Personal Injury Attorneys in Cape Coral
Car accidents, motorcycle accidents, slipping and falling in the mall. Suppose you suffered an injury in an accident because someone else was negligent. In that case, you will face time out of work, when you have to run to the doctor regularly to treat your injury, and your entire family will turn upside down.
Finding a Cape Coral personal injury lawyer may be the furthest thing from your mind. However, before you talk to any insurance company, you should contact Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA. You will need someone who can fight for you to protect your rights and help you get the right amount of compensation.
Table of Contents
- Why Choose Dolman Law Group
- Compensation For a Personal Injury Claim
- Insurance Companies and Accident Injury Claims
- Steps to Take Following an Injury
- Contact a Cape Coral Personal Injury Attorney
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why Choose Dolman Law Group for a Cape Coral Accident
Recovering your losses, making sure you know what legal options are open to you, and having someone work with an insurance company are reasons why contacting Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA makes sense.
In addition to ensuring that you get the personalized attention you need, we have a proven track record of handling a broad range of accidents.
Some of our recent successes include:
- Car accident resulting in burn injury – Recovered $5 million
- Motorcycle accident resulting in multiple injuries – Recovered $1.4 million
- Personal injury – Recovered $325,000
- Slip and fall in a restaurant parking lot – Recovered $300,000
Personal injury victims need to work with a Cape Coral attorney with experience handling complex cases. While past success does not always reflect what may happen during your case or in any future matter, it does show that we are willing to put it on the line for every client.
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury in Cape Coral, regardless of where it occurred, you should contact Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA.
Contact the Team at Dolman Law Group
When you have suffered an injury in Cape Coral, you need help. Contact Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA at 866-458-3982. You may also fill out our convenient online contact form. Do not wait until time starts running out or until an insurance company starts imposing its will on you. Call us today and schedule a free case evaluation.
Understanding Compensation and the Complexities Involved in Claims
Personal injury victims rarely know that lawyers do not calculate compensation in a set way. Instead, they handle each case individually. However, some things make each case unique, and these factors will play a role in how your attorney determines the amount you can include in a settlement demand.
Factors About the Involved Parties
There are a significant number of factors that can have an impact on what a victim can seek for compensation after an injury.
Some of these include:
- The extent of the injuries suffered by the victim
- The type of accident that caused the injury
- The responsible party’s insurance coverage
- Victim’s medical bills resulting from the injury
- The prior health of the victim
- Whether there are multiple parties liable for the injury
Every personal injury case is unique, and every insurance company will handle claims differently based on internal factors which are often not shared with victims. At Dolman Law Group, we take the time to ensure we understand each aspect that makes your case unique.
Specific Financial Demands for Injury Victims
While numerous factors impact how much demand can include, some of the specific types of compensation you can include in a settlement are:
- Medical bills incurred because of an injury
- Income and benefits lost due to a victim’s recovery time
- Modifications to someone’s home due to their injury
- Costs associated with rehabilitation therapy, mental health therapy, and more
You seek these specific compensatory damages so you do not suffer financially (as well as physically) because of an injury. Dolman Law Group is committed to treating every accident victim fairly and no insurance companies take advantage of them.
Working with Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, can help ease some of the stress of dealing with insurance adjusters, handling the claims process, and obtaining the documents that insurers will require to process a claim.
Additionally, because we know some of the tactics insurance companies use, we can ensure they are not taking advantage of you during the claims process. We understand the lengths an insurer will go to to minimize the final settlement amount, and we will fight hard to ensure you get the best possible offer for your injuries.
Understanding the Cape Coral Area
Cape Coral is a great place to live, work, and vacation. Annually, Cape Coral has more than 250 days of sunshine. There are great parks, fitness areas, walking paths, plenty of opportunities for bicycling, and several locations throughout the city where families and friends can gather for picnics while their children use the playgrounds.
The problem is that each of these activities poses unique challenges for those attempting to get around the city or simply enjoy these seemingly innocent activities. Bicycle riders can fall victim to a speeding driver, playground equipment can injure children, and getting to and from any location to participate in these activities can mean crossing the dangerous intersections at Veterans Memorial Parkway and Santa Barbara Boulevard.
