Here are some top ways to find a personal injury attorney in Florida:
Discuss fees prior to signing When hiring a personal injury lawyer in Florida, make sure to ask about fees directly. Keep in mind that transparency is vital in any prominent financial transaction. It pretty much includes your personal injury attorney. Try to get any fee agreement in writing. Keep in mind that most injury attorneys in Florida work on contingency. Their main aim is to get a third of the settlement or judgment along with office-related costs. No matter what, make sure to be clear as to what the attorney means when he/she says that they would not ask for any fee if there is no recovery. In other words, you must understand the lawyer’s fees right from the start. Research lawyers online Research different attorneys online. Your attorney must be licensed. He/she must be in good standing in the state where the accident took place. After all, every state has its own local bar association. Every genuine lawyer is registered in their databases. You can go ahead and verify their bar status. Make sure to check whether they have been sanctioned. Verify if any disciplinary measures have been made against them. Simply go ahead and ask all the difficult questions, if possible. Try to find out online if a lawyer has had any complaints/disciplinary actions. Make sure not to choose a lawyer on the basis of verdict numbers that are listed on a website. Remember that every case is different. Thus, the amount of damages in your case is dependent on various factors. Try to spend some time talking to the lawyer prior to hiring him/her. Ask friends and family Go ahead and ask your friends and family members to refer their personal injury lawyer. Word of mouth matters here. In order to find a genuine personal injury attorney, you need to ask friends and family for a referral to a lawyer who represented them previously at some point. In order to find attorneys, go ahead and ask your friends, Facebook, Google, and directories. Keep in mind that online reviews are the word of mouth, in the present times. There are various personal injury lawyers who tend to advertise in various places from TV to online. In the present regulation, there is little regulation. Thus, a good way to find a personal injury lawyer is to talk to reliable people. You can ask a pastor who is located in your area. Usually, pastors tend to know a good deal. They can be trusted with personal info as well. Thus, they will hear about the various types of experiences when people are going through various legal challenges. In general, people get sent to an appropriate lawyer when they go to an individual whom they trust. Try to get a word-of-mouth referral from a reliable professional such as an accountant, a neighbor or a medical professional who has had personal experience with their lawyer. In addition, make sure to do some more research. Make sure to look into the reviews for the attorney online. Check as to what pops up about the firm and the personal injury lawyer. Once you have done some research and have some personal injury lawyers that you wish to contact, go ahead and try a basic phone call. You can think of submitting your personal injury case via some current-day websites. However, when you call the lawyer’s offices, you are likely to find out how they operate. This would make it easy for you to understand if the office is the right fit for you. Follow your gut instinct Try to pick the personal injury lawyer that cares about you as an individual. Keep in mind that there are some personal injury attorneys who care more about the case’s value over making the decisions that would benefit the client in their recovery. The personal injury lawyer needs to be real about the sensitive parts of the case in a direct manner. You would have to go with your gut feeling at the time of choosing a personal injury attorney. If something feels off, feel free to move on to another personal injury lawyer instantly. Do so even if the representation has already started. Ask if the lawyer would handle your case in person You must make sure that the personal injury lawyer is one who handles your personal injury case. You must speak with the attorney who would be handling your case personally, in actuality. So, consider this point prior to hiring a personal injury lawyer. If the attorney is not able to take even 5 minutes out of their day to talk to you in person, you can very well figure out as to what type of attention they would give to working your personal injury case. Try to find the level of the lawyer's training Try to find out the extent of the lawyer’s training. Try to gain insight on their legal experience as well. Get to know as to how long they have been practicing. Try to find out if the attorney is the one who represents you. Keep in mind that there are many personal injury lawyers who advertise claiming that they would fight for your case. This claim is not always a genuine one. So, do your research well. Figure out who pays case expenses You need to determine as to who pays case-related costs. Also, get to understand as to when are these expenses are to be paid. Apart from contingency fee percentage, one other prominent financial concern is how costs are dealt with. The method that is employed can imply having some thousand dollars in your pocket when your case is done with. In order to file a personal injury lawsuit, you would have to hire an attorney. There are some legal costs that would always come into the picture. These are court filing fees, expert witness fees, administrative fees etc.
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You need to be rational while handling your car accident situation! It certainly is as difficult as it sounds! However, in order to make the right steps, you need to be calm first.
