Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Alafaya, FL

Lawsuits can be very expensive, especially if they go to trial. Most attorneys will do their best to negotiate with the insurance companies to get a fair settlement prior to a trial. In less than 10% of all cases, negotiation is not possible and a trial cannot be avoided. Expenses in most cases that go to trial include the following:court costsdepositionscourt reporter feesexpert feesmedical expert fees The expenses associated with taking a case to court are typically deducted from the personal injury settlement. It is often in your best interest to resolve your case by settlement to avoid those costs. However, to get the best possible settlement, it is very important that the insurance company knows that you are willing to take your case to court if necessary.

Only about 10% of all injury cases result in a lawsuit being filed. Most personal injury claims are settled before they go to trial. Although personal injury cases usually settle, you and your lawyer should be prepared and willing to take your case to trial. The insurance company will take your case more seriously if they believe you and your lawyer mean business.

Once your medical treatment concludes and you have reached maximum medical improvement (MMI), your lawyer will review all of your medical records and evaluate your case to determine the settlement value. Your lawyer will discuss your settlement options and recommend a settlement strategy. Your lawyer will send the insurance company all of your medical records and medical bills with an offer to settle your case. The insurance company will have your case reviewed by nurses and claims adjusters. The insurance company will usually make a settlement offer within 60 days from the date your lawyer submits the settlement package. Your lawyer should not settle your personal injury case unless you are satisfied with the final settlement offer. The settlement process may continue for days, weeks or months.

Punitive damages are intended to punish the wrongdoer and, essentially, "send a message" to convince that party to change his or her ways so others don't get hurt. Your ability to recover punitive damages depends largely on the facts of the case. Punitive damages are not available in the pre-suit phase of a case. They can only be recovered if you file a lawsuit making a formal claim for punitive damages under Florida law.

The settlement value of a car that is totaled is determined based on the fair market value, which is the amount of money you likely could have sold your vehicle for if you had not been involved in the accident. We commonly use the NADA Used Car Guide or Kelly Blue Book as a starting point for determining the settlement value of a totaled car. The insurance company should pay for all repairs if your car is not totaled. This process can be accomplished without the assistance of an attorney.