Personal Injury Attorney
The answer is yes. For minor accidents that do not involve injury, you can typically report the claim to the insurance companies and get it resolved without ever talking to an attorney. Most insurance companies will deal with you fairly if it is just a matter of repairing or replacing your vehicle.
On the other hand, if you have suffered any injuries in an accident, it is critical that you talk to an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Often times, an accident victim does not immediately realize the severity of their injury. For example, many clients have called me immediately after an accident and complained of “minor” neck and back pain, hoping it would go away. However, after undergoing medical treatment, testing and having an MRI, they sometimes find out that they have suffered disc herniations in their spine which require pain management injections or even surgery. An experienced personal injury attorney routinely deals with these situations and will make sure you get a full and fair recovery for the injuries you have sustained. A good attorney will also be familiar with the best doctors in your city and will help make sure that you get the treatment you need as quickly as possible.
Another thing to remember is that it is not always clear who was at fault in a car accident. The police report may be unclear or the witnesses may differ on what actually happened. An experienced personal injury attorney will investigate the accident, speak with witnesses, and use his or her experience to gather evidence and determine who was at fault. Your attorney may also need to hire an accident reconstruction expert who can testify as to exactly how the accident occurred. Remember, in Florida and many other states, you can still make a recovery for your injuries even if you were partially at fault for the accident.
Lastly, dealing with insurance companies can be complicated and difficult. Remember, the insurance company is in the business of making money. The best way for them to save money is to make you an unfair offer and hope you accept it and go away. An experienced personal injury attorney will very quickly know if the insurance company has made an unreasonable offer. You should hire an experienced personal injury lawyer in Tampa, FL who knows how to negotiate a fair settlement so you can get the recovery you deserve.
Most personal injury attorneys will give you a free consultation, so it makes perfect sense to call an attorney to get free advice before deciding how to proceed.
Thanks to Jeff Murphy Law for their insight into personal injury claims and the benefits of consulting with a lawyer.
