Valuing Injury Claims

Average Allstate Car Accident Settlement in Florida

Aug 3, 2021 | Category: Valuing Injury Claims | By Erik Abrahamson

Consulting an Experienced Law Firm Can Help You Maximize Your Allstate Car Accident Settlement Allstate is a well-known insurance company whose television ads center on how easy they are to work with. Well, that may be true if you pay regular premiums for their insurance products. However, you will not be “in good hands with Allstate” if you suffered injuries in an accident caused by someone they insure. What they hide is their unwillingness to offer a fair Allstate car accident settlement once one of their customers hurts you. If you sustained injuries in a car crash caused by an Allstate customer, you are going to need an aggressive, tough, and knowledgeable Florida car accident lawyer to fight for justice. At Abrahamson & Uiterwyk, we understand that a car accident often derails peoples’ lives. That is why we use our extensive experience and wealth of resources to give you the help you need to pursue the compensation you deserve. What Is the Average Car Accident Settlement in Florida? You might be surprised to learn that there is no average Allstate settlement amount in Florida. Each case turns on the facts and circumstances of the accident. As a result, calculating the “average” of all Allstate accident insurance payouts is impossible. You should resist the urge to compare your accident to someone else’s. You do not know all of the nuances and variables that could make a huge difference in your Allstate car accident settlement. Instead, the focus must be on you and your case. Your injuries are unique to you. The way the injuries upset your life is also unique. You should be wary when someone who does not know the law or your case tries to tell you how much it is worth. Instead, you should rely on the opinion of an experienced Florida car accident attorney to analyze your claim. What Factors Affect an Allstate Accident Insurance Payout? Florida law allows an injured person to collect damages from everyone who contributed to their injuries, as well as their pain and suffering. The amount of compensation you could recover depends on factors such as: The severity of your injuries; Whether you suffered permanent injuries or scarring; How much time you were forced out of work; If you will lose money or economic opportunities in the future because of your injuries; Whether you have injuries that will need treatment in the future; The amount of pain and suffering you experienced; and The amount of mental anguish you suffered as a result of the crash. Not every case will include all of these damages. Some cases might involve punitive damages as well. Every case is different and talking with a knowledgeable lawyer can help you better understand what your case is worth. Do Allstate Settlement Calculators Work? To put it bluntly, no, Allstate settlement calculators do not work. We have discussed some of the variables that go into determining how much your case is worth. There is no way that a “settlement calculator” can compute all of the idiosyncrasies and nuances involved in your claim.  Perhaps more importantly, the settlement calculator is run by a company that does not want to pay you any money in the first place. Why would you trust an adversarial calculator to give you an accurate statement of the value of your claim? Companies like Allstate put settlement calculators on their websites to deter people from talking to lawyers. They know that they can save money by making lowball calculations to people without lawyers.  You should only rely on the analysis of a Florida car accident lawyer with over 30 years of experience fighting to help clients maximize their Allstate settlement. How Fast Can I Get My Money? We understand that you and your family are in a financial bind because of your accident. The financial strain can become unbearable. As a result, you might think that taking a quick, easy settlement would solve your problems. One of the first questions our clients ask is “How long does it take Allstate to settle an auto accident?” We realize that you need money fast and we work to get your Allstate settlement check fast. But we cannot simply accept any bodily injury settlement offer they make. We need to make sure that we review your case thoroughly before we answer the question, How long does it take Allstate to pay a claim? Beware of Quick Allstate Accident Insurance Payouts Insurance companies like Allstate have adjusters who work within parameters when offering settlements on Allstate personal injury claims. They know that offering a quick settlement, especially if a lawyer is not involved, might help them settle a claim for less money than it is worth. For instance, suppose a distracted driver hit you from behind. You could be seriously hurt. However, the adjuster might give you a standard Allstate rear-end settlement offer that sounds good at first. You might think that accepting a quick and easy soft tissue injury settlement from Allstate is the best option for you. However, you should consider talking to a lawyer who understands your case thoroughly before deciding whether you should accept a settlement.  Accepting a quick settlement now puts some money in your pocket quickly. But, once you accept the settlement and sign a release agreement, you cannot file another claim against the at-fault driver. You are stuck with the settlement agreement and can never go back for more money, no matter what happens. So if you accept a low offer and later develop a long-term costly disability, you are forever barred from going back to the table and asking for more money.  Why Should I Get an Attorney? You might be tempted by the notion that you could save money by handling your claim without hiring a lawyer. There are several reasons why you should hire a lawyer instead of trying to negotiate a settlement with Allstate by yourself.  The most important reason is that insurance companies reduce their offers when talking...

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Average Bodily Injury Claim Settlement in Florida

