Frequently Asked Questions
At McGuire Megna Attorneys, we understand that navigating a personal injury case can be overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with physical, emotional, and financial challenges. Whether you’ve been injured in a car accident, motorcycle crash, truck accident, or another type of incident caused by someone else’s negligence, you likely have many questions. How do you prove fault? What compensation can you recover? How long will the process take? These are common concerns, and our experienced attorneys are here to provide clarity and guidance.
Personal injury cases often involve complex legal processes, from dealing with insurance companies to gathering evidence and calculating damages. Our team is committed to addressing all your concerns, whether it’s understanding Florida’s comparative negligence laws or determining how to proceed if the at-fault party is uninsured. We’ll help you navigate the timeline for filing a claim, explain the compensation you may be entitled to, and outline the steps to strengthen your case.
If you or a loved one has been injured, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our FAQ page provides answers to the most common questions about personal injury cases, and our attorneys are just a phone call away to offer personalized advice. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help you secure the justice and compensation you deserve.
Personal Injury FAQ's
A personal injury case arises when someone is injured due to another person’s negligence or wrongful actions. Common cases include car accidents, slip and falls, medical malpractice, and dog bites. Personal injury claims seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
If you’ve been injured because of someone else’s actions or negligence, you may have a valid claim. An attorney can help assess your case by reviewing evidence, police reports, medical records, and witness statements to determine if you’re eligible for compensation.
Compensation can cover various losses, including medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. In some cases, you may also be eligible for punitive damages if the defendant’s conduct was particularly reckless.
In Florida, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is typically two years from the date of the injury. However, this timeline can vary depending on the specifics of the case, so it’s best to consult an attorney as soon as possible to avoid missing the deadline.
If you’re injured, seek medical attention immediately, even if the injury seems minor. Document the incident by taking photos, gathering contact information for witnesses, and filing a police report if necessary. These steps help protect your case if you decide to pursue legal action.
- Property damage.
Most personal injury lawyers, including McGuire Megna Attorneys, work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay upfront; instead, the attorney receives a percentage of the settlement or verdict if you win your case. If you don’t win, you won’t owe legal fees.
The timeline for resolving a personal injury case varies depending on factors such as the case’s complexity, the extent of the injuries, and whether a settlement can be reached without a trial. Simple cases may settle in a few months, while others may take over a year. percentage of the settlement or verdict if you win your case. If you don’t win, you won’t owe legal fees.
While it’s possible to handle a minor case on your own, personal injury law is complex. Having an attorney can significantly improve your chances of receiving a fair settlement, as they can negotiate with insurance companies, gather evidence, and represent you in court if necessary.
In Florida, the “comparative negligence” rule applies, meaning you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. An attorney can help clarify how this might impact your case.
Yes, you may still be able to pursue compensation through other means, such as your own uninsured motorist coverage, if you have it. An attorney can help explore your options and identify alternative ways to seek compensation.
Most personal injury cases are settled before trial. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, your case may go to court. Our attorneys at McGuire Megna Attorneys are prepared to represent you in court to secure the best possible outcome.
A demand letter is a formal document sent to the at-fault party or their insurer, outlining your injuries, damages, and the compensation you are seeking. It’s often the first step in the negotiation process and can lead to a settlement without needing to go to trial.
After filing a claim, the insurance company will investigate the accident, review medical records, and evaluate the damages. They may make an initial settlement offer, but it’s often lower than what you deserve. An attorney can negotiate with the insurer to help secure fair compensation.
The value of a personal injury case depends on factors such as the severity of your injuries, the extent of medical treatment required, lost wages, and other damages. While each case is unique, an experienced attorney can help provide a clearer estimate.
Car Accident FAQ's
- Check for injuries and call 911 for assistance.
- Gather evidence, including photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and contact information for witnesses.
- Seek medical attention, even if you don’t feel injured. Some injuries may not show symptoms immediately.
