As we all go about our daily activities, we expect that other people will not go out of their way to cause us harm. In certain situations, we all must protect the safety of those around us. When we drive a car, for example, we are required to do so in a manner that does not endanger the lives of others. Property owners must keep their premises free of hazards that could cause an injury to a guest or visitor.
When these duties are breached, it is considered negligence, and an injured person can hold the negligent party responsible for the losses they suffer. At Williams Law, P.A., we represent victims of these accidents to help them get the compensation they deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you are looking for a law firm that fights with the most passion for its clients, who has the verdicts, settlements, and accolades to back them up, and who has spent over 27 years going up against Florida insurance companies, that’s our firm.
Will I Receive a Higher Settlement With a Personal Injury Lawyer?
Three major studies and a report show a clear correlation between retaining a lawyer for a personal injury accident and getting a larger settlement. The Insurance Research Council (IRC) published a study in 1999 with results that still hold true over 20 years later. The study, “Paying for Auto Injuries: A Consumer Panel Survey of Auto Accident Victims,” has been updated since it was first published, but what the study found then still holds today. That is accident victims who hired attorneys to help them with a claim received 40% more in the insurance settlement than those who didn’t retain a lawyer.
A separate report published by the IRC, “Auto Injuries: Claiming Behavior and Its Impact on Insurance Costs,” looked at how a lawyer's representation relates to compensation for an insurance settlement. The IRC noted that 85% of all money paid out in insurance settlements for bodily injury claims is paid to people who lawyers represent.
In 2014, the IRC conducted a study titled “Auto Injury Insurance Claims: Countrywide Patterns in Treatment, Cost and Compensation.” The study collected data from over 35,000 personal injury claims from 12 private car insurance providers. The 12 insurers represented 52% of the private car insurance market in the U.S. They found that attorney involvement affected the amount paid by the insurance companies for the medical expenses of claimants.
Another study by the All-Industry Research Advisory Council (AIRAC), titled “Attorney Involvement in Auto Industry Claims,” found that accident victims who retained an attorney received $1.59 per dollar of economic loss, whereas unrepresented claimants received $1.26. There is a clear financial advantage to hiring a personal injury lawyer after any accident.
What Is a Personal Injury Claim?
You might not consider yourself to be a litigious person. Many people think they would never sue someone after a car accident or slip and fall. However, the reality is that most personal injury claims only involve an insurance company, and it might be the only way to get the money you need to recover as fully as possible after an accident that you did not cause. At Williams Law, P.A., we have helped clients with:
Motor Vehicle Accidents
When you are seriously injured in a car, truck, or motorcycle crash that was determined to be the fault of another driver, you can file a claim with their insurance company for compensation. Drivers in Florida must carry liability insurance for just such a purpose, but they often do not have enough insurance to cover their losses fully. This is where an attorney can fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
Slip and Falls
Wet floors, torn rugs, unsecured electrical cords, broken handrails, uneven steps, and other maintenance issues can cause visitors to stores, restaurants, movie theaters, and amusement parks to fall and suffer severe injuries. While it might be embarrassing to fall in a public place, it’s essential to take a moment to determine the cause of your fall. If not your clumsiness tripped you up, you should talk to our team about a possible slip and fall liability claim.
Other Premises Liability Claims
Falls aren’t the only accident that can happen when a property owner is negligent. Inadequate building security could lead to an assault. An unsecured swimming pool could lead to a child’s drowning. An unrestrained dog could lead to a vicious attack. The property owner where one of these incidents occurred should be held accountable.
It’s important to remember that these parties carry liability insurance. Most personal injury claims involve negotiations with an insurance company, not an actual lawsuit in court. With a lawyer by your side who has 25 years of experience dealing with insurance companies, you can rest assured that your interests will be represented assertively and skillfully.
Have You Been Injured Due To The Negligence Of Others? Williams Law, P.A. Is Here To Help.
If you or a loved one have been physically injured due to someone else's neglect, you should speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Florida law office at 800.451.6786 to schedule your free consultation. We help Florida residents like you who have been injured in a motor vehicle accident, slip and fall, or other accident resulting in an injury. Remember, we work on a contingent basis, meaning you don't pay us anything until we win your case.