Frequently Asked Questions After a Car Accident
- Do I need a lawyer to file a claim after a car accident?
- What if I can't afford a lawyer?
- How long will it take to settle my case?
- What if I was at fault? Can I collect any damages?
If you were in a car accident with injuries, it's not uncommon to have a lot of questions — and few answers. The Umansky Law Firm focuses on helping individuals and families who have suffered serious injury in car, truck and other motor vehicle accidents. Our Orlando injury lawyers help you understand your rights as we fight to ensure you receive all the compensation you are due.
Contact an auto accident lawyer at The Umansky Law Firm, P.A. in Winter Park or Orlando, Florida, today for a free consultation and case evaluation.
Fighting for Fair Compensation for Accident Victims and their Families
Call (407) 599-3838 for a free initial consultation
This Web site is not intended as a substitute for legal representation by a qualified car accident lawyer who can address the specific issues of your case.
Do I need a lawyer to file an auto accident injury claim?
No, you are not required to hire an attorney, but if you have had any kind of serious injury or if it is unclear who was at fault, it is a good idea to do so. Most people who work with an attorney after a car accident receive a higher settlement offer from their insurance company. If you have problems with your insurer, only an attorney can take your case to court to compel them to pay your bills.
What if I can't afford an attorney?
Talk with a lawyer before you decide that you can't afford legal help. Your initial consultation is always free of charge. Most personal injury cases are handled on a "contingency fee." That means your attorneys' fees are paid out of the settlement or verdict you receive, not out of your pocket. You may be asked to pay court fees and expenses. We can explain that in more detail at your first meeting with your lawyer, before you sign any contract.
How long will it take to settle my case?
Everyone worries about how they are going to pay their medical bills and get their car fixed. The bills are on the table now and they feel pressured to agree to a settlement as soon as possible.
It's important not to give in to the pressure of bills, however. If you take the money now, you cannot ask for more money later if additional medical expenses arrive. It's best to wait until you've reached "maximum medical recovery" (as close to your original health as you are going to get) before you accept a settlement agreement. In the meantime, we can negotiate with your medical providers about those bills.
The time it takes to settle a car accident injury claim depends on the circumstances of your accident and the attitude of your insurance company. We may be able to settle with the insurance company in a matter of weeks, or in complex cases it may take more than a year. If the insurer refuses to be fair, a lawsuit may be necessary to get you the money you deserve. That usually takes longer than negotiating a settlement.
What if I was partly at fault for the car accident? Can I collect any damages?
Florida is a "comparative negligence" state, which means that you can recover money even if you were partly at fault in causing the accident but your compensation will be diminished by the percentage of fault. For example, if you were speeding and the other driver was drunk at the time of your accident, a case may be made that you were 25% responsible for the accident and the drunk driver 75%. You could then collect 75% of the value of your damages.
DO NOT discuss fault or negligence with anyone but your attorney. Until your accident has been investigated it may not be possible to know who was really at fault. We investigate your case and talk with your insurance company on your behalf.
Contact a personal injury lawyer at the Umansky Law Firm any time, day or night. We offer a free consultation to all personal injury and car accident victims in Orlando, Winter Park, Longwood, Sanford, Kissimmee and other communities throughout Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Brevard, Lake, Polk, and Hillsborough counties in Florida.
Our Orlando, Florida injury attorneys represent tourists from all over the United States and the world, including England, Scotland, Brazil, Spain, Europe, Columbia, and France.
