Should I Hire a Lawyer if the Car Accident Wasn’t My Fault?

One of the questions you may have after being injured in a car accident is whether you should hire a lawyer. While you’re not obligated to work with an attorney, it’s in your best interest to schedule a consultation to learn about your rights. This is especially true if the car accident wasn’t your fault, since you may need to file a lawsuit to recover compensation for your damages.

Due to the heavy financial burdens often associated with a car accident, it’s crucial that you’re able to maximize the value of your compensation. It’s important to remember that the insurance company isn’t on your side. Their goal is to minimize the amount they must pay on your claim. Working with an experienced car accident attorney will increase the likelihood that your settlement will adequately cover all the damages you’ve suffered.

Your Percentage of Fault Impacts Your Compensation

Florida uses the doctrine of comparative negligence in order to determine the amount of damages you’re entitled to recover. Under comparative negligence laws, your damages will be reduced based on your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re determined to be 30% at fault for the accident, you will only be able to recover 70% of the total damages you’ve suffered.

In order to avoid a situation where your compensation is unfairly reduced, you’ll need to work with an experienced lawyer. The insurance company will try to demonstrate that your actions played a significant role in the accident. Hiring an attorney who can build a strong case on your behalf can help minimize the amount of fault attributed to your actions.

A Lawyer Can Help You Maximize Your Compensation

Do you know how to determine the total extent of your damages? Some of your financial losses, such as repairs to your vehicle and medical bills, are easy to document. However, this only covers a portion of your losses. Depending on the specifics of your case, you may also be able to recover damages for:

• Future medical bills associated with your injuries
• Lost wages
• Diminished earning capacity if you’re unable to perform your job moving forward
• Pain and suffering

Working with an experienced lawyer will ensure all of these factors are considered when determining your damages. This will help you maximize the value of your compensation.

A Lawyer Can Handle Negotiations with the Insurance Company

Often, insurance companies will make an initial settlement offer that is lower than what your case is actually worth. They may also ask you to sign a waiver or release preventing you from pursuing additional compensation in the future. These tactics help insurance companies minimize the amount of money they must pay.

Our lawyers will negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to ensure their settlement offer is fair and provides compensation for all the damages you’ve suffered. If we feel that accepting a settlement offer isn’t in your best interests, we’re prepared to fight for your compensation in court.

Contact our Orlando Car Accident Lawyers

Please contact Colling Gilbert Wright using the form on this page or call 407-712-7300 today to schedule a complimentary consultation. We serve clients in Orlando and the surrounding areas of Florida.