Lee County, the home of Cape Coral, had more than 14,000 roadway accidents in one recent year. As a result of these accidents, 12 people lost their lives, and 5,508 suffered an injury. This number is a reminder that no matter how careful we are, if you are one of the 209,576 people who live in Cape Coral, a negligent driver can make you the next accident victim.
Cape Coral Personal Injury Lawyer Near Me 833-552-7274
Type of Personal Injury Accidents
At Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, we handle various personal injury claims. We know all of Florida’s personal injury statutes and we have helped clients across Cape Coral and the entire state pursue their claims.
You can count on us when you have suffered an injury in any of the following types of incidents:
- Car Accidents
- Truck Accidents
- Pedestrian Accidents
- Bicycle Accidents
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Medical Malpractice
- Dangerous Products
- Nursing Home Abuse
- Child Injuries
- Construction Accidents
- Rideshare Accidents
- Property Related Accidents (premise liability claims)
If you are uncertain if your accident is something we can handle on your behalf, contact us and ask us before you decide we cannot handle your claim. We handle both simple and more complicated claims; the more complex your claim, the more we can help.
Some of the victims we have assisted have suffered from:
- Oil Rig Injuries
- Back and Neck Injuries
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Burn Injuries
- Birth Injuries
- Trip and Fall Injuries
- Brain Injuries
- Broken Bones
You do not need to fight against the insurance company on your own. We are here so you have someone advocating for you. We will fight to get the compensation you need so your family does not suffer a financial setback due to another party’s negligence.
For a free legal consultation with a personal injury lawyer serving Cape Coral, call 833-552-7274
Insurance Companies and Accident Injury Claims
There are three things you should know about your injury and insurance companies.
- How they typically handle claims
- Getting compensation is hard
- We help victims get the compensation they deserve
Let’s explore all three:
How Insurers Handle Claims
Insurance companies will assign every claim to an adjuster. The adjuster’s sole focus is to ensure the insurance company does not have to pay any more than necessary to resolve a claim. Remember this: while anyone who carries an insurance policy has a contract with the insurance company, paying a claim means the insurer is cutting their profits.
Some of the ways they will do this include:
- Denying liability – An insurer may claim their client is not responsible for your injury. They may blame you or another party they believe bears some or all the liability.
- Minimizing injuries – Insurers may also indicate they lack the belief that a victim’s injuries are as severe as predicted. To prove this, they may ask for additional access to medical records. Before signing a medical release form, consult your legal team.
- Making specific demands – Insurance adjusters may make demands of a victim, including providing a recorded statement, insisting their doctors see them, and other unusual demands.
Discuss all of these with your legal team and use caution when answering what appear to be friendly questions. They are not friendly questions; adjusters are not there to help you; they are working for the insurance company and using the information provided by the insurer’s legal team.
Getting Compensation Is Hard
You can submit a claim, and the insurance company can deny the claim, or they may make a counteroffer. Once this happens, everything gets complicated, and it gets complicated quickly.
When an insurer makes a fast settlement offer, victims must understand what is behind the offer:
- Speed works in favor of the insurer – When an injury victim agrees to a quick settlement, the victim will likely face additional expenses the insurer will not cover. Typically, a settlement offer is structured so the insurer has no future liability.
- Claiming a counteroffer is the best offer – Although it seldom is the best offer, a counteroffer often contains language which suggests it is the best offer the victim will see. This is seldom the case.
- Informing victims that they get lower settlements with lawyers – Is another common tactic an insurer will use. They may tell the victim that hiring a lawyer is bad because excessive fees will eat up their settlement. This falsehood encourages victims to give up their rights.
We Help Victims Get the Compensation They Deserve
The more serious an injury, the more likely you are to need an attorney on your side. Florida has complicated personal injury rules, especially regarding roadway accidents. Victims often think they can simply submit their accident information to their insurance company, and they will simply pay to the limit of their policy. This is seldom the way this comes down.
Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA is uniquely positioned to help accident victims regardless of the type of accident that caused their injury. Our team of award-winning trial attorneys has no fear of large insurance companies. We know that you need someone who will aggressively advocate on your behalf, and that is exactly what we do. We make sure we leave nothing to chance.
While we will work hard to get the insurance company to offer you a fair settlement, you can rest assured that if those negotiations break down and you have still not received a settlement that you can live with, we can file a personal injury lawsuit.
