Common Myths About Personal Injury Lawyers in Jacksonville (2024)

Personal injury cases are some of the most common cases in the United States and also in the state of Florida. Whether it is car accidents, motorcycle crashes, workplace incidents, or boating collisions, personal injuries occur everywhere, and individuals need to be aware of how they work. There are, however, some misconceptions surrounding personal injury lawyers. This article will discuss common myths about personal injury lawyers in Jacksonville.

To understand an impending personal injury case, it helps to learn some of the common myths surrounding personal injury lawyers in Jacksonville.

The First Offer is the Final Offer

A common myth surrounding personal injury cases is that the first offer presented by the insurance company is their final offer. This is almost always not the case. It takes negotiation between a skilled personal injury attorney and the insurance company to get the right compensation that their client deserves.

If Injuries Are Minor, Then It Is Not Worth It

Another common myth is that injuries have to be major or catastrophic to be worth talking to a personal injury lawyer. This is completely untrue. If you sustained any injuries as a result of the car accident, then you deserve to be fairly compensated.

Also, there is the possibility that injuries could be more permanent and severe than you may realize at first. For example, whiplash is an injury that is not always felt right away, but it could lead to some severe chronic pain in the neck and head. This pain could cause significant pain and suffering, for which you should be fairly compensated. The state of Florida has a four-year statute of limitations on personal injuries, so it is important that you engage an attorney early on.

You Will Have to Go to Court

In personal injury cases, you will only have to appear before a court in the event that your case goes to trial. It should be noted that the vast majority of personal injury cases are settled before going to trial. Settling before trial is generally more favorable for the plaintiff and for the defendant. Most parties want to avoid a long and drawn-out trial and the associated expenses and fees that come with it.

Personal Injury Attorneys Make the Process Longer

It is true that personal injury cases can take longer than an immediate settlement. However, that does not mean that it is in your interest to settle as early as possible. As mentioned earlier, some injuries can take hours or days to materialize and come to light. If you were to settle early or take the first offer, then you may be hurting yourself in the long run as you won’t be compensated for your long-term injuries.

Although a quick payout may seem enticing at the time, it is important to think through the long-term ramifications of the settlement. Once the settlement agreement is signed, it cannot be reopened, and you cannot seek any further compensation for injuries related to that settlement.

FAQs

Q: What Percentage Do Personal Injury Lawyers Take in Florida?

A: The percentage that is paid out to personal injury lawyers in Florida can vary depending on several different factors. Different factors that can influence the percentage paid to lawyers can include the complexity of the case, the amount of time and effort needed to win the case, and the number of parties involved in the case. Most personal injury lawyers implement a contingency fee based on the awarded settlement amount. This percentage can vary for the reasons outlined above, but it can range from 33% to 40%.

Q: When Should I Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer in Florida?

A: It is generally always a good idea to engage a personal injury lawyer whenever you are involved in a car accident. Cases in which a personal injury lawyer would absolutely be recommended would include cases in which the faulty party is disputing liability for their actions. An experienced personal injury lawyer understands the timelines you face and can help prepare your case. It is important that faulty parties be held liable for their actions in a car accident.

Q: Should I Get a Lawyer for a Car Accident That Was My Fault in Florida?

A: Under Florida state law, there is a pure comparative fault rule. This means that each party can be assigned a percentage of the blame for the accident based on their negligence. For parties that are found responsible or partly responsible for the accident, this means that they may still be eligible for compensation. This compensation would likely be reduced by the percentage of their fault in the accident. Still, it could contribute to covering a portion of related medical expenses or possible lost wages.

Q: What Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Explain?

A: Personal injury lawyers help individuals understand their rights under the law. Lawyers can also help educate individuals on the different options and avenues that they can pursue to get the compensation that they deserve. Anyone who has been a victim of a car accident deserves to be fairly compensated for their troubles. It is important that victims be aware of and educated on their rights under Florida state law as they relate to personal injuries and property damages.

The Legal Assistance You Need

Car accidents can become a long and tedious process. Generally speaking, all parties involved want the case to be processed and finalized as quickly as possible so that everyone can get on with their lives and move toward recovery. A car accident case can move a lot smoother and quicker with the help of a qualified personal injury attorney. Personal injury attorneys can provide relief and understanding to victims involved in car accidents.

The attorneys at Spohrer Dodd Trial Attorneys can help provide that relief and understanding to all victims of car accidents. Our legal team can provide legal assistance no matter how overwhelming or complex the case may seem. Our team is dedicated to serving individuals in the Jacksonville area and also the greater state of Florida. Contact our legal team today to see how our firm can be of value to you.