Aug 3, 2021 | Category: Valuing Injury Claims | By Erik Abrahamson

Putting the pieces of your life back together after suffering a personal injury can be incredibly difficult. Regardless of whether you are claiming bodily injury because of a car accident, dog bite, or a slip and fall, you are likely wondering what the average bodily injury settlement is in Florida. As we’ll discuss below, the average bodily injury settlement varies based on the circumstances of your case.  However, the best way to know the value of your claim is by seeking legal assistance. That is why we recommend consulting an attorney right away.  What Factors Affect the Average Bodily Injury Claim? There are several components that can either increase or decrease bodily injury claim settlement amounts.  Medical Bills For many bodily injury cases, the cost of receiving proper medical treatment is an important factor. Naturally, the cost of medical treatment ranges greatly based on the type and severity of your injury. A minor and temporary injury like a muscle strain may require only a single doctor visit.  On the other hand, a more serious injury—such as brain trauma or a spinal fracture—may result in seven-figure medical bills.  The higher the cost of your medical treatment, the higher the value of your bodily injury settlement.  An experienced personal injury attorney will be able to help you pursue compensation not only for past medical treatment costs but also for all future anticipated medical costs, including the cost of therapeutic and rehabilitative remedies. Pain and Suffering Another significant factor in bodily injury claims is pain and suffering. Most people don’t know that they can obtain significant compensation for all pain and suffering that they have experienced because of their bodily injuries.  Unlike medical bills, pain and suffering damages are often difficult to estimate. In general, your bodily injury claim settlement will be higher if you experience pain and suffering over a longer period of time. The degree and pervasiveness of the pain will also affect your bodily injury claim value.  Wage Losses (Past and Future) Yet another frequent cost in personal injury cases is lost wages from missing work. Depending on the severity of your injuries, you might miss a week, a month, or even a year of work. In extreme cases, you might receive a disability which permanently prevents you from being able to perform your job.  If that happens, you can pursue compensation for both the wages that you have lost in the past and anticipated future lost wages.  Is There a Bodily Injury Calculator in Florida to Help Me Find My Bodily Injury Claim Value? No. No accurate bodily injury settlement calculator exists in Florida. But a knowledgeable personal injury attorney will be able to give you a general sense of what your case may be worth based on your individual circumstances and their past experience with bodily injury claim settlements.  What Can a Lawyer Do to Help My Bodily Injury Settlement? Knowing how to settle a bodily injury claim is essential to helping you pursue the compensation you deserve. Attorneys know how to settle claims successfully for their clients based on their years of specialized training and professional experience. On top of that, an attorney will be able to realistically assess your case and provide you with a full understanding of your rights. Imagine, for example, that you’re seeking a car accident bodily injury settlement. Just claiming bodily injury in a car accident is far different than successfully negotiating a bodily injury settlement. For one thing, Florida’s no-fault laws prevent you from seeking compensation from an at-fault party unless your injuries are serious. But an experienced attorney will have the negotiation experience and legal knowledge to prove the seriousness of your injuries and maximize your compensation. Moreover, they will aggressively defend your rights against groups like insurance companies that seek to protect themselves at your expense.  Therefore, it’s essential to hire a superb attorney who will advocate on your behalf, collect evidence for your claim, and maximize your compensation.  Want to Learn More About Your Bodily Injury Claim Value? Because there’s no bodily injury calculator in Florida, it’s best to seek out an experienced personal injury attorney. But it’s important to choose the right attorney to assist you as you pursue a bodily injury settlement.  Abrahamson & Uiterwyk is a personal injury law firm based out of Tampa, Florida. For over 30 years, we’ve fought zealously for over 20,000 clients. Our attorneys have obtained hundreds of millions of dollars on behalf of our customers, including many multi-million dollar case results. Our practice focuses specifically on helping our clients pursue bodily injury claim settlements. Feel free to peruse our hundreds of positive client testimonials.  On top of that, you incur absolutely no legal fees or costs unless you win.  Give us a call today at 855-293-5630 or contact us online.

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Average Head-on Collision Settlement in Florida