Here are some of the important steps to take after getting into a Florida car accident: Do not drive away from the scene You must never drive away from the scene of an accident. Even if it is a minor accident, you must stay at the sight unless the investigation is over. If you escape, it might be seen as a major lawless act! Keep yourself and the scene protected You can try to set up flares and keep your flashers on. These are some of the basic steps to protect the accident scene. In case it is dark, try to gather a flashlight to keep you safe in the waiting stage. You can wait right in your disabled car or by the side of the road. Contact Florida police Even if it is a minor car accident, make sure to call the police. You might need a police report to file a claim with your insurance company. You might just need it to make a claim for damage to your vehicle. The vehicles involved in the accident need to remain where they are. Maintain a record As soon as the police arrive, tell the investigating officer about the entire series of events that led to the accident. Be honest and accurate. In case you do not have certain facts, just tell the same to the officer. Do not fabricate tales here. Do not do guess work either! In case you are asked if you are injured and you are not sure, just say you are not sure. Usually, the pain and injuries from motor vehicle accidents become apparent a while after the accident. You must check that the facts provided by other persons involved in the accident are accurate. Click pictures You are likely to have a smartphone that is equipped with a camera. Make sure to take pictures of the vehicles. This becomes more important when there is proper damage. However, try not to interfere with the police investigation that is likely to take place in the scene. In case you are unable to take pictures at the scene of the accident, you can take them as soon as possible after the accident. Collect as much info as possible Usually, it is the job of the investigating police officer to gather as much info as possible. However, if the police do not respond to the accident, you must obtain the name, address and telephone number of all persons involved in the accident, drivers, and passengers. Also, try to obtain information about insurance by asking to see the insurance card for all vehicles involved in the accident. In case there are witnesses, get information from them. This will enable your attorney to contact them in the future. Usually, the investigating officer will provide all drivers with a police report number. You can use this number to gather the police report. Talk to your insurance company You must inform your insurance company about the accident right after it occurred. Most of the policies need a good deal of reporting and cooperation. Figure out if you have medical benefits as part of your insurance coverage. Get medical help as soon as possible Some of the injuries caused by motor vehicle accidents are not that apparent. These might be apparent hours after the accident took place. So, do not take your injuries lightly even if they are not that visible. Seek medical attention at your local emergency room. Even if there is a minor impact, you must sustain a serious injury to your spinal cord. No matter what, never leave untreated. In case you got unconscious, get medical attention as soon as possible. Your co-passengers or other people should help you here. Make notes of relevant info You must keep all your relevant documents and information with you. This information can come in handy when you file your personal injury claim. Get the name of the claim's adjuster who is handling the claim, names and phone numbers of all contacts, receipts for a rental car and other expenses incurred due to the car accident. Know your rights and protect them Right after an accident, make sure to consult your attorney. Your South Florida Personal Injury Attorney is the right person who can protect your rights. He/she is the right person who can make sure that your claim is valid. He/she will safeguard all the relevant evidence that might come into play while dealing with your claim. Also, insurance companies want to take statements instantly after an accident. Never give random statements on your own! Get legal advice before giving any statement. Get suggestions from your Fort Lauderdale attorney as to how you can get the best possible compensation. Usually, personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. Thus, there is no legal fee involved. The attorney gets paid only when he succeeds in making you get compensation for your injuries. It is a known fact that a car crash can never be an easy event to handle. You might be high on emotions! However, you must try not to lose your cool, especially at the other driver. Never put blame on the other parties. It will do no good! Instead, you can take your time to relax first. Try to stay calm. In order to make clever decisions, you must have a good head on you. Never forget to properly document the wreck. You ought to get the right insurance information from the other driver. Get the facts straight! You certainly need an accurate account of the accident to give to law enforcement. You will also have to notify your insurance providers. So, you can repeat the series of events in your head several times! Make sure to write down the other vehicle's license plate number. It is more than important to call the Fort Lauderdale police after a car accident. The police play a vital role in the proceedings of any car accident case. So, it cannot be taken lightly.