Steps to Take Following an Injury
The immediate aftermath of an injury is frightening. You may not have a clear idea of the extent of your injuries. You may have no clear indication of how long your injury will take to heal. You are worried about the impact of your injury on your family.
Here are some steps you can take once you have sought the appropriate medical care to help make sure there is a clear picture of how your injury has impacted your life:
- Keep all receipts for medical bills, any medical equipment such as crutches, and any prescription drugs or over-the-counter medications the doctor has recommended.
- Start a journal to document everything that is occurring. This includes recording your pain levels, information regarding what limitations you are discovering, and any events you miss because of your injury.
- Follow every order your medical team recommends. This includes follow-up appointments, appointments with specialists, test recommendations, etc. Do not miss an appointment, and keep a clear record of everything they tell you about your injury and prognosis.
- Obtain copies of your medical records, police reports, and other documents which can help bolster your legal claim. The more documentation your lawyer can show to support your claim, the better.
Make sure your legal team has a copy of all this information, and you should have this information at the time of your initial consultation whenever possible.
Contact Our Cape Coral Personal Injury Attorney to Get the Advice You Need
Cape Coral Personal Injury Attorneys, Matt Dolman
If you or someone you love suffered an injury because someone was negligent, you have the right to pursue compensation for your injury and the financial losses you suffered. We know you need to focus on your recovery, so Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA are here to help. Contact us by phone at (727) 451-6900 or fill out our online contact form today for your free consultation.
What Steps Should I Take After an Accident?
Yes. After seeking medical care, you should take the necessary steps to preserve your rights as an accident victim. Keep copies of all of your medical bills, including prescribed drugs, visits to specialists, and transportation costs to and from the doctor’s offices.
Also, it can help to keep a journal of your recovery, including how much pain you are in and a log of events you have not attended due to your injury. This can help bolster your case when attempting to show how your injury has impacted your life.
Additionally, you should seek copies of the accident report. All of these things will be helpful when you meet with your accident injury attorney to discuss your case. The better your documentation, the more specific your legal team can be when they file your claim.
Every accident victim should also closely adhere to all recommendations made by their medical team. This includes taking prescription medications as directed, attending physical therapy visits, and reporting for all tests ordered by your medical team.
How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Case in Florida?
Personal injury cases fall under the category of civil law. Per the Florida statute of limitations, you must file personal injury claims within two years of your injury. In some cases, this may start the day your accident occurred. It may start later in specific circumstances. Your legal team can discuss this further with you.
What Damages Can I Seek When Filing a Personal Injury Claim?
The damages you can seek include:
- The type of accident which resulted in an injury
- The severity of the injury caused by the accident
- The limits on the insurance policy of the responsible party
However, there are specific types of economic losses which most victims are entitled to demand following an injury caused by the negligent conduct of someone else, including:
- Medical bills resulting from the injury
- Lost wages and benefits resulting from the injury
- Future medical bills and lost wages in the event of permanent disability
In some cases, you may seek non-economic damages for pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment, and more. Each victim should consult their legal team to find out what specific factors impact the amount of claim and the types of damages you may include in the claim.
How Much Can I Collect for a Cape Coral Personal Injury Claim?
Every personal injury claim is different. Results will vary depending on the type of accident that caused the injury, the type of injury you suffered, and the amount of time it takes to recover from an injury. The time it takes to return to work can differ because not everyone’s job has the same physical requirements. This can make a significant difference when filing a personal injury claim after an accident.
There is no set dollar amount for settling any personal injury claim. At the time of an accident, every victim is a different age, has different physical characteristics, and has different overall health. Each factor plays a role in how an accident affects someone, including how severe their injuries are.
How Long Does a Personal Injury Case Take to Settle?
Many insurance companies claim they have the best turnaround time after you file a claim. This might be true when the accident results in a minor injury or when there is no disagreement about the settlement amount. However, these cases are the exception and not the rule. Companies like Geico claim they can settle cases within 48 hours. When they don’t dispute the amount of the claim and the injuries are minor, this could be the case. It seldom is.
Typically, the injured party, or their legal team, files a claim with the responsible party’s insurance company and demands payment of medical bills and lost wages. Once this happens, the insurer appoints an adjuster to review the claim and discuss the claim with the injured person. Here’s where things get tricky.