Jul 30, 2021 | Category: Valuing Injury Claims | By Erik Abrahamson

Few moments are more frightening than watching another vehicle speed toward you at a head-on angle and knowing there is little you can do to avoid the impact. The aftermath of this scenario can be just as, if not more, frightening. In 2018, head-on collisions accounted for 29.5% of multiple-vehicle crash fatalities. For those who survive head-on collisions, severe injuries can alter their lives in unimaginable ways.  If you have suffered a head-on collision injury, addressing medical needs, wage loss, and property damage is likely daunting. You may be too overwhelmed to also think about suing the at-fault driver in court. The defendant will likely be eager to settle with you in lieu of trial, but do not settle without legal advice. The advice of an experienced car accident attorney can maximize your recovery in a head-on collision car accident settlement.  What to Expect from a Head-On Collision Settlement Do not base the value of your accident on the average settlement for a head-on collision. That average does not exist. Every accident is unique, and settlement values should be treated accordingly. However, there are many factors that can help you predict the settlement value of your particular accident. How your accident occurred, the nature of your injuries, the level of property damage, and the ways in which your life has changed dictate the kind of settlement you could obtain in a negotiation. Damages You Should Receive in a Settlement Your settlement should cover the amount of damages you could be awarded at trial. Like a trial award, your settlement should cover your present and future economic losses, your pain and suffering, and any punitive damages applicable against the at-fault driver.  In Florida, not all car accidents involving bodily injury are appropriate to a lawsuit against a third party. To file a claim against an at-fault driver for your pain and suffering damages in Florida, your accident must involve:  Significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function, Permanent injury, Significant permanent scarring, Significant permanent disfigurement, or Death. An experienced attorney can determine whether you meet this threshold for recovery against an at-fault driver. If you do not meet the threshold, an attorney can help you determine your best options for relief.   Economic damages The simplest portion of a settlement amount to calculate is your economic damages. An at-fault driver should compensate you for accident-related medical care (past, present, and future), your wage loss from missed work and diminished earning capacity, the cost of property repair or replacement, and any other financial expenses or losses you experience. Evidence for these damages is in your receipts, invoices, estimates, financial statements, and medical reports.  It is imperative that you seek medical attention immediately after a collision to establish your present and future medical needs. Common head-on collision injuries can be severe and can require long-term medical intervention. An experienced personal injury attorney has the knowledge and resources to forecast the cost of your lifetime medical needs before you enter settlement negotiations.  Non-economic damages There are no exact financial statements for your non-economic damages, but these damages are incredibly important in your recovery. Your post-accident stress, pain, and difficulties with routine activities and hobbies are worth something in a settlement. Although money does not fix everything, you should receive non-economic damages to compensate you for your pain and suffering. A personal injury attorney can undertake the complicated task of holding an at-fault driver accountable by converting your pain and suffering into a just dollar amount.  Punitive damages When an at-fault driver’s conduct exceeds ordinary negligence, they can be liable for punitive damages. To receive punitive damages under Florida law, you must prove by clear and convincing evidence that the at-fault driver’s actions were intentional or grossly negligent. Though there is no average settlement for a head-on collision, there are limits to the punitive damages you can collect. In most cases, your punitive damages cannot exceed the greater of: Three times the amount of the sum of your economic and non-economic damages; or  $500,000. The standards to prove your entitlement to punitive damages are high, but an experienced attorney knows how to meet them.  Your Level of Fault Can Diminish Your Recovery Unless the at-fault driver is liable for an intentional tort, Florida law reduces your economic and non-economic damages by the percentage of fault you had in causing the accident. The other driver’s insurance company wants to reduce or eliminate a settlement offer by arguing the accident is your fault. A car crash lawyer near Tampa knows what facts and legal standards to highlight to diminish your fault and effectively pursue every penny your claim is worth.  Most Common Types of Head-On Collision Injuries Head-on collisions are one of the most dangerous types of accidents. This is because in a head-on collision, there is nowhere for the car’s energy to go except into the other car. Compared to a sideswipe or a fender-bender, head-on collision injuries are usually much more serious. Passengers can suffer fatal or life-threatening injuries, even with airbags and seatbelts. Every day, tens of thousands of people drive on Florida’s roadways. With so many drivers, traffic accidents are inevitable. In 2019, there were more than 400,000 traffic crashes in the State of Florida. After one of these accidents, the cost of medical care can skyrocket. Hiring a personal injury attorney can help you obtain damages to pay for these costs and more. If you were injured in a head-on collision, Abrahamson & Uiterwyk is here to help. Common Head-on Collision Injuries Head-on collision injuries can be far more severe than other types of car accidents. When two cars are speeding toward one another, a collision between them will involve much more force than other types of crashes. As a result, drivers and passengers may suffer a greater number of injuries. In a head-on collision, common injuries occur to both the body and the head. Broken Bones, Bruises, and Lacerations In a head-on collision, common injuries that occur include broken bones and...

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How Much Is the Average Grocery Store Slip and Fall Settlement Worth in Florida?

Jul 30, 2021 | Category: Valuing Injury Claims | By Erik Abrahamson

The short answer to the question of how much the average slip and fall grocery store settlement is worth is that there is no average amount. Slip and fall claims are highly dependent on the details of the individual case. It is possible, however, to identify the factors that contribute to a settlement value and apply them to your claim. Premises Liability: The Legal Foundation of a Florida Slip and Fall Claim To settle your slip and fall claim, the following needs to proven: That you were legally on the property (you were not trespassing); The business or landowner was obligated to keep the property reasonably safe—a grocery store owner almost always has this duty, but sometimes a third party (a building manager, for example) actually controls the property; The defendant breached this duty by failing to take reasonable steps to remedy a dangerous condition; The defendant’s negligence caused you injuries; and Your losses add up to the amount you are claiming. The foregoing elements must be proven by “the greater weight of the evidence,” which is a probability of greater than 50%. Causes of Grocery Store Slip and Fall Cases The most common causes of grocery store cases include: Spilled liquid or debris on the floor; Ice in the parking lot or on the floor near the frozen food aisles, Slippery bathroom floors, Cracked or uneven flooring, and Lack of warning signs for dangerous conditions. This is only a partial list. If you suffered an injury due to any dangerous condition in a grocery store, you should reach out to an experienced premises liability attorney. Slip and Fall Grocery Store Settlements The same basic principles that underlie any personal injury settlement also apply to grocery store slip and fall settlements. Some factors, however, are unique to grocery store slip and fall cases. These factors arise from the specific types of accidents that you are likely to suffer in a grocery store. Factors in Florida Grocery Store Injury Settlements The following factors are all likely to affect the settlement value of your slip and fall claim: The strength of your claim. How persuasive is your evidence? How likely are you to win in court? The amount of your losses. Losses include intangible damages such as pain and suffering, which might amount to most of the value of your claim. Whether the defendant’s misconduct amounted to intentional misconduct or gross negligence. This could open up the door for punitive damages. Comparative fault. If you were partially at fault, Florida law reduces your damages proportionately. The defendant’s financial resources, including insurance coverage. A good lawyer will identify these factors quickly and exploit them to your advantage. How Fast Can I Get My Money? Estimating the time you will need to get your money from a slip and fall claim is a lot like estimating how much money you will get. It is difficult to say because results vary widely from case to case. Relevant factors include: When you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI). It is impossible to calculate your medical expenses with certainty until your condition has improved as much as it is ever going to. How stubborn the defendant might be. Cases that go to trial typically take longer than cases that the parties settle privately. The more money you demand, the more stubborn the defendant (or their insurance company) is likely to be. The skill of your lawyer (more on this below). Whether you commit any of the common errors that might damage your claim, such as posting about the accident on social media, giving the other side a recorded statement, etc.  Remember, the quickest settlement is also likely to be the most inadequate settlement. How a Lawyer Can Help The slip and fall accident lawyers at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk have handled a multitude of slip and fall claims over the past three decades. We offer the following advantages: We can calculate the true value of your claim. You are probably underestimating its value, and the other side certainly is.  We can work to prove your claim with admissible evidence. This is more difficult than it sounds. We can negotiate your claim with the other side. Remember, we cannot accept the other side’s settlement offer without your permission. We can help you avoid some of the common pitfalls that cause slip and fall victims to damage their own claims. The foregoing list is just the tip of the iceberg of the myriad ways that an experienced Florida slip and fall lawyer can help with your claim. We Have Recovered Hundreds of Millions of Dollars for Our Clients We could use this space to tell you about our experiences. But don´t take our word for it—listen to our clients instead. Among the 20,000 clients we have served over the past 30 years, hundreds have left us five-star reviews on Google and Facebook. Contact the Tampa injury lawyers at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk 24/7 by calling 866-201-8701 or by contacting us online.

