If you’ve recently been involved in a car accident in Florida and are considering hiring a personal injury attorney, you might be worried about how this decision could affect your insurance rates. It’s a common concern that seeking legal representation might somehow lead to higher premiums, but is this actually the case? Today, we want to dispel myths about what influences your insurance rates and how an attorney is always a valuable partner after a personal injury.
Insurance Rate Determinants in Florida
Many factors come into play when your insurance rate is being calculated, and none of these are directly linked to hiring a personal injury attorney in a previous car accident injury lawsuit. The primary determinants of your insurance premiums include:
- Your driving record.
- The type of coverage you select.
- The overall risk assessment performed by your insurance company.
The misconception that hiring a lawyer will increase your insurance rates likely stems from concerns about engaging in litigation or the fear that making a claim will be seen as a risk factor by insurance companies. However, the act of hiring an attorney does not get reported to insurance companies, nor does it factor into the algorithms they use to determine rates. Instead, insurance companies focus on claims history, the severity of the accidents involved, and whether there were any at-fault incidents. As such, a lawsuit that proves fault on your part in a car accident might influence your insurance rate, but this is not solely because you sought representation.
While it’s natural to be concerned about anything that might affect your insurance rate, it’s important to separate fact from fiction. Your decision to hire an experienced personal injury lawyer should be based on the need for assistance securing compensation after an injury.
How Can A Personal Injury Attorney Help After My Accident?
Now that we know that hiring an attorney doesn’t negatively impact other areas of your life, let’s look in the other direction – what are the benefits of working with a personal injury attorney after an accident?
An attorney’s role is to assist injured parties and help them secure fair and just compensation for their injuries. As personal injury attorneys tend to take on cases with a contingency fee, there is no financial burden placed on injured parties, and they shouldn’t worry about surprise fees or future insurance hikes. If anything, skilled legal representation can mitigate the risk of being unjustly deemed at fault, limiting the risk of insurance companies using this against you in future insurance premium discussions.
A personal injury attorney can assist in your personal injury lawsuit every step of the way, including:
- Evidence Gathering and Analysis: Lawyers meticulously collect and analyze evidence from the accident to build a strong case on your behalf.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Attorneys are well-equipped to deal with insurance adjusters and are aware of the tactics used to minimize payouts. They ensure that your claim is fairly evaluated and you receive the compensation you deserve.
- Representing Your Interests in Court: If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, your attorney will represent you in court. Their expertise in personal injury law and procedural rules can be pivotal in presenting your case effectively before a judge and jury.
Don’t let fears or myths stop you from seeking legal assistance for your injury. Contact Probinsky & Cole today to learn how we can assist with your case.