Here are some of the major reasons why you should always call the police after a car accident in Fort Lauderdale: Getting a basic level of medical care When it comes to a serious injury accident in Fort Lauderdale, medical care will be the most important thing you will need. In general, police are likely to be the first to arrive on the accident scene. They will be able to provide basic medical care for anyone who is injured. Also, they are likely to clear out an area for the ambulance to park. This will enable the EMTs to move any injured people. Thus, police can actually play an important part in getting the vital medical treatment process started. Creating a safe environment to make your statement If the car accident in Fort Lauderdale is really severe, the police will block off the area around the crash. Police might consider blocking off the road, or at least some section of it. They do this to ensure the area is free of traffic while they conduct their investigation peacefully. Also, this creates a safe environment for the injured person to talk to not only the police but also the other driver(s) and any witnesses who may be on the scene. Right after the car accident, it is required for the injured person to gather as much information as possible. He/she must let the police know their side of the events that resulted in the car crash. Investigating the actual Cause of the Accident Once the accident takes place, you will certainly want trained professionals to evaluate the cause of what happened. This is of vital importance, more so if you file an insurance claim or bring the other driver to court. Police might collect witness reports, collect information on the parties involved in an accident, and test to see whether the other driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. In case you suspect that the other driver is under the influence, roadside tests can help to confirm this suspicion. This can be one major reason to call the police to the scene. Preparing the vital Police Report This is, perhaps, the most important reason why you should call the police. It is to prepare an official police report. This document will be of extreme importance. This report will be too important if you plan on bringing the other driver to court. The police report might include an assessment of the cause of the accident and the damage caused by the car crash. If possible, get a copy of the police report. This is important if you plan on taking legal action. You must take down the name and badge number of the police officer filing the report and the agency he/she represents prior to leaving the scene. Even if the car accident in Fort Lauderdale is minor, you should call the police. Try not to rely on self-assumptions! In case there are no injuries, the police may or may not come to prepare a report. In case the police do not come to the scene, make sure you gather some basic information from the other driver. It includes the driver’s name, address, telephone number, the name of insurance company, policy number, name and contact information for their insurance representative, and license plate number. This information will be crucial in filing a claim. If anyone is injured, you must contact the police, without fail. At the time of giving your statement to an officer, you must explain in detail how the accident occurred. However, you must never admit fault for the crash. In case there is an injury or physical damage to the vehicle as a result of the collision, you must have the accident properly documented for insurance purposes. This will also help you protect your legal rights in case of a lawsuit. When is the right time to call the police after a car accident? Most car accidents cause instant stress. No matter how difficult it might seem to keep calm, you need to remain calm and composed. Only then can you assess the situation carefully. You must keep in mind that protecting yourself and your legal rights is vital, in such a state. For this, the first step should be to call the police. This is one of the most effective ways to safeguard your legal interests. At the time when you are hit by another driver, it can be more than traumatic. You need to stop your car and turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers to the collision. You must evaluate yourself first. You can check for any major injuries that may have occurred in the crash. You must prioritize safety. In case you or anyone in your vehicle is badly hurt, you must call emergency services. Look into the nature and severity of the damages. When you have assessed your injuries and the injuries of the other driver, you can check your vehicle to determine the extent of damages. In usual, the extent of damages will determine if you need to call the police immediately or if it can wait until later. In case there is no apparent damage, and nobody is injured, you might decide to contact the police at a later time to inform them of the accident for insurance purposes. However, it is usually recommended to call the police immediately after a car crash. You must be aware of the info that will be required by the police. You must never admit fault or apologize for the accident. Take Photos of the car accident scene. You must take photographs of the damage done to your vehicle. This will be extremely helpful when filing your insurance claim. In case the other driver files a case against you claiming the accident was your fault, your photos might help to prove them wrong, along with the police report. You need to take a lot of factors into account when determining the damages that you can recover after a car accident in Fort Lauderdale. You need to understand as to who is liable to pay for the property damage. You need to take the extent of your injury into account. You need to consider the nature of your injury as well. In most cases, you may turn to your insurance policy if you have comprehensive coverage. So, you are required to hire an experienced Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer, such as the Mark Schiffrin P.A. He is the right person to help you and make sure you are compensated fully. You can never handle a car accident case on your