In Florida, a personal injury claim usually takes around 9-18 months for processing, but this timeline can vary based on factors such as the severity of your injuries, the involved insurance companies, and the volume of evidence related to your case. Generally, the personal injury compensation timeline unfolds as follows:
Step-by-Step Timeline for Personal Injury Lawsuits in Florida
Navigating the legal system can be overwhelming. To provide you with a clearer understanding of the process of seeking personal injury compensation in Florida, we’ve created a 10-step timeline that outlines what you can expect throughout this lengthy journey.
Phase One – Initial Steps
Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Regardless of how minor your injuries may seem, the first step is always to seek medical attention promptly. The shock of an accident can mask pain symptoms for up to 48 hours or more due to adrenaline. Seeking medical care right after an accident ensures a proper understanding of your injuries, necessary treatment, and potential ongoing care requirements.
Ensuring your well-being, stability, and protection against further harm are top priorities. Seeking medical attention also plays a crucial role in initiating the legal process for personal injury compensation in Florida. It establishes that the accident indeed caused injuries and demonstrates that these injuries did not stem from a pre-existing condition. This step initiates a solid trail of medical documentation for your personal injury case.
Phase Two – Pre-Filing and Engaging Professionals
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney: Following your medical evaluation, it’s time to reach out to one of our personal injury attorneys. Having a seasoned professional by your side aids in navigating the legal aspects of filing a personal injury claim. Such assistance is invaluable when dealing with insurance companies. Many insurers aim to minimize payouts to both you and the other party, potentially depriving you of your full entitled personal injury compensation. By entering into a contingency contract with us, we commit to tirelessly working on your case, conducting investigations, collecting evidence, and constructing a robust claim.
Alerting Your Insurance Company: After seeking medical care, the subsequent step involves your lawyer informing your insurance company about the accident. This triggers the claims process, obliging the insurer to investigate the accident-related claim and ascertain fault. This notification also enables you to claim your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits, which can cover lost wages and medical expenses.
Lawyer’s Investigation and Evidence Gathering: Once you’ve engaged our legal services, the next phase entails investigating the accident and amassing evidence. This encompasses acquiring accident scene photographs, documenting vehicle details (if it’s a car accident), reviewing video surveillance and police reports, and collecting eyewitness accounts. Additionally, we’ll gather and evaluate medical records, bills, employment history, and earnings. In specific cases, we might collaborate with reconstruction experts to recreate the scene. Commencing this process as soon as possible is crucial, as it might take several weeks to complete.
Sending a Demand Letter: After consolidating all the evidence for your claim, a demand letter is crafted and dispatched to the responsible party. This letter serves to formally outline your case, demand compensation, and notify the recipient of potential legal action if payment is not forthcoming.
This post was written by Kelly-Ann Jenkins of Jenkins Law P.L. Kelly-Ann is a car accident lawyer St Petersburg She focuses on personal injury, car accidents, and bicyclist injury. The information on this site is not intended to and does not offer legal advice, legal recommendations, or legal representation on any matter. Hiring an attorney is an important decision, which should not be based on advertising. You need to consult an attorney for legal advice regarding your situation.
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