954-989-3435
When involved in a car accident, the following actions can be helpful for you and your case.
The answer is simple: The insurance companies have lawyers and claims professionals who are hired to save the insurance company money.
A personal injury lawyer is your protection against the money saving tactics of the insurance company.
Remember, consultations are free. You should take advantage of the people who have been trained to maximize your recovery and advise you of your rights. You have nothing to lose and, more likely than not, everything to gain.
In Florida, every person that owns a motor vehicle is required to insure that vehicle with Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance coverage. This coverage is the first insurance coverage to pay for medical expenses if you are hurt in a car accident. This coverage pays before your job's Group Health Insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid.
PIP pays 80% of all medical expenses up to a limit. That limit can vary depending on the type of policy you buy. There are other types of coverage that can be purchased in addition to PIP to help off set expenses.
Managing the payment of medical bills is a tremendous burden after an accident. Part of the job we perform as lawyers, and part of the reason we get paid our fee, is to ensure that the bills are being paid as required by law. Our lawyers take the burden off of you.
Many clients do not have any insurance but need expensive medical care. The lawyers at McCullough & Leboff may be able to arrange medical care and treatment without an initial expenditure of your money. If you are hurt and have no insurance, please call to discuss your options.
If you have a policy that provides comprehensive and collision coverage you may want to have your insurance company evaluate the damage to your car. If you choose this option you may get stuck paying the deductible. On the other hand, your vehicle will likely get repaired in a timely fashion.
If you choose to process your property damage claim through the adverse drivers carrier you will not owe the deductible, but there may be a delay in getting the other insurance company to authorize the repairs.
Insurance companies have one goal: save money. This may result in substandard repairs. You need to know your rights. Our attorneys can help you navigate this process to ensure that your vehicle is at a reputable repair shop and that the appropriate repairs have been performed.
A statute of limitation is a time limit for filing a particular claim. Various personal injury claims, by law, are subject to different statutes of limitation.
Generally speaking, in Florida:
*These time limitations may not apply to the particular facts of your claim. You should consult a lawyer to discuss specifics. For example, in addition to the two (2) year limitation for the medical malpractice claim there are very strict pre-suit requirements that must be complied with. Call a lawyer to help.
An insurance adjuster's job is not just to help you with your claim. They are trained to serve the best interests of the insurance company. You should let an insurance adjuster know that you do not want to make any statements until you have spoken with your attorney. We can help coordinate the statement and advise you on what questions you can expect. We are also happy to attend the statement with you.
In Florida, there is a very specific and limiting statute relating to claims for wrongful death. Most claims must be filed by a Personal Representative or Executor of an Estate. The Personal Representative has an obligation to bring all claims for all “survivors.” Unfortunately, due to the limiting Florida Law, not all family members are survivors under the statute. If you have lost a loved one based on someone else's negligence or wrongful act, our attorneys will explain your rights as a survivor, determine if you can be appointed the Personal Representative, and further discuss your options during a free consultation.
Every case is different. Some cases can be resolved quickly. Others will be settled before a lawsuit but not after sufficient time has passed in order for doctors to treat the injuries. Our lawyers strive to make quick and meaningful resolutions, but history tells us that it is sometimes necessary to take your case to trial in order to secure the compensation you deserve. Cases that go to trial take longer to resolve and there are no guarantees, but trials are often necessary in the face of small insurance company offers.
Our attorneys at McCullough & Leboff are happy to answer any questions you may have in a free consultation. Arrange a consultation at no obligation to discuss the prospects of pursuing a case. Call our Fort Lauderdale office at 954-989-3435 or our Miami office at 305-461-2500.