How Soon After a Florida Car Accident Should I Contact an Attorney?

The best time to contact an attorney after an accident in Florida is immediately after the crash. You don’t want to risk receiving a low settlement or having your claim denied, and a Florida car accident lawyer can help you recover maximum compensation for your losses.

 

What Are Some Reasons for Contacting an Attorney As Soon As Possible After a Car Accident?

Consulting a lawyer as soon as possible after a car accident in Florida is a smart move for several reasons, including the following:

• Preserving Evidence – Critical evidence begins to deteriorate and disappear immediately after a collision. Skid marks fade, vehicles get repaired, and witnesses’ memories become less reliable. An attorney can act quickly to gather and preserve evidence supporting your claim.
• Understanding Your Rights – After an accident, you might not fully understand your legal rights. An attorney can explain what compensation you could recover and help you avoid mistakes that could harm your case.
• Working with Insurance Companies – Insurance companies often try to preserve their profits by settling claims for less than they’re worth. An attorney can handle all communications with insurers and negotiate on your behalf to get you a fair settlement.
• Medical Expenses – An attorney can help you get the medical care you need, either through insurance or by finding doctors who will treat you on a lien basis (meaning they get paid out of your settlement). They can also document all your medical expenses and include them in your claim.
• Timely Filing – Florida law has specific statutes of limitations that dictate how much time you have to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you miss the deadline, you could lose your right to compensation. An attorney can take care of your legal paperwork and file everything on time.
• Calculating Damages – You might not know the full extent of your losses, which can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. An attorney can help calculate the true value of your claim.
• Legal Guidance – The legal process can be confusing and stressful, especially when you’re recovering from an accident. An experienced attorney can guide you through each step, from filing the initial claim paperwork to representing you in court if necessary.
• Peace of Mind – Knowing that a professional is handling your case gives you the freedom to focus on your recovery. You can have peace of mind knowing that you have someone fighting for the best outcome for you.

What Are Some Disadvantages of Not Contacting a Car Accident Attorney Quickly?

Waiting too long to contact a car accident attorney after a crash can lead to several problems that might affect your ability to get the compensation you deserve. Some disadvantages of delaying legal action include:

• Weaker Case Preparation – Building a robust personal injury case takes time. The longer you wait, the less time your attorney has to investigate, gather evidence, and prepare a compelling argument before the deadline imposed by the statute of limitations expires. Early legal intervention allows for thorough and effective case preparation.
• Falling Victim to Insurance Company Tactics – Insurance companies may use delays to their advantage, pressuring you into accepting a quick, low settlement. Without legal guidance, you might agree to terms that don’t fully cover your expenses.
• Inadequate Medical Records – Prompt medical attention is vital for your health and your claim. If you delay seeing a doctor, it can be difficult to link your injuries directly to the accident. An attorney can help you get the necessary medical evaluations and ensure your injuries are properly documented.
• Increased Stress and Uncertainty – Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident on your own can be overwhelming. Delaying legal assistance can add to your stress and uncertainty, making the recovery process more difficult. An attorney can provide clarity and support during this challenging time.
• Mistakes in Handling Your Claim – Without professional guidance, you might make errors that could harm your case, such as providing incorrect information to insurance companies or missing critical steps in the legal process. An attorney can help you manage this process and avoid costly mistakes.
• Reduced Financial Recovery – Waiting too long to seek legal help can impact the amount of compensation you receive. Early intervention gives your legal team more time to accurately assess your losses and pursue maximum compensation.

What Will a Car Accident Lawyer Do for Me?

A car accident lawyer’s job is to handle all the legal details of your case and be a forceful advocate for your rights. In a car accident claim, an attorney’s duties include:

• Investigating the Accident – A car accident lawyer can gather evidence, interview witnesses, review police reports, and consult experts to determine what caused the accident and who is liable for your losses.
• Handling Insurance Claims – Your attorney will communicate with insurance companies on your behalf and help you avoid settling for less than your claim’s true value. They’ll negotiate to get you fair compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses.
• Calculating Compensation – An experienced car accident lawyer can accurately assess all your losses from the crash, including future medical costs and pain and suffering. This step can help you pursue the full amount you are entitled to under Florida law.
• Providing Aggressive Legal Advocacy – If the insurance companies won’t agree to a fair settlement, a car accident attorney can represent you in court. They understand the law and trial procedures and can present a strong case to a judge or jury to secure the compensation you need.

How Much Does a Car Accident Attorney Cost?

Most car accident law firms work on contingency, meaning you don’t owe any fees upfront. This fee structure lets accident victims obtain quality legal representation without taking on additional financial stress. Additionally, these attorneys have an incentive to successfully recover compensation for you because they get paid out of the settlement. If your attorney doesn’t win, they get nothing.

Contact a Florida Car Accident Lawyer

The sooner you contact an attorney after an accident, the more they can do for you, and the greater your chances are of recovering maximum compensation for your car accident injuries. Call Zervos & Calta, PLLC, today or complete our contact form for a free consultation.

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About the Author

Angela Zervos
Angela has spent more than 20 years of her legal career fighting for personal injury victims – and against big insurance companies. As a true trial lawyer, she takes on a wide variety of personal injury claims, including those involving motor vehicle accidents, slip-and-fall accidents, medical malpractice, traumatic brain injuries, and wrongful death. Prior to starting her own law practice, Angela secured more than $80 million in settlements and jury verdicts for her clients – a 90 percent success rate since 2002. Her efforts on behalf of her clients have resulted in numerous accolades. For example, Angela maintains a “Superb” 10.0 rating from AVVO, an “AV Preeminent” rating from Martindale-Hubbell, and she is ranked among the Top 100 civil trial lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers Association. Zervos & Calta, PLLC serves the entire Tampa Bay area – including Pinellas County, Pasco County, Hernando County, and Hillsborough County – from offices in Tarpon Springs, Spring Hill, Clearwater, and St. Petersburg.