When to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer in West Palm Beach Florida
We sincerely hope that you are never in need of a Personal Injury Lawyer in West Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, or anywhere in Florida. Suffering from a personal injury, whether from a car accident or slip and fall, can have lasting impacts on your physical health, mental health, and overall well-being. Victims often face physical injuries, emotional distress, and mounting medical bills. But that’s why The Law Offices of Matthew Konecky are here. We handle all aspects of personal injury cases from negotiating with the insurance companies to filing a lawsuit through trial. Navigating the complex legal system can feel overwhelming. Continue reading to find answers to our most common concerns that you may have about hiring a personal injury attorney in West Palm Beach Florida.
How Much Do Personal Injury Lawyers Charge in Florida?
Most Personal Injury attorneys in Florida operate on a no-win, no-fee system, otherwise known as a contingency fee basis. This includes the Law Offices of Matthew Konecky. So what does that mean for you? That means you are not obligated to pay any legal fees unless your lawyer successfully recovers compensation on your behalf. In general, this contingency fee is a percentage of the total financial compensation won in court. This system ensures that everyone, regardless of their financial means and situation, is able to affordably access the legal representation deserved following a personal injury.
How Long After Personal Injury Can You Sue in Florida?
As of March 24th, 2023, Florida HB 837 went into effect, causing major repercussions for victims seeking compensation for their personal injury cases. This bill lowered the amount of time you have to sue following personal injury in Florida and put a cap on compensation for medical fees, among other things. Prior to Florida HB 837, victims had 4 years to file a lawsuit in a negligence case. Now, the statute of limitations is 2 years. While this may seem like a long time, it can pass quickly in the legal system and shortens the length of time needed to properly gather evidence and build a case.
This doesn’t mean it’s a hopeless case though. There are exceptions, for example, if your injuries are not immediately apparent, you have from the point that you discovered your injuries.
This is why it is so important to contact an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. They will understand the complexities and legislation to get you the most favorable outcome for your case.
Should I Hire an Attorney After a Car Accident in Florida?
In short - definitely! While a minor fender bender may not necessitate legal intervention. If you have suffered injuries, damages, or loss due to another’s negligence in a car accident, a personal injury attorney in West Palm Beach Florida can help. Florida is one of the few states that operates under a no-fault system. This is why all Florida drivers are required to carry PIP (Personal Injury Protection) insurance to cover for medical bills and lost wages regardless of who is at fault in an auto accident. However, PIP does not cover property damage liability and other financial losses which may occur as a result of an accident. Not only that, but insurance companies often undervalue claims and offer settlements lower than what a victim rightfully deserves. Negotiation with insurance adjusters can be tricky and they are trained to minimize payouts.
An experienced personal injury attorney will ensure that ALL damages - medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and more - are properly accounted for and compensated. The last thing you need if you are suffering from damages following a car accident is additional stress - let a personal injury lawyer help you.
How Does Personal Injury Work in Florida?
Navigating a personal injury lawsuit in West Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, and the rest of Florida can seem like a daunting process. However, with the right legal representation and advice, you will know how to properly prepare for your personal injury case and avoid these common mistakes.
The first step is to consult with a reputable personal injury lawyer. A good lawyer will offer legal insight free of charge and help determine the strength of your case. It’s important to thoroughly vet your attorney beforehand so you can choose the best personal injury lawyer for you and your case.
Following choosing legal representation, your lawyer will begin working on your case by thoroughly investigating the accident, collecting evidence, and possibly enlisting expert advice in order to corroborate claims. Once a solid case is built, your personal injury lawyer will issue a letter to the defendant’s insurance company stating the damage done and the compensation sought. Often, a personal injury case does not go further as a favorable settlement can be reached in negotiations between your lawyer and the insurance company. If these negotiations do not lead to an agreeable settlement amount, this is when your personal injury lawyer formally files a lawsuit which will result in either a settlement agreement or court judgment.
Contact a Top Personal Injury Attorney in West Palm Beach Florida
If you or a loved one have been injured due to someone else’s negligence in West Palm Beach, Florida, time is of the essence. It’s crucial to take action as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the harder it may be to ensure evidence is preserved, a case is built, and your rights are protected. With decades of experience and dozens of successful personal injury cases won The Law Offices of Matthew Konecky are here to fight for you in court.
For expert legal advice, contact us or download our free guide, “What the Heck is My Personal Injury Case Worth?”. We break down even more common misconceptions surrounding personal injury cases and offer down-to-earth, honest information that you or a loved one who has suffered from injuries will benefit from.
