You have likely seen advertisements for a personal injury attorney in the past – but until you need their services, you might still have a lot of questions about the process. Personal injury lawsuits are more common than you think, as car accidents are a major cause of claims. If you have recently been injured in a car accident or another type of accident, these questions and answers should shed light on some of Florida accident victims’ common concerns when entering our office. We have assembled many of the most common questions asked to personal injury attorneys – and the list is long, so this is part one of a series. Be sure to keep an eye on this space for more of this important information.
- What Exactly is a Personal Injury Case? A personal injury case arises when one party suffers harm due to another party’s negligence or intentional actions. As an injured party, you have the right to sue for damages like medical expenses, wages lost due to the accident, and emotional/physical suffering. In Florida, the most common types of personal injury cases are car accidents, medical malpractice, and product liability cases.
- How Do I Know If My Claim Is Valid? Without getting into too many details, a valid personal injury claim involves someone breaking their duty of care to you, whether a medical relationship between a doctor and patient or a ‘duty to the public’ among drivers on the road. During your free initial consultation, a personal injury attorney can help determine your case’s validity and strength.
- What Should I Do Immediately After an Accident? After an accident, prioritize medical attention. Call 911 if injuries are severe. Document the scene through photos and videos on your own accord or with an attorney. Report the incident to relevant authorities for your accident/situation, such as the police after a car accident. Consult a healthcare provider for a thorough examination, even if injuries seem minor, as symptoms may appear later.
- How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim in Florida? Florida law lays out a four-year statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, starting from the date of the accident. Exceptions exist, such as medical malpractice cases, with a two-year limit. Failing to file within these timeframes can result in losing your right to seek compensation.
- How Do Lawyers Calculate Case Worth? To estimate the value of a personal injury case in Florida, lawyers consider factors such as the severity of the injuries, the amount of looming medical expenses, and potential future medical costs. Non-economic, not directly calculable damages like pain and suffering are also taken into account. Attorneys may consult with medical experts, economists, and other professionals to arrive at a comprehensive figure, as well as rely on their experience with previous cases.
- What If My Injuries Aren’t Severe After the Accident? Even if you don’t feel injured immediately after an accident, you must consult a healthcare provider for a thorough examination. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal bleeding, may not immediately manifest symptoms. A medical evaluation creates a record that can be valuable if symptoms appear later and you decide to pursue a claim.
In the next several days we will continue this series and answer more questions that we hear every day. Be sure to check back often for more important information.
Personal injury cases are common, but the law is complex. You need professionals by your side to ensure that you are treated fairly and get the compensation you deserve. The personal injury attorneys at Probinsky & Cole have offices in Sarasota, Riverview, and Orlando to make sure you get the representation you need.
