Automobile Accident Attorneys in Fort Lauderdale— Choosing the Right One for Your Case
If you have been injured in a car accident in Fort Lauderdale odds are you will be searching for automobile accidents attorneys to help you out with Florida's no fault insurance.
No fault insurance, where your own insurance company pays for your medical expense and lost wages, was supposed to speed up claims and lower auto premiums. No fault prevents you from suing the negligent party in court which of course significantly reduces the insurance companies' legal expenses and exposure to jury verdicts.
This savings in expense was supposed to be passed on to the consumer however; according to insure.com Florida has the 5th highest average auto insurance premium in the country. As it turns out, no fault insurance is a windfall for the insurance companies while denying the consumer from fair compensation from the liable party like they would be entitled to in any other type of liability claim.
Why You May Need a Fort Lauderdale Automobile Accident Attorney
Your Florida no fault policy comes with Personal Injury Protection coverage. This coverage is supposed to pay 80% of your actual medical costs and 60% of your actual lost wages up to the limit of the policy. The minimum that you can purchase is $10,000, which you could burn up before you leave the emergency room. Obviously you need coverage that is appropriate for your risk and your agent will be happy to assist you in determining what that is. But…
What happens when you've got adequate PIP and you are in an accident and the insurance company denies some of your medical costs as not necessary? If a significant portion of your income is based on commissions, don't be surprised if the insurance company only wants to pay 60% of your base wage.
This is when you want to talk to a Fort Lauderdale attorney who understands and has the experience in negotiating with insurance companies.
When You Absolutely Need a Fort Lauderdale Automobile Accident Attorney
There are exceptions to the no fault rules if you have suffered:
- Permanent disability
- Significant scarring or disfigurement
- Loss of use of a body organ (kidney, digestive tract etc.)
- Suffered death
These are life-changing events and the law allows you to pursue the negligent party in court. That's when you absolutely need to have a Fort Lauderdale attorney representing you.
When you select an automobile accident attorney make certain that this specialty is part of their practice and that they can demonstrate a successful history of obtaining fair and just settlements and verdicts.
If you find yourself in this position contact us at Martin, Lister & Alvarez for a complimentary case review. Time is of the essence in these cases so don't delay. Contact us today!
