Law Firm – Dedicated To Helping
Car Accident Victims in Palm Harbor
Palm Harbor Car Accident Attorney - Offering Over 25 Years of Experience
- Award-winning attorneys who are leading legal authorities regarding the subject of personal injury law.
- An honest lawyer who will use his experience to maximize your claim.
- As one of the best car accidents lawyers in the state of Florida, top Attorney Jeffrey W. Hensley is known for his aggressive litigation skills.
- Based on client reviews, we are one of the most highly rated law firms in Pinellas County.
Each year, nearly half of all Florida automobile accidents result in at least one person suffering serious injuries. Unfortunately, many of those auto accidents also include fatalities. Though automobile safety is paramount in this country with auto manufacturers constantly testing their respective standards with the goal of fewer fatalities and better passenger protection, there will always be devastating repercussions from a safety perspective due to careless negligence, which can injure pedestrians, bicycle riders, fellow drivers and passengers.
While no one can predict these events, there’s one thing that is certain if you’re in a car accident: you’re about to become acquainted with insurance representatives and possibly doctors, nurses and other medical professionals in ways that feel intrusive and uncomfortable. Your first course of action should be to contact an experienced and aggressive Palm Harbor car accident lawyer who will work tirelessly to secure fair compensation.
For more than 30 years, Palm Harbor car accident lawyer Jeffrey Hensley has been an uncompromising litigator who’s well-versed in the ways of insurance companies, their tactics and their objectives. He has worked for and represented clients whose physical, emotional and financial setbacks change their lives forever. Insurance companies have one goal: to keep their clients’ and their own payouts as low as possible. The unfortunate reality is they have no interest in considering your future needs when ongoing medical issues worsen or do not improve, but the settlements that were never enough are no longer there. This is why a strong litigator is a victim’s biggest asset in these situations.
A few of the more traumatic injuries that occur in car accidents and that can be life changing include:
- Traumatic brain injuries;
- Quadriplegia and paraplegia;
- Herniated disks;
- Broken bones;
- Severe burns and extensive scarring;
- Amputations;
- Ligament damage;
- Massive internal injuries; and
- Death.
Can a Florida Personal Injury Lawyer Help?
Many of our first-time clients have a simple question: Do I need a personal injury lawyer? There are many reasons why you most certainly should consider a qualified and seasoned Florida legal advocate. If you’ve been involved in a car accident, a top Palm Harbor personal injury and car accident attorney will work to determine who holds liability; then we will help you recover compensation for damages to your vehicle, your health, lost wages, funeral and burial costs and other economic and noneconomic losses.
Experience matters. It’s no longer enough to have a personal injury lawyer in Florida who can understand the legal jargon. Today’s attorney must understand the medical dynamics associated with his cases. Our in-depth medical knowledge, combined with our extensive legal experience and compassionate office staff means you and your family will receive the attention you deserve, as well as the maximum compensation for your injuries.
How Long Do You Have to Sue After a Florida Car Accident?
Did you know that Florida’s statute of limitations for filing a suit in an automobile accident is four years? If a death resulted from that accident and the deceased family wishes to sue for wrongful death, the time limit is halved and must be filed within two years. The two year countdown begins at the time of death. This is why it’s important to speak with a qualified accident attorney as soon as possible.
Stress is never conducive to one’s recovery, but our clients rest easy knowing they are working with some of the state’s leading car accident attorneys; legal professionals who are willing to work diligently to protect their rights and their future. We can even assist in making arrangements with your medical care providers as you wait for resolution through a financial settlement or as a trial works its way through the system.
What if I Can’t Afford to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
Another concern clients have is the cost associated with hiring an attorney. Like most personal injury lawyers in Florida, our legal team works on a contingency basis. This simply means that if we don’t win your case, you owe nothing in legal fees to your attorney. Note, however, that there may be indirect costs such as reading fees from a third party physician who was contracted to review your medical records. We’ll explain that in greater detail during your initial consultation.
What to Expect During Your Initial Consultation?
