Florida Car Accident Attorneys

Even a minor motor-vehicle collision can have a major impact on your financial security. In addition to vehicle repairs and hospital bills, you may also be sidelined from work while you recover, putting your savings and financial future in jeopardy. Fortunately, you do not have to shoulder the burden of an unexpected collision on your own. If you were hurt in a crash that was not your fault, the Florida car accident attorneys at Donaldson & Weston can help.

Although our state follows a “no fault” system when awarding compensation following a collision, your personal injury protection may not be enough to cover all the damages you incur. If you were seriously injured, one of our Florida auto accident attorneys may be able to help you pursue a claim against the liable party or their insurance carrier.

We will handle all the logistics of your claim so you can focus on your health. This includes gathering evidence of liability, tracking damages, and negotiating with the opposing party on your behalf. Call 866-349-2912 to schedule a free case evaluation.

Our Car Accident Attorneys in Florida Can Help You Avoid Mistakes

When you hire an attorney from the very start, you can avoid making critical mistakes that might jeopardize your case and prevent you from recovering the full compensation you deserve. In the aftermath of a car accident, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed, and many injured parties are eager to settle their claims quickly. However, acting hastily without professional legal guidance can lead to serious mistakes that might impact your chances of securing a fair and just settlement. Common errors made during the claims process include:

Admitting or Accepting Fault
One of the most detrimental mistakes an injured party can make is admitting or accepting fault for the accident, even if you feel partially responsible. In many cases, liability may be shared between parties, and admitting fault too early can limit your ability to recover compensation. Insurance companies and opposing parties may use any statement you make against you, which can significantly reduce the value of your claim. An attorney will advise you on how to communicate effectively with all parties involved and ensure that nothing you say harms your case.

Providing a Recorded Statement to the Opposing Party
Insurance adjusters often request recorded statements from accident victims, but providing one without legal counsel can be a serious misstep. Adjusters may ask leading questions designed to elicit answers that work against your claim. Without understanding the full implications of your responses, you could inadvertently undermine your case. An attorney can help you navigate these interactions and protect your interests by communicating with the insurance companies on your behalf.

Accepting a Settlement That Will Not Cover 100 Percent of the Damages
It’s tempting to accept an early settlement offer, especially when it seems like a quick way to move past the situation. However, many initial offers are lower than what you deserve, failing to account for all the damages, including future medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term pain and suffering. Without a thorough assessment of the full extent of your injuries and damages, you may settle for less than you need. An attorney will ensure that all aspects of your case, including non-economic damages, are considered before agreeing to a settlement.

Failing to Consider Non-Economic Damages
In addition to medical bills, lost wages, and other tangible losses, non-economic damages—such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life—can significantly affect the value of your case. Injuries sustained in a car accident can cause long-term physical and emotional challenges that are difficult to quantify. However, these damages are real and should be factored into the total settlement amount. An experienced attorney will help you determine the full scope of your damages, ensuring that you are compensated for both economic and non-economic losses.

Posting About the Case Online or Discussing It with Anyone Other Than Legal Counsel
In today’s digital age, many people turn to social media to share their experiences, but when you’re in the midst of a legal claim, it’s best to avoid posting about the case online. Insurance companies and opposing attorneys may monitor your social media profiles to find anything that could undermine your case. Even seemingly harmless posts or comments can be misinterpreted or used against you. Similarly, discussing the details of your case with anyone other than your attorney can lead to misunderstandings or the inadvertent sharing of crucial information that could damage your claim. It’s important to maintain privacy and follow your attorney’s guidance on what to disclose and to whom.

Missing Critical Deadlines
Car accident claims are subject to strict deadlines, including statutes of limitations that dictate how long you have to file a lawsuit. Missing these deadlines can result in the dismissal of your case, leaving you unable to pursue compensation for your injuries. An attorney will ensure that all deadlines are met, including those related to filing claims, submitting necessary documentation, and responding to requests from the opposing party. By hiring an attorney early in the process, you can avoid the risk of missing key dates and protect your ability to recover the compensation you deserve.

How Long Will My Case Take to Resolve?

When you are involved in a car accident, one of the first questions that comes to mind is, “How long will my case take to resolve?” Unfortunately, there is no straightforward answer to this question. Every car accident claim is unique, and the length of time it takes to reach a resolution can vary greatly depending on the specifics of the case. While some claims may be settled quickly, others could drag on for months or even years.

Factors That Affect the Duration of Your Car Accident Case
There are several key factors that can affect how long it takes to resolve a car accident case. These factors include the extent of your injuries, the strength of the available evidence, the number of liable parties involved, the opposing party’s cooperation, and whether the case proceeds to trial. Let’s take a closer look at each of these factors.

The Extent of Your Injuries and Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)
One of the most significant factors that can impact the duration of your case is the extent of your injuries. If you were injured in the accident, your treatment and recovery timeline will be a major consideration in how long it takes to resolve the case.

In many cases, car accident victims must wait until they have reached what is known as “maximum medical improvement” (MMI) before moving forward with their claim. MMI is the point at which your doctor determines that you have recovered as much as you are going to from your injuries, and no further improvement is expected. At this point, it is possible to fully assess the long-term effects of your injuries, which helps in calculating the amount of compensation you may be entitled to.