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Average Settlement for a Broken Arm in Florida

Jul 30, 2021 | Category: Valuing Injury Claims | By Erik Abrahamson

Unfortunately, there is no average settlement for a broken arm in Florida. Any number that we could give you would be meaningless and misleading because settlement amounts vary widely from case to case. The injury lawyers at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk can give you a better estimate after reviewing your unique case. Factors That Affect Settlement Value Most victims of broken arms choose to resolve their claim through private settlement rather than through a trial. The shadow of a trial always looms over settlement negotiations, however, because a trial is what will happen if settlement negotiations fail. The following are some of the factors that affect settlement value: The type and location of your fracture—this affects how much pain you suffer, which in turn affects the amount of pain and suffering compensation you could win at trial. How the fracture affects your job—If your job requires you to use your fractured arm extensively, you might be out of work for weeks or even permanently. A court may grant you compensation for these lost earnings. The defendant’s financial resources—Florida does not require drivers to carry bodily insurance liability coverage (you are required to maintain $10,000 in insurance for your own injuries, however). Whether you were partially at fault for the accident—If you were, your damages will be reduced in proportion to your percentage of fault. Whether you suffered a significant disability—Significant or permanent disabilities usually mean that you will get more money in damages. Whether your injury required surgery. A multitude of other factors might also affect your claim, some of which may be arbitrary. Special Case: Settlement for Broken Arm in a Car Accident Broken arms are common in serious car accidents. A broken arm is a broken arm, however, no matter what kind of accident caused it. You might find inflated “averages” for car accident-related broken arm settlements online, but these settlements typically include more serious injuries such as traumatic brain injury (TBI). A car accident settlement includes compensation for all injuries. But rarely does the settlement agreement break down exactly how much of the settlement applies to each part of the body. Special Case: Settlement for Elbow Injury Elbow injuries are also common in car accidents. Unlike much of the rest of the arm, the elbow is not protected by muscle or fatty tissue. Accordingly, it is very susceptible to fracture. At certain angles, impact to the elbow can cause it to collide with the triceps muscle. This is an injury that typically requires surgery to correct. Another common elbow injury involves the radial head, the ball of the forearm that connects to the elbow. The radial head can be broken or jammed into the elbow, and tendon damage can result. These elbow injuries can be excruciatingly painful. Why You Need a Lawyer A lawyer can help you in more ways than it is possible to mention in a short article. An experienced Florida personal injury lawyer can negotiate a deal that is far better than what you can get on your own. In fact, the difference often pays for the lawyer’s fees several times over. Some of the ways a lawyer can help you include: Determining the real value of your claim; Gathering and presenting the evidence in a compelling way to increase the settlement offer; Negotiating with the opposing party while keeping the threat of trial foremost in their minds; Drafting a clear, concise settlement agreement that contains no tricks; Thinking calmly even when you are in distress; Advising you against making damaging errors; and Representing you in court if necessary. These are only a few of the many, many ways in which a claimant represented by experienced counsel is better off than someone who represents themselves. How Fast Can You Get Your Money? Typically, resolving a broken arm claim takes a few months. In some cases, however, it might take only a few weeks. If the case goes to trial, however, it can take some time to resolve the claim. Although it is impossible to precisely predict the time frame for compensation, a good rule of thumb to remember is that the more money you ask for, the longer it will take to resolve your claim. The complexity of your claim is also a critical factor.  Nobody Takes Advantage of Our Clients. NOBODY. We won’t sit back and let one of our clients be stonewalled or short-changed by a stingy defendant or insurance company. And it shows. In 30 years of practice serving over 20,000 clients, we have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients. Contact the Tampa personal injury lawyers at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk any time of the day or night by calling (866) 201-8701 or by contacting us online.

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Average Nationwide Insurance Claim Settlement in Florida

