Life is unlikely to be the same after a massive car crash. If you suffered financial losses and injuries in such a traffic mishap in Fort Lauderdale, you have to take appropriate and accurate steps to recover financial compensation. When you don’t understand how laws work or how to file an insurance claim, you must consult an injury lawyer for great advice and support. Below is a quick review of why an attorney’s role matters.
Florida is a no-fault state
Drivers in Florida are required to have PIP coverage, and the state has a no-fault system, which is a sharp contrast to the fault-based norm in many other states. In case of an accident, you will typically contact your insurer and file a claim to recover money. The catch here is you can only get limited compensation through your carrier, and in some circumstances, it might be possible to sue the at-fault party. An attorney can evaluate the case and give you an assessment based on the available facts, and as required, you can proceed with a lawsuit in court. Common circumstances when you can file a case include –
- You have sustained severe injuries, such as loss of bodily function, disfigurement, or brain damage
- You have a permanent injury that will prevent you from working further
- You have lost a loved one in the accident
Understanding the claim & damages
You also need an injury lawyer to know what damages you can recover. Depending on the circumstances, you may need compensation to cover medical expenses beyond the PIP policy, lost wages, property damage, and disfigurement. In some cases, it is also possible to get non-economic damages that cannot measured in money, such as pain and suffering and emotional distress. With an attorney, you are less likely to make the mistake of undermining the worth of your claim.
Taking the next step
If you need to file a lawsuit following a car accident, you must have a lawyer who specializes in personal injury law. They can be your advocate and will take measures to gather details to support the case. The lawyer may work with experienced professionals to establish liability and will talk to witnesses. They will also initiate an investigation to find relevant info and go before the jury to present a strong argument in your favor.
While the laws in Florida don’t make it mandatory to hire an attorney, you should consider that your priority after a crash.
