FAQ
When should I consult with an Orlando personal injury attorney?
As soon as possible, you should contact a lawyer regarding your injury. Personal injury claims require the support of definitive evidence that becomes increasingly harder to obtain the more time passes. An immediate investigation will help gather important details, secure witnesses while memories are still fresh, and establish a distinct paper trail of your medical care. Also, some insurance companies will attempt to get you to quickly agree to a minimal payout before your injuries are clearly understood. A knowledgeable personal injury attorney in Orlando will ensure that you receive a fair compensation.
How much is my claim worth?
The true value of a personal injury claim will depend on a number of crucial factors that vary greatly from case to case. In any situation where your injuries are the result of another’s negligence, you have a right to file a claim for damages. Your Orlando personal injury lawyer will meticulously assess your damages, including:
- Medical Bills
- Prescription costs and ongoing treatment
- Damaged property
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
What is “pain and suffering”?
Pain and suffering refers to the endured pain and emotional anguish that accompanies your injury. Anxiety, depression, insomnia and many other symptoms that add to the distress and discomfort of your recovery can be included in your claim. Always describe to your Orlando accident attorney the full spectrum of consequences that you have suffered, so you can receive the full compensation you deserve.
How long will it take for my case to reach conclusion?
The sooner you consult with a qualified personal injury attorney in Orlando, the faster you will be able to collect evidence and build a powerful case. The average personal injury claim can take anywhere from a few months to a few years. In many cases, being willing to settle for a smaller offer can reduce the time it takes to reach a conclusion, but there are many other factors to consider.
How much will this cost me?
At Heil Law, we practice strictly on a contingency basis, meaning you assume no risks and pay no fees or charges until a verdict is won in your favor.
What if I am uncertain about my legal claim?
I provide detailed consultations free of charge, so you can quickly and conveniently consult with a qualified Orlando personal injury lawyer at no cost. If an insurance company has already made you an offer, schedule an immediate consultation before signing anything to ensure you receive adequate pay.
How can I file a personal injury claim if Florida is a “no-fault” state?
By Florida law, everyone who operates a motor vehicle must carry PIP insurance to protect against personal injury claims, regardless of who is at fault. However, if you sustain injuries that are deemed permanent or exceed the legal limit of $10,000 in damages, then you can still file a claim for personal injury.
Do I have to accept the insurance company’s settlement?
No. The benefit of hiring representation from a personal injury attorney in Orlando is that you do not have to struggle with the stress and hassle of a frustrating insurance company. A properly established case with an experienced lawyer will protect you from being overwhelmed and dis-advantaged.
Will I have to go to trial?
Many personal injury claims are quickly settled out of court, without the need for a trial. However, cases do exist where negligent parties are overly reluctant to produce a fair compensation. In that case, I will pursue your case aggressively to obtain the maximum fair recompense.
Why do I need an Orlando accident attorney?
Most personal injury claims involve reimbursement through an insurance provider whose main priority, unfortunately, is to produce the minimum settlement. If you are too quick to accept an offer, you may be unknowingly settling for an outrageously unfair amount. An experienced professional will ensure that you finish each claim with the full fair compensation.
What your insurance agent didn’t tell you!
- Under Florida law, if you have a $2,000.00 deductible on your personal injury protection coverage, you cannot recover this amount of your medical bills from the person responsible for the accident. The cost of a no or zero deductible policy is very inexpensive when weighed against the cost of having a deductible when an accident occurs.
- A great many of the drivers in the State of Florida do not carry insurance for personal injury or have no insurance at all. Most companies sell uninsured and underinsured motorist protection coverage. This protects you in the event that you are hit by a driver who does not carry insurance to cover your damages.
- Florida law only requires that a person carries personal injury protection insurance and property damage insurance. There is no requirement that anyone must carry insurance to compensate another that they injure in an accident!
- I suggest that you review your insurance policy and make sure it includes the following coverages:
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage without a deductible
- PIP should now cover the first $10,000 of your medical bills but it’s possible it could only cover 80% of them, leaving you with having to come up with $2,000. Check with your insurance agent regarding MedPay, an important option of PIP. PIP will also cover 60% of wages up to $10,000.
Personal Injury Pro Medical Payments coverage of at least $2,000.00
- This will fill in the 20% remaining of your medical bills. This insurance, when used in conjunction with Personal Injury Protection coverage, will pay 100% of your medical bills.
Uninsured Motorist Protection Insurance
- This insurance will pay for your personal injury in the event the person who injures you does not carry insurance to compensate you for your loss.
I see too many people that have been injured in an accident and do not have the proper insurance and therefore are not able to fully recover for their loss. Remember, you must protect yourself because no one else will!
