Personal Injury Lawyers In Melbourne, Florida
Have You Suffered a Car Accident Injury? We Are Your Advocates with the Insurance Company.
Most people who suffer an injury are looking to recover enough money to pay medical expenses and compensate for lost wages. Unfortunately, insurance companies rarely pay out enough compensation to cover the cost of a serious injury or a wrongful death. Accepting a settlement without consulting a lawyer may mean losing the opportunity to collect sufficient damages.
At Platt Cole Russell & Simpson PLLC, our attorneys help clients determine the past and future cost of their losses. After an automobile or truck accident, you need legal, medical and economic professionals to calculate the amount of compensation you and your family will need in the years to come. We will take care of this for you and relentlessly fight for damages from the negligent party. When negotiations are not sufficient, we are prepared to take the case to trial.
Personal injury cases are taken on a contingency fee basis. If we accept your case, you pay no fees unless we recover damages for you.
Representing Central Florida Auto Accident Injury Victims and Their Families
Our personal injury practice includes:
- Motor vehicle accident injuries, including car accidents, truck accidents, bicycles and pedestrians
- Motorcycle accidents
- Insurance claims disputes
- Catastrophic injuries such as spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, fractures, amputations, burns, and back and neck injuries
- Wrongful death
We aggressively pursue compensation to cover your medical bills, pain and suffering and lost wages. In wrongful death cases, you may also be entitled to funeral expenses and compensation for emotional distress and the loss of future income for dependents. Depending on the details of the case, punitive damages may also be levied against the negligent party.
Florida Personal Injury Statistics & Trends
Florida consistently sees a high volume of personal injury cases due to its large population and bustling tourism industry. Recent data indicates that motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of injury, with over 400,000 crashes reported annually in the state. Of these, approximately 250,000 result in injuries ranging from minor to severe.
Slip-and-fall incidents are another common cause, particularly among older adults, and contribute significantly to hospitalizations. Additionally, Florida’s warm climate and plethora of outdoor activities lead to a notable number of recreational injuries, including boating and watercraft accidents.
Understanding these trends can help you take proactive measures to reduce risk and seek timely legal assistance when needed.
Common Personal Injury Claim Mistakes to Avoid
Filing a personal injury claim is more complex than most expect. It involves more than submitting paperwork and waiting for payment. You must do all you can to strengthen your claim, by including proper evidence and documentation. Missteps that can jeopardize the outcome of your claim include:
- Delaying medical attention: Failing to seek immediate medical care can weaken your claim, as insurance companies may argue that injuries were not severe or unrelated to the incident.
- Accepting quick settlements: Many individuals accept the first insurance settlement offer without consulting an attorney, often resulting in inadequate compensation.
- Lacking sufficient documentation: Lack of evidence, such as failing to include photos of the accident scene or medical records, can undermine your case.
- Not consulting a personal injury lawyer: Attempting to handle a claim without legal guidance can lead to missed opportunities for fair compensation.
An experienced attorney can help you overcome any complexities you may encounter with your claim and keep you informed about its progress.
Personal Injury Claims Involving Minor Children
When children and teens suffer an injury, the claims process can present unique challenges. Minors cannot legally file claims on their own, requiring a parent or legal guardian to act on their behalf. Other complexities include:
- Special considerations: Courts prioritize the child’s best interests, ensuring settlements account for future needs, such as medical expenses and education.
- Extended deadlines: Florida law may allow additional time to file claims involving injured minors, but it remains essential to act promptly to collect and preserve evidence.
- Complex damages: With proper guidance, injury claim settlements can address the minor’s immediate treatment needs while also compensating for their pain and suffering, emotional trauma and potential long-term care.
Given these intricacies, it is vital to choose an attorney experienced in handling personal injury cases involving minors.
Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Injury Claims
If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you likely have many questions about the personal injury claims process and how to navigate it. Below, we’ve answered some of the most common questions we receive from clients, including what constitutes a valid personal injury claim, how to determine the value of your case, and why it’s essential to work with an experienced personal injury attorney.
To determine if you have a valid personal injury claim, you’ll need to prove that the other party acted with negligence or recklessness, and that their actions led to your injuries and resulting damages. This can be a complex process, but an experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate the process and build a strong case. In Florida, you’ll need to prove that the other party breached their duty of care, and that this breach caused your injuries. If all of these elements are present, then you might have an actionable case.
In Florida, you have two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, there are some exceptions that may extend or shorten this timeframe. For example, if you’re filing a claim against a government entity, you may have a shorter deadline. On the other hand, if you’re a minor, you may have more time to file a claim. It’s essential to consult with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to ensure you don’t miss your window of opportunity.
While it may be tempting to accept a settlement offer from the insurance company, it’s often in your best interest to have a personal injury attorney review the offer first. Insurance companies often make low initial offers, hoping you’ll accept without realizing the full value of your claim. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you negotiate a fair settlement that takes into account your medical expenses, lost income, and long-term impacts.
Florida follows a comparative negligence system, which means that if you’re found to be partially at fault for the accident, your compensation may be reduced accordingly. For example, if you’re found to be 20% at fault, your settlement or award may be reduced by 20%. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you present strong evidence to minimize your percentage of fault and maximize your potential compensation.
No! It’s generally not a good idea to talk to the insurance adjuster without a personal injury lawyer present. Insurance adjusters are trained to get you to admit fault or make statements that can be used against you to devalue your claim. A personal injury attorney can help you navigate these conversations and ensure that your rights are protected.
It’s generally not a good idea to talk to the insurance adjuster without a personal injury lawyer present. Insurance adjusters are trained to get you to admit fault or make statements that can be used against you to devalue your claim. A personal injury attorney can help you navigate these conversations and ensure that your rights are protected.
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Call toll-free at 833-922-0554 or contact us by e-mail to arrange a free consultation with one of our experienced personal injury lawyers