Jul 30, 2021 | Category: Valuing Injury Claims | By Erik Abrahamson

Getting in a car accident is always a hardship. It is an inconvenience at best, life-altering at worst, and everything in between for many. Having insurance coverage can make the process easier, but it is rarely simple. Even dealing with large, well-established insurance companies can prove challenging. If you have been in an accident and have questions about your potential Nationwide Insurance claim settlement, there are several things you should know. Filing an Insurance Claim in Florida Florida is considered a “no-fault” state. This means that regardless of who is at fault for the accident, your own insurance pays the first $10,000 of your medical bills and lost wages under which is known as personal injury protection coverage or PIP. All drivers are required to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. Basic PIP coverage includes: Up to 80% of medical expenses;  Up to 60% of lost wages;  Travel expenses for medical appointments; and  $5,000 in death benefits.  This system is designed as a way to help you get compensation quickly, regardless of who is at fault. Complications may arise when an insurance company refuses to provide an adequate settlement or damage extends beyond your coverage.  Nationwide Insurance Claim Settlement Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company is one of the largest insurance providers in the country. They have policies for homeowners, renters, business owners, the elderly, and drivers. Their automotive policies are most widely known. Because of their size and experience, working with a larger company like Nationwide can be beneficial when it comes to car insurance claims, but it can also have its downfalls. Companies like Nationwide understand how to make a profit and that often means offering a lower Nationwide insurance claim settlement than what you deserve. Should You Use An Accident Settlement Calculator? The short answer is no. These so- called calculators are notoriously unreliable and inaccurate. Often, they are actually hosted by insurance companies who are motivated to pay you as little as possible for your claim. These calculators also fail to take into account the individual aspects of your case. The best way to get an accurate evaluation of your claim is through experienced legal counsel.  What Factors Affect Your Nationwide Insurance Claim Settlement? There are a number of factors that may impact your Nationwide insurance claim settlement. The biggest one is the severity of your injuries and associated cost of care. The more expenses you have, the larger the settlement you should get. It is important to be able to prove your expenses. So make sure to keep all records and receipts for any costs associated with your accident.  In Florida, your Nationwide personal injury settlement will only include non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and mental anguish, if you meet Florida’s injury severity threshold. In order to cross that threshold, you must demonstrate that the accident caused either: Permanent limited use of a bodily organ or member;  Significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function; A permanent injury; Significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement; or death. How Fast Can I Get Paid For My Nationwide Car Accident PIP Claim? When you are injured, the medical bills can pile up quickly. When you are filing a PIP claim in Florida, you must seek medical treatment within 14 days of the accident. By law, your insurance company must pay or deny the claim within 30 days. If your original claim is incomplete, the insurance company can extend the deadline by 30 additional days when each piece of information is received. If the claim is denied, the insurance company must provide an explanation. At that time you have 15 days to revise and resubmit your claim.  Tips For Filing Nationwide Car Insurance Claims  Despite the fact that Florida is a no-fault state, it is important that you gather as much information as possible at the time of the accident. This could include the police report (which you should always file), contact information for the other driver and witnesses, and various photos. Nationwide recommends that you take photos of the following: The VIN, which is usually located on the inside driver’s side door or on the dashboard;  The current mileage on the odometer;  The vehicle’s registration information;  A view of both the rear and front of the vehicle;   A close-up view of damage to the car; and  A view from 10 feet away, showing all damage to the vehicle.   These are important things to have on hand if requested but pertain primarily to property damage. It is important to note that Florida’s no-fault policy does not apply to vehicle damage. You can file a lawsuit against a negligent party for property damage without stipulations.  For your Nationwide personal injury settlement, your most important assets are records of your injuries, doctor’s visits, and all related medical expenses. If your injury causes you to miss work, you can include those lost wages. Keeping detailed records is extremely important in order for you to receive fair compensation.  Why Should You Hire An Attorney? One of the most important things to understand when dealing with insurance companies is that, though they are there to help, they are in the business of making a profit. They make a profit when they pay you the least amount of money possible. Big companies like Nationwide have entire legal teams dedicated to enticing accident victims into taking the lowest settlement possible.  An experienced law firm like Abrahamson & Uiterwyk will take the time to understand the details of your claim and your expenses. By closely examining your case, we can determine the appropriate amount of compensation you deserve. We strive to provide prompt and aggressive representation and push insurance companies to settle claims quickly and fairly so you can get back to living your life. Contact us to schedule your free case consultation.

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Average Progressive Insurance Settlement Offer in Florida