Not sure what to expect during your first meeting with your accident lawyer? A few of the most critical documents to bring to your initial consultation include the police report completed by law enforcement at the time of the accident; any attachments to that report, such as written statements from witnesses; your automobile insurance policies, including the declarations portion and/or the coverage document; medical insurance documents; all correspondence you’ve received from any party involved, including the other person’s insurer, your medical bills and any receipts that memorialize your out of pocket costs.
We also encourage our clients to jot down any questions that come to mind in the days leading up to the consultation. Our goal is truly to build a foundation of trust and reliability with our clients and in order to accomplish that, open communication is a priority.
I am never EVER disappointed when I have to inquire with this firm as they are so very professional, informative and results driven. Mr. Hensley is tops – someone at the office if not he himself actually returns your calls the same day!!!! I cannot say enough about how you are made to feel as if you are the ONLY client he has. I strongly recommend Mr. Hensley to ANYONE!! – LC Fino
Why do auto accidents occur?
Most auto accidents occur as the result of being a driver being distracted. Distractions can take many forms, including test messaging, reading while driving, applying makeup or any other thing that causes a driver to take his eyes off the road. Even if just for a moment, the risk of an accident due to distraction is substantial.
Can you settle car accidents without insurance?
Settling a car accident with a driver who has no insurance is possible, but not probable. The lack of insurance means there is not going to be a source from which to receive a meaningful settlement. There are exceptions to this rule, but the exception doesn’t come along very often.
How are insurance claims are processed?
When a claim is reported to an insurance company, an adjuster is assigned to the case. The adjuster is responsible for gathering all the information that is necessary for the insurance company to evaluate the claim. This may include the crash report, medical records, property damage photos and employment records. Once an evaluation has been made, the insurance company sets aside a sum of money commonly referred to as its reserve. With its reserve set, the insurance company will attempt to negotiate a settlement of the claim without using all of the money set aside within its reserve.
When should I hire a car accident lawyer?
The best time to hire a car accident lawyer is as soon after the accident as possible. The reason for hiring a lawyer so soon is that many items that are critical to the evaluation and ultimate settlement value of the claim can be lost within just a few days following the accident. For example, skid marks fade, vehicles are repaired or traded, witnesses disappear, and in some vehicles equipped with date recorders (“black boxes”) date is removed. Other reasons for hiring a car accident lawyer right away has to do with making sure you get the proper medical care you need.
What are the fees?
My fees for handling a car accident are 33 1/3% of the gross recovery if the case can be settled without a lawsuit being filed. If it becomes necessary to file suit and the defendant(s) respond to the suit, then the fee is 40% of the gross recovery.
Why do I need a car accident lawyer?
You need a car accident lawyer whenever you have suffered serious harm due to someone else’s negligence. Insurance companies are not your friends. They will try to settle your case for as little as possible. Too many times insurance companies get away with doing so when they are not confronted by an attorney who knows what it takes for you to be fully compensated for your losses.
Your Florida Legal Advocate After an Accident
No one likes the idea of a drawn out court case, especially clients who are struggling to put the accident behind them, along with the worries that come from the financial losses. Jeffrey W. Hensley, P.A. understands this and while we work to avoid these lengthier court battles, you should know we stand ready to take it to the limit in order to ensure you receive everything you’re entitled under the law. We have advocated for those with no voice for more than thirty years. We’re ready to be your most vocal advocate as well.
We welcome the opportunity to meet with you and discuss the specifics of your case with our Palm Harbor law firm. Your first consultation is complementary and our goal is to answer any questions you have while providing insight as you consider whether or not to pursue legal avenues. We haven’t built a thirty-plus year reputation on occasional successes. We work diligently with alternative dispute resolutions that can keep you out of a courtroom, but we also take pride in our strong litigation efforts and aggressive mindset that’s needed against today’s insurance companies. Give us a call today to learn more and to schedule an appointment. You’ll find a warm office setting, a compassionate staff and a dedicated personal injury attorney who will explain the process as a whole while answering all of your questions.
