIP has its limitations, and some exceptions allow you to step outside of the no-fault system and take legal action.
If your injuries meet the “serious injury threshold,” you can file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. The criteria for serious injury include:
- Loss of a bodily function
- Permanent injury
- Significant and permanent scarring
- Death
Examples of serious or long-term injuries that meet these conditions typically include:
- Fractures
- Burns and lacerations
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord damage
- Amputations
- Internal organ damage
If you are facing a serious injury, you will likely not be able to handle your personal injury claim. A lawyer can take on the claim process for you while you recover from your injuries. They can:
- Gather medical documentation that ties your injuries to the accident
- Work with your doctors and specialists to determine current and future healthcare needs
- Handle all interactions between you and the insurance company, including negotiations and litigation
So, if you are asking, “Do I need a car accident lawyer in Fort Lauderdale?” It never hurts to pick up a phone and at least call us. We can explain your legal options.
When Liability Is Unclear or Disputed
In addition to serious injuries, another factor that could merit a call to our law firm is if there have been any conflicting accounts of the accident. We see this type of situation in cases involving shared fault, such as a multi-car accident.
Our personal injury lawyers can cut through the confusion to present a clear narrative of fault. We have the resources and staff to gather evidence, such as police reports, traffic cameras, and witness statements. We will communicate with insurers on the evidence we have found and our intentions for our client.
When Insurance Companies Push Back
You may also be having difficulty working with the insurance adjusters. Some common tactics they use include:
- Delayed Responses: Though the law is very clear on the time insurers have to respond, some will draw the claims process out for as long as possible.
- Low Settlement Offers: Insurance companies will be quick to offer a settlement to save themselves any money, but often that settlement is insufficient.
- Requests for Recorded Statements: Insurance adjusters will also look for opportunities to exploit the things you say to justify devaluing your settlement.
With legal representation, though, you will have a lawyer who knows their tactics and can counter them. We will review any settlement offers and ensure they reflect the losses you have suffered in your accident. Your attorney can also protect you from them exploiting the comparative negligence rules and placing a greater percentage on you than what is warranted.
When Damages Extend Beyond Medical Bills and Lost Wages
As stated above, you do have access to coverage of a portion of medical debt and lost income, and you can file a claim with the at-fault driver for your car repairs and property damages, but what about your non-economic damages?
An attorney can help identify and document such non-economic damages as:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Reduced quality of life
Our car accident lawyer can present a complete picture of the accident’s impact on you and your family.
When Local Experience Matters
A car accident lawyer will also be familiar with:
- Policies and procedures of the Broward County courts
- Local traffic patterns and accident hotspots
- Doctors, medical experts, and medical facilities to treat your injuries
Our Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer can provide comfort, convenience, and regional familiarity.
Making an Informed Decision for Car Accident Legal Help in FL
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, we can help you evaluate your situation and determine if you would benefit from our legal representation. We can review:
- The severity of your injuries
- The complexity of the accident claim
- The insurance company’s reactions
- Your comfort level in handling negotiations alone
Our law office provides accident victims with free case consultations to help them understand their legal options.
Call Today to Learn the Benefits of Working With a Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney
At the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato, we want to help you get back to your life, regain your health, and seek the compensation you need to do so. Call us today at (844) 643-7200. The consultation is free.