Should I Get a Lawyer for a Car Accident?
Should you get a lawyer for a car accident? Well, that’s an excellent question.
Knowing how to handle the aftermath of a car accident can be challenging. When you’ve been seriously injured, it can make everything even harder. While you’re struggling, you have to think about insurance claims, medical bills, missing work, and whether you’re receiving fair compensation for your losses.
As such, the best recommendation we can give is to speak with an attorney about how to move forward based on your specific circumstances. Most lawyers—including the car accident attorneys at Colling Gilbert Wright—provide FREE consultations to help determine if you have a viable claim and, if so, how to proceed.
In some situations—especially those that result in severe injuries—the answer will be a resounding: yes, you should hire a lawyer for a car accident! However, sitting down to review the details of your claim with an attorney will give you a better idea of whether they can be of use.
Reach out to the Orlando car accident lawyers at Colling Gilbert Wright today for a FREE case evaluation by calling (407) 712-7300. Let’s look at the specifics of your claim and decide what is best for you.
Why Should I Get a Lawyer for a Car Accident in Florida?
While Florida’s no-fault system can make it easier to navigate minor accidents without a lawyer’s guidance, there are several reasons it may make sense to hire a lawyer for a car accident claim, including:
- To ensure you are pursuing the maximum compensation you need and deserve
- To even the playing field with the insurance company
- To build a strong claim based on evidence
- To meet all relevant deadlines and make sure your claim is filed appropriately
- To pursue compensation elsewhere if you’ve suffered serious injuries that exceed your PIP limits
An attorney can help with each aspect of your claim by:
1. Evaluating Your Eligibility for Additional Compensation
While personal injury protection (PIP) coverage will usually cover a certain amount of medical expenses and lost wages, it will only do so up to policy limits, and it does not cover non-economic damages (e.g., pain and suffering, mental anguish, etc.). An attorney can help you evaluate your options and ensure you are exploring every viable avenue for recovering compensation.
2. Calculating Fair Compensation
Protecting your rights starts with understanding your rights, including how much compensation you may be eligible to recover. A car accident lawyer can help you determine the appropriate figure based on your damages and how you are pursuing compensation.
3. Handling Insurance Companies
Often, insurance companies will do what they can to deny or limit your compensation. They may propose low-ball settlement offers or try to use your words against you. A good lawyer can handle these communications and negotiations on your behalf to ensure you are not taken advantage of.
4. Building & Strengthening Your Case
From enlisting accident reconstruction experts to ensuring every piece of paperwork is filed accurately and on time, building a strong car accident case involves many moving parts. Let an experienced attorney take the reins so you can focus on healing while they focus on securing the outcome you deserve.
Trusting a lawyer to handle these tasks gives you the time and peace of mind to focus on what truly matters—your recovery. With Colling Gilbert Wright by your side, you can rest easy knowing that your best interests are being championed every step of the way.
What If I Am Partially At Fault?
If you are partially at fault for an accident that is handled outside of the no-fault system, you may still be able to recover compensation under Florida’s modified comparative negligence rule. This allows individuals partially responsible for an accident to recover compensation provided they are 50% or less at fault.
For example, if you are deemed to be 30% at fault for an accident because you were speeding when another driver pulled out in front of you, and your total damages equal $1,000,000, you would still be able to recover $700,000 in compensation.
On the other hand, if you’re deemed 51% or more responsible for the accident, you would be unable to recover any compensation.
This is another instance when having a distinguished car accident attorney on your side is invaluable. Fault is often a contentious issue, and insurance companies may attempt to assign you more blame than is fair in an effort to minimize their payout. A skilled attorney can gather evidence, argue your case effectively, and work to ensure your level of fault is accurately represented. This gives you the best chance of recovering the compensation you deserve.
Steps To Take After an Accident
The moments following an accident can feel overwhelming, but the steps you take—or don’t take—can have a lasting impact on your health, well-being, and ability to pursue justice. We understand that every decision feels monumental in the aftermath of a crash. That’s why we’re here to guide you through what can be done, even when you’re facing severe injuries.
Here’s what you should focus on:
- Call the Police: Reporting the accident creates an official record, which can be crucial for your case.
- Get Medical Treatment: Even if you don’t feel pain immediately, see a doctor. Some injuries can have delayed symptoms, and prompt care protects both your health and your claim.
- Document What You Can: If able, take photos of the scene, gather witness information, and exchange insurance details. But let’s be honest—this may be the last thing on your mind if you’re seriously injured. If you can, ask someone to help. If you can’t, get medical care, and you and your lawyer can gather evidence later.
- Follow Doctor’s Orders: Prioritize your recovery by adhering to medical advice and attending all appointments.
- Consult a Car Accident Attorney: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. A competent lawyer can help you avoid being taken advantage of and protect your rights.
Mistakes like failing to document damages, seeking medical care too late, or trusting the insurance company to do right by you can significantly impact your case. Working with a lawyer means having a dedicated advocate by your side who will handle the details while you focus on healing.
When Should I Get a Lawyer for a Car Accident?
While minor accidents in Florida are typically handled through the drivers’ PIP policies, as we’ve mentioned, there are some exceptions that allow you to seek compensation outside of the no-fault system. These exceptions include instances when there is one or more of the following:
- Significant and permanent loss of a vital bodily function
- Significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Permanent injury
- Death
In terms of how soon you should get a lawyer, the answer is generally as soon as possible. At the very least, we recommend consulting with a car accident lawyer to get more information. You see, in Florida, you have just two years to file a lawsuit for a car accident, per the personal injury statute of limitations.
While this may seem like ample time, all of the things that go into building a case—including investigating the accident, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and negotiating with insurance companies to attempt to reach a fair settlement offer—take time. The sooner we can get started, the better.
What Are Most Lawyers’ Fees for a Car Accident?
Most car accident lawyers, including the team at Colling Gilbert Wright, charge for their services on a contingency fee basis, meaning they are only paid if and when they recover compensation for their clients.
If compensation is awarded, either via settlement or a court decision, attorneys take a percentage of the total. Generally, this percentage is around 33%, though anywhere from 25% to 40% is not unusual.
Contact the Orlando Car Accident Lawyers at Colling Gilbert Wright Today
Hiring a lawyer for a car accident is often the best decision you can make following a crash. It is low-risk and high-reward.
That said, you shouldn’t hire just any attorney. You should focus on a firm that is practiced in handling car accidents, has a track record of success, offers contingency fee terms, and takes the time to truly understand your situation and how best to proceed.
At Colling Gilbert Wright, that’s precisely what we offer. Our team of distinguished and dedicated car accident lawyers is here to walk alongside you when you are most in need of help.
To get started, reach out to us today to schedule your FREE case evaluation. We proudly serve our neighbors in Orlando and throughout Florida.