Insurance adjusters know that you may not know your rights, and they will take advantage of that lack of knowledge. They may tell you that the liability policy of the responsible party does not cover your injury. They may tell you the person is not responsible for your injury. They may make unusual demands of you like insisting you give a recorded statement of the accident.
You want to do everything possible to get a fair settlement for your injury and the resulting financial losses. You can protect your rights and ensure the insurer is not taking advantage of your situation. Consider working with a Cape Coral personal injury lawyer from Dolman Law Group.
Do I Have to Hire a Lawyer to File a Personal Injury Claim?
Yes. You cannot competently handle a personal injury claim without a lawyer.
Why?
- Insurers are not in business to pay claims – They will take every legal step possible to minimize your claim. When you work with an attorney, the attorney will serve as your advocate, and they will be able to help you better navigate the claims process.
- Insurance companies have lawyers on their side – We always tell clients that when they hire a lawyer to represent them, they are simply leveling the playing field. Make no mistake; every insurer has a legal team available to them, helping them find legal options to minimize your claim.
- Negotiating and communications – Insurance companies seldom accept the full claim amount upon submission. In nearly all cases, they will begin a round of negotiations with a counteroffer. They will often tell victims that the offer they make is the maximum possible settlement they can get for their injury. This is seldom the case.
Remember that an attorney works for you while insurance adjusters work for the insurance company. Rather than count on advice from someone who has the opposite goal from you, let an attorney who represents you help you through negotiations and settlements.
When Is Hiring a Lawyer Necessary in a Personal Injury Case?
There are a few scenarios where hiring an attorney to manage your case makes sense.
Some of these include:
- When you are uncertain about who is at fault for the accident
- When multiple parties may be partially responsible for the injuries sustained
- When the insurance company denies your claim
- When your injuries are serious
- When the accident requires an investigation
You can schedule a free consultation with an experienced attorney in Cape Coral and find out what rights you have and how complicated your case may be. The more complicated a case, the more a victim needs a lawyer.
How Much Will It Cost to Hire a Cape Coral Personal Injury Lawyer?
Many victims hesitate to hire an attorney because of the money they feel will cost them. During a time when they are already facing financial insecurity because they are not working while recovering from an injury, this is understandable.
But here is what a personal injury accident victim should know:
- No cost consultation – When you first meet with an experienced personal injury attorney at Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, we will meet in our office or virtually. This consultation has no cost, and we can help you understand your rights and legal options.
- Contingency fee agreement – We can take most cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you do not pay any legal fees upfront. Additionally, you will only pay legal fees when we can secure a final settlement on your behalf.
- An attorney can handle negotiations – We understand that negotiating with insurance companies can be frustrating. We also know that stress is not good for your recovery. We can help take the stress out of the process and manage all negotiations on your behalf.
- You retain control of your case – At all times during your case, we will keep you updated on the progress we are making. The law forbids your attorney from accepting or declining an offer made by an insurance company without consulting with you first.
Too often, victims of personal injury claims get bad information about hiring a lawyer or what happens afterward. We can assure you that we will work closely with you to ensure that you get the best possible settlement for your injury and that we keep you up to date on all information.
What Should I Do If An Insurance Adjuster contacts me?
If you contacted an attorney to handle your Cape Coral personal injury claim, refer the adjuster to their office to answer questions, whether they contact you by phone or mail. Turn over all letters and documents sent from the insurer to your legal team for a response. Never sign any documents until your lawyer reviews them.
What Can I Expect When My Personal Injury Claim Settles?
Your attorney can explain this process to you in more detail, but often what happens with an insurance settlement is:
- The insurance company submits a final settlement offer agreement to your attorney for review.
- Your attorney will review the terms of the offer with you to make sure you understand that once the offer is accepted, you will have full responsibility for future bills associated with your injury.
- Your attorney will have you sign the settlement agreement and return the agreement to the insurance company.
- Once the insurer has received your acceptance, they will issue a check to your attorney for a deposit to their escrow account.
- Your attorney will remove the agreed-upon legal fees plus any additional fees explained to you when you signed the retainer agreement.
- Your attorney will issue a check to you.
Again please keep in mind that this process may vary slightly from case to case, so if you have any specific questions about the timeline for your case, the best person to answer them is your lawyer.
Call or text 833-552-7274 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form