Jul 30, 2021 | Category: Valuing Injury Claims | By Erik Abrahamson

Here’s Why You Should Have an Experienced Florida Auto Accident Lawyer Represent You  Progressive Insurance airs a lot of television commercials. Their gimmick is to have the familiar “Flo” pitch ways to save on auto and home insurance, along with other insurance products. Based on Progressive’s aggressive ad campaign, you might think that they are easy to deal with if you file a claim for personal injury compensation. However, Progressive Insurance settlement offers, like other major insurance company offers, are notoriously low. Abrahamson & Uiterwyk are the Florida auto accident attorneys you need to help you get a fair settlement from Progressive. Drawing upon our 30 years of experience fighting for accident victims in Florida, we assemble the best compelling case possible. We advocate for you and help you pursue the compensation you deserve. What Is the Average Progressive Settlement in Florida? Contrary to what you might hear, there is no average settlement from Progressive Insurance. Progressive Insurance is a massive insurance company that is in business to make money. As a result, Progressive does not pay out easily. Instead, Progressive Insurance will nitpick every part of your claim to find ways to reduce your Progressive Insurance settlement offer. They will blame you for causing the accident or try to show that your injuries are not as serious as you say they are. Also, Progressive’s representatives may try to offer less than you want because you had a prior accident claim or previous injury.  What Factors Affect Progressive Insurance Settlement Offers? Settlement amounts vary based on many factors. Those factors include: How the accident happened; The amount of medical bills you have; The wages you lost because of the crash; Whether your injuries are permanent; If you have scarring; How long it took for your injuries to heal; Whether you will need medical care in the future; The amount of pain and suffering you endured from the injuries sustained in the crash; Whether you had any emotional trauma such as loss of enjoyment of life; and The amount of damage to your property.  Not every personal injury claim will involve all of these factors. Since no two people are alike, no two claims are alike. It is important to remember that the unique facts of your case determine the settlement offer you receive from Progressive Insurance. Florida law also factors into your settlement offer. Progressive can lower your offer if you did something to contribute to the accident. This is called comparative negligence. Under this system, your award is reduced by the same percentage. In other words, your award can be reduced by the amount you were found to be responsible for in the accident. As we said, Progressive will try to use Florida’s comparative negligence law to its benefit. That is one of the reasons why it is so important to have a highly experienced and knowledgeable Florida car accident attorney represent you. Do Progressive Settlement Calculators Work? In short, no, Progressive settlement claims calculators do not work. Settlement calculators are a tool Progressive and other companies use to convince you to accept a lowball offer. They do not give you an accurate reading of the appropriate Progressive car accident settlement for your unique case.  Talking with an experienced attorney from Abrahamson & Uiterwyk is the best way you can know how much your claim is worth. An experienced personal injury lawyer will evaluate your claim and do everything possible to help you pursue the settlement you deserve. How Fast Can I Get My Money? Quick settlements are a trick Progressive Insurance may use from time to time to limit their exposure to paying out a large settlement. A Progressive representative may try to convince you that a quick settlement is in your best interest. However, before you accept any offer from Progressive, you need to talk to a lawyer first. Accepting a quick settlement without talking to an experienced car accident lawyer can be extremely risky. A Progressive settlement claim adjuster will not offer you a settlement unless you sign a release. That release means once you cash your Progressive settlement check, you forever forfeit your right to seek additional damages. Even if you need additional surgeries or other medical attention related to the accident, you cannot go after the person insured by Progressive.  Why Should I Get an Attorney? You need an attorney to advise you about the Progressive Insurance car accident settlement process. You might think you could save yourself money by handling your claim by yourself. However, you are far more likely to receive a small settlement if you do not have an attorney. Additionally, an experienced attorney will know where to look for evidence that can strengthen your claim. Would you know what to do to preserve evidence that is helpful to you? Do you know how to find witnesses and interview them? Would you know how to respond effectively if Progressive denies your claim?  Having the right attorney allows you to focus on your recovery and getting your life back on track. An aggressive attorney will take the stress of your claim off your shoulders and personally take on that burden. If you get a low Progressive Insurance pain and suffering offer, you might end up suing the Progressive insured person who caused your accident.  Abrahamson & Uiterwyk Are the Right Lawyers to Settle Your Progressive Accident Claim For more than 3 decades, the Florida car accident attorneys with Abrahamson & Uiterwyk have fought vigorously for our clients. And we continue to do so. To date, Abrahamson & Uiterwyk’s nearly 20,000 clients have received over $300 million in compensation. We never take a fee or costs unless we recover money for you.  Abrahamson & Uiterwyk’s peers and clients voiced their opinion as well. Abrahamson & Uiterwyk has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell. An AV rating is the highest possible rating bestowed by Martindale-Hubbell. Additionally, Abrahamson & Uiterwyk proudly received a “Best Law Firm” rating...

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Average Knee Injury Car Accident Settlement in Florida

Jul 29, 2021 | Category: Valuing Injury Claims | By Erik Abrahamson

This article attempts to explain the factors that influence the amount that knee injury victims can recover in a knee injury settlement. If you have injured your knee in an accident, it may be difficult to perform even simple tasks. In fact, knee injuries can be some of the most painful and difficult types of injuries to recover from.  So, what do you do after a knee injury accident? Is there a knee injury settlement average? What can you do to maximize your recovery? We’ll answer these questions and more in the post below. If you still have questions, contact the injury attorneys at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk. We are standing by and ready to discuss your case and help you fight for your rights.  Knee Injury Settlements: An Overview The knee is the largest joint in the body and also easily injured. And while knee injuries can occur in nearly any setting, we frequently see clients come in with knee injuries caused by the careless actions of another party in a car accident. In fact, traffic accidents are one of the leading causes of knee joint injuries.  Some of the most common knee injuries include:  Fractures,  Dislocation,  Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries,  Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injuries,  Meniscal tears, and  Tendon tears.  It can take significant amounts of time and money to heal from these types of knee injuries. Thus, knowing how to move forward after your knee injury can be a crucial step to recovering.  If you or a loved one has suffered a knee injury in a car accident or any other type of accident, contact an attorney today. Doing so can be the first step toward getting the compensation you need to recover.  Knee Injury Settlement Average in Florida A question that many people have after a car accident knee injury is, what is the average payout for a knee injury car accident settlement? Of course, this is a natural question to ask when determining whether and how to move forward with a potential case. Unfortunately, however, the answer is more complicated than you might think. But our team is here to help you get the answers you need so that you can get to work on what matters most—recovering from your injuries.  Is There an Average Knee Injury Settlement?  The short answer is no. Unfortunately, there is no “average” knee injury settlement.  Despite legal blogs and advertisements that might indicate otherwise, the fact remains that there is no knee injury settlement “average” that you can rely on with any certainty.    Do Knee Injury Settlement Calculators Work?  Many websites will claim that you can use a knee injury settlement calculator to determine your potential settlement. However, you should not rely on such knee injury settlement calculators.  This is because each case is different and there are many factors to consider. There is simply no way to take all of these factors into account in a way that will provide you with a reliable settlement calculation.  The best thing to do after an accident that results in a knee injury is to contact an attorney. An attorney can evaluate the facts of your case and help you determine what your case might ultimately be worth.  Factors that Affect a Knee Injury Settlements in Florida So what are the factors that a personal injury attorney will take into account to determine your potential settlement? These factors might include:  The extent and severity of your knee injury;  The availability of medical reports and professional diagnosis corroborating your injuries; Expenses incurred in addressing and recovering from your knee injury;  The availability of insurance coverage; and  Whether you had any pre-existing or degenerative knee problems before the accident occurred.  Depending on the combination of factors that exist in your case, your settlement value may vary a great deal from another accident victim’s settlement. Thus, it is important to contact an experienced injury attorney to help you evaluate your case. What Types of Things Can I Recover Compensation For?  The monetary compensation you can receive for your knee injury settlement is known as your legal “damages”. Damages in your knee injury settlement case might include compensation for:  Property damage to your vehicle; Past and future medical expenses; Lost wages; Loss in earning capacity due to your injuries; and Pain and suffering. Knowing what types of damages exist in your case is imperative. If you don’t know what damages you can recover, you risk losing out on valuable compensation you might otherwise be entitled to.  Thus, we strongly encourage you to reach out to an injury attorney who can help you evaluate your case. Doing so can be the key to maximizing your recovery.  Why Is It Important to Hire a Personal Injury Attorney After a Florida Knee Injury? You’ve likely seen advertisements for personal injury law firms and wondered if hiring an attorney can really be that useful. In reality, hiring an attorney truly is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your case.  If you have never been involved in a legal dispute before, it can be difficult knowing where to begin. Even if you have some familiarity with personal injury law and the legal process, the benefits of having an attorney in your corner to fight on your behalf cannot be overstated.  So don’t wait any longer. Contact an attorney today to help you with your knee injury settlement so that you can get the relief you deserve. How We Will Help with Your Case At Abrahamson & Uiterwyk, we have dedicated our practice to helping injury victims in need. If you have suffered a knee injury in a car accident or in any other accident due to the wrongful or negligent actions of another, we want to help.  Our team of experienced attorneys can help you evaluate your case, assess your damages, and negotiate with opposing parties, all in an effort to maximize your recovery. We will fight for your rights every step along the way. ...

