Personal Injury Lawyer Coral Gables, FL
As a Coral Gables, FL personal injury lawyer knows, insurance companies can make even the simplest of claims difficult and stressful. The accident you were in might even be very obvious to you. Perhaps you slipped and fell at a grocery store when someone spilled liquid on the floor or the car behind you hit you when you were stopped at a red light. Even in cases where it seems incredibly obvious that you are not at fault, insurance companies have a way of trying to get you to take a low settlement offer that will not end up covering the damages you have suffered. When insurance agents are calling you nonstop and you don’t know what to do, reach out to Perez Mayoral, P.A. to see how we can help you.
How To Deal With The Other Party’s Insurance
Truthfully, the easiest way you can handle talking to them is by not talking to them. The best thing you can do is tell them that you will only speak to them with or through your attorney. It can feel incredibly easy to talk with insurance agents. They may call you after the accident and sound concerned, asking you how you’re feeling, sympathizing with you, and offering you well wishes. They will ask you to speak with them while they record the call and, after all, if the accident was not your fault then you have nothing to hide, right?
However, the smallest misstep will be used to bring your settlement offer down. Did something catch your attention before you slipped and fell in the store? Were you wearing high heels? A Coral Gables personal injury lawyer knows that the smallest, most innocent detail can be used against you. Surely, if you explain your side of the story to the insurance agent they will be on your side. Insurance agents are all too happy when they are on the phone with someone who over-talks or is ready to fill an awkward silence. This is why it is best to avoid speaking with them unless your lawyer is there.
What To Say To The Insurance Company
When your lawyer is not present and the insurance company keeps hounding you, there are a few things you can be prepared to say.
- You have the right to get their name and contact information.
- You do not need to share more information about yourself than your name, address, and contact information. You do not owe them details about the case or about where you work.
- You do not need to share information on your treatment or how your injuries are progressing.
- You can give them strict facts, such as when the accident happened and where it occurred. Do not go into detail and do not make speculations regarding how it happened.
Communicating After A Personal Injury Accident
When you hear that you should be careful of who you talk with and what you say following a personal injury accident, it makes sense that you would be hesitant about what you say to a lawyer. In fact, you may be wondering if you should say anything to anyone and file a claim on your own. The truth is, it is wise to be wary of who you talk with. You should not tell all of your friends and family the details of your accident and you should avoid disclosing this kind of information on your social media sites. However, speaking with a lawyer candidly about your accident–and other relevant information–will be necessary for your personal injury claim.
What should I share with my lawyer?
When you are going to a lawyer for a personal injury accident there will be certain information that is necessary to share with them.
- The details of what happened. You want to share exactly what happened leading up to the accident. Was it raining? Did you notice the other party was not paying attention, was on their phone, or something else that may have distracted them? You also want to share how you are recovering and what your treatment plan is.
- Whether you have been in other accidents. If you have filed other personal injury claims or been in other accidents (like car accidents), this is incredibly important to share with your lawyer. The insurance companies involved will also have ahold of this kind of information and they will likely try to use it against you. For example, if your lawyer does not know you were in a car accident 6 months ago and the insurance company involved in your current settlement claim offers you a low settlement, this may throw off your lawyer regarding how they should fight for a fair settlement.
- Whether you have prior injuries. These injuries might be because of a previous accident or something else entirely, but if the insurance company knows that you have previous injuries, they may state that the current accident claim you are making should not include compensation for injuries that they are saying happened before the accident.
- Whether you are getting a divorce. What in the world does a divorce have to do with a personal injury claim? If you are getting a divorce, there’s a chance your loved one could fight for part of your injury settlement since it can be considered “marital property”. You will want to speak with your lawyer about how your divorce may impact your personal injury settlement.
Attorney-client privilege is real, and you should feel that you can speak openly and honestly with your lawyer when you have hired them for a case. Your lawyer will be able to help you to the best of their ability when they have all of the necessary information regarding your claim. To see what else your lawyer might need, give our office a call.
Get The Help You Need Today
After you were in an accident of some kind, it is crucial that you begin working with a lawyer quickly. To see how a team member from Perez Mayoral, P.A. can help you, give our Coral Gables personal injury lawyer a call now.
Coral Gables Personal Injury Lawyer Infographic
Common Personal Injury Scenarios
Accidents resulting in bodily injury can come in many forms and scenarios, as a Coral Gables, FL personal injury lawyer can tell you more about. A personal injury case involves an accident scenario where a victim suffers an injury or illness due to the negligent actions committed by a liable party. If you have been a victim of a personal injury accident, you have a right to pursue legal action against the defendant. The following situations are just some of the many types of scenarios that lawyers often work on.
Slip and Fall
A slip and fall accident covers many types of cases. They can happen because of spilled food, pipe leaks, and slippery surfaces. Victims who suffer injuries from slip and fall accidents can file a personal injury claim against the property owner, supervisor, manager or other employee at the site who holds responsibility for maintaining the area and ensuring it is free from hazards.
Dog Bite
Dog attacks can result in devastating and life-threatening injuries such as puncture wounds, severe blood loss and disfigurement. Pet owners are responsible for making sure that their dog is restrained and does not attack people or other animals unprovoked. If you have been bitten by a dog, you can file a claim against the pet owner because they are liable in the case of an accident.
Construction Accident
A construction accident can occur due to many causes, from falling objects, falling from a large height, defective tools, and machinery accidents. Many workers and passing pedestrians who are in or near construction sites suffer severe injuries such as head injuries, leg injuries, and fractures. A skilled lawyer can assist you with your claim so that you can recover compensation from your injuries.
