Getting into an accident, even a minor one, is often highly confusing and stressful. Your serene day is suddenly interrupted, and you’re forced to deal with irate drivers, insurance, and injuries. And while it’s true that not every minor accident requires the expertise of a Florida personal injury attorney, there are definitely circumstances where reaching out can make all the difference.
Importance of Early Legal Guidance After a Florida Accident
After an accident, especially one that seems minor, your first thought might be to simply exchange insurance information, get your car fixed, and move on with your life. However, this simple line of thinking often overlooks concerns that can come back to bite you. For instance, injuries sustained in a fender bender might not be immediately apparent, only manifesting down the line when direct relation to your accident isn’t obvious. Whiplash or soft tissue injuries, common in car accidents, can develop days or weeks after an incident, and if you never got checked out by a doctor, proving your injuries later on will potentially be tough.
Even without injuries or risks of injuries developing later, the simple fact that attorneys can help negotiate and argue with insurance companies may be a reason to consider reaching out. Too many Florida drivers are offered lowball settlements and accept them without a second thought. Our attorneys can review existing settlements, compare your situation to the many car accidents and injuries we have seen, and help determine a fair settlement to compensate you fully.
When to Call a Florida Personal Injury Attorney
So, when is it genuinely worth contacting a personal injury lawyer to protect your rights and access to compensation? The specifics of each scenario make all the difference, but typical examples where seeking legal advice is advisable include:
When Injuries Develop Later: As mentioned, some injuries don’t present symptoms right away. If there is the possibility that injuries will appear later on, receive medical assistance, document it, and contact an attorney to discuss your next steps.
Disputed Liability: Even for minor accidents, if the other driver claims you were at fault—or if the police report is unclear in its explanation—having a personal injury lawyer argue on your behalf can prevent the other party’s insurance company from taking advantage of your potentially desperate situation to pay out less than what they rightfully owe.
Insurance Company Troubles: If the insurance company is dragging its feet, subtly pressuring you, or offering an obnoxiously low settlement that doesn’t cover any of your expenses, a lawyer can also step in at this point to negotiate a fair outcome.
Property Damage and Additional Costs: Sometimes, property damage alone can be costly enough to warrant legal representation, simply to make sure you don’t get shortchanged and left with a significant bill. If the insurance settlement doesn’t cover the repair costs, or if you have other out-of-pocket expenses, a better settlement may be worth pursuing. Of course, this relies on the specifics of your policy and the protections it offers.
It might make sense to work directly with insurance, but if any uncertainty exists, consider a free consultation with Probinsky & Cole. Remember, a simple consultation can provide peace of mind after an accident and help ensure you’re not caught off guard by unexpected complications and injuries. Contact our team today to learn more about how we can help and how personal injury representation can improve your outcomes after a Florida accident.
