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What Happens If I Don’t Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?

Every auto accident claim is different. Minor incidents may not require hiring a lawyer if there were no injuries, but sometimes, these crashes cause significant vehicle damage, leaving you without a working car. In these instances, the insurance company may try to undervalue your vehicle and offer you less than you’re owed. Additionally, any injuries sustained in an auto accident should be treated by a medical professional immediately, and an experienced personal injury lawyer should review the details of your case.

You have the option to represent yourself or follow the steps the insurance company has requested, but there are several mistakes that could leave you footing the bill for a new vehicle and your medical expenses such as:

1. Delaying medical care and underestimating long-term injuries: The first step you need to take following an accident involving injuries is to seek medical help. A simple headache could be a warning sign of a closed-head injury. Take care of your health before you speak with an insurance representative, make sure you have all medical documentation and a physician has outlined the potential long-term effects your injuries may have on your life.
2. Agreeing to a settlement before you know the full costs involved: Again, this contains seeking medical attention, considering the costs of physical therapy, and whether long-term care is required. Do your injuries prevent you from doing your job? Did you miss work due to your injuries or the auto accident? These are a just a few of many things to consider before you agree to any agreement with the insurance company.
3. Seeking a settlement that is too high or too low: It’s difficult to figure out how much your case is worth on your own, and asking for too much or too little is a red flag, alerting the insurance company that you don’t understand the full extent of your claim or how to proceed. This is where hiring a lawyer comes in handy, but you can also do your due diligence and research all you can about auto accident claims in Florida.  

If you do decide to handle your case on your own, remember that each state has different laws when it comes to fault in an auto accident. Florida is a “no-fault” state, meaning your insurance company is responsible for covering your costs whether you caused the accident or not. However, if the accident caused catastrophic injury, you may be able to file a liability lawsuit against the at-fault driver.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an auto accident, please call our lawyers in Boca Raton today at 561-447-4500for a free, no-obligation consultation. The South Florida injury lawyers at Canter Law serve clients in Boca Raton, Ft. Lauderdale, Palm Beach and nearby areas.