If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Plantation caused by a negligent driver, you should know what steps to take to increase your chances of receiving compensation for your personal injury claim. Hiring a Plantation car accident lawyer from Eltringham Law Group could have a positive effect on your claim.
Common Types of Compensation Granted After a Plantation Car Accident
Types of compensation commonly granted after a Plantation car accident include general damages and special damages.
General Damages
General damages are those damages that are hard to place a value on. Types of damages that are considered general can include:
- Lost enjoyment of life
- Mental anguish
- Pain and suffering
Special Damages
Special damages are more easily valued. Types of damages that are considered special can include:
- Property damage
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Lost earning opportunity
Punitive damages are allowed to be requested in Florida as well if the at-fault party showed willful misconduct or gross negligence.
You Might Be Eligible to Receive Compensation after a Plantation Car Accident
Anyone who suffers injury or damages due to the negligence of another driver may be eligible to request compensation. If you shared fault in the accident, then the amount of compensation you receive could be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. This is because Florida is a comparative negligence state.
Receiving compensation requires that a settlement agreement be reached with the insurance company. If no agreement is reachable, then a lawsuit will need to be filed and a decision reached in court.
Benefits of Having a Plantation Car Accident Lawyer When Filing a Claim
Following your car accident, you may need to concentrate on your recovery. A Plantation car accident lawyer could work on your behalf to reduce the stress of the accident claim process so you can focus on healing. There are several additional benefits of working with an attorney, including.
Legal Knowledge and Process Experience
A lawyer understands the laws related to your accident and how they apply to your situation. They also are familiar with the claims process and the steps to file a claim for compensation.
Thorough Investigation
Since your case could potentially go to trial, a lawyer may work to thoroughly investigate your claim in preparation for court. If it does go to trial, they could provide evidence of fault and present your claim for you.
Negotiation Experience
An experienced personal injury lawyer has previously negotiated with insurance companies and knows how to work with them. Insurance companies are also more likely to offer a favorable settlement amount if you have a lawyer to represent your claim because it shows you are serious about receiving what you are owed.
Courtroom Presence
If a settlement cannot be reached, it may be necessary to file a lawsuit and present your claim in court. A car accident lawyer is familiar with court processes and procedures. They know what the court expects as proof of fault, and they will most likely be comfortable presenting in the courtroom.
Contingency Payment Agreement
At Eltringham Law Group, we offer services on a contingency payment agreement. If you decide to work with us, you pay a percentage of the compensation you receive (typically about 30%) for the legal services rendered.
Free Consultation
A free consultation gives you the opportunity to decide if our firm is the right firm to assist with your car accident claim. It also allows you to get a legal opinion on the strength of your claim and chances of receiving compensation. Because we work on a contingency basis, we do not encourage you to take your case to court unless we are confident that you have a strong claim.
Steps to Take after a Plantation Car Accident
If you are in a car accident in Plantation, you should be aware of what steps you can take to help your claim and potentially receive your compensation faster. Florida law requires that accidents involving death, injury, or damage to a vehicle that renders it inoperable be reported immediately so a police report can be made. Crashes that only result in property or vehicle damage require a report submitted in writing to the department within 10 days.
1. Check for Serious Injuries and Hazards
If you are able to exit your vehicle, you should attempt to ensure that no one needs immediate life-saving assistance. Take necessary precautions to prevent further damage, such as alerting other drivers of hazards.
2. Call the Police
If the accident has caused injuries or a large amount of damage, call 911 so that officers and emergency medical care providers can be dispatched.
3. Document as Much as You Can
This may only be possible if you have not been severely injured, but immediately following an accident, you should collect as much information as you can. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s) and take pictures as evidence for the investigation. You can also try to get the contact information of any witnesses to the accident.
4. Seek Medical Attention
The adrenaline rush that is triggered by an accident can cause your body to block out any pain or injuries suffered, which means that you could have injuries and be unaware of them. However, you should see a doctor regardless of whether you believe you are injured. If pain or other signs of injury appear later, then it will be easier to link them to the accident.
5. Speak With a Plantation Car Accident Lawyer
It is possible to be granted compensation without a personal injury lawyer; however, the claims process is not as straightforward as it sounds. Having someone on your side that knows the process, understands the law, and is a seasoned negotiator could be a huge help when seeking compensation.
Free Consultation from Eltringham Law Group
Schedule a free claim consultation with a Plantation car accident lawyer to determine if Eltringham Law Group is the right firm to help you with your accident claim.