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Average Settlement for a Traumatic Brain Injury in Florida

Jul 29, 2021 | Category: Valuing Injury Claims | By Erik Abrahamson

This article attempts to explain the factors that influence the amount that brain injury victims can recover in a traumatic brain injury settlement. A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be a severe and even life-threatening injury. In fact, roughly 150 Americans die each day from TBI-related injuries.  If you or a loved one has suffered from a TBI, it is important to know what to do next. Knowing what steps to take after a TBI-related accident can be crucial to physical, emotional, and financial recovery moving forward.  If you have questions about a TBI-related accident and what compensation you may be entitled to recover, the injury attorneys at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk want to help. Contact us today to discuss your case and see what we can do for you. Traumatic Brain Injury Settlements: An Overview TBI affects thousands of people nationwide each year. But what exactly constitutes a traumatic brain injury? And what are you entitled to recover if you have suffered a TBI-related injury? We’ll answer these questions and more below.  What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury? The CDC defines a traumatic brain injury as “a disruption in the normal function of the brain.” This can be caused by a penetrating head injury or a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. TBI-related These injuries remain a serious public health concern and can happen to anyone at virtually any time. Thus, it is important to know how they occur and what to do if you sustain one.  What Are the Leading Causes of TBI-Related Accidents?  The CDC ranks car accidents, slip and fall accidents, assaults, and object strikes among the leading causes of TBI nationwide. In fact, a 2014 CDC study found that falls and motor vehicle crashes were the first and second leading causes of all TBI-related hospitalizations. Falls accounted for 52%, and motor vehicle crashes accounted for 20%.  If you have suffered a TBI-related injury in a slip and fall, car, or motorcycle accident, contact an attorney to discuss your rights and see what your settlement might be worth.  Do TBI Settlement Calculators Work? No. Settlement calculators do not work with any certainty. These TBI settlement calculators are unreliable because they simply cannot take into account all of the various factors that go into determining what a particular case might be worth.  Is There an Average Settlement for a Traumatic Brain Injury in Florida? The short answer to this question is no. Settlements in a TBI case can range from thousands to millions of dollars. Every case involving a traumatic brain injury is different. Thus, it is important to have an attorney review the information for your case specifically to determine what your case might be worth. What Factors Impact Traumatic Brain Injury Lawsuit Settlement Value the Most in Florida? Again, there is no “average” settlement for a traumatic brain injury. In fact, traumatic brain injury settlements will vary greatly from case to case. So, what are the factors that will have the biggest impact on the value of your brain injury settlement amount? These factors might include:  The extent and severity of your TBI;  Availability of medical reports corroborating your injuries; Amount of expenses incurred in addressing and recovering from your TBI;  The extent to which your TBI will affect your ability to work; and  Whether you had any pre-existing brain conditions before your accident occurred.  While there are many factors to consider, an experienced attorney can help you identify what factors exist and determine how those factors will impact your settlement. When Should I Hire an Injury Attorney? In almost every scenario, a personal injury lawyer can help you fight for your rights and work to maximize your settlement. A brain injury attorney can help you assess your case, gather evidence, and determine the value of your damages. Thus, we would always recommend reaching out to an attorney as soon as possible after your accident to begin discussing your case.  How We Can Help with Your Case At Abrahamson & Uiterwyk we have dedicated our practice to helping injury victims in need. If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury, we want to help.  Our team of experienced attorneys has helped more than 20,000 injury victims throughout Florida over the last 30 years. We have recovered more than $300,000,000 in compensation for our clients, and we will work to get you the compensation you need and deserve too. No matter what your case requires, we will fight for your rights at every step along the way.  If you are not yet ready to move forward, we understand. Deciding what law firm to hire is no easy task.  We encourage you to read about our previous case results and see what our former clients have to say about working with us. We hope this will help you determine whether we are the right fit for you.  Contact us for your free case review to discuss your case and see what we can do for you. Get Your Accident Questions Answered We know you probably have a lot of questions about how to move forward after your TBI-related accident. We’ve included some answers to frequently asked questions below to help you get the answers you need. I Can’t Afford an Attorney—What Should I Do?  At Abrahamson & Uiterwyk, we don’t think financial status should be a barrier to getting the legal representation you need and deserve. That’s why when you hire our team, you will not pay any legal fees or costs unless and until we win your case.  Can You Still Take My Case During the COVID-19 Pandemic? Absolutely. As the world continues to adapt to COVID-19, so will we. We are standing by and ready to discuss your case remotely and see what we can do to help you, even during these unprecedented times. What Are the Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury?  Some of the most common symptoms of TBI include headaches, dizziness, blurry vision, confusion, disorientation, nausea, and vomiting. If you...

