When you suffer injuries from an accident as the result of negligence, you likely have many questions about how to seek compensation through a lawsuit. Here are 6 questions that are commonly asked of Tampa accident attorneys by clients.
How much does it cost to hire a personal injury attorney?
Under Florida law, personal injury lawyers are allowed to work on a contingency basis. What does that mean? Working on for a contingency fee means that your lawyer will not collect any payment from you until and unless your case is won or favorably settled.
Can I file an accident claim?
While this is a questions best answered by an experienced Tampa accident lawyer, in most cases anyone who is injured by another party, intentionally or through the result of negligence, is entitled to pursue compensation under Florida laws.
During a meeting with an experienced attorney, you will be asked questions to begin the investigation of your claim. This is the time to present any evidence, such as photos or medical reports, that can help your lawyer determine if you have a solid personal injury case.
How long will my case take?
Every case is unique, and there is no clear cut timetable for how long a personal injury case will take to conclude. Your attorney will need time to investigate, and if the case goes to trial there may be delays depending on the docket of the court.
Should I meet with the insurance company or an investigator?
Before speaking to anyone from the other party’s insurance company, you should absolutely meet with a Tampa personal injury attorney. The insurance company will likely contact you very soon after the accident to take a statement. It is in your best interest not to make one, but to contact an attorney instead.
If you meet with an adjustor soon after your accident, you may not yet know the full extent of your injuries. And without speaking to an attorney, you will not know the full extent of your rights under Florida law.
It’s important to remember that insurance companies are a business. It is not their job to protect your interests, and they are very experienced at handling cases like yours. You need someone who is watching out for you and make sure you understand your rights and what the law requires of you, the other party involved, and the insurance companies. An accident attorney in Tampa can do this for you.
Should I handle my case on my own?
Many people think their personal injury claim is simple and an attorney is not needed. However, before deciding to go it alone, you should strongly consider consulting with an accident lawyer. Consultations are free, and it’s very likely that you’ll leave this first meeting realizing how complex the law actually is and that you do need help. Injury claims can be confusing and easily overwhelm those with no experience and training.
When will I get my compensation?
How long it takes to get compensation depends on many factors, including whether the other party is an individual or company, what their financial situation is, how large the settlement figure is, etc. Many plaintiffs will receive money within two weeks of winning a claim, but this is not always the case.
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