Should I Hire a Lawyer After a Car Accident That Wasn’t My Fault in Florida?

Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers | Car Accident

Should I Hire a Lawyer After a Car Accident That Wasn't My Fault in Florida?

If you were involved in a Florida car accident that wasn’t your fault, you might be wondering whether you need to hire a lawyer. While it’s not legally required to have an attorney handle your case, having legal representation can be helpful.

Traffic collisions can result in costly medical bills, lost wages, and long-term pain and suffering. An experienced car accident lawyer can help you pursue compensation and ensure that your rights are protected throughout the claims process.

Florida’s No-Fault System and PIP Insurance

Florida requires all drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance. PIP covers your medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who was at fault for the accident. However, PIP may not fully cover all your losses, especially in cases of severe injury.

If you suffer a “serious injury” as defined by state law, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party. There are other exceptions to the no-fault rules as well. 

An attorney can help determine if your case qualifies and guide you through the process.

Potential Damages You Can Recover After a Car Accident in Florida

If you’ve been injured in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to various types of damages. These damages are meant to compensate you for both your financial losses and the emotional and physical impact of the accident. 

In Florida, common types of damages include:

  • Economic damages: These cover measurable financial losses, such as medical bills, property damage, and lost wages. If you’ve had to take time off work or require ongoing medical treatment, you can seek compensation for these expenses.
  • Non-economic damages: These damages compensate you for more subjective losses, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

In certain cases, you may also be eligible for punitive damages. These are awarded in rare instances where the other driver’s actions were especially reckless or intentional, such as driving under the influence. Punitive damages aim to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior.

How a Lawyer Can Help With Your Car Accident Case

Even if you weren’t at fault for the accident, dealing with insurance companies and legal procedures can be overwhelming. 

Having a personal injury lawyer on your side can provide significant advantages, such as:

  • Understanding Florida’s no-fault laws: Florida is a no-fault insurance state. Your own PIP insurance company is responsible for covering your medical expenses and lost wages up to a certain limit, regardless of who caused the accident. A lawyer can help you navigate this system and determine whether you can step outside the no-fault rules to file a claim against the at-fault driver.
  • Determining liability: In cases where injuries are severe, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. A lawyer can investigate the accident, gather evidence, and establish who is responsible.
  • Handling the insurance companies: Insurers often try to minimize payouts. A lawyer can negotiate on your behalf to ensure that you receive fair compensation and are not taken advantage of.
  • Adding up your damages: Lawyers can assess the full scope of your damages, including future medical expenses and lost income, to ensure that you seek appropriate compensation.
  • Handling paperwork and deadlines: Car accident claims involve a lot of paperwork, including medical records, police reports, and legal documents. A lawyer can manage these details and ensure that all filings are completed accurately and on time.
  • Representing you in court: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer can file a lawsuit and represent you in court. Having an experienced trial attorney can significantly increase your chances of a favorable outcome.

A lawyer can handle all these aspects so that you can focus on recovering from your injuries.

What Does It Cost To Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Florida?

Many people hesitate to hire a lawyer due to concerns about cost. However, most car accident attorneys in Florida work on a contingency fee basis. 

This means:

  • No upfront fees: You pay nothing unless the lawyer recovers compensation for you.
  • Payment from your awarded compensation: The attorney’s fees are a percentage of the settlement or jury verdict, typically ranging from 33% to 40%. Otherwise, your lawyer works for free.
  • Free consultations: Most lawyers offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case and explain how they can help.

This arrangement allows you to access legal representation without added financial stress. It also motivates your lawyer to secure the best possible outcome for your case.

Contact the Pinellas County Car Accident Law Firm Of Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers for Help

If you’ve been involved in an auto accident in Florida that wasn’t your fault, hiring a lawyer can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. From navigating Florida’s no-fault insurance system to dealing with insurers and calculating your damages, a skilled attorney can help every step of the way.

For more information, please contact the Clearwater and St. Petersburg car accident law firm of Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.

We serve Pinellas County and its surrounding areas:

Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers – Clearwater
1875 N Belcher Rd. STE 201,
Clearwater, FL 33765
(727) 796-8282

Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers – St. Petersburg
2560 1st Ave S,
St. Petersburg, FL 33712
(727) 349-1728