6 Ways a Lawyer Can Help You With Your Personal Injury Claim in Florida

The days and weeks following an accident or personal injury can be confusing and frustrating. You may need a personal injury attorney to help with your personal injury claim. If so, you are not alone.

Many accident victims hesitate to contact a personal injury attorney. They may think they can handle the claim independently or believe hiring an attorney is too expensive. Whatever the reason, filing a personal injury claim without a personal injury lawyer could jeopardize the outcome of your case.

How a Florida Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help You With Your Claim for Compensation

Personal injury lawyers have experience, skills, and resources that the average person does not possess. They understand Florida’s personal injury laws and insurance regulations and routinely help victims and their families seek fair compensation for damages.

If you are unsure whether you need legal representation, here are six ways a personal injury lawyer can help you with your injury claim:

1.  Handle Investigations and Discovery 

Injured victims have the burden of proof in a personal injury case. They must have evidence proving legal elements to establish causation, fault, and liability. 

A personal injury attorney will investigate your claim to determine how your injury occurred and identify the responsible parties. They’ll gather evidence, including tracking down witnesses, securing evidence from the accident scene, obtaining accident reports, and much more.

Lawyers might also work with experts during the investigation to gather additional evidence to establish the other party’s fault. The investigation can be costly. Most personal injury attorneys front these costs.

2.  Document and Value Damages 

Damages in a personal injury case include expenses and losses (economic damages) and pain and suffering (non-economic damages). The party who caused your injuries pays you a monetary amount for these losses. 

Accident victims may be aware of some damages, such as medical bills and lost wages. However, they may not be aware of the other damages they could receive. 

An attorney meticulously documents all damages to maximize the value of the claim. Then, they evaluate the damages to determine how much the case is worth.

Valuing damages can be tricky. For example, there is no standard formula for putting a price on pain and suffering. Insurance companies routinely undervalue damages, especially when the victim is not represented by an attorney. 

3.  Prepare a Settlement Demand Letter and File Insurance Claims

Insurance companies have endless resources and trained professionals to fight claims. An injury lawyer files insurance claims, handles all related matters, and evens the playing field.

Your attorney will prepare a settlement demand letter to send to the insurance company. The letter outlines the facts of the case, your injuries, and your damages. It also provides a legal analysis of the case explaining why the other party is legally responsible for your damages. 

4.  Evaluate Settlement Offers 

The insurance company will likely counteroffer for a lower settlement amount. In some cases, it might make a settlement offer first.

An injury lawyer will evaluate the offer to determine if the settlement amount is fair and reasonable. If not, the attorney may counteroffer and negotiate with the company for a fair settlement. 

Signing an offer without a lawyer is unwise. The settlement agreement and waiver you sign include a general release. 

You agree to waive your rights to pursue a claim when you sign the agreement. In other words, you cannot demand more money even if you discover new evidence or additional injuries and damages. 

5.  Bring an Objective Perspective to Your Case 

It can be difficult to be objective about your personal injury claim. You rightfully expect the party who caused your injury to pay for all bills related to the injury. You expect them to reimburse you for your losses and expenses and compensate you for your pain and suffering.

However, your case might not be as strong as you believe. There could be several reasons you should accept a settlement offer instead of filing a lawsuit. 

For example, there may be insufficient evidence to prove your claim. If so, a jury could rule for the other party at trial. You may be partially to blame for your injuries, which could result in your compensation being reduced under Florida’s comparative fault laws.

An attorney looks at the big picture. They’ll analyze all factors that impact your case to determine the best possible resolution, given the facts. Your attorney gives you an honest, thorough assessment of your options based on sound legal principles instead of emotion. 

6.  Represent You in Court If Necessary

Most personal injury claims are resolved without going to court. However, if your case does not settle, you may need to file a personal injury lawsuit. If an attorney has been working on the case from the beginning, they will be prepared to file a lawsuit, which can significantly shorten the timeline of your case. 

Seek Help From an Experienced Florida Personal Injury Attorney

If you sustain an injury due to another party’s actions, seeking help from a Florida personal injury lawyer is strongly recommended. Attorneys provide free consultations, so there is nothing to lose by scheduling an appointment. You’ll learn more about your case and the benefits of hiring a lawyer so you can make a decision that is in your best interest. Furthermore, if you hire a personal injury lawyer, you will likely receive their services on a contingency fee basis. The attorney agrees to be paid from the proceeds of your case, so you do not risk anything by hiring the attorney.