Can You File A West Palm Beach Personal Injury Claim Without An Attorney?
Whether you are a resident of West Palm Beach or just visiting, the unfortunate reality is that you are at risk of being involved in an accident. Unfortunately, after suffering an accident in West Palm Beach, you might be left dealing with more than just physical pain and distress. For example, after an accident victim suffers severe injuries, they may be left dealing with huge medical expenses and lost wages. Fortunately, if you suffer a severe injury in West Palm Beach because of another person’s negligence, you may be able to recover compensation. Recovering compensation from an at-fault party after an accident can alleviate the stress and pressure of the financial costs associated with your accident.
If you suffered a personal injury in West Palm Beach, you might be wondering if you can file a claim without a personal injury attorney. Well, can you? Generally, yes, you can file a West Palm Beach personal injury claim without an attorney. You are not obligated to hire a personal injury attorney in Florida. Nevertheless, while it is not a legal requirement to hire a personal injury attorney in Florida, it is recommendable that you hire one. Trying to deal with a personal injury claim on your own can end up costing you more in the long run.
Below are two major costs of handling a personal injury claim without an attorney.
Accepting Less Than You Deserve
Do you have the experience needed to negotiate with insurance companies? The reality is that most people don’t. If you cannot negotiate with insurance companies, then the chances are, handling your personal injury claim without an attorney might lead to you settling for less than you deserve. Often, insurance companies offer plaintiffs quick payments to settle their claims. For most victims who choose to handle their cases without attorneys, accepting an initial offer usually seems like the wise thing to do. Unfortunately, if you take an insurance company’s initial settlement offer, there is a high possibility that you have accepted less than you deserve.
Settling Too Soon
If you choose to handle your West Palm Beach personal injury claim without an attorney, the chances are, you will end up settling your claim too soon. Unfortunately, if you settle your West Palm Beach personal injury claim too soon, you might end up being faced with some issues in the future that you might be forced to handle on your own. For instance, it is advisable that you wait until you reach maximum medical improvement before settling a personal injury case. Generally, waiting until you reach MMI before settling ensures you accept a settlement that is in line with the severity of your injury. For instance, waiting until you reach MMI can help you determine if you need to be compensated for future medical treatments. Remember, once you accept a settlement, your personal injury claim is closed. So, if you accept a payment that doesn’t cover future medical expenses, you’ll have to handle such costs on your own if they arise.
Contact Us for Legal Help
If you were involved in an accident that led to a personal injury, do not hesitate to contact one of our West Palm Beach personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm in West Palm Beach. We can help you recover the compensation you deserve. Contact us to schedule a consultation.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Ocala, Orlando, Tampa, Fort Myers, Bradenton, Jacksonville, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Daytona Beach areas.
Resource:
sira.nsw.gov.au/workers-compensation-claims-guide/glossary/m/maximum-medical-improvement-mmi
