When Should I Call an Auto Accident Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale?

After you have ensured the safety of yourself and any other passengers following a collision, you should consider moving forward with legal action by using the resources offered by an auto accident lawyer. It does not matter how minor your injuries may appear or how “not serious” the accident was––should you decide with pursuing compensation, you will want to call an auto accident lawyer in Fort Lauderdale so you have legal representation from the moment your case begins.

Reporting Deadlines and the Statute of Limitations

There are two reasons it is so important to call a lawyer as soon as possible:

• Florida requires to you report any injuries within 14 days of an accident to get the benefits outlined by your personal insurance protection (PIP) insurance.
• Florida’s statute of limitations sets guidelines for moving forward with accident-related civil actions.

An auto accident lawyer can help you with understanding both of these matters. Depending on the circumstances of your situation, these periods may or may not apply to you.

No Injury Is Too Small to Report

The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation requires all motorists to carry at least $10,000 in immediate medical coverage under PIP insurance. To get these benefits, you have two weeks from the date of your accident to report your injuries. Otherwise, you will have to pay for medical treatments out of pocket. Additionally, waiting to treat your injuries may work against you if you file a lawsuit, as the other party may raise skepticism regarding your condition. Working with an auto accident attorney from the onset of your claim can keep you informed of your legal options and pressing deadlines.

Injuries Following an Accident

After a collision, no matter how minor or nonexistent your injuries may seem, you should always seek prompt medical attention. You may think that you were not injured, only to find out later that the car accident had a much more significant impact on your health than you first realized.

Examples of injuries that can worsen over time without timely treatment include:

• Concussions, which can produce lingering symptoms such as unpredictable, debilitating headaches or be indicative of an underlying traumatic brain injury
• Whiplash, which can limit one’s free range of mobility
• Spinal cord injuries, which can prevent one from engaging in steady employment or result in chronic pain
• Psychological injuries, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, which may manifest as anxiety, depression, and unpredictable moods

These are only a few of the injuries that may not immediately present themselves following an accident. When working with an auto accident lawyer in Fort Lauderdale, they can take into account the full extent of your injuries and factor these elements into your claim. During their investigation, they will likely review your medical bills and other relevant receipts to not only point to the severity of your condition but calculate your financial losses from the collision.

Do Not Let the Statute of Limitations Fly By

In Florida, claimants have two years from the date of their accident to bring a personal injury case, and, according to the statute of limitations only two years from a decedent’s death to bring a wrongful death claim. While this seems like a long time, countless individuals have let these deadlines pass without realizing it and may have sacrificed financial recovery as a result. Yet, certain details may affect this timeframe.

For instance, if any of the motorists were uninsured or a minor, you may be able to seek an extension of the state’s statute of limitations. A lawyer can explain how this may impact your chances of financial recovery.

Call an Auto Accident Lawyer to Help You Pursue the Compensation You Need

A lawyer can guide you through the legal process, handling many of the responsibilities that your case needs to promote its success.

If your case is successful, your lawyer may be able to secure compensation for:

• Medical care, including treatments, therapy, and prescriptions
• Lost income due to a prolonged recovery period
• Diminished earning capacity
• The long-term cost of rehab (physical and psychological), and any permanent disability resulting from the accident
• Mental anguish

Your losses will be divided into economic and noneconomic damages. Economic damages have a value that can be easily proved by calculating the totals of receipts or billing statements. Noneconomic damages are items that do not have a concrete value and are usually connected to emotional distress.

Florida does not have a statutory cap for how much you can pursue for noneconomic damages. Contact an auto accident lawyer who can provide more insight into what this may mean for how much you can receive for your accident-related losses.

Do Not Wait to Call an Auto Accident Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale Today

We offer honest and compassionate legal aid for those who are suffering as a result of another party’s negligence. We work on a contingency basis, which means that we do not get paid until the successful resolution of your personal injury claim.

To learn more about the services we provide, call Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers today at (954) 476-1000.