South Florida Injury Attorneys Blog
If you have been injured in a car accident in Miami, Florida, one of the first things you should do is find a trusted car accident lawyer to speak with. If you have never hired a legal expert, you may feel overwhelmed with the process and what it requires.
Meeting with an attorney requires having a lot of information so your attorney can give you the best advice possible for helping you prove your case. They need to see the accident from every angle and observe the evidence you currently have for a better understanding of your position.
The good news is that before you invest in a car accident lawyer, most firms offer free case evaluations or consultations. Here’s what you should bring to your consultation so your attorney can review your auto accident case.
Why You Need an Attorney in The First Place (Especially in Florida)
Having a reputable Miami Car Accident Lawyer is great for your position since Florida has strict car accident laws. Florida operates with the modified-comparative fault system, which means everyone involved in the wreck shares the blame, but the blame may not be divided equally.
This means that in order to seek the the compensation you need and deserve for medical bills and other damages, you will have to go through your insurance company instead of filing a lawsuit. There are, however, stipulations to being able to file a car accident lawsuit in Florida. If you have sustained a severe injury or have damages exceeding a certain limit, you are eligible to file a legal dispute.
With these regulations in place, Florida drivers are required to carry a minimum of $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) and property damage liability (PDL). But just because that is the minimum you are required to have doesn’t mean you should expect to receive the whole $10,000 if you are ever in an accident.
Regardless of if you’re just filing for insurance or have the chance to file a lawsuit, you will have a better chance at a successful outcome with an attorney on your side. Lawyers in Miami, Florida, have expert knowledge in the statute of limitations surrounding car accidents and they know how to investigate the evidence to build your case.
Attorneys can also help you seek extra compensation from your insurance adjuster. It’s important to have an attorney on your side before you file a claim so that you can be sure to have their negotiation skills and expertise in your corner.
How To Find The Right Auto Accident Attorney
Looking for the right attorney to represent you can be stressful, especially if you need a large amount in compensation to help cover expenses lost because of the wreck. There are no guarantees with the attorney you hire, so it’s imperative you choose the best one you feel confident in.
One of the first things to look for in the right car accident lawyer is communication. There is no timeline your case will work under. It can be quick, or it can drag out if it’s more complex. Being prepared for any possibility is important and your attorney should establish clear and honest communication with you throughout the process, so you are constantly aware of what’s going on.
The next point to consider is their experience. You want to feel confident in your attorney and that they know what they’re doing, so look for lawyers that have proven experience dealing with car accident claims and have a background of success with their clients. Some newer attorneys may have lower fees which may look enticing but remember that this is an important investment for your future.
6 Documents to Bring to Your Consultation
To best assess your position and where you stand currently, your Miami Car Accident Lawyer will need to review specific information at the initial consultation. Here are 6 important documents to bring to your case evaluation for your attorney to look over.
Police Accident Report
You can obtain a copy of the police accident report from your accident and give it to your attorney. This vital piece of evidence shows an unbiased representation of your accident, who’s at fault, and what happened. Police accident reports are always very detailed, which is what your attorney needs to position your case.
Medical Bills/Records
You should never refuse medical treatment after an auto accident because this is another important document your attorney needs. Medical records show the details of your injuries and how you obtained them. Your attorney can also use your medical bills to calculate how much you deserve in compensation.
Insurance Policy Document
Provide a copy of your Declaration Page from your insurance provider so your attorney is aware of your coverage and the benefits you are entitled to after an accident. As you begin to negotiate with your insurance provider, this document can help your attorney leverage you for more compensation or benefits.
Notes or Photographs from The Accident
If you are able to at the scene of the accident, try to jot down notes about how the accident unfolded or take photos to give to your attorney. Photos speak a thousand words and if your case makes it to court, it can help your position greatly.
Health Insurance Card
Your attorney will also need to see your health insurance card to see the coverage and benefits you have for medical purposes. Some health insurance companies have stipulations in place for their benefits and compensations, so this information is necessary for your attorney to know.
Work Pay Stubs
If you had to miss work because of the wreck, then this means you also lost the income you and your family relied on. Bringing your pay stub will help your attorney calculate that additional compensation with the information regarding your payroll. If your accident has left you with an injury that will cause you to be out of work in the future, then your attorney can help you seek that compensation to make up for the lost time.
Questions? We Can Help
It may seem overwhelming to think about the process you are about to endure after being involved in a car wreck, but the team at Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers is well-suited and ready to help you.
Our firm specializes in helping injured victims seek lost compensation and benefits they may deserve after car accidents. If you are looking for experts in the legal justice field to work your case and one that has been around for several decades, we can certainly help.
We understand that you likely have questions regarding your claims, and we want to answer those questions the best way we can. You can get started with your free consultation by calling (561) 800-8000 or filing out our online form. From there, we will set up a time that is convenient for you to come into the office and meet one of our highly awarded attorneys.
Don’t put off any more time in fighting for the justice and compensation you deserve. Call Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers today.