After an auto accident, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. Should you file a police report? How will you pay for damages? And what if the other driver doesn’t have insurance? These are all valid concerns a personal injury attorney can help you address. To this end, you can contact Bengal Law in case of a truck accident.

Sure, Florida laws do not require you to have a lawyer after the fact. But let’s consider a few elements. For instance, how can you navigate the claim process while still nursing injuries? How do you plan to pay for medical expenses? What happens if you go it alone?

If you’re uncertain about the outcome of your situation, then perhaps it’s clear why you may need a reputable attorney by your side. Let’s go over a few reasons why consulting a personal injury attorney is a smart move.

1. Table of Contents

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   Negotiating with Insurers

Let’s face it; insurers are out to make money. And that means to them (harsh as it may sound), you’re nothing but a number they would be keen to low-ball on a settlement offer. If you strike out independently, you will be in the insurer’s crosshairs! As such, they will likely look for every reason not to settle your claim.

Why else do you think they employ teams of insurance adjusters? These adjusters are skilled at devaluing claims and finding reasons not to settle. In most cases, they will contact you soon after an accident, trying to get a recorded statement from you or offering a quick settlement that is almost always too low.

Fortunately, if you have an attorney, they can handle all correspondence, including fielding phone calls, dealing with insurance adjusters, negotiating for a fair settlement on your behalf – the whole nine yards. This way, you can focus on healing from your injuries while your attorney deals with the insurer.

Not to mention, lawyers understand the law and what a fair settlement would look like in your case. Put plainly, they can save you time and stress by taking the load off your shoulders.

2. Filing a Lawsuit

If you do not have an attorney and decide to file a lawsuit, it’s safe to assume your work is cut out. In short, the process will be more complicated.

For the untrained, the legal field can be a minefield. For example, suppose the other driver’s insurance company contacts you, and you give a recorded statement. In that case, an insurer can use anything you say against you to deny your claim or reduce the amount of money they have to pay. Plus, it’s unlikely you can interpret the law without the help of an attorney, which could lead to costly mistakes.

On the flip side, a personal injury attorney can help you navigate the complex legal system and fight to get you a favorable outcome. Similarly, Florida’s Rules of Civil Procedure are very strict, meaning there is little room for error when filing a lawsuit. If you do not have an attorney, your case may be dismissed before it even starts. Thankfully, your lawyer can help you comply with all the rules and regulations and file all the paperwork on your behalf.

3. Dealing with Uninsured or Underinsured Drivers

Suppose you live in a state like Florida that doesn’t require drivers to have bodily injury liability insurance. In that case, you could face a big problem if the at-fault driver in your accident is uninsured. The same goes if they only have the minimum coverage, which may be insufficient to cover all your damages.

In these situations, you would turn to your uninsured/underinsured motorist’s coverage to make a claim. And if you have this type of coverage, your insurance company would be responsible for paying your damages – up to your policy limit.

Of course, even your insurer will want to limit how much money they offer to settle your claim. So, they may try to give you the runaround. This explains why it’s beneficial to have an attorney on your side.

4. Case Evaluation 

As a potential personal injury client in Florida, you may be wondering how to start the process of hiring an attorney. To this end, it might help to look for an attorney who provides a free case evaluation.

This evaluation helps you determine whether you have a case and, if so, its strength. During the evaluation, the attorney asks questions about the accident and your injuries. They also review any police reports and medical records you have.

The attorney can estimate the compensation you might recover based on this information. Put plainly, the evaluation helps you decide whether to hire an attorney. It also gives you a sense of what to expect from the legal process. If you decide to move forward with your case, your next step will be to schedule a consultation with the attorney.

These aspects barely scratch the surface but provide a solid basis for consulting a knowledgeable attorney. Several other scenarios may unfold, including dealing with hit-and-run situations or if the other driver was drunk. Regardless of what type of accident you were involved in, an attorney can help investigate the circumstances and protect your rights.