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Florida law may allow you to receive financial compensation if you have been injured in a car accident. Accident victims can seek financial compensation in many circumstances–provided that they take the necessary steps to protect their legal rights. W. Lee Clark & Associates, an experienced Florida injury lawyer, will explain what you can do to protect your rights.
Protect Your Legal Rights if You Are Injured in an Accident
After an accident, there are a few steps you can take to protect your legal rights. As we will discuss below, many of these steps require legal representation. You should speak to an experienced Florida injury lawyer about your case as soon as you can. Here are five steps all accident victims should take (and can) to maximize their chances of receiving just compensation.
1. Keep all documentation of the accident
You should first keep all the documentation that you have about your accident. Documentation can take on many forms.
- You can now view or download photos and videos taken with your mobile phone
- Photos or videos taken by a family member or friend after an accident
- Photos or videos sent by a witness from their mobile phone
- The police report or incident report
- Debris or bloodstained clothing, or damaged personal items
You should take detailed notes along with any documentation that you have. Even if you don’t think they are relevant to your claim, write down as many details as possible. Your Florida injury lawyer will want as many details as you can provide. The information that you provide may lead to other evidence.
2. Do You Document Your Injuries?
Documenting your injury costs is the second step. You can include both your financial and non-financial expenses. You may be entitled to recover financial costs, including:
- Emergency Medical Care
- Additional diagnostic and treatment (including surgery).
- Physical, Occupational, and Psychological Therapy
- Costs of prescription drugs, medical supplies, and other expenses
- Loss of Income and Benefits
You may be entitled to compensation for other costs, such as:
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
- Post-traumatic stress disorder and emotional trauma
- Loss of companionship or consortium
- Loss of enjoyment in life
You can only claim compensation for these expenses if you have proof. Documenting your costs is therefore essential. You can learn more about the steps that you can take to record the financial and non-financial costs of your accident by reading Documenting Your Injuries in a Lawsuit.
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3. You should always follow your doctor’s medical advice
You should also follow the medical advice of your doctor. Protecting your health is important when you have been seriously injured in an accident. Following your doctor’s instructions will make it easier to prove the costs that you deserve. If you do not comply with your doctor’s recommendations, it could be difficult to recover all of the costs associated with your injury.
Following your doctor’s instructions generally means that you should attend your appointments, undergo all necessary treatments, rest, and begin therapy and rehab when it is appropriate. We see many people making the costly mistake of returning to normal activities too early. You may not be able to recover your medical costs and other losses if you ignore your doctor’s advice.
You should never hesitate to get a second opinion if it is something you think you need. Sadly, doctors also make mistakes. You should consult another doctor if you are concerned about your doctor’s recommendation.
4. Get Legal Advice From A Florida Injury Attorney
You should also speak to an experienced Florida injury lawyer as soon as you can. It is important to get legal advice that’s tailored to your specific circumstances. A personal injury lawyer who has handled cases similar to yours can explain to you everything you need to be able to receive the financial compensation that you deserve.
5. You can prove your claim by working with a Florida injury attorney
Final step: Once you have hired a Florida injury lawyer to represent you in court, you will need to work closely with him to prove your case. It is important to prove two things: first, who was responsible for the accident (or which company). Second, how much compensation do you deserve? Your attorney can handle all legal aspects (including negotiations with insurance companies) of your personal injury claim, but they will still need your help with certain steps.
- Where to find additional evidence
- What financial losses should you include in your claim?
- What constitutes “just Compensation” for non-financial Losses?
- Accepting or rejecting settlement offers
- If a fair settlement is not on the table, you can decide whether or not to request a jury trial.
You only need to start the process for now. It is important to schedule a no-obligation, free consultation. We encourage you to call us immediately if you have any questions regarding your legal rights following an accident in Florida.
Request a Free Consultation at W. Lee Clark & Associates with an Injury Lawyer in Florida
Call (941) 207-7477, or let us know how to reach you online, to schedule a no-obligation, free consultation with an injury lawyer in Florida at W. Lee Clark & Associates. We will make sure that you speak to one of our attorneys as soon as we can.
Call Us At (941) 207-7477
