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Automobile Accidents
Most automobile accidents are the result of negligence of another driver. Generally, certain benefits for injuries received in a motor vehicle accident are payable regardless of who caused the accident. For example, in Florida your insurance company is responsible for paying your medical bills and the amount they are responsible for paying is determined by your automobile insurance contract and the amount of personal injury protection and/or medical payment benefits you purchased when you first bought your automobile insurance. If you purchased only PIP benefits, as required by Florida law, then your insurance company will pay 80% of your medical bills. You are responsible for making payments on the remainder of the bill or 20%. If you purchased additional medical payment benefits along with your PIP benefits, then your insurance company is responsible for paying 100% of your medical bills. No one can foresee how much it could cost you when you are involved in an automobile accident. Make sure that you have purchased as much coverage as you can possibly afford. It might surprise you that additional coverage can cost very little, but this can make the difference between surviving the trauma of an automobile accident and losing everything you have worked for because of another person's negligence.
Many people believe they are fully insured because they have the basic insurance package. But one of the most important benefits available is uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. This is the most overlooked coverage available. This coverage covers you in the event that the person that caused the accident has no liability insurance coverage or not enough liability insurance coverage. Many times uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage has been the determining factor of just compensation in an accident.
Why is it important to seek a qualified attorney and have an early investigation of your accident? Time is of the essence in investigation. It is in your best interest to have your attorney gather the necessary information promptly from witnesses, take photographs before important factors change, fully investigate the facts concerning your accident and to make sure that your interests are properly protected.
If you are involved in an automobile accident, do not leave the scene of the accident until you have obtained all of the information necessary. Notify the police immediately so an accident report can be completed. Don't let the person responsible for the accident talk you out of notifying the police. The police can assist you in collecting accident information and identifying witnesses.
Don't admit fault or apologize to anyone, including the police. A thorough investigation may reveal facts that you may not be aware of at the time of the accident.
Notify your insurance company and report the accident, even if it is not serious, it was not your fault or you do not have all the facts. An unreported claim may jeopardize your right to coverage under your insurance policy. Do not give anyone an oral or written statement concerning the accident until you have had a chance to consult with a qualified attorney. Your remarks and statements could be used against you at a later time.
It is important to know that no case is settled until the exact nature of the client's medical condition has been determined and all investigation has been completed. It generally takes months to years to gather all information necessary, and in some cases, it is impossible to obtain the necessary medical information because the doctor cannot answer many questions until the treatment has been completed. Sometimes we have to wait six months to years from the date of the accident before we can receive a final medical report from your doctor about your medical condition.
As soon as the investigation is completed and all necessary medical information obtained, we will attempt to arrive at a proper settlement figure with the insurance company or the adjuster. Approximately 75% of all cases handled through this office are settled without a lawsuit ever being filed. We will discuss offers of settlement from the insurance company with you and we will never settle the case without your permission.
If settlement cannot be reached with the insurance company, we will consider the availability of filing a lawsuit. No lawsuit will ever be started without your permission. It should be pointed out that although a lawsuit may be started, settlement is always possible and is very often made before trial. Ninety-five percent of the cases are also settled prior to trial. This means that very few cases are ever actually tried in court by a jury, which is the case with all personal injury law firms.
Each and every case we handle in our office is handled on an individual basis and is prepared for settlement and/or trial as quickly as possible.
Premises Liability
Serious injuries can often occur from the negligence of poorly maintained premises. The law firm of Gross & Schuster has handled hundreds of successful victims in premises liability cases involving injuries caused by slip and fall cases.
Boating Accidents
Boating is enjoyed by thousands of visitors and residents alike. Unfortunately, many people are injured by careless or intoxicated boaters. Persons injured while working offshore are subject to Maritime Law. The issues of Maritime Law are complex and needs to be handled by an attorney well versed in that area.
Nursing Home Negligence
Attorney's Fees
There is no charge for an initial consultation. Legal representation is provided on a contingent fee basis so you do not pay any legal fees unless a recovery is made for you.
If you need legal representation, contact us at (850) 434-3333 (Pensacola) or (850) 244-7191 (Ft. Walton Beach) or e-mail us at tagross@tagross.com.
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The information you obtain from this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for individual advice regarding your own situation.
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