own, especially when the injuries or damages are massive. Here is a list of the type of damages that you can recover after a car accident: Property Damage In usual, the claims for property damage can be easily settled in Fort Lauderdale. Property damage can include various damages. These include damage to your vehicle, damage to other personal items during the accident, towing costs and storage fees, valid appraisals, public or private property damage, body shop repairs, replacement costs etc. In order to make sure that all of your property damage is covered, you need to hire the right lawyer. Usually, your property damage gets paid by various ways. If the accident was entirely the other party’s fault, his insurance company is supposed to pay for all your damages. However, in certain cases, liability may be disputed. You might not agree with the amounts the insurance company offers you. The insurance company might base its decision on whether or not your car is reparable. Usually, property damage sustained in the accident, is a major form of damage. The cost of repairing your vehicle can be a major concern. There are any categories of personal injury damages that are recoverable. In order to prove them enough to recover them fully, you need the support of a good lawyer. If your vehicle is not a “total loss” and that the at-fault driver has a liability policy that will cover the cost of your property damages, there are three major types of property claim that you can make: Cost of Repairs These costs involve the money that is required to repair your vehicle to its state immediately before the accident. Usually, you can use the mechanic or body shop of your choice. The choice of insurance company’s preferred vendors can be yours. Generally, the mechanic will work directly with the insurance company to get the cost of repairs covered. You might be able to obtain a repair estimate from the insurance adjuster. You can have the insurance provider pay you directly to get the necessary repairs. In this case,you need to get an independent estimate to ensure that the insurance company takes into account all of the important repairs. Loss of Use Loss of use damages include the damages that you have sustained because you were unable to use your vehicle during the repair period. These damages mainly include the cost of renting a vehicle or using a taxi or ride-sharing service. Diminution in Value You can also claim the difference in the value of your vehicle immediately before the collision and after repairs. The intrinsic loss in value that the vehicle has suffered as a result of the accident, comes into play here. In order to make the best possible claim for diminution in value, you must obtain regular appraisals of your vehicle in order to compare its value following a collision. There are many companies across the country also offer independent diminution in value appraisal services that can be used at the time of negotiating with the insurance company. In case the at-fault driver does not have liability coverage, you might still be able to recover these kinds of damages under your own uninsured/underinsured motorist property coverage. You must keep in mind that every policy is different. You must read and understand your policy. This way you can be aware of what your insurer will and will not cover in the event of a collision. Personal Injury Damages Personal injury damages can be real difficult to negotiate, certain times. It needs to be determined which damages you should be entitled to. Accordingly, you and your Fort Lauderdale accident lawyer can fight for compensation. Some of the common personal injury damages that can be recovered, include:
What are punitive damages? Punitive damages are a type of damages that may be available in personal injury lawsuits. These damages are not intended as compensation for specific losses. These are mainly targeted at punishing the defendant for wrongful acts. Fort Lauderdale is known to have a good number of personal injury attorneys. Personal injury is more than a legal problem. It might affect every aspect of your life. You should choose an attorney that has huge experience. However, the commitment and determination needed to help you find a resolution. In case you have suffered an injury, you should know that we will be here when you need us most. Contact a law firm that will treat you like a respectful client.
Ensure that your lawyer is a good communicator since that is mainly what you are hiring him to do. It is important for him to communicate your case to a judge, jury or another attorney in the smartest manner. At the same time, he should use the law to argue for an outcome in your favor. You should understand how often your lawyer will communicate to you the details of your case. You need to stay informed. Your lawyer should communicate with you about how your case is progressing, how long it should take and how much it should cost. So, choose a lawyer who is willing to spend time with you to learn your case. This is a clear indication of dedication, thoroughness, and professionalism. Here are some smart tips for hiring a personal injury attorney in Fort Lauderdale: Cost factor Your very first conversation with an attorney needs to address your fees and costs with clarity. There should be no confusion here. The costs should be made transparent. Good law firms usually explain all of your fees and costs in writing. Matter of experience Keep in mind that serious legal matters require experienced attorneys. Experience counts. It can be measured in plenty of ways. Ask any attorney how many years of experience. However, you also want to know not just about the individual attorney but the law firm itself. Ask about the firm or lawyer’s professional reputation, recognition and awards, and experience in dealing with complex legal matters. Most of the genuine law firms take pride in maintaining their professional reputation throughout the legal community, on state and national levels. They have vast experience in helping injured individuals and their families. Go to a lawyer who is specialized in dealing with cases that are of the same nature as yours. Expertise counts You should make sure