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Average Settlement for a Broken Hip Injury in Florida

Jul 29, 2021 | Category: Valuing Injury Claims | By Erik Abrahamson

This article attempts to explain the factors that influence the amount that broken hip injury victims can recover in a broken hip injury settlement. A broken hip can be a painful injury that can take significant time to heal. The unfortunate reality is that broken hip injuries are more common than you might think. So, what do you do if you have broken a hip due to a personal injury incident?  The silver lining is that there are things you can do to help streamline your recovery. After your broken hip injury, contact an attorney as soon as practicable. Doing so is one of the first steps toward receiving valuable compensation that will allow you to recover from your injuries.   If you have suffered a broken hip injury due to the negligence of wrongful actions of another, contact the injury attorneys at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk today. Feel free to browse our website and read more about broken hip injury settlements and what you could recover.  Is There an Average Settlement for a Broken Hip in Florida? Unfortunately, there is no “average” settlement for a broken hip injury. This is because the facts and circumstances of every hip injury will vary from case to case.  However, while there is no “average” settlement, an experienced injury attorney can help you determine what your settlement might be. We’ll discuss this in more detail below.  Slip and Falls—A Common Cause of Broken Hip Injuries We’ve all heard about “slip and fall” injuries. In fact, you’ve probably seen personal injury law firm advertisements advising of the dangers of slip and fall accidents.  The truth of the matter is that slip and fall accidents remain a leading cause of broken hip injuries each year. In fact, approximately 1.6 million hip fractures occur worldwide each year, and roughly 90% of hip fractures are a result of falls.  Examples of situations in which slip and fall accidents might occur and lead to a broken hip include:  An unmarked elevation change in a department store;  An unmopped floor in a grocery store aisle;  An icy sidewalk leading to the entrance of your neighbor’s house; or A nursing home in which attendants fail to adequately assist patients in moving around. If you or a loved one has suffered a broken hip in a slip and fall accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Don’t wait—contact our team today to see how we can help. What Factors Will Affect My Broken Hip Injury Settlement?  The short answer is, it depends. Nevertheless, there are certain factors that injury attorneys will look at to help determine what you may be able to recover. Some of these factors include:  The extent and severity of your injuries;  Whether you were partially at fault in causing the accident;  The availability of evidence and witnesses;  The context in which your injury occurred; and  Whether either party carries insurance that would cover your broken hip.  Again, no two cases are the same. The factors that exist and what you are able to prove will play a huge role in determining the potential value of your settlement. If you have any questions about what your case might be worth, contact an attorney today to discuss your case in more detail. What Compensation Can Injury Victims Recover in Broken Hip Injury Settlements? If you break a hip in an accident, odds are you will incur expenses as you work toward your recovery. Further, depending on the extent and severity of your injuries, you may have to spend time away from work to receive treatment and heal. Fortunately, however, you may be entitled to monetary compensation to help you with these costs. This compensation is what is referred to as your legal “damages.” In a broken hip injury settlement, damages for which you might be entitled to recover include compensation for:  Ambulance costs,  Emergency surgery expenses,  Hospital bills, Future doctor’s visits,  Prescription medication,  Lost wages,  Loss in earning capacity,  Pain and suffering,  Emotional distress, and Loss of enjoyment of life.  So while a broken hip injury can be painful, and the path toward recovery can be emotional and draining, the good news is that you don’t have to front the cost on your own. There are ways to hold the at-fault party responsible for your injuries and get the compensation you need and deserve.  Why It’s Important to Hire a Florida Personal Injury Attorney After a Broken Hip Injury A personal injury attorney can be a fantastic asset to your broken hip injury case. The benefits of having an experienced attorney in your corner cannot be overstated. An attorney can help you assess your case, gather crucial evidence and information to support your claims, and determine the value of your damages. In short, an attorney can help you fight for your rights and work toward maximizing your recovery.  Don’t settle for less than what you are owed. Contact an injury attorney today to discuss your options and see how you can move forward.  How We Will Help With Your Florida Case Abrahamson & Uiterwyk is an experienced personal injury law firm well-equipped to handle your broken hip injury settlement. We have been helping injury victims throughout Florida for over 30 years, and we hope we can do the same for you.  Our team of attorneys will fight aggressively for your rights and do everything we can to help you get the compensation you need to recover. Contact us today to get started, set up your free case review, and see what our firm can do for you.  Get Your Accident Questions Answered If you have questions about your hip injury settlement, look no further. We want to help you get the answers you need to take the next steps toward your recovery.   Do I Have to Settle My Case?  Absolutely not. In fact, we are also experienced trial attorneys. We will settle your case only if that is what is best for you. Otherwise, we are ready to take your case...

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