Do I Need a Lawyer if I Get in a Truck Accident in Florida?
You have the legal right to pursue damages from the liable party after a truck crash. Legally, you don’t need a lawyer if you get into a truck accident in Florida. However, remember that:
- A Florida truck accident lawyer has dealt with cases similar to yours before and knows how to efficiently navigate the legal system.
- The liable party’s insurer wants to pay as little as possible and may try any number of tactics to get you to give up your right to fair compensation.
- The legal system is extremely complex and can be difficult for a layperson to deal with, especially when they have suffered a serious injury.
- You will need to handle every aspect of your case on your own without a lawyer.
Why Is Hiring a Truck Accident Lawyer a Good Idea?
After a collision, you have a lot of things to think about. How will you support your family if you are unable to work? What medical treatments will you need, and how much will they cost? What if the insurance company refuses to offer a settlement or to negotiate for the amount you feel you deserve?
When you hire a personal injury law firm, you turn all of these concerns over to them. You would now be able to:
Ask Them Questions About Your Florida Case
An attorney can make sure you understand the legal process before making any big decisions. They assist clients by:
- Providing an honest assessment of the case’s merits
- Answering all questions quickly and with useful information
- Laying out all options and explaining each one in detail
Focus on Recovering From the Truck Collision
Truck accident injuries can be severe, and the healing process can be very long. You do not want to spend that time trying to complete legal tasks and stressing about your case. In fact, doing so could jeopardize your recovery.
Hiring a lawyer after getting in a truck accident in Florida gives you the time you need to heal from your injuries and figure out what you will do with your life after the case is over.
Rest Assured That You Are Asking for Fair Truck Accident Compensation
Remember that there is no average truck accident settlement. You cannot ask for a random amount or an amount that you read about another truck accident survivor receiving.
An attorney will identify all your damages and establish the value of your case so you can be sure you’re fighting for every dollar.
What Happens if You Do Not Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer?
Without an attorney, you would be solely responsible for every single aspect of your case, from filing the right paperwork to negotiating a settlement. That includes:
- Getting evidence from the trucking company
- Trying to convince the insurance company to pay you fairly
- Noticing when and if the insurer tries to violate your rights and stopping it from doing so
- Representing yourself at negotiations and/or in the courtroom
- Collecting enough evidence to prove who caused the accident, how the accident occurred, and how much your case is worth
- Responding to all communications from the insurer, the liable party, and the court
Consequences of Making a Mistake in a Florida Legal Case
If you miss a deadline, submit the wrong form, or say the wrong thing to the insurance company, what happens now? The consequences can be dire.
In a worst-case scenario, the court will dismiss your case, or the insurer will pay you far less than your case is worth—or nothing at all. The at-fault party would face no penalties, and you would have to pay for your losses yourself or even go without necessities.
Personal Injury Lawyers Can Teach You About Your Rights After a Truck Crash
Even if you are still undecided about whether or not you want a lawyer, it is a good idea to call a personal injury firm right away. Florida law, as codified in Florida Statutes § 95.11, only grants you two years to bring a truck accident lawsuit. Your right to seek compensation ends after that date.
In other words, you want to start weighing your legal options now. That should include contacting a law firm to discuss your case.
Where Do You Find a Truck Accident Attorney in Florida?
There are truck accident law firms throughout the state of Florida, but that does not mean they are all equally qualified to handle your case. When searching for the right attorney, restrict yourself to representatives who:
- Serve your area. They do not need to have an office in your city, but their website should tell you whether or not they take cases there.
- Have experience with truck accident cases. Truck collisions present special challenges that do not exist in other kinds of cases. You want a firm that already knows about these challenges.
- Have positive reviews. The experiences of past clients, as described in the firm’s online reviews, can tell you what to expect. You want a team that cares about you as a person, not just a case.
Meeting with a Florida Personal Injury Attorney
Many truck accident injury firms offer free consultations to callers. This is a good way to learn more about your case and which firms might be willing to take it on. At this appointment:
- Come prepared with a list of questions you want to ask. Do not be afraid to write your questions down ahead of time and take notes throughout the conversation.
- Ask for a copy of their contract and a day or two to review it. You want to know the terms of the agreement before signing on with a firm.
- Observe how the team behaves around you and each other. Are they polite, friendly, and willing to answer all of your questions? You may be working with this firm for a long time, so you want to make sure they are trustworthy and open.
Our Florida Commercial Truck Accident Attorneys Are Ready to Serve You
Meldon Law won’t back down from a challenge. If you decide you want a lawyer after getting into a truck accident in Florida—or if you just want the chance to learn more about our services—call our office today. Our bilingual team can assess your case right away at no charge.
