Accident Injury Law

Zappitell Law Firm PLLC FAQ's

Unfortunately, accidents and injuries happen every day. A careless driver could run a red light. A lazy employee could leave a puddle of water in the middle of a store causing someone to slip and fall. A rambunctious dog could get loose and attack someone on the Atlantic Avenue. A doctor could misdiagnose or ignore the symptoms of you or a loved one, causing dire medical consequences. When incidents like these happen, it is important to understand your rights and the process of a personal injury claim. If you are considering filing a personal injury lawsuit, here are some of the questions Zappitell Law Firm's accident injury lawyers are asked most frequently.

What is the difference between an accident and a personal injury?

An accident and a personal injury are closely related, but they are not the same thing.

An accident refers to the event itself: an unexpected incident such as a car crash, slip and fall, motorcycle collision, or workplace mishap. Accidents describe how something happened, not the legal consequences that follow.

A personal injury, on the other hand, refers to the harm suffered as a result of an accident. This includes physical injuries, emotional distress, medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages caused by someone else’s negligence. A personal injury becomes a legal matter when the injured person seeks compensation for those losses.

In many cases, an accident leads to a personal injury, but not every accident results in one. For example, a minor fender bender with no injuries is still an accident, but it may not qualify as a personal injury claim. Conversely, when an accident causes physical harm, pain, or long-term complications, it may form the basis of a personal injury case.

If an accident results in injuries due to someone else’s negligence, our expert personal injury lawyer can help determine whether you have a valid claim and what compensation you may be entitled to.

Do I have a case?

If you or a loved one are ever injured because of the carelessness, fault, or negligence of a person or company, you have every right to collect compensation. Since every case is unique, it is very important to explore your options for compensation by calling our office immediately for a free consultation.

How long do I have to file a claim?

Florida’s statutes of limitations vary depending on the type of case, however they typically range from two to four years. The clock starts ticking the date of the incident, which means it is imperative you consult our office as soon as possible.

What is my case worth?

Every case is different, so It is difficult to estimate the value of your case up front. There are several factors that will influence your potential settlement, which is why you need a Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer to thoroughly evaluate your case.
Some things that may factor into your potential settlement are:

Past medical bills
Future medical costs
Rehabilitation costs
Pain and suffering
Therapy
Lost wages and/or loss of future income

How long will a claim take?

The specifics of your case will determine how long your claim process will take. Things like how long it takes to treat your injuries will factor into how long your case takes to resolve. We pride ourselves on resolving cases swiftly!

Will I have to go to court?

If the insurance company or liable party offers a fair settlement for your case, you do not have to file a lawsuit or go to court.
Our goal is to make this process as stress free as possible for our clients and the majority of personal injury cases are resolved without having to go to court. However, sometimes settling out of court isn’t possible. Which is why you need a Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer.
Our firm has vast experience negotiating fair settlements without having to file a lawsuit. In the event the negligent party is not willing to fairly compensate you for your injuries, we have the resources and expertise to represent you in court.

How does insurance affect a claim?

There are many types of insurances for all different occurrences. We have sued every major insurance carrier, over the past 30 years – we help you with all their tricks!

Do I really need a lawyer?

Insurance companies are not focused on giving you the proper compensation you deserve. They are interested in turning a profit and paying out as little as possible for your injuries. Filing a claim without representation or accepting what the insurance company offers you initially, will typically significantly reduce your chances of receiving a fair settlement for your claim. You may also owe liens and medical costs from this settlement! The claims process can be incredibly overwhelming and complicated. Working with an attorney who deals with these processes on a daily basis will significantly reduce the amount of effort you will need to put in to resolve your claim. The Zappitell Law Firm believes everyone should receive reasonable compensation for their injuries. Which is why we offer a free consultation.

Should I accept the insurance company’s settlement?

An insurance company will rarely offer you fair compensation for your injuries without an attorney advocating on your behalf. Insurance companies’ do not have your best interest in mind and their main goal is to minimize the payouts they make on claims.

What should I bring with me for my first meeting with an attorney?

You will want to bring as many records and documents as you have that relate to your injuries
and your claim. Whatever you do not have, we will obtain.
This will include:

A copy of any accident, police or incident reports
Any documentation or medical records from where you received treatment
Bills and receipts for expenses related to your accident and injuries
Contact information for any witnesses to your accident
Your insurance information

Will I actually meet a lawyer?

Yes. The Zappitell Law Firm is a boutique personal injury firm. We treat every client like family. At your initial consultation, you will meet with an attorney from the firm to thoroughly discuss your case. Moving forward, you will have a team working with you on your case every step of the way.

Do I have to meet in your office?

In the event you are unable to meet at our Downtown Delray Beach office, an attorney or paralegal will happily meet with you at a location that is most convenient for you. Additionally, we are able to manage your case remotely. We are equipped to meet via phone or video conference and manage paperwork through fax or email.
* In light of Covid-19, if you wish to come to our office, our attorneys and staff are here for you. However, in an abundance of caution, we are encouraging virtual appointments. Please call (561) 330-6330 and we will arrange a meeting for you by phone, FaceTime or text message.

What should I expect during my meeting with an attorney?

Our team will want to discuss the events surrounding your problem, so we can get a better understanding of your case and your injuries. You will be asked to go over each detail of how you were injured and the circumstances that led to the incident. We will also want to know about your medical treatment, how you are feeling and what health needs you may have as a result of your accident. The attorney you meet with will also want to discuss how your life has been impacted by your accident.

How much will a lawyer cost?

At the Zappitell Law Firm, your consultation is free of charge. We will evaluate your case and answer any questions you may have. There is absolutely no obligation to hire us to represent you. If you choose to have our firm represent you, we will never charge you a fee unless we
recover a settlement. Our fees are contingency based. You pay nothing up front. When there is a settlement, the lawyer will be paid a percentage of the settlement as their fee. You pay nothing if a recovery is not made!

Will my insurance rates go up after a claim?

Your insurance rates should not go up if you are not at fault. Insurance rates only increase as the result of a claim if a person’s negligent behavior caused in an accident. At the Zappitell Law Firm, we pride ourselves in our ability to provide our clients with the personal attention found at a boutique law firm but the proven experience and vast legal resources only available at large firms.

Contact Us If You Still Have Unanswered Questions

Led by founder David J. Zappitell, our team of attorneys, counsel members, paralegals and legal assistants at Zappitell Law Firm PLLC are deeply committed to helping you achieve legal results that make a positive difference in your life.

Free Consultation

Call us 24/7 at (561) 330-6330 or fill out the form.

When you have been seriously injured, you need an attorney you can depend on to protect your best interests. At Zappitell Law Firm, our team of skilled legal professionals is fully equipped to help you with your legal needs. Led by founder and AV-rated* lawyer David J. Zappitell, our firm offers customized legal services and quality resources to our clients. We urge you to complete the contact form below or call us to learn how our team can help you.