Car accidents eventually happen to most drivers, but even though they are common, a crash is physically and emotionally traumatic. If you suffered significant injuries, the accident could be life-altering – as well as cause financial distress.
Whether the results of the crash were relatively minor or catastrophic, anyone involved in a car accident should consider working with a local personal injury attorney. A Cocoa car accident lawyer could work with you to make the best possible case for compensation.
People are sometimes reluctant to engage a legal professional after a vehicle accident, feeling that the cause of the accident is straightforward and assuming the insurance companies will deal with them fairly.
Unfortunately, managing a car accident claim is a labor-intensive process. Speaking with insurance companies, getting estimates of vehicle damage, and arranging appropriate medical treatment can all take a long time. A Cocoa attorney with experience representing people in car accident claims is familiar with the process and has a network of doctors and other professionals they could call on, if necessary.
In the case of a significant injury (such as a brain injury or spinal cord damage), working with an attorney can provide peace of mind and likely result in a more appropriate settlement. The legal professional could identify all parties with potential liability in the accident. In addition, they could handle all communication with insurers, sparing the injured person from the stress of negotiations.
Florida is a no-fault state for car accidents. According to Florida Statute § 627.7407, everyone registering a vehicle must have personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. If the individual gets into an accident, the PIP pays a percentage of their medical expenses and lost wages.
However, given the high cost of medical care, even a relatively minor injury could exhaust a driver’s PIP coverage. In that case, they must turn to the at-fault driver’s insurance for the remaining compensation.
Determining which driver was at-fault can be complicated. Insurance companies might evaluate the damage to the vehicles, police accident reports, and other evidence to determine which driver was at fault. A Cocoa attorney could evaluate this evidence and more, including surveillance video, dashcam footage, witness statements, and other evidence to ensure fault is assessed accurately.
People who suffer injuries in a car accident must initially file a claim with the insurer for the vehicle they were driving or riding in. When the available coverage from the vehicle owner’s policy is exhausted, the injured person could turn to the insurer for the at-fault driver.
If the at-fault driver’s coverage is insufficient to cover an injured person’s claim, filing a lawsuit might be the next step. An at-fault driver is personally liable for damages their insurer does not cover.
A Cocoa attorney could handle the auto accident claims process and conduct negotiations with insurers. Insurance companies often make low initial settlement offers; but with an aggressive legal representative, an injured person could receive a settlement that reimburses their out-of-pocket expenses and provides adequate compensation for their pain, inconvenience, emotional trauma, and diminished quality of life.
If you were hurt in a car accident, do not assume your insurance company, or the defendant’s, will treat you fairly. Insurance companies are for-profit businesses, and their mission is to convince you to settle for less than your claim is worth.
A Cocoa car accident lawyer knows how to value your claim and negotiate a settlement that is fair, given the circumstances. Reach out to The Umansky Law Firm Criminal Defense & Injury Attorneys and speak to a knowledgeable professional as soon as possible after your accident.
The Umansky Law Firm Criminal Defense & Injury Attorneys
