Auto Accident Injury Attorneys in Davie, FL at Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A. Seek Maximum Compensation for Victims of Motor Vehicle Accidents in Broward County and Throughout Florida
Even in sunny Davie, FL, a car accident can cast a long shadow over your life. It becomes much worse when the insurance companies refuse to pay up or lowball your claim, denying you the chance to get the best medical treatment and the opportunity to regain your financial health. Davie car accident lawyers can help you fight to win back what you deserve.
Davie is a top tourist destination, which means there are lots of out-of-towners on the streets throughout the year. In Davie’s crowded roads and streets, accidents can occur in a split second. By April 2023, there were 7,994 car crashes, in which there were 5,197 injuries and 39 fatalities.
When a car accident occurs, your insurance company is supposed to pay your claim promptly and in good faith. But things are rarely that simple, which is why it’s important to have our qualified auto accident injury attorneys in Davie, FL help you.
What to Do if You’ve Had a Car Accident in Davie, Florida or the Surrounding Areas
Florida’s no-fault insurance laws say that your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Property Damage Liability (PDL) insurance should cover your injuries and any property damage you caused in the accident. Since the minimum coverage required by the state is only $10,000 for each policy per person per accident, it’s often too little to cover serious injuries.
That’s why it’s often a good idea to file a claim against the person or people responsible for your car accident and their insurers. Whether that’s another driver, motorcycle rider, corporation, or government agency, the additional settlement can help cover long-term medical treatment and pay the bills.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Davie, FL
Given the high chances of suing or being sued after your car accident, it’s vital to keep your legal bases covered. Obviously, getting medical treatment for yourself and anyone else injured in the accident is the priority, but you should also do your best to:
- Take photos and video footage of the accident scene, or have someone do it for you
- Get contact information of the other driver and any witnesses
- Make sure you see a doctor as soon as possible even if you feel fine
- Document your journey in a diary and keep copies of all medical documents and bills, invoices, income statements, pay stubs, and all communication related to the accident
- Avoid talking about your accident with insurance adjusters, posting on social media, or giving any statements that can later be used against you by insurance companies
After your car accident, you should notify your insurer within 10 days unless there’s a good reason why you can’t do that. Florida law requires you to report any accident that causes injuries or more than $500 in damage, but it’s a good idea to report even minor accidents.
When you report the accident, let the insurance representative know that you intend to file a claim for bodily injury, property damage, or both. After that, you can start your investigations, collect the required documentation, and file a formal and well-supported claim “within a reasonable time.”
You Can Sue the Party Responsible for the Accident
Filing a car accident claim is different from filing a lawsuit. The first step is to file claims with your own insurer or a third-party insurer. If they decline your claim, there are several appeal options available, including internal and external appeals processes.
If all these efforts fail or you feel that the insurance company is acting in bad faith, you have the right to file a lawsuit against them and the party responsible for your car accident. Insurance claim dispute resolution is a lengthy and messy process, and we recommend that you involve our auto accident injury attorneys in Davie, FL as early in the process as you can.
Why Hire Our Davie Car Accident Lawyers?
The main reason to hire a car accident lawyer is to help you fight insurance companies because they aren’t known for their eagerness to pay claims. Often, insurance adjusters will offer a lowball settlement and tell you there’s no need to hire a lawyer because they don’t want you fighting for your rights.
Having our auto accident injury attorneys in Davie, FL on your side ensures that your rights are not trampled by exploitative insurance companies. From filing your claims to investigating the accident, collecting evidence, proving fault, and handling negotiations, our Davie car accident lawyers work hard to help you get maximum compensation.
In fact, studies show that car accident lawyers can help you recover 2–3 times more money than you would get on your own.
Cost of Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer in Florida
Florida caps the amount that auto accident injury attorneys in Davie, FL can charge at 33% for claims and lawsuits that don’t go to trial. However, good car accident lawyers allow you to negotiate a lower percentage depending on the circumstances, usually about 25%.
For cases that go to trial, the fees can rise to 40% of the damages awarded. This is much better than hourly fees, which can accumulate quickly and even surpass the total value of your claim. Any expenses for the lawsuit, such as hiring expert witnesses and collecting documentation, will be taken out of the settlement figure as well.
The beauty of contingent payments, like those offered at Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A., is that if you lose the claim or lawsuit, you won’t have to pay your lawyer. You only pay if you win.
What to Do If You Need to Seek Compensation After a Car Accident in Davie, FL
If you have been involved in a car accident in Davie, Florida, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and damages. Pursuing compensation after an auto accident can be a complex and overwhelming process, but with the help of the experienced Davie car accident lawyers at Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A., you can navigate through the legal challenges and seek the compensation you deserve.
The first step to pursuing compensation after an auto accident is to seek medical attention for any injuries sustained. Your health and well-being should be your top priorities, and obtaining proper medical care is crucial not only for your recovery but also for documenting your injuries for your claim. Be sure to keep all medical records, bills, and receipts related to your accident-related injuries, as these will serve as evidence of your damages.
Next, it is essential to gather evidence from the accident scene. If possible, take photos of the accident scene, including the vehicles involved, damages, and any visible injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses, including names, phone numbers, and addresses. Additionally, obtain a copy of the police report, as it can provide valuable information about the accident and help support your claim.
Once you have received medical care and gathered evidence, it is crucial to contact an experienced car accident lawyer at Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A. Our skilled auto accident injury attorneys in Davie, FL can guide you through the legal process and help protect your rights. We will review your case, assess your damages, and determine the appropriate compensation you may be entitled to, such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damages.
Our Davie car accident lawyers will also handle all communication and negotiations with insurance companies on your behalf. Insurance companies may try to minimize your claim or deny it altogether, but our attorneys have the experience and knowledge to advocate for your best interests and pursue fair compensation for your injuries and damages. If necessary, we are prepared to take your case to court and litigate on your behalf to seek the maximum compensation you deserve.
At Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A., our auto accident injury attorneys in Davie, FL are committed to providing compassionate and skilled legal representation to accident victims. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that car accidents can have on individuals and their families, and we are dedicated to helping our clients pursue the compensation they need to rebuild their lives. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help you seek the compensation you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accident Claims in Davie, FL
You’re required by law to report every car accident that involves an injury or more than $500 in damage. Even in minor accidents, it’s a good idea to report them so that a police officer can file a report. This can help you later if you have to make a claim or file a lawsuit. While at it, remember to take photos and videos of the scene and take the contact details of witnesses. After leaving the scene, make sure you get checked out by a doctor within 14 days to make sure there are no hidden injuries.
According to Florida’s no-fault insurance laws, the other party’s PIP and PDP insurance will cover their treatment and property damage, respectively. However, if their injuries or financial loss exceed their policy limits, your insurance will provide additional compensation. In extreme cases, you could also be personally sued, especially if the accident resulted in serious injuries or death.
Gonzalez & Cartwright is one of the top law firms in Broward County and across Florida, and not just because we have extensive legal knowledge and experience. We represent car accident victims in Davie and throughout Florida with compassion and dedication. Call Gonzalez & Cartwright now, and we’ll review your claim for free.