Personal Attention from an Orlando Car Accident Lawyer
An attorney ready to work with you to get the results you need
A car accident can happen anywhere – a rear-end accident on I-4, a head-on collision on West Church Street, or a T-Bone crash on a side street in Orlando, Winter Park, or any city in Central Florida. What happens next is a common story. People are left injured. There are hospital stays and doctor appointments. Medical expenses add up quickly and become overwhelming. A car accident attorney at the Cerasa Law Firm LLC can help.
Attorney Michael Cerasa knows the impact a car crash can have on victims and their families. He understands the challenges and obstacles they face when trying to recover financial compensation. He founded his own firm so he could personally guide victims through the legal process and help them take on the insurance companies.
From highway accidents to hit-and-runs, car crashes are usually caused by negligent drivers. These include drivers who were texting, speeding, operating recklessly, or driving under the influence. The problem is that these drivers typically deny doing anything wrong and refuse to accept responsibility for what happened. Where does that leave you?
It leaves you having to prove you were injured by a negligent driver. Insurance companies may try to minimize your injuries or claim they were pre-existing. They may even try to blame you for causing the accident.
That is not acceptable. Attorney Cerasa used to work for big law firms and knows how to build strong cases that insurance companies have to take seriously. He offers clients experienced representation and personal attention. If you were hurt in a car accident, he is dedicated to helping you recover the compensation you deserve.
"Michael was so compassionate and understanding my concerns. I would call on him again!" - Terri
Do I need a lawyer after a car accident?
After an accident, your priority is to get your life back on track and heal from your injuries. However, you only get one shot at a financial recovery, and it's important to your physical recovery that you receive the compensation that you are entitled to. Don't make the mistake of settling too quickly or not taking all of the factors that should be figured into a settlement into account.
The job of a lawyer is to make sure that you are treated fairly and that you have the financial resources to make yourself whole again. The best way to do that is by building a rock-solid case. An attorney can gather and preserve critical pieces of evidence, including your accident report (officially called the Florida Traffic Crash Report), track down and interview eyewitnesses, consult with experts, and calculate the true cost of all your losses. Insurance companies have lawyers looking out for their best interests. You need an attorney who can fight back against insurance company tactics to help you recover the compensation you deserve.
How much does a car accident lawyer cost?
If you have been hurt in an accident, it's very important to have someone on your side to make sure that your rights are protected. But you are also probably wondering if you can afford an experienced attorney. When you hire a firm that offers free consultations and works on a contingency fee basis, the answer is yes.
During a free initial consultation, you can get your questions answered without cost or any obligation to move forward. And with a contingency fee arrangement, there are no upfront costs. Your legal fees are a percentage of the recovery secured on your behalf. If you don’t win your case, you don’t pay.
Do I have to speak to the insurance company?
If you have been in an accident in Orlando or anywhere in Central Florida, you probably have questions about what happens next. You may have already been contacted by either your insurance carrier or the auto insurance company of the other driver(s) involved in the accident. They may want to ask you some questions or ask you to make a statement.
Before you agree to sign anything or speak to anyone, talk to a lawyer who has your best interests in mind. Insurance companies often try to get you to say something that can be used against you later. It’s a tactic they use to try to pay you as little as possible. If you’re contacted by an insurance company, politely decline to answer questions until you talk to a lawyer.
Should I accept a settlement offer?
The unfortunate reality anyone who has been in an accident is forced to deal with is that the insurance company's financial interest is to close out your case file as quickly, and for as little cost, as possible. The bottom line is that insurance companies are always looking for ways to protect their profit margins.
That might mean pressuring you into taking a settlement before the full extent of the injury is known, or not considering all of the factors that should contribute to your settlement. The simple fact is, while the representatives you speak with from the insurance company will all be very friendly, they do NOT have your best interest, or long-term healing in mind. Talk to a lawyer before agreeing to any settlement offer.
How much money can I get after a car accident in Orlando or Winter Park?
Evaluating a case is complex and subjective. Obviously, car accidents don't come with a clear price tag. Calculating the total amount that an injury victim should be paid is a complicated process that requires knowledge and expertise. There are some items that will contribute to the settlement that are very straightforward, such as:
- The cost to fix the damage to or replace your car
- The hospital bills for treatments that have been completed
- Missed wages from time you were unable to work
However, in more serious accidents, the amounts that need to be calculated are much more complex. It can be very difficult to assign a concrete price to issues like pain and suffering and future hospital and rehabilitation costs. Other considerations may include compensation for future lost wages due to decreased ability to earn or for the loss of the general ability to be independent. An attorney can review your case and give you an idea of how much to expect.
If you or a loved one was hurt in a Winter Park or Orlando car accident, learn more about how attorney Cerasa can help. Contact us to schedule a free consultation.