Orlando’s streets witness thousands of car accidents every year, leading to minor and fatal injuries. It is important to understand what your Orlando auto accident injury claim might be worth to ensure you get duly compensated if you meet with an accident.
The no-fault insurance system in Orlando, FL, requires every driver to carry $10,000 in PIP (Personal Injury Plan). Settlement amounts vary from $2,500 in the case of minor injuries to $6 million for serious cases. The injuries that cross the serious injury threshold can seek claims beyond PIP limits. Legal assistance from a reputed car accident attorney in Orlando results in fair settlements.
When to hire an Orlando Car Accident Attorney
There are countless factors to consider once you have been in an auto accident. If your injuries are minor, you get some time to assess the situation and gather all the required medical documents. But if you suffer from fatal injuries, it is not possible for you to handle concern. Here comes the role of an expert car accident attorney. Only a skilled lawyer can navigate the legal process of filing a claim to ensure you get fair compensation.
In most cases, insurance companies tend to pay less than your claim amount. We, at The Injury Assistance Law Firm, focus on every personal injury case and protect your basic rights. Unless you suffer minor injuries or experience property damage, we recommend consulting our legal assistance for a quick and fair settlement. Here are some situations when you must hire an Orlando car accident attorney:
- A person hurts you, or you have injured or killed someone.
- A driver hurts you and is denying liability.
- You meet an accident where you are at no-fault situation. When the driver is responsible for the accident or the insurance company refuses to compensate for the loss, seek legal help.
- Your insurance company encourages signing a settlement agreement after you filed a claim. You fail to understand what is written in the agreement letter. Chances are there that you might fall into a trap and may not get a fair compensation amount.
Most insurance companies know state laws. They have a separate legal team that handles such cases to make sure the claimants get less than expected. Being an injured victim, it is your right to protect your financial interests. Seek free legal consultations and hire a skilled car accident attorney who would stand by your side.
How Orlando’s No-fault Insurance System Influences your Claim
You have to realize that unlike other states, Florida runs under a no-fault insurance structure. This means in any case of who caused the accident, your first point of contact to get compensation is your insurance provider. You, just like other Orlando drivers or residents, must have at least $10,000 through PIP coverage. This covers almost 80% of your medical expenses and 60% of lost wages. The limit of lost wages is pre-decided and documented. The entire system creates a significant blockage in several cases. An injured person’s initial compensation is capped at the PIP limits, regardless of the gravity of the injuries. To understand the hidden clauses of this no-fault insurance system, you have to consult a personal injury attorney. The legal professional informs you whether you fall under the state’s “critical injury threshold”. The legal hurdles prevent countless car accident injury cases from getting full reimbursement beyond the set of PIP limits.
Key Factors Making or Breaking your Compensation
Medical costs are considered to be the foundation of all injury claims. As per Florida state law, you need to provide all relevant documents while claiming compensation. A lost wages claim needs a thorough verification of pre-accident income through your pay slips and income tax returns. Your injury case may impact your earning abilities. You may suffer from a fatal injury and fail to join your workspace. In this situation, your claim amount will rise drastically pertaining to financial and emotional losses. These damages often increase the full and final settlement amount depending on the impact on the quality of your life. Florida’s comparative negligence law influences injury settlements. If you are found to be 10% responsible for the car accident, your settlement amount will decrease by 10%. Only your car accident attorney can help you go through these limitations or clauses before you finally decide on making a claim.
Duration of a Standard Car Accident or Personal Injury Case in Florida
Minor personal injury cases last for three to six months. These cases need less negotiation once the medical treatment ends. However, moderate cases may last more than six to ten months before resolving. A severe personal injury case might need one to three years to reach an amicable resolution.
Orlando Car Accident Attorney Countering Insurance Company Tactics
Most insurance companies assign experienced lawyers to reduce final payouts. You may get 30% – 40% less settlement amount if your case is not handled confidently. Even if you submit all the necessary documents to support your claim, chances are there that you may not get a satisfactory amount. Another common tactic of the insurers is highlighting the gaps in medical treatment. This is done to prove your injuries are not that serious or not related to the accident occurred.
A professional car accident attorney is aware of all these tactics. Seeking legal assistance guarantees a maximized claim amount. Never accept the initial offer from your insurance provider. Take the time to consult your car accident attorney. Expert opinions can increase settlements and close the case within a limited time frame.
If you face a similar situation and get puzzled, contact our car accident attorneys in Orlando at The Injury Assistance Law Firm. We ensure your lawsuit is filed backed by all required documents and evidence. Our lawyers will continually follow up with your insurance company to ensure you are not misled in the course. Our lawyer will also guide you through the process and traffic laws to reduce potential risks.