Find personal injury legal assistance in Florida? While alcohol may be the most common cause of impairment for drivers in Orlando, Florida, it is not the only intoxicating substance. Drugged driving also impairs drivers and causes car accidents, with 617 confirmed cases in Florida during 2016. Drugged driving does not just include illegal drugs such as marijuana or cocaine. It can also include prescription drugs, even when the driver is prescribed the medication and following the doctor’s orders. If the prescription still impairs the driver, then it is unreasonable for him or her to get behind the wheel of a vehicle and put the lives and wellbeing of other Floridians at risk.
It is standard practice for insurance adjusters to begin negotiations by first offering a very low settlement amount — or, sometimes, denying liability altogether. With this tactic, the adjuster is trying to find out whether you understand what your claim is worth and to see if you are so impatient to get some money that you will take any amount. When a first offer is made, your response should depend on whether it is a reasonable offer but too low or whether it is so low that it is just a tactic to see if you know what you are doing. If the offer is reasonable, you can immediately make a counteroffer that is a little bit lower than your demand letter amount. That shows the adjuster that you, too, are being reasonable and are willing to compromise. A little more bargaining should quickly get you to a final settlement amount you both think is fair. In these negotiations, don’t bother to go over all the facts again. Just emphasize the strongest points in your favor — for example, that the insured was completely at fault.
Insurance companies do not pay money willingly. The insurance company can be expected to thoroughly investigate the facts of your accident and use any prior history of related medical conditions to diminish the value of your claim. Insurance companies may hire a private investigator to film your physical activities in public. In substantial injury claims, insurance companies may even try to set you up by having their investigators trick you into engaging in physical activities such as carrying a heavy package, bending to pick up bulky objects or changing a flat tire.
Have you been injured by someone else’s negligence or wrongful actions? If so, you may be able to recover compensation for your damages. Through the at-fault party’s insurance company, you may be able to negotiate a personal injury settlement for your physical, psychological, and financial damages. You also have the option of filing a civil lawsuit and pursuing your claim in court. However, negotiating a settlement means getting compensation sooner, without the time, hassle, and cost of a trial.
If you or a loved one were injured by the negligence of a semi truck driver, then an Orlando truck accident may be able to help you recover for your damages. Under Section 95.11 of the Florida Code, a person injured in a truck accident will have four years from the date of the accident to file a negligence lawsuit against the truck driver or their trucking company. More urgently, some of the evidence required to prove negligence can dissipate over time. To ensure you have the strongest case possible, contact us at 407-315-8000. Bengal Law: Florida Accident Lawyers and Personal Injury Attorneys PLLC. Find additional details at Bengal Law PLLC.
Doing the work to build your case methodically can maximize your damages even if your case never goes to trial. This case preparation includes serving discovery demands to the other side and having your attorney conduct depositions or request records. You may need to be seen by various medical professionals, and your attorney might work with other expert witnesses to build the strength of your case. Having a strong case prepared for trial can pressure the responsible party to offer you a fair settlement. If the other side senses that you’re not doing the work to build your case, they’ll be more likely to low ball your settlement offer. If they know you’re ready to go to trial and win, they’ll be more inclined to pay you an adequate amount.