If your injuries are severe or require long-term treatment, it could take months or even years to reach MMI. This extended treatment period can delay the resolution of your case, as both sides will need to wait for a clear understanding of your medical condition and future needs before discussing a fair settlement.

The Strength of the Evidence
Another factor that can influence the duration of your case is the strength of the available evidence. In order to secure a favorable outcome in your claim, you need to present solid evidence proving the other party’s liability for the accident and demonstrating the extent of your injuries.

If the evidence is clear and compelling—for example, if there are strong witness statements, surveillance footage, or police reports that clearly show who was at fault—your case may progress more quickly. On the other hand, if the evidence is unclear or if there are disputes about who was responsible for the accident, the process may take longer as the parties involved work to resolve these issues.

In some cases, gathering and reviewing evidence can be a lengthy process, especially if experts need to be consulted to provide additional information or analysis. This could include accident reconstruction specialists, medical experts, or economists who can help quantify the long-term financial impact of your injuries. The more complex the evidence, the longer it may take to fully assess and present it to the other party.

The Number of Liable Parties
In many car accident cases, there may be multiple parties involved, including drivers, insurance companies, and potentially third parties such as vehicle manufacturers or government entities responsible for maintaining roadways. The number of liable parties in a case can complicate the process and increase the time it takes to reach a resolution.

For example, if there are multiple at-fault drivers, each party’s insurance company may need to be involved in the negotiations. This can create additional delays as each party may have different priorities and may not be willing to settle quickly. In cases where a government agency or manufacturer is involved, it can add an extra layer of complexity as these entities tend to have more bureaucratic procedures that can slow down the resolution process.

Additionally, if liability is disputed among the parties, this can cause further delays in resolving the case. The more people or organizations involved in the dispute, the more time it may take to come to a fair settlement or resolution.

The Opposing Party’s Willingness to Work with You
The opposing party’s willingness to cooperate also plays a significant role in how long your case will take. Some defendants or insurance companies are quick to acknowledge liability and offer a fair settlement, allowing your case to be resolved in a matter of weeks or months. Others, however, may resist settlement negotiations, making it more difficult to come to an agreement.

In cases where the opposing party is unwilling to cooperate or refuses to admit liability, the negotiation process can drag on for a prolonged period. Insurance companies, in particular, are known to delay settlement offers in hopes of discouraging claimants from pursuing their claims. If this occurs, it may take longer to reach a settlement, and you may need to take further steps, such as filing a lawsuit, to ensure that your rights are protected.

Whether the Case Goes to Trial
One of the most significant factors affecting the length of your car accident case is whether the case ends up going to trial. Most car accident cases are settled out of court through negotiations between the involved parties and their insurance companies. However, if the parties are unable to agree on a fair settlement, the case may need to proceed to trial.

Going to trial can significantly extend the duration of your case. A trial involves additional preparation, including gathering witness testimony, hiring experts, and presenting arguments in front of a judge and jury. Trials can take weeks or even months to complete, and the post-trial appeals process can extend the timeline even further.

Most parties involved in car accident claims prefer to settle out of court in order to avoid the time, expense, and uncertainty of a trial. However, if a trial becomes necessary, it could substantially delay the resolution of your case.

Average Timeline for a Car Accident Case
While every case is different, it can be helpful to understand the typical timeline for a car accident claim. The general process can be broken down into the following stages:

• Medical Treatment and Recovery: Depending on the severity of your injuries, this stage can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months or even years.
• Investigation and Evidence Gathering: This process can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the complexity of the case and the number of parties involved.
• Negotiation with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies may take weeks or months to evaluate your claim and make an offer. If the insurance company is unwilling to offer a fair settlement, negotiations may drag on.
• Filing a Lawsuit (if necessary): If settlement negotiations fail, a lawsuit may be filed. This can add months or even years to the case, depending on court availability and the length of the trial.
• Settlement or Trial: If the case is settled, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. If it goes to trial, the process could take much longer.

The length of time it takes to resolve a car accident case can vary greatly depending on several factors. While simple cases may be resolved quickly, more complicated claims can take much longer, especially if there are disputes over liability or if injuries require long-term treatment. Understanding the factors that affect the timeline of your case can help you manage your expectations and make informed decisions throughout the process.

If you are involved in a car accident, it is essential to work with an experienced attorney who can guide you through the process and ensure that your rights are protected. An attorney can help speed up the process by handling negotiations with insurance companies, gathering evidence, and taking appropriate legal action if necessary.

Call Today for a Free Consultation with a Car Accident Lawyer

If you sustained serious injuries because someone else was driving in a reckless or negligent manner, contact a Florida car accident lawyer from Donaldson & Weston. We take great pride in helping the injured pursue the funds they need to move on with life.

Our strategic team has won several multimillion-dollar settlements and verdicts for our clients. Call 866-349-2912 or fill out our Contact Form to schedule a free case evaluation with a Florida auto accident attorney.