that your potential lawyer is nearly an expert in a particular area of personal injury law. You should check whether other lawyers refer their clients to him because of that expertise. Every personal injury lawyer does not handle every type of personal injury case. Go for an attorney with experience and an intricate understanding of the law for your particular type of case. Check the lawyer-client relationship dynamic You should know what your relationship will be like with your lawyer. You can ask a potential lawyer what your working relationship will be. You need to meet with and work with the lawyer, not a staff member or assistant. The lawyer-client relationship needs to be based on trust and understanding. In case you will be working with staff members, you certainly cannot develop a successful lawyer-client relationship. From initial conference to trial, your lawyer will be personally and professionally involved every step of the way. This relationship with your lawyer needs to be based on trust and transparency on both parts. Analyze the lawyer work style At the time of meeting with a potential lawyer, you should decide if he and you will have a compatible relationship. You should consider whether the lawyer listens well to your problems, understands how it impacts your life and your family, and appreciates your concerns. You should analyze if the lawyer has clearly answered your questions and explained how your case will be pursued. You should be confident that your lawyer will work with you in partnership to build up your case. Check the professional network You should check whether your potential lawyer has a vast professional network of experts. Most of the personal injury cases involve testimony of expert witnesses. Go to a lawyer who knows and hires experts in a variety of fields. Remember that the more resources you have at your fingertips, the better your case will be covered. Try to shop around You should not feel you should hire the first lawyer or firm you spoke with. You need to ask yourself the following questions:
Specialization is important You need to understand the type of case you have so that you can find an attorney that specializes in that type of law. The lawyer should have a lot of experience with your type of case. Focus on results as well You should ask your lawyer to give you examples of recoveries they have made on behalf of their clients. Keep in mind that large dollar recoveries are important. However, a good and long track record of successes is equally important in your area. Right after the accident, try not to give a recorded statement to any insurance company without the advice of an experienced traffic accident lawyer. You should get admission to a medical facility. There are certain symptoms that may not appear for days or weeks, and medical treatment can help prevent your injuries from getting worse. You should record and preserve evidence. Consider hiring a Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Lawyer as soon as possible after your car accident. The important details should not become unclear. This will help preserve evidence. Try to document witness statements. Make sure to draw a diagram of the accident scene. Take photographs of the vehicles involved in the crash. Car accidents are anything but soothing! Most of you are aware of the many steps that you are ought to take after the occurrence of a car accident. Whoever is at fault, if you belong to one of the parties of the victim or the one at fault, you are bound to take certain steps in your as well as your party’s interests. However, you need to be all the more cautious while following these steps since the other party might consider leaving the scene of the accident, failing to report the event or even ridiculing your account of the events, or simply being anything but helping.
Here are some steps to guide you as to what to do just after an accident in which you have been the victim: Do a thorough Follow-up of the Accident Though it feels highly unpleasant having experienced a car accident, take some time to gather your cool all over again. Health comes first. Attend to your injuries if any. Get immediate medical attention. If your injuries are grave, ask for help from your other friends in the car or any other witness at the scene. Also, make sure to note down about the injuries. Though it might be challenging in such a short time when your mind might not be completely sound, make an attempt to do so. Keep a check on all drivers and passengers who may be involved in the accident. Help those who need instant medical care. However, make sure that you move an injured person only when it is necessary for his or her safety, else not. Also, get the vehicles moved out of traffic to avoid any disturbing traffic jam or any other accident, thus creating a more intense scene! Collect Information If the other party or driver is clearly at fault, then it is their duty to report the incident to their insurer. However, you can never assume things under such critical circumstances and take honor ship on your own. Keep in mind that leaving the scene of the incident is a grave felony in itself as per the law. However, you can prove it, if the case demands, only if you have proper evidence that someone involved in the accident escaped the scene. That is why gathering of information is necessary. The following information should be collected any how:
