Do I Need An Attorney If The Accident Wasn’t My Fault?
If you are involved in an accident with another vehicle, it may have been suggested to you that you hire an attorney to protect your interests during the legal process. However, given that the accident was not your fault, it is understandable to question this advice – after all, at least in theory, you have no negligence to admit. Still, there are reasons why an injured plaintiff might find having a knowledgeable attorney on their side to be an advantage.
Handling The Little Details
Florida has a no-fault auto insurance system, meaning that instead of court proceedings to determine negligence, most accident claims are handled by claims made to one’s personal injury protection insurer. Every driver in Florida is required to carry a certain amount of coverage, and unless an injury is particularly significant (often, permanent injuries and disabilities) most claims are processed through insurers.
If your injuries are significant, to the point where you will exceed your insurance coverage, you have the right to seek damages, and you are not legally required to have an attorney to do so. However, there are many situations where it is generally better to have legal help on your side simply because having an experienced attorney can help make things less complicated. In addition, if your injuries are serious, it is better to have an attorney, who can handle the legal load while you focus on physical recovery.
When Do I Need An Attorney?
In some accident situations, it may not be necessary to hire an attorney, particularly if the injured plaintiff has sufficient coverage to ensure any medical bills are paid. That said, just because a case does not need an attorney does not mean that all will be well. While most insurers deal fairly, there are far too many that will behave unscrupulously in trying to shortchange injured people.
If your accident is serious and your injuries are equally severe, it is generally best to enlist an attorney to help handle your case. This is also true if your accident involved a commercial vehicle or any other that will trigger extra layers of investigation. Some may worry about the fees involved in hiring legal help, but it is generally worth it if you have sustained long-term or permanent injuries. They are there to handle the legal aspects of the situation, while you focus on rest.
Contact A Tampa Auto Accident Attorney
Whether involving a passenger vehicle, a tractor-trailer or an ordinary car, a serious accident deserves serious compensation. A Tampa auto accident attorney from the Rinaldo Law Group can help give you better odds to prevail against the person who allegedly caused you serious injury – and we are ready and willing to try and assist you. Contact our office to speak to an attorney.
Source:
flhsmv.gov/insurance/