Car Accident
Car accidents are some of the most common types of personal injury accidents. Thousands of victims suffer injuries from car accidents each day, and many of them are able to recover compensation if they file a claim. However, as a skilled Coral Gables personal injury lawyer can inform you about, the statute of limitations for claims involving car accidents is limited. You do not have much time to file a claim, so be sure to contact a lawyer about your case right away.
Workplace Accident
An accident can happen in the workplace for various reasons. An employee can trip on a cracked pavement, exposed electrical wires, or sustain an injury after using a defective piece of equipment. Whatever the case, if you have hurt yourself due to an injury in the workplace, you may be entitled to financial compensation.
When there are many legal tasks that are too complicated for you to understand and complete yourself, it may be time to talk to a lawyer about what they can do for you. For more details about how a Coral Gables personal injury lawyer can assist you, like one from Perez Mayoral, P.A., arrange a consultation immediately to get started on your claim.
Personal Injury Lawyer FAQs
Each Coral Gables personal injury lawyer from our firm files dozens and dozens of personal injury claims each year. We understand that many people are confused about how the process works and what the end results will be. The following are some common questions we hear from our clients. For more detailed information about your case, call Perez Mayoral, P.A.
Do I need a lawyer to file a personal injury claim?
Florida law does not require victims to file their own personal injury claims, however, the reality is that doing so on your own is often not the best choice.
If you try to handle your claim on your own, you are more likely to receive much less than what you are actually entitled to or the company will deny your claim completely. Insurance companies are looking out for their own best interest, not the victim’s. A lawyer will be looking out for you and so you are more likely to receive fair compensation for your losses.
I have a lawyer who handled my divorce. Can I just hire them to represent me in my personal injury case?
Not every lawyer has the legal knowledge and experience to handle personal injury cases. Personal injury law is quite complex, so it’s important to hire a lawyer who specializes in it. Just like you wouldn’t see an orthopedist for a heart problem, you should hire attorneys who specialize in the area of law you are dealing with.
What if I can’t afford to hire a lawyer
Many people think they can’t afford to hire a Coral Gables personal injury lawyer for their personal injury case, especially since they are often already struggling with the loss of income and high medical bills from their injuries. The good news is that most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis. This means your lawyer will get a percentage of the amount you receive (determined before you even hire them) and they only get paid if they win the case for you.
How much money will I get for my case?
The amount of money you receive will depend on the circumstances of your case and how much value the losses you have suffered are. The economic damages, such as medical bills and lost income will be covered. Your lawyer will also determine how much you deserve for pain and suffering, emotional trauma, scarring, permanent disability, and any other losses you have sustained.
How long do I have to file my claim?
In Florida, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is four years from the date you were injured. Once that time has expired, your opportunity for filing a claim also expires. This is why you should contact a Miami personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Call Perez Mayoral, P.A. to schedule a free and confidential consultation and find out what legal options you may have for the injuries you have suffered.
Coral Gables Personal Injury Lawyer FAQs
If you have been injured in an accident, you should contact a Coral Gables, FL personal injury lawyer as you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. However, seeking compensation can be a complex and confusing process, which is why you should contact Perez Mayoral, P.A. for help. In the meantime, here are the five most commonly asked questions about seeking compensation for personal injuries:
What types of damages can I recover in a personal injury claim?
Personal injury claims typically involve two types of damages: economic and non-economic. Economic damages include things like medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life; if you suffer an injury that also causes PTSD which you need therapy for, a case can cover those costs. It is important to work with an experienced personal injury attorney to determine the appropriate damages for your case.
How do I know if I have a valid personal injury claim?
To have a valid personal injury claim, you must be able to prove that another party was negligent and that their negligence caused your injuries. This may involve gathering evidence such as witness statements, medical records, and accident reports. It is important to work with an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you determine whether you have a valid claim and develop an effective legal strategy. If you believe someone caused your injuries but you do not have proof, you should still contact a lawyer for a consultation.
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim?
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims varies depending on the state in which the accident occurred. In some states, the statute of limitations may be as short as one year, while in others it may be as long as six years. It is important to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible to ensure that you do not miss any important deadlines; reach out to a Coral Gables personal injury lawyer today!
How is the amount of compensation determined in a personal injury claim?
The amount of compensation in a personal injury claim will depend on a variety of factors, including the severity of your injuries, the length of your recovery, and the impact of the injuries on your life. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you determine the appropriate amount of compensation for your case based on these and other factors; a lawyer will be able to give you an estimate of this number at the start of your case.
Should I settle my personal injury claim or go to trial?
Whether to settle your personal injury claim or go to trial will depend on a variety of factors, including the strength of your case, the amount of compensation being offered, and the potential risks and benefits of going to trial. It is important to work closely with your attorney to evaluate your options and make an informed decision. Your lawyer can guide you to a fair offer or represent you in court if a fair offer is not made.
Seeking compensation for personal injuries can be a complex and confusing process, but it is important to understand your rights and options. This includes understanding the types of damages you may be entitled to, determining whether you have a valid claim, understanding the statute of limitations, determining the amount of compensation you may be entitled to, and evaluating whether to settle your claim or go to trial. By working with an experienced personal injury attorney, you can ensure that your rights are protected and increase your chances of achieving a favorable outcome. Contact a Coral Gables personal injury lawyer at Perez Mayoral, P.A. today to get started on your case.
