Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Palm Bay

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Palm Bay, Florida?

  The non-emergency line of the Palm Bay police is (321) 952-3456. Please select option “0.”

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Palm Bay, Florida?

  Please send an email to Police.Records@pbfl.org, along with the case number and the time, date, and location of the incident, to request a copy of a police report in Palm Bay.

• Should you talk to the at-fault party’s insurance adjuster about your claim after a Palm Bay accident?

  Technically, you can speak to the adjuster of the other party's insurer; however, doing so will be to your disadvantage. Remember that the adjuster is on the insurance company's side, not yours. Speaking without knowing your legal rights may cause you to divulge information that would harm your claim unwittingly. It would help to ask a personal injury lawyer in Palm Bay to guide and represent you before making any statements.

• Can a trespasser seek damages from a property owner for a slip-and-fall accident in Palm Bay?

  No, someone who slipped and fell while trespassing in Palm Bay has no right to seek compensation for his or her injuries. Generally, liability in slip-and-fall accidents lies on the owner of a grocery store, office, or residential building. But when trespassing is involved, owners do not owe a duty of care to the persons injured on their premises.

• What is the deadline for filing slip-and-fall claims in Palm Bay?

  A slip-and-fall victim has six years from the accident date to file a claim in Palm Bay. Still, injured plaintiffs should start the claims process as soon as possible because premises liability cases are complex and time-consuming. While property owners are responsible for keeping their premises safe, occupants and travelers are also accountable for their behavior. This makes it hard to establish who was at fault for an accident.

• What are your options if you can’t afford medical treatment after a Palm Bay car accident?

  If 14 days have not yet passed since you were injured in a Palm Bay crash, you must first exhaust your personal injury protection (PIP) benefits to pay for 80% of your healthcare costs. If PIP cannot cover all your bills, you can use the coverage from your health insurance policy. Delaying payments is a last resort. Your attorney can arrange for the physician or medical facility treating you to be paid once you receive your settlement.

• Will your insurance premium increase after you claim damages for a Palm Bay accident?

  No, your insurance premium should not increase after you file a claim—that is, if you were not at fault for the accident. Your liability for a crash will be taken into account by insurers when calculating your rates. You may consult a Palm Bay attorney if you believe you are wrongfully given higher rates, so they can dispute with the insurance carrier for you.

• How to choose a personal injury attorney?

  It's crucial to find a personal injury attorney who is experienced, but it's also important to feel comfortable. Take advantage of free consultations and ask questions about how long each candidate has been practicing, how their fee structure works, and who will be handling the majority of the casework (some big firms may hand off routine tasks to paralegals). Above all, find someone who listens well and believes they can achieve an optimal outcome. Still uncertain? Ask friends for referrals and check out online reviews.

• What does a personal injury lawyer do?

  Personal injury attorneys help those who have suffered due to the negligence of others get the compensation they deserve. That may include negotiating settlements with other people, insurance companies, or even government agencies or arguing the case in court. Some attorneys specialize in a certain type of injury, such as auto accidents or birth injuries, while others advocate for almost any injured party.

• What does personal injury law cover?

  In the legal world, "personal injury" is any kind of injury, physical or psychological, that results from the negligence of a person, business, or other entity. While visible or acute injuries such as a broken leg or concussion are among the most obvious types of personal injuries, this category also covers less tangible injuries such as emotional distress and issues such as asbestos exposure that may contribute to long-term problems.

• What are the most common types of personal injury claims?

  Personal injury claims encompass a wide variety of situations ranging from accidents on privately owned property to injuries in the line of duty to whiplash sustained during a commute. These claims may include car accidents, dog bites, slip and falls, medical malpractice, defamation, product defect accidents, premises liability, product liability, workplace accidents, food poisoning at a restaurant, and boating or aviation accidents.

• How do personal injury lawyers get paid?

  Many personal injury lawyers advertise that they don't get paid unless their client does. This is called "working on contingency," meaning the attorney is compensated only if they win their case. These payments are typically percentage based, giving attorneys a predetermined portion of the court-ordered award. Other lawyers may command an hourly rate or combine an hourly rate with a smaller contingency fee.

• How much do personal injury lawyers charge?

  Personal injury lawyer fees can differ from state to state and may be subject to local regulations. In general, personal injury attorneys work under contingency agreements entitling them to 33% of any related settlement or award. Sometimes lawyers use a sliding contingency, charging 33% for awards agreed upon during pre-trial negotiations and raising the fee to 40% once the matter goes to trial.

• When do I need to hire a personal injury lawyer?

  Anytime an injury is known or suspected to be the result of negligence, it's a good idea to consult with a personal injury attorney who can offer insight into the validity of a claim and whether or not that claim is worth pursuing legally. A consultation is particularly important if someone has suffered serious injuries that have left them disabled or otherwise impacted their financial future or quality of life.

• Can I file a personal injury claim without a lawyer?

  It's possible to pursue a personal injury claim without an attorney; however, it's best to save self-representation for cases involving minor injuries or are otherwise considered straightforward. Cases that involve serious injuries that are not completely resolved or where liability has yet to be determined are more complex. Those situations can quickly become stressful and time consuming as they require an understanding of tort law, resources for gathering medical records, and time to review photographs and evidence pertaining to the injury and scene of the accident (if applicable). Bringing on an experienced personal injury lawyer could result in a higher reward while giving the injured party more time to concentrate on their physical, mental, and emotional recovery.

• How long does a personal injury lawsuit last?

  The length of time it takes to settle a personal injury lawsuit is highly dependent on a number of factors ranging from the type of case to the length of medical treatment to whether the suit is settled before court or requires a long trial. While most personal injury cases are resolved within two years, more complicated suits could take longer.

• What are the benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer?

  It's tempting to save on lawyer's fees by pursuing self-representation, but there are many benefits to hiring a personal injury lawyer including their years of experience. A good attorney will know how to properly assess your damages, including not just medical bills but other concerns, such as lost wages and pain and suffering, to craft a demand that fully reflects the compensation to which the injured party is entitled. They also have the resources and knowledge necessary to consult with experts, negotiate effectively with insurance companies, properly navigate the legal system, and otherwise ensure the best possible outcome.