Making a Call the Police It is a crucial step as it can help you in the aftermath of such an event to recover. It might not be obvious as to who is at fault for causing the accident. Both you and the other party might have contributed to the traumatic event. Whatever the case may be, in case there are physical injuries or substantial damage, you should think of calling the police. A police report may not be adequate for the civil court but, it surely gives you an edge when you give your version of events or at the time of reaching a settlement. You should consider calling the police even when the other driver or passengers in the other vehicle are hurt. Steps you may take after reaching home Even if you suffer from minor injuries, you might feel the need to take some measures after reaching home. However, do not wait or the next day to treat or wash your injuries, as the case may be. Make a proper note of the injuries that you have suffered from the accident. The more detailed the note, the better. Keep it ongoing till your injuries or wounds are fully healed. If you are fortunate enough, the other driver or party might report the accident to his or her insurer and the insurance company shall comply by writing a cheque to you for your vehicular damage as well as your medical bills. Inform the course of events to your Own Insurance Company Car accidents happen when you least expect. Moreover, in a state of such overwhelming shock, you might not have a full memory of the entire set of events that led up to the collision. You might not realize that you were at fault partially. After all, it is human to automatically put the blame on others before peeping into your own actions that might have led to the accident. A case might arise where the other driver’s insurance company does not agree to take any responsibility. Whatever the case may be, your own insurance company should be made aware of the scenario. It is required if your insurance company plans to initiate a legal action against the other insurer or to get a collision claim formulated for your vehicle. No matter whose fault it is, you must contact your insurance company. When you take this step, it establishes a good image of you. After all, you fulfilled your share of responsibility by reporting the accident. Steps you might take against the Other Driver's Insurance Company In general, the other driver’s or parties insurance company should take care of the damages you have suffered, in case you are the victim. However, in the absence of a police report, the insurance company might support its policyholder and deny any form of coverage. In such a case, your own insurer needs to come into play. It may cover the damage, sue the other insurance company or make effort to reach a settlement that is suited for all parties. However, always consider hiring a specialized car accident lawyer and then, suing the other party's insurer all by yourself. Florida is believed to have some of the highest rates of hit and run incidents in the country. Basically, Florida is a state with highly developed areas and a vast urban stretches. Though there is enough space for motor vehicles, very little space is saved for pedestrians and cyclists. A majority of sidewalks in Florida exist just beside a roadway. The hit and run offenders are penalized strictly. They need to pay for the remedies of the victims.
In case you or your friend has been the unfortunate one to be the victim in a hit and run accident in Florida, it is vita that you report the crime to the police as early as possible. Also, you need to seek medical attention. Your recovery might be an ongoing process depending on the severity of the injury you have sustained as a result of the accident. In this case, it is likely for you to get confused or uncertain as to how to seek a deserving compensation. The offender is usually entitled to compensate for all the damages caused to the innocent victim. However, the Florida injury claim gets complicated when the victim fails to prove the guilt of the offender. Thus, the financial recovery of the victim runs a risk of suffering from a huge setback! The Crimes Compensation Trust Fund provides injured victims of criminal acts, such as hit and run accidents, with monetary compensation for their medical expenses and any loss of support. This forms a safe option for victims of a hit and run accident in Florida. The hit and run victims might also be eligible for compensation under this fund. There are certain criteria that might enable the victim to recover money from the Crimes Compensation Trust Fund. A victim is needed to apply with the Florida Bureau of Victim Compensation to seek compensation from the Crimes Compensation Trust Fund. The application for the compensation should be made as early as possible after the occurrence of the hit and run accident. There is a certain time limit within which the application and receipt of funds should be taken care of. With the help of the fines paid by convicted offenders for various crimes like a hit and run accident in Florida etc., the Crimes Compensation Trust Fund is maintained and funded successfully. The victim of a hit and run pedestrian accident in Florida might opt for seeking compensation through their own auto insurance policy. This is the option for victims to seek compensation other than the Crimes Compensation Trust Fund. A specialized pedestrian accident attorney can come into the picture after the occurrence of the hit and run incident. He looks intricately into the facts of your case and conducts a thorough evaluation of all of your insurance policies. He tries his best to determine every feasible option for compensation through your own insurer. When a standard pedestrian accident occurs, your medical expenses might be covered up by the party’s personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. In most cases you shall not be able to get adequate compensation for your damages from the driver. So, your attorney needs to intervene to pursue these damages from your insurer. The highest limit for this coverage is $10,000 in general. This amount is much less than the compensation you usually deserve for your serious injuries acquired in the hit and run case. You might carry the uninsured motorist coverage. If you have this type of insurance on your vehicle, your attorney can demand for extra compensation for your injuries depending on the limits of your uninsured motorist coverage. These hit and run cases are the most unpredictable forms of accidents but with most detrimental or grave outcomes. So, it is vital for you to have a clear idea of the first course of action that should be followed after such a disturbing accident. The first course of action includes seeking instant medical attention, contacting a pedestrian accident attorney as early as possible and many more. Florida law usually requires motorists to remain at the scene of any accident. However, in certain cases, people are not able