An Overview of Alternative Dispute Resolution in Florida When you’ve been injured in a Florida accident, you want to make sure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Why is this so important? If you accept a low settlement, it is possible that it will not fully cover your losses. In other words, you’ll end up being the one who pays—even though you were injured due to someone else’s mistake.
That’s why you need someone on your side who understands how to maximize your personal injury claim. A knowledgeable Florida injury attorney is well-versed in the ins and outs of our legal system and has the skills and tools to build a compelling case designed to ensure you receive the highest possible award.
It starts with you, though, so we wanted to put together a guide to help people ensure they are giving themselves the best chance at maximizing their compensation in their personal injury cases.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
The first and most critical step after an accident is to seek immediate medical attention – even if you believe your injuries are minor. Prompt medical treatment ensures your health and safety and creates a medical record that can be used as evidence in your claim.
Insurance companies and courts look favorably upon claimants who take their health seriously and follow through with necessary medical treatment.
Document Everything
Thorough documentation is essential in building a strong personal injury case. Collect evidence from the accident scene, including photographs, witness statements, and police reports. Keep a detailed record of your injuries, medical treatments, and how the injury has impacted your daily life. Maintain copies of all medical bills, prescriptions, and any other expenses related to the injury.
This documentation will support your claim and help demonstrate the extent of your losses.
Understand Florida’s No-Fault Insurance Law
Florida operates under a no-fault insurance system, which means that your own insurance company will cover your medical expenses and lost wages up to a certain limit, regardless of who was at fault for the accident.
However, if your injuries are severe and meet specific criteria, you may be able to step outside the no-fault system and file a claim against the at-fault party. Understanding these nuances is crucial to maximizing your claim.
Hire an Experienced Florida Personal Injury Attorney
One of the most effective ways to maximize your personal injury claim is to hire an experienced personal injury attorney. An attorney who specializes in personal injury law and can point to a track record of success in cases like yours will understand the intricacies of the legal system and can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. They can help gather necessary evidence, build a strong case, and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
Avoid Settling Too Quickly
No one wants to be involved in a long-running legal dispute. You want to handle things as quickly and efficiently as possible so that you can get back to your regular life. In fact, insurance companies will often offer claimants a settlement award fairly immediately to get the case over with.
However, it is important to avoid settling too quickly – especially before the full extent of your injuries and long-term impacts are known. These fast settlement offers from insurers are frequently less than what the claim is worth. Insurance companies aren’t just trying to close the case – they’re trying to convince you to take a smaller amount before all of the facts come out.
Bottom line? Consult with your attorney before accepting any settlement offers to ensure they reflect the true value of your claim.
Consider Future Damages
When calculating the value of your claim, it’s essential to consider your current expenses, losses, and future damages. This includes ongoing medical treatment, rehabilitation, lost earning capacity, and any long-term impacts on your quality of life.
An experienced attorney can help estimate and include these future damages in your claim.
Be Cautious with Social Media
In the digital age, insurance adjusters often look at claimants’ social media profiles to find evidence that could undermine their claims. Be cautious about what you post on social media following your accident. Avoid sharing details about the accident, your injuries, or activities that could be interpreted as inconsistent with your injury claims.
Follow Through with Medical Treatment
It’s not enough to seek medical attention in the beginning. Consistently following through with your prescribed medical treatment is critical to maximizing your personal injury claim. Insurance companies can use gaps in treatment or failure to follow your doctor’s recommendations to argue that your injuries are not as severe as claimed. Ensure that you attend all medical appointments and follow your treatment plan diligently.
Insurance companies can use gaps in treatment or failure to follow your doctor’s recommendations to argue that your injuries are not as severe as claimed. Ensure that you attend all medical appointments and follow your treatment plan diligently.
