Dedicated Legal Assistance
When you or a family member has suffered harm after being involved in an accident that was caused by another person, you should consult our experienced Melbourne, FL personal injury lawyer. The kind of attorney you want on your side should be prepared to overcome all odds to get you the best possible results – through negotiation or litigation. Reach out to the Law Offices of Arcadier, Biggie & Wood to enlist the strong and compassionate support you deserve. Our experience is vast and has included cases that have involved hit and runs, car accidents, commercial truck accidents, boat and ATV accidents, loss of limb, severe burns and scarring, broken bones and muscle injuries, near drowning and drowning, brain and head injuries, neck and spine injuries, paralysis, loss of senses, rideshare accidents, premises liability cases, slip and falls, construction accidents, medical malpractice, wrongful death, and more. We offer free consultations for injury clients. Call or message us today to get started.
Table of Contents
- Dedicated Legal Assistance
- What To Expect During Your Personal Injury Lawsuit
- Dealing With The Insurance Company After An Accident
- Infographic
- Personal Injury Statistics
- FAQs
- The Law Offices of Arcadier, Biggie & Wood, Melbourne Personal Injury Lawyers
- Contact Our Firm Today
A personal injury claim can be straightforward, or very complex depending on the circumstances. In general, the more serious the injuries are, the more likely it will be for the insurance company to fight against paying out what the victim needs and deserves. Insurance adjusters are well known for their clever-like tactics and will say just about anything to get the defendant to agree to a settlement with our Florida personal injury lawyer. Statements like:
- “You don’t need a lawyer.”
- “We will settle now so you can move forward with your life.”
- “If you don’t accept our offer, you might lose out on the opportunity.”
The insurance company might also suggest that you are partially, or fully, to blame. Due to the sensitive nature of these statements, and the possibility of saying something unintentionally, you should absolutely consult a personal injury lawyer before speaking to the insurance companies. If you choose to partner with us, we will be able to deal with the people so that you can focus on your recovery.
What to Expect from Your Personal Injury Lawsuit
When you bring a personal injury lawyer from our Melbourne office into your case as quickly as possible, you have the best possible chance at recovering maximum compensation. This is because our firm can work diligently to identify and preserve evidence that will enable us to build an undeniable defense strategy.
The Plaintiff Was Injured
When it comes down to it, the reason someone files a personal injury lawsuit is that they were injured in some way. The person who files this type of lawsuit is known as the plaintiff. If someone attempts to file a personal injury lawsuit without actually having suffered from any kind of injury, their case will not get very far and a lawyer may not take them seriously. At this point in the process (when the plaintiff has established that they were injured by the defendant) they may choose to hire an attorney. Many personal injury lawsuits in Melbourne, FL will not go well without the help of a personal injury attorney.
The Plaintiff Files Against the Defendant
When the plaintiff and their attorney show that there is a need for a case, they will file a complaint that details what the plaintiff alleges happened. Once completed, the defendant is served and a court date can be set. At this point, the defendant will likely hire their own attorney.
Pre-Trial Litigation and Settlement
At this point in injury lawsuits, both sides will be gathering evidence during the discovery phase as well as scheduling depositions. Before the trial even begins, though, it is entirely possible that the plaintiff and defendant can come to some sort of settlement that both can agree to/ When this happens, a trial never has to begin. However, if they cannot agree, they will go to trial.
Trial
If the case goes to trial, both sides will present their evidence and the plaintiff will be attempting to establish fault with the defendant for their injuries. If they do so successfully, they may be able to win compensation for things such as pain and suffering, medical bills, and lost wages. It is also possible that either party could appeal the final decision if they do not agree with it.
A Personal injury attorney helps and assists injured individuals recover damages from the negligent actions of another. A serious physical injury can often be a life-changing event, sometimes causing permanent damage that can change your future and your entire life. A physical injury caused by someone’s negligence is known as personal injury law. Personal injury covers many areas of law, including car accidents, product liability, premises liability, slip and fall, medical malpractice, wrongful death, and more.
Dealing With The Insurance Company After An Accident
Following any accident such as a premise liability accident or vehicle accident, you may be contacted by the defendant’s insurance company. The adjustor might ask you to spend some time talking with them about what happened. They might also want to know the events that led up to the accident, and whether you had any previous injuries, for example. It may be in your best interest to avoid speaking to anyone.
Insurance adjusters are not on your side. They work for the insurance company, and they are in business to turn a profit. This means they will fight hard to pay the least amount possible. All too often we have seen people be coerced into making errors or statements that they didn’t mean or understand. As a result, they lost money that they should have been able to recover. Regardless of how sympathetic the insurance adjuster might seem, or how many promises they make to you, please remember they do not serve your interests. If you would like to avoid the potential of a hassle, please call a Melbourne, Florida personal injury claim lawyer.
- Documentation: A Foundation For Claims
In the immediate aftermath of an accident, it is essential to gather comprehensive documentation to substantiate any subsequent insurance claims. Crucial information includes photographs of the accident scene, vehicle damage, injuries sustained, and any relevant environmental factors. Additionally, obtaining contact information for any witnesses, as well as copies of police reports and medical records, will strengthen your case. This meticulous documentation provides a solid foundation for presenting your claim to the insurance company and may also serve as valuable evidence if a dispute arises.