- Contact a personal injury attorney to protect your rights and handle communication with insurance companies.
If the accident was caused by another person’s negligence and you sustained injuries or property damage, you may have a valid claim. An attorney can evaluate your case during a free consultation.
In Florida, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is typically two years from the date of the accident. However, specific circumstances may alter this timeline, so it’s best to act quickly.
Yes. Insurance companies often offer settlements that are much lower than what you may be entitled to. A lawyer can review the offer, negotiate for fair compensation, and ensure your rights are protected.
You may be eligible to receive compensation for:
- Medical expenses (past and future).
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering.
- Emotional distress.
- Property damage.
Florida follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
The value of your case depends on factors such as the severity of your injuries, the impact on your ability to work, and the degree of fault. An attorney can provide a better estimate after reviewing your case.
The timeline varies depending on the complexity of your case, the extent of your injuries, and whether it goes to trial. Some cases settle in a few months, while others may take a year or more.
You may still be able to recover damages through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. An attorney can help explore your options.
At McGuire Megna Attorneys, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. We only collect a fee if we win your case.
- Don’t admit fault or apologize at the scene.
- Avoid discussing the accident with insurance companies without consulting an attorney.
- Don’t delay seeking medical treatment.
Yes. Injuries like whiplash or internal trauma may not present symptoms right away. It’s important to seek medical attention within 14 days to preserve your legal rights in Florida.
Motorcycle Accident FAQ's
- Prioritize your safety and call 911 for assistance.
- Seek medical attention, even if you don’t feel injured right away.
- Document the accident scene with photos and gather witness contact information.
- Contact an experienced motorcycle accident attorney to protect your rights.
Liability is determined by examining evidence such as police reports, witness statements, traffic laws, and accident reconstruction. Our attorneys will work to prove the negligence of the at-fault party.
You may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses (current and future).
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering.
- Property damage to your motorcycle.
- Emotional distress and other non-economic damages.
Florida law does not require all motorcyclists to wear helmets, but not wearing one could impact your claim. If your injuries were worsened by not wearing a helmet, the insurance company may argue for reduced compensation.
In Florida, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is typically two years from the date of the accident. It’s important to act quickly to preserve your rights.
Motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis.
- Broken bones and fractures.
- Road rash and severe lacerations.
- Internal organ damage.
Yes, Florida follows a comparative negligence rule. You can recover compensation, but your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault in the accident.
Motorcycle accidents often involve more severe injuries and require specialized knowledge of motorcycle laws and safety practices. They may also face biases from insurance companies and juries.
If the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance, you may still recover damages through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Our attorneys can help explore your options.
Yes, having an experienced attorney can greatly improve your chances of receiving fair compensation. An attorney will handle the legal complexities, negotiate with insurers, and represent you in court if necessary.
At McGuire Megna Attorneys, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront, and we only collect a fee if we win your case.
Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts, using biases against motorcyclists to deny or reduce claims. An experienced attorney can negotiate with insurers to ensure fair compensation.
Truck Accident FAQ's
- Call 911 and seek medical attention.
- Document the accident scene, including photos and witness information.
- Contact an experienced attorney to protect your rights.
Liability is determined by reviewing evidence such as driver logs, maintenance records, and accident reports.
You may be entitled to damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.
Liable parties may include the truck driver, trucking company, maintenance provider, or manufacturer.
In Florida, the statute of limitations is two years, but acting quickly is essential to preserve evidence.
Head trauma, spinal cord injuries, fractures, and internal injuries are frequent in truck accidents.
They involve more severe injuries, federal regulations, and multiple liable parties.
An attorney can investigate and build a case to hold all responsible parties accountable.
Yes, Florida’s comparative negligence law allows compensation proportional to your level of fault.
Consult an attorney to ensure the settlement is fair and reflects the full extent of your damages.
Yes, an experienced attorney can navigate the complexities of these cases and maximize your compensation.
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.