why hire personal injury attorney florida

by Jay Gerhold 9 min read

Having a personal injury attorney can help you get your compensation while you focus on healing. When choosing your lawyer, make sure to get certain information upfront. Also, familiarize yourself with your state's statute of limitations and how FL's fault laws can determine your damages.

A personal injury attorney has the knowledge and experience to help ensure your injury claim has a high chance of recovering all of your damages. And if your claim is encountering trouble, an attorney can take direct legal action against the at-fault party or their insurer to seek payment in court.

Full Answer

Why is having a personal injury lawyer important?

A personal injury attorney will file personal injury claims on your behalf. They will also help bring knowledge, skill, and experience into your case; and this will help you get the settlement you deserve.

How long does it take to settle a personal injury case in Florida?

In some cases, the injured party may receive a settlement within four to six weeks of filing the claim. In other cases, it can take as long as a year or longer to settle a personal injury claim.

What percentage does a lawyer get in a settlement case in Florida?

33 1/3%For example, in Florida, attorney's cannot charge more than 33 1/3% of any settlement before a lawsuit.

How does personal injury work in Florida?

Florida PIP and economic benefits If you are injured in an accident and are disabled, Florida PIP will pay for 60% of your lost wages, subject to a $10,000 limit. This payment also includes services you would normally provide, but now cannot because of the accident.

What is the average payout for a rear end collision in Florida?

The average number stated among Florida law resources for car accident settlements is anywhere from $10,000 to $60,000 or more. As you can imagine, settlement amounts can vary depending on a wide range of factors.

How long do most personal injury cases last?

The short answer to the question, “How long does a personal injury case take” is anywhere between a few months and two years. Sometimes, a client's financial situation dictates how long a personal injury case takes.

What is the average settlement for a car accident in Florida?

The average accident settlement in Florida is about $15,000. When injuries are severe, the average settlement is higher.

Do you pay taxes on a settlement?

Settlement money and damages collected from a lawsuit are considered income, which means the IRS will generally tax that money. However, personal injury settlements are an exception (most notably: car accident settlements and slip and fall settlements are nontaxable).

What are reasonable attorney fees in Florida?

How much do lawyers charge in Florida?Practice TypeAverage Hourly RateElder Law$399Employment/Labor$326Family$300Government$25722 more rows

What is considered a serious injury in Florida?

(a) “Serious bodily injury” means an injury to a person, including the driver, which consists of a physical condition that creates a substantial risk of death, serious personal disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of the function of a bodily member or organ.

Can you sue for personal injury in Florida?

However, Florida law allows injured victims to file a personal injury lawsuit after a traffic accident if it resulted in a serious injury to you. A serious injury is defined under Florida law to include any of the following types of injuries: A permanent injury. Significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement.

Is Pip mandatory in Florida?

In Florida, PIP coverage is required to be purchased by all owners of motor vehicles registered in this state. PIP coverage makes the individual responsible for their own injuries in an accident regardless of fault.

How long does an injury claim take?

As a very rough guide, a claim may take 6 to 12 months if liability is accepted by the treatment or care provider immediately. If liability is disputed, it could take 12 to 18 months for more complicated claims. Very complex cases can take significantly longer.

How long do you have to make a claim for personal injury?

Adult Personal Injury Claims The general rule for adults who are considering making a claim for personal injury compensation is that you have three years from the date of the accident or incident in which to bring a claim.

How long does it take to settle a workers comp case in Florida?

1.5 yearsIn Florida, the average settlement time for workers' compensation cases is 1.5 years. In some cases, about 20%, you can get paid within six months or less. But there are ways to speed up the process and get your payment as soon as possible.

How do I file a personal injury claim in Florida?

The Personal Injury Lawsuit Process: Step by StepStep 1: Contact an Attorney. ... Step 2: Contact Your Insurance. ... Step 3: File a Complaint. ... Step 4: Discovery. ... Step 5: Finalize Treatment. ... Step 6: Go to Trial. ... Step 7: Formal or Informal Settlement. ... Step 8: Obtain Compensation.