to follow this law. In case the other driver stays at the scene of the accident, auto insurance information can be collected. In this case, the other driver’s bodily injury liability coverage can pay for the compensation. The other case is one in which the other driver runs away the scene never to be seen again! In such a case, filing a claim with the other driver’s insurer is not a feasible option. When such a dire circumstance arrives, most of the victims appear clueless as to what steps are further needed to be taken. Here is when uninsured motorist comes into the picture. Uninsured motorist coverage is not usually stated in the state auto insurance requirements. Most people don’t know what their insurance policy includes. That is why it is usually more helpful to seek advice in order to effectively deal with the impact of a hit-and-run accident. Uninsured motorist coverage is applicable for multiple situations. It is quite obvious that dealing with insurance companies can pretty intimidating and requires you to be overly vigilant. Even after paying your insurer every month, your insurance company might offer with the smallest amount of compensation. However, hit-and-run victims need to take measures to ensure that they recover an adequate amount of resources. This is one of those highly unfortunate yet common issues Florida. Getting involved in a car accident is one of the most unfortunate and nightmarish incidents. Apart from major medical issues, time loss at work, physical vehicle damage, etc. are some of the other grave damages caused due to the accident. In case the driver-at-fault does not remain in the scene of the accident, the case might get immensely complicated. You need to contact an experienced car accident attorney to help you with this case. A car accident lawyer is one who knows every nuance of this type of cases. Located in Broward County, Florida, U.S., the city of Fort Lauderdale is a principal city of the Miami metropolitan area. This city prides on its variety of shopping centers and it is a popular tourist destination. Fort Lauderdale is served by Broward General Medical Center and Imperial Point Medical Center, which are operated by Broward Health, the third largest hospital consortium in the United States. Here are the top reasons why you should hire an Auto Accident Attorney in Fort Lauderdale:
When to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer for yourself? Get yourself an experienced auto accident lawyer as early as possible. This shall help you avoid unnecessary expenses. Most times, you need to pay for bulky medical bills and suffer from lost wages. A professional is the representative of the law who can actually help you to get a high-cost settlement if you deserve it. Hire an attorney within a couple of weeks at least. Do so before reaching a settlement with the insurance company else you are sure to be at a loss! How much average fees do you have to pay to Auto Accident Lawyers? All the genuine auto accident lawyers offer the first visitation in free. The best part is that most of these cases are handled on a "no win-no pay" basis. This implies that the attorney does expect a fee if he fails to make you win or get a proper settlement for you. If the attorney happens to win the case on your behalf, he is entitled to get a percentage of the personal injury compensation that you receive. This percentage differs from case to case. The average range lies from one-third to 40% of the total compensation. However, you should keep in mind that attorney fees are not the same as the costs involved in the progression of the trial. You might need to spend small amount of expenses for your case. However, it is worth if you have a good auto car accident lawyer by your side as you are likely to win your case. Do some research while looking for an attorney. After all, you need to ensure that he is the right car accident attorney who fits you and your case the best! Car accidents are anything but soothing! Most of you are aware of the many steps that you are ought to take after the occurrence of a car accident. Whoever is at fault, if you belong to one of the parties of the victim or the one at fault, you are bound to take certain steps in your as well as your party’s interests. However, you need to be all the more cautious while following these steps since the other party might consider leaving the scene of the accident, failing to report the event or even ridiculing your account of the events, or simply being anything but helping. Here are some steps to guide you as to what to do just after an accident in which you have been the victim: Do a thorough Follow-up of the Accident
Though it feels highly unpleasant having experienced a car accident, take some time to gather your cool all over again. Health comes first. Attend to your injuries if any. Get immediate medical attention. If your injuries are grave, ask for help from your other friends in the car or any other witness at the scene. Also, make sure to note down about the injuries. Though it might be challenging in such a short time when your mind might not be completely sound, make an attempt to do so. Keep a check on all drivers and passengers who may be involved in the accident. Help those who need instant medical care. However, make sure that you move an injured person only when it is necessary for his or her safety, else not. Also, get the vehicles moved out of traffic to avoid any disturbing traffic jam or any other accident, thus creating a more intense scene! Collect Information If the other party or driver is clearly at fault, then it is their duty to report the incident to their insurer. However, you can never assume things under such critical circumstances and take honor ship on your own. Keep in mind that leaving the scene of the incident is a grave felony in itself as per the law. However, you can prove it, if the case demands, only if you have proper evidence that someone involved in the accident escaped the scene. That is why gathering of information is necessary. The following information should be collected anyhow:
