Lawsuit tips when tackling personal injury issues in Florida? Two drivers caused a car accident when they were both behaving negligently. After litigating the case in a Florida court, the jury decides that the damages from the car accident are $100,000. The jury also decides that one car driver was 70% at fault for the accident, while the other driver was 30% at fault for the accident. That means that the first driver will be responsible for $70,000 in damages, while the other driver will be responsible for $30,000 in damages caused by the car accident.
It is standard practice for insurance adjusters to begin negotiations by first offering a very low settlement amount — or, sometimes, denying liability altogether. With this tactic, the adjuster is trying to find out whether you understand what your claim is worth and to see if you are so impatient to get some money that you will take any amount. When a first offer is made, your response should depend on whether it is a reasonable offer but too low or whether it is so low that it is just a tactic to see if you know what you are doing. If the offer is reasonable, you can immediately make a counteroffer that is a little bit lower than your demand letter amount. That shows the adjuster that you, too, are being reasonable and are willing to compromise. A little more bargaining should quickly get you to a final settlement amount you both think is fair. In these negotiations, don’t bother to go over all the facts again. Just emphasize the strongest points in your favor — for example, that the insured was completely at fault.
Never be embarrassed to tell your doctors about all of your complaints. The value of your claim is due in large measure to the doctor’s diagnosis and treatment. The doctor can only treat what he observes of what you tell him. The doctor’s records will only be as complete as information that he receives. Keep track of all prescriptions and medicines taken, preferably saving all bottles or containers of medicine. Provide your attorney with receipts for all medications, both over the counter and prescription medications as well as any other items purchased such as crutches, canes, neck braces, splints and bandages.
Most personal injury attorneys offer a free consultation and case evaluation to help you explore your options for filing a claim. This frees up your time to focus on recovering from your injuries and getting your life back on track. Best of all, you won’t have to pay any legal fees until they recover compensation for your damages. If you were injured in a car accident, motorcycle accident, slip and fall, or any other accident that wasn’t your fault, you deserve compensation.
Florida has a relatively short statute of limitations, the legal term for the amount of time a person has to file a lawsuit. Under state law, a victim of a car accident caused by a negligent driver must file a lawsuit within four years of the accident. Because time is of the essence in these types of cases, it is important for you to contact a car accident attorney in Orlando to discuss any possible legal options that may be available to you. To reach out to a knowledgeable attorney, contact Bengal Law at 407-315-8000. See more information at Bengal Law PLLC.
Winning your personal injury case means getting a fair payment for your injuries and other losses. To do this, you need an accurate picture of your damages. You will need doctors and other health care professionals to document your injuries and formulate a treatment plan. This documentation can encourage the other side to come to the table and offer a higher settlement. You should get medical treatment, even if you’re unsure about the extent of your injuries. If your doctor recommends a treatment plan, you should carefully follow it. This should include seeking any necessary physical therapy and treatment for things like flashbacks and post-traumatic stress.