Although we broach this subject on occasion, it is always useful to our friends and neighbors in the Sarasota and Tampa area to understand their rights under the law. If you ever wondered about whether or not you have a case, how to proceed if you think you were harmed due to someone’s negligence, or how to deal with insurance companies- this blog addressing personal injury FAQs is for you.
If you have any further questions regarding personal injury claims, be sure to give us a call.
I just had an accident – what do I do? After a car accident, things can be chaotic and confusing. The first thing you want to do is seek medical attention. If you are not required to be transported to the hospital, document the site with photos or videos. Do not discuss the accident with bystanders or the other party, and never admit guilt. If you believe that there may even be the chance of an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit, call an attorney for an initial consultation to discuss your situation.
When is it appropriate to pursue a case? There is no real template when it comes to knowing if you have a case or not. The good news is, you don’t have to figure it out on your own. As most attorneys offer free initial consultations, speaking with an experienced personal injury lawyer is the best way to assess your situation and decide the right course of action. The attorney can assist with understanding who you would sue, what you can expect to recover, and how the laws in your state work in regards your specific situation. Because they do this all day, every day, personal injury attorneys can advise you as to if moving forward will be profitable – or a waste of time.
What if I didn’t get injured? If you truly did not get injured, there is likely no reason to file a claim or sue (except for property damage,) However, the normal biological response to trauma is a rush of adrenalin, which can cover up pain in the short term. Many people think they are uninjured, only to have symptoms appear in the days or weeks following the accident. So even if you didn’t feel pain right away, you may in fact have an injury which can affect your life. That is why although it is important to document things quickly, you shouldn’t accept a payout or resolution too quickly.
Can I decide to file a case later on? The Florida statute of limitations determines how much time you have to file a personal injury lawsuit. You can read about statute of limitations for different types of cases. Exceptions may apply, but it is important to speak with a lawyer to make sure that you are within your rights to file a claim. It is always preferable to pursue a course of action as soon as possible, in order to keep evidence fresh and make sure you don’t run out of time while working on the details of your case.
Should I speak to the insurance company? When an insurance adjuster calls, they may seem friendly and sympathetic. However, they are often trying to get you to say something that could work towards reducing or even denying your claim. If you have an attorney, let them handle these types of calls for you. Simply tell them they need to speak to your legal counsel and give them the information.
Are you on social media? Check out these social media tips to protect your claim or lawsuit.
There are thousands of other possible personal injury FAQs, so be sure to contact a personal injury attorney as soon as you think you may have a case. The experienced lawyers at Probinsky & Cole are here to help with any concerns you may have.