Making a Call the Police It is a crucial step as it can help you in the aftermath of such an event to recover. It might not be obvious as to who is at fault for causing the accident. Both you and the other party might have contributed to the traumatic event. Whatever the case may be, in case there are physical injuries or substantial damage, you should think of calling the police. A police report may not be adequate for the civil court but, it surely gives you an edge when you give your version of events or at the time of reaching a settlement. You should consider calling the police even when the other driver or passengers in the other vehicle are hurt. Steps you may take after reaching home Even if you suffer from minor injuries, you might feel the need to take some measures after reaching home. However, do not wait or the next day to treat or wash your injuries, as the case may be. Make a proper note of the injuries that you have suffered from the accident. The more detailed the note, the better. Keep it ongoing till your injuries or wounds are fully healed. If you are fortunate enough, the other driver or party might report the accident to his or her insurer and the insurance company shall comply by writing a cheque to you for your vehicular damage as well as your medical bills. Inform the course of events to your Own Insurance Company Car accidents happen when you least expect. Moreover, in a state of such overwhelming shock, you might not have a full memory of the entire set of events that led up to the collision. You might not realize that you were at fault partially. After all, it is human to automatically put the blame on others before peeping into your own actions that might have led to the accident. A case might arise where the other driver’s insurance company does not agree to take any responsibility. Whatever the case may be, your own insurance company should be made aware of the scenario. It is required if your insurance company plans to initiate a legal action against the other insurer or to get a collision claim formulated for your vehicle. No matter whose fault it is, you must contact professional personal injury lawyers. When you take this step, it establishes a good image of you. After all, you fulfilled your share of responsibility by reporting the accident. Steps you might take against the Other Driver's Insurance Company In general, the other driver’s or party’s insurance company should take care of the damages you have suffered, in case you are the victim. However, in the absence of a police report, the insurance company might support its policyholder and deny any form of coverage. In such a case, your own insurer needs to come into play. It may cover the damage, sue the other insurance company or make effort to reach a settlement that is suited for all parties. However, always consider hiring a specialized car accident lawyer and then, suing the other party's insurer all by yourself. If you plan on using arbitration to resolve legal disputes, you need to fully understand how the entire process works and how you can leverage that process to your advantage based on your individual circumstances and the objectives you hope to achieve by using arbitration. There are several benefits to employing arbitration to resolve legal disputes since it is the most formal alternative to litigation. As a part of the arbitration process, personal injury attorneys are required to present their cases to a neutral third party. This neutral third party bears the responsibility of deciding a fair outcome after hearing what both sides have to say. Given its flexibility, arbitration can be used to resolve legal disputes in different kinds of cases pertaining to both private and public sectors.
Arbitration is generally considered a more efficient process than litigation by all lawyers including attorneys for accidents since it is quicker, less expensive, and provides much more flexibility. Very often, the parties select the arbitrator and exercise some degree of control over specific aspects of the arbitration procedure. Arbitrators serve a better purpose than judges in such cases because they usually have more expertise in the specific subject matter of the legal dispute. Also, they may have greater flexibility in rendering fair decisions. Such advantages help speed up the entire process, thereby enabling both parties to quickly resolve their disputes and also reduce the burden of heavy caseloads on the respective courts. Under the conventional model, both parties voluntarily participate in the arbitration process. Their participation may be the result of a contractual provision that existed before or the result of an agreement that has been negotiated after the dispute has arisen. There are numerous aspects that an arbitration agreement provides for including selection of the arbitrator or a panel of arbitrators, format of the hearing, procedural and evidentiary rules that are to be used, and the controlling law. If these aspects are not present in the contract, both parties may seek assistance from agencies that administer arbitrations. All lawyers, including vehicle accident attorneys, are aware of these procedures, which is why one should consider employing one when pursuing the process of arbitration. Typically, the entire process of arbitration is initiated when one party sends the other party a written demand for arbitration. This notice describes the parties, their legal dispute, and the type of relief that is being sought. If both parties agree to the procedure, a suitable arbitrator or panel of arbitrators is mutually selected. In most jurisdictions, the format for arbitration is similar to that for trials, an aspect all lawyers including attorneys for accidents are aware of. Both parties are required to make opening and closing arguments, present testimony and witnesses, and offer documents to substantiate their case. In this case however, the evidentiary rules are not applicable and the discovery and cross-examination opportunities are limited. For more information, you can visit www.schiffrinpa.com or give them a call on 954-866-7722 for a free consultation to discuss your case. |
AuthorPersonal Injury Lawyer Serving Fort Lauderdale Archives
September 2017
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