After suffering a car accident, a victim may be left injured, in debt, and unsure of what to do next. In Florida, filing a simple insurance claim may not be the best option, especially if the victim has serious injuries or other damages that insurance may not cover.
If you or your loved one suffered a motor vehicle accident in Estero and aren’t sure how to proceed, the Estero personal injury lawyers with Ged Lawyers can help. We can inform you about your options, advise you about your next steps, take over your case, and pursue all your due damages on your behalf. During a free consultation, we’ll tell you how an Estero car accident lawyer will help you.
Should I Get an Estero Car Accident Lawyer for My Case?
With a car accident lawyer from our firm on your team, you won’t have to worry about the legal aspects of your case. You can focus on healing from your injuries and leave the following to your lawyer:
- The collection of evidence for your case, such as the police report and your medical bills
- The corroboration of your evidence with testimonies from witnesses and experts
- Showing how the other driver was negligent and is, therefore, at fault in your case
- Valuating your damages fairly so insurers can’t devalue them
- Presenting your legal action and damages to insurers
- Settlement negotiations with insurers
- The litigation of your case, if you and your lawyer decide it’s your best option
Benefits of Working with Ged Lawyers in Estero
For decades, our firm has played a major role in Estero and other communities throughout Florida. This role is fair legal representation in car accident cases, other personal injury cases, and wrongful death cases.
To help us represent our clients’ needs, we reach out to many experts, like reconstructionists and scientists, who play significant roles in our cases by providing invaluable testimonies. Our personal injury attorneys do everything they can to assist and accommodate their clients, such as by speaking with them in their native language. We can speak with you in Arabic, Portuguese, Russian, Creole, Greek, Spanish, Turkish, or another language.
Some of our top personal injury cases show the results of our client-centered approach and our dedication. You can be sure your attorney will show just as much dedication in your case.
Our Contingency Fee Arrangement
Our personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee arrangement. In this agreement, your attorney will work for you on a contingency basis, so your lawyer won’t collect any fees from you unless they recover compensation for you, and you’ll pay your attorney out of this recovery. This should make hiring a lawyer easily affordable for you.
In addition, we offer a complimentary consultation. There will be no fee for this initial meeting and case review.
What Damages Can I Claim in My Estero Car Accident Case?
After your accident, you may still be injured with unpaid medical bills. In a personal injury claim or lawsuit, you may be able to claim your physical and financial damages, as well as certain other damages. However, in a claim, you may be limited in the damages you can claim. A personal injury attorney at our firm can help you list your damages and decide what kind of legal action to proceed with.
In an insurance claim, you can typically claim financial compensation for:
Economic Losses
- Medical expenses related to your recovery and rehabilitation
- Wages lost due to your injuries
- The costs of household services and related services you can’t perform due to your injuries, such as childcare
- The costs involved in the repair or replacement of your vehicle
- Funeral expenses and related damages if you lost a loved one in an accident
With a lawsuit, you may be able to claim the damages above as well as:
Non-Economic Losses
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of quality of life
- Loss of companionship if you lost a family member in an accident
Make Sure You See a Doctor After Your Automobile Accident
Do not attempt to assess your injuries yourself, even if they seem minor. Only a doctor can accurately diagnose you and prescribe an appropriate treatment plan. Make sure you follow through with it, as well. This will help you reach your maximum medical recovery.
Your Estero car accident attorney can use your medical records to support your case and ensure you seek fair compensation for your accident-related losses.
Types of Injuries You May Have Suffered in a Car Crash
In Florida, individuals involved in car accidents may be eligible to claim compensation for various injuries. Understanding the types of injuries that can qualify for compensation is crucial for anyone seeking to protect their rights and secure the financial assistance necessary for recovery. Here is a list of common injuries for which compensation can be claimed after a car accident in Florida:
- Whiplash and Neck Injuries: Often resulting from rear-end collisions, these injuries can cause significant pain and require extensive medical treatment.
- Back Injuries: Including herniated discs, sprains, and strains, which can lead to chronic pain and mobility issues.
- Head and Brain Injuries: Ranging from concussions to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), these can have long-term effects on cognitive function and quality of life.
- Facial Injuries: Such as fractures, lacerations, and dental injuries, which may require reconstructive surgery and other treatments.
- Broken Bones and Fractures: Common in high-impact collisions, requiring casts, surgery, and physical therapy.
- Internal Injuries: Including organ damage and internal bleeding, which may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Potentially leading to paralysis, these injuries often require long-term care and rehabilitation.
- Psychological Injuries: Including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression resulting from the trauma of the accident.
- Burns: Caused by fires or explosions during a crash, and may require extensive medical treatment and skin grafts.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Such as sprains, strains, and contusions, affecting muscles, ligaments, and tendons.
Each of these injuries can have a profound impact on an individual’s life, and securing appropriate compensation can help cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs. Your personal injury lawyer can help you receive the maximum compensation you are entitled to.
The Limitations of Filing an Insurance Claim After a Car Accident
In Florida, “no-fault” rules apply to car insurance claims. This means that regardless of fault in the case, a claimant must go through their insurance company to file a claim. The claimant’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance covers many damages, and Property Damage Liability (PDL) insurance covers others.
Many of the claimant’s additional damages, like pain and suffering, cannot be claimed through insurance. Additionally, there’s a cap on damages like medical expenses. So, for many claimants, an insurance claim may not let them get all their due compensation.
In Florida, there are many uninsured and underinsured motorists, so it’s important to remember the importance of carrying Uninsured Motorist coverage.
In your case, a lawsuit may be the better option over a claim. One of our firm’s Estero car accident lawyers can help you with a lawsuit or at least help you pursue fair compensation in a claim.
Meeting the Deadline for a Personal Injury Lawsuit
Another reason to consider hiring a lawyer is that they may be able to accelerate your case, making it ready for litigation before the filing deadline expires. Also, by hiring your car accident lawyer in Estero soon, you’ll give them more time to prepare your case for litigation and meet the deadline.
Even if you’re not considering a lawsuit, it may be your best option. Your lawyer can help you preserve this option by filing your case quickly.
Florida’s filing deadline for a car accident/personal injury suit is four years from the date of the car accident, according to Florida Statutes § 95.11. According to the same code, Florida’s filing deadline for a wrongful death lawsuit is two years from the date of the loss of life.
Connect with an Estero Injury Lawyer at Ged Lawyers Today
If you’re not sure what to do after your or your loved one’s car accident, you’re not alone. Many Floridians aren’t sure whether to file a claim or a lawsuit and how a lawyer can help.
During your free consultation, we’ll tell you more about how a lawyer from our firm can help you and advise you on how to proceed with your case. If you hire our firm to represent you, you can rely on your attorney to pursue a fair and just outcome for your case.
Contact Ged Lawyers today for your free consultation.