Questions to Ask a Personal Injury Lawyer in Florida

In 2022, 50.3 million people in the United States needed to visit a doctor’s office or an emergency room for accident-related injuries. Sadly, 227,039 accident victims died. As such, if you or a member of your family were hurt in the accident in Florida, you may be entitled to compensation. A personal injury lawyer will guide you on your legal rights so that you do not let liability slip off your hand and win the compensation you deserve.

It is not an easy decision to make while you find the best lawyer. Once you know what to expect from your consultation, here are the essential questions to ask to see if the attorney is the best fit for you and your case.

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What Challenges Might Arise in My Case?

Every case brings certain challenges. Proving liability, dealing with a difficult insurance adjuster, legal hurdles — your attorney should be frank with you about potential roadblocks. Recognizing these hurdles early in the process can help you calibrate your expectations for the results and the length of your case.

What Is My Case Worth?

There are many types of personal injury, as well as many factors that determine how much compensation you can receive, including:

– The severity of your injuries

– Medical expenses (past and future)

– Lost wages and reduced earning capacity

– Pain and suffering

For example, the type of damages will have a significant impact on the overall settlement, therefore, in cases like car accidents, the range of settlement amounts will vary from case to case. While no lawyer can tell you a dollar amount for sure, an excellent personal injury lawyer will be able to assess the situation and put a best guess on what’s fair based on similar examples they have seen in the past.

What Are Your Fees, and How Do They Work?

Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis so you won’t need to pay out of pocket. Instead, your attorney is compensated only whether or not they win your case or reach a settlement. They usually earn a percentage of the sum received as a settlement. Be sure to ask:

– What percentage will they take?

– Are there any additional costs or fees?

– Will you be responsible for any expenses if your case is unsuccessful?

A good lawyer will be upfront about their fees and will give you a written agreement stating all costs.

How Do You Handle Medical Bills and Expenses Related to My Case?

Your lawyer can negotiate with the doctors and hospitals to allow you to put off paying your bills until your case settles. Majority of personal injury lawyers have agreements with medical providers such that the bills will be paid out of your settlement (you don’t have to pay up front). Talk to your lawyer about how such costs are handled and whether they have any relationship with medical professionals who can assist you with your recovery.

How Long Will It Take to Resolve My Case?

There are a few factors that might affect the length of a personal injury case:

– Liability disputes – It may take much longer to gather evidence and establish your case if the negligent party denies fault.

– Insurance company tactics – Insurance companies use tactics such as delaying negotiations to a way to force victims into taking low settlements.

– Severity of injuries – If you are going to require continuing treatment, usually, you should wait to settle until you have reached maximum medical improvement (MMI).

– Court backlog – If your case does go to trial, the legal process can drag on much longer.

Some cases settle in a few months; others can take a year or more. An experienced personal injury attorney can give you a better idea of what to expect based on past experience.

What Steps Should I Take to Protect My Case?

Your actions after an accident can impact your claim. Your lawyer should advise you to:

– Seek medical attention immediately – Delaying treatment can hurt both your health and your case.

– Follow your doctor’s recommendations – Skipping or delaying treatments can give your insurance company a reason to knock down your compensation.

– Avoid discussing your case on social media – Insurance companies frequently keep an eye on social media accounts looking for posts that can be potentially used against you.

– Keep records – Save medical bills, receipts, and any correspondence connected to your accident.

Following these steps will help reinforce your claim and increase your chances of receiving appropriate compensation.

What Happens If We Lose the Case?

You will find out if you will have to pay some of the legal fees if your case does not win. Under contingency fee arrangements, most attorneys do not bill you in the event that they lose your case. Some law firms also bill clients for court filing fees, fees to expert witnesses, and other fees.

How Do You Negotiate with Insurance Companies?

Insurance companies do not seek to help your case — they want to cut total payout as much as possible. A knowledgeable personal injury attorney is aware of the strategies insurers often use and how to overcome them. In cases where more than one party is involved, ask how your attorney negotiates with multiple insurance companies and if they have experience doing so.

Because 95% of personal injury cases settle, your attorney’s negotiation skills can have a major impact on your settlement amount.

Kevin L. Sullivan II: Fighting for Injury Victims in Florida

When you’re injured in an accident, you need a personal injury lawyer that will fight for your rights and handle your entire case while you recover.

Kevin has resources to thoroughly investigate your claim, establish liability, and negotiate aggressively with insurance companies. Backed by Florida case law and trial experience, our legal team ensures that every penny spent is working to make you whole again.

We know how daunting this process can feel, but you’re not alone. We will fight the legal battle so that you can heal and get the compensation you deserve.

Have You Been Injured in an Accident? Call Kevin Today!

Do not delay seeking out the legal help you need. Contact Kevin L. Sullivan II today for a free consultation at (813) 598-4868. We’re prepared to fight for you to get the compensation you need.

Get a Free Consultation

Call us at (813) 598-4868