- Effective Communication: The Art Of Negotiation
Communication with insurance companies requires a strategic approach to ensure that your rights and interests are adequately protected. Keep in mind that insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts and may employ various tactics to achieve this end. When speaking with insurance representatives, it is vital to remain calm, composed, and focused on the facts. Avoid providing speculative or unnecessary information, and do not admit fault or accept settlement offers without consulting a legal expert.
- Understanding Insurance Policy Coverage: A Prerequisite For Fair Compensation
Insurance policies are often fraught with legal jargon and technical terms that can be difficult for laypersons to interpret. Familiarizing yourself with the specific terms and conditions of your policy, as well as the applicable state insurance regulations, is critical to ensuring that you receive fair compensation for your claim. This knowledge will enable you to identify any attempts by the insurance company to undervalue your claim or deny coverage based on obscure policy provisions. If you have any doubts or concerns, consult a legal professional for guidance.
- Seeking Legal Assistance: An Essential Safeguard
The complexity of insurance claims and the potential for disputes make it prudent to enlist the help of a competent attorney with experience in personal injury or property damage cases. Legal representation can be invaluable in navigating the claims process, negotiating with insurance adjusters, and advocating for your rights. A skilled attorney will have a deep understanding of insurance law and the tactics employed by insurance companies to minimize payouts. Furthermore, should the need arise, an attorney will be prepared to litigate on your behalf, providing a powerful deterrent to any bad faith practices by the insurance company.
Infographic
Personal Injury Statistics
According to the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles, Melbourne Florida averages approximately 5,500 car accidents each year with an increasing trend of approximately five percent annually. According to the Federal Highway Administration, Florida had 3331 auto-related fatalities in 2020.
The majority of Car accidents in Melbourne Florida result from driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol (DUI), distracted driving, careless driving, and reckless driving.
FAQs
How much compensation can I receive?
When a victim is injured in an accident, they often face financial issues because of the impact those injuries have on their life. There are the medical bills, loss of income from being unable to work, and several other potential damages to the victim may be entitled to. It is not uncommon when an accident victim retains the help of a Melbourne, FL personal injury lawyer to ask how much compensation the lawyer thinks the victim will receive in a settlement amount or a jury award if the lawsuit goes to litigation. The amount of that compensation does depend on several factors that can have an impact on the final payout amount.
What should I do following a car accident?
After an accident takes place, everyone involved should seek medical attention immediately. Whether or not physical injuries are present, a medical professional should check to make sure no one has a concussion or internal bleeding. Adrenaline often masks pain, and injuries after an accident or traumatic event, not allowing victims to feel the full extent of their injuries. That is why it is imperative that all seek a thorough medical evaluation as soon as possible. Medical documents and evidence will help a personal injury case if the victim decides to pursue legal action and compensation.
What injuries are common in car accidents?
Not all injuries sustained from a car accident are physical. Mental and emotional injuries exist for many who have experienced the traumatic event of a vehicle collision. Anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder, often referred to as PTSD is common, and can have devastating implications for those suffering. If you or a loved one are hurting mentally or emotionally due to a car accident, or another personal injury case it would be in your best interest to contact a professional, licensed therapist to assist in your healing process. Mental and emotional distress can greatly impact an individual’s ability to perform everyday tasks, work, and maintain healthy relationships. Don’t suffer alone, but contact a medical professional to seek the help you deserve, and start the journey towards positive mental and emotional health.
How can personal injury lawyers help me?
Our personal injury lawyers such at the Law Offices of Arcadier, Biggie & Wood desire for our clients to focus on what is truly important following an accident, their healing, and overall mental, physical, and emotional health. By advocating on behalf of your needs, and fighting for the highest compensation available, our attorneys allow clients the space and freedom to get better. Most victims of car accidents do not fully understand the legal process of pursuing compensation for their personal injuries. Part of our job is to help their client by answering any and all questions they may have regarding the legal process, and all that it entails.
What legal action should a victim take following an accident?
When a person sustains an injury during a car accident, they may have a personal injury case worth pursuing. Compensation following an accident should consider physical injuries, as well as mental, and emotional injuries as well, and the cost of treatment. Florida residents can rest assured that our Melbourne personal injury lawyers are ready and able to help those who have been involved in a car accident, fighting for compensation for all mental, emotional, and physical injuries sustained. Contact an attorney today, and start your journey toward justice, accountability, and compensation.
The Law Offices of Arcardier, Biggie & Wood, PLLC, Melbourne Personal Injury Lawyers
2815 W. New Haven, Suite 304, Melbourne, Florida 32904
Contact Our Firm Today
As you might notice, dealing with the insurance company may not be a smooth process. By retaining a personal injury lawyer, you can be provided with a legal professional who has the experience and knowledge you need. Our firm can offer you the following benefits:
- We can maintain all communication with the insurance companies
- We understand the clever tactics used against insurance adjusters
- We will protect your rights
- We may be able to prove that the other party was 100% at fault
- Our lawyers will seek maximum compensation
For a free case review with our Melbourne personal injury lawyer, call Arcardier, Biggie & Wood, PLLC. If you were injured because of someone else’s negligence, we would like to listen to your story and explain to you your legal options. Don’t wait, time is of the essence. To learn more, please call Arcadier, Biggie & Wood, PLLC to speak with a qualified attorney.
Client Review
“Cannot thank Maurice enough for the outstanding and effective service he provided to me. He is professional, attentive and extremely knowledgeable in his field of practice. Dawn, the office manager, is equally attentive and kind. I can’t give them enough stars. I will be back – HIGHLY recommended!” Ashley Verrill
