When you are injured in an accident, your life can suddenly feel overwhelming. Medical bills might start to pile up, and you might even have to stop working for a while. It can be a lot to handle when all you want is to rest and get better.
Below, this personal injury lawyer in Haines City, Florida is going to explain how the claim process works so you know what to expect.
Step 1: Get medical care and protect your rights.
You should see a doctor as soon as possible after your accident. It is important for both your health and your case.
Some injuries, like concussions or soft tissue damage, don’t show symptoms immediately. For that reason, you should always see a doctor after an accident, even if you think you are fine.
Also, in Florida, you must get medical treatment within 14 days of a car accident to use your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits. A doctor will check your injuries and decide how serious they are. If the injury is considered serious, PIP can cover up to $10,000 of your medical costs. If not, the limit is $2,500.
If the police were involved, get a copy of the crash report. In Florida, these reports are available 10 days after the accident and cost $10. Save this report along with your medical records, photos from the scene, and names or numbers of any witnesses.
Step 2: Talk to a lawyer.
Once you have started treatment, it’s best to speak with a personal injury lawyer in Haines City, Florida. They will help you understand your options before you talk too much with insurance companies. Insurance adjusters can ask questions that could hurt your case if you are not careful.
Florida law requires your fee agreement to be in writing, and you will get a document explaining your rights. You have the final say on any settlement. Your lawyer will advise you, but the choice to accept or reject the settlement offer is always yours.
Step 3: Investigation and treatment.
While you keep going to your doctor and following your treatment plan, your lawyer will collect evidence, like your crash report, medical records, photos, or videos. They may also reach out to witnesses.
Your lawyer will also ask the insurance company to share policy details. Florida law requires insurance companies to give this information within 30 days of the request. This will help your lawyer understand how much money might be available to cover your damages and what to do next in your case.
Step 4: Settlement talks.
Once your condition is stable enough to plan for future care, your lawyer will prepare a demand letter. This will include the facts, proof of fault, your injuries, and how much you have lost.
Florida law prohibits insurance companies from using unfair claim settlement practices. Your lawyer will hold insurance companies to that to make sure the process stays fair.
Again, you are the one to decide whether to accept a settlement offer. Your lawyer will advise you and negotiate on your behalf, but you are the one to make the final decision.
Step 5: Filing a lawsuit if needed.
If negotiations don’t lead to a fair offer, your lawyer can file a lawsuit. Florida law gives you two years to file in most negligence cases.
Keep in mind that if you are found more than 50% at fault for the accident, you might not recover anything. Your lawyer will go over all of this with you and make sure all the deadlines are met.
Step 6: Resolution and moving forward.
Once you agree to settle, your personal injury lawyer in Haines City, Florida will handle the final steps. If anyone else, like a doctor or insurance company, has a legal claim to part of the settlement. In that case, your lawyer will hold that money in trust until everything is sorted.
You will review and sign a release form to show that you agree to the settlement. Then, your lawyer will give you your portion of the money.
If Medicare covered any part of your medical care, some of the settlement may need to go back to them. Your lawyer will manage these details to make sure nothing is left hanging.
Looking for a personal injury lawyer in Haines City, Florida?
The personal injury claim process can be confusing and frustrating, but you can always turn to an experienced personal injury lawyer in Haines City, Florida. Tonya Stewart and her legal team are here to help you recover your medical bills and rebuild your life. Contact us today at (863) 279-4473 to schedule a free consultation.