Frequently Asked Questions
Q.: Why choose Whitehead Law Group?
A.: The firm was founded with the premise that each client and case should receive personalized attention, compassion, and extraordinary legal diligence. Although over the years, the firm has handled thousands of claims and cases against insurance companies, it has remained dedicated to providing first class service with the utmost professionalism and efficiency. We understand that when a person has a legal matter, such as an injury from a car accident, or unpaid medical bills, time is of the essence. Therefore, we pride ourselves on making sure that each client and matter gets our immediate attention and legal service. Being involved in a legal matter and hiring a lawyer is a stressful situation that most people have never engaged in before now. We understand your situation and devote the requisite attention needed for your case. Remember that your case is as important to us as it is to you!
Q.: What should I do after an accident?
A.: The most important thing is to get seek and receive medical care and attention for your injuries. Go to the hospital, if necessary, see a doctor and follow your doctor’s orders. Do not discuss the accident or give a statement to the insurance company or an attorney for the “at-fault” driver. Remember: “What You Say Can and Will Be Used Against You!” Instruct them to call your insurance company and/or agent or your attorney if you have one. If you want to proceed with your case against the other person at fault, call an attorney at Whitehead Law Group to discuss your claim and we can take it from there once you retain our law firm.
Q.: How soon after I am injured do I have to file a lawsuit for negligence?
A.: Every state has certain time limits, called statutes of limitations, which govern the amount of time you must file a personal injury lawsuit. In Florida, you have two (2) years from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit based on negligence. If you miss the deadline for filing your case, you may lose your legal right to pursue a lawsuit in court and potentially collect damages for your injury. Therefore, time is of the essence!
Q.: I’m not sure whether I have a case or not! What should I do?
A.: Protect your rights. Call a lawyer. Get a professional opinion. Lawyers are versed in the type of law that the practice and have experience and knowledge in that area of the law.
Q.: What should I bring with me when meeting with a lawyer after my accident?
A.: You should provide a lawyer with all documents that might be relevant to your case. Police reports, for example, contain eyewitness information and details about the accident that are necessary for an attorney to evaluate your case at the initial stage. Copies of medical reports and bills from doctors and hospitals will help demonstrate the extent and nature of your injuries. Information about the insurer of the person who caused the accident and/or your injury as well as your insurance coverage, is extremely helpful, as are any photographs you have of the accident scene, your property damage, and your injury. The more information you can give your lawyer, the easier it will be to determine if you have a potential claim. If you haven’t collected any documents at the time of your first meeting, don’t worry; your lawyer will be able to obtain them in investigating your claim.
Q.: What is negligence?
A.: Generally, negligence, in Florida, is when someone fails to exercise a degree of reasonable care expected of them to minimize risk of harm to another. The four elements of negligence in Florida are: duty of care, breach of duty, causation, and resulting damages. A person is negligent when he or she fails to act like an ordinary reasonable person would have acted in the same situation. The determination of whether a person has met the ordinary reasonable person standard is often a matter that is resolved by a jury after presentation of evidence and argument at trial. Even companies can commit negligence and be legally responsible or liable for their actions and resulting damages.
Q.: What are damages in a personal injury claim?
A.: Damages are any loses or expenses you incurred as a result of the other person’s negligence which legally you can recover from the other person. This may include out of pocket medical expenses or lost wages, both past and future. If the facts and opinions of doctors or experts meet the legal requirements, you may be entitled to recover pain and suffering damages, both past and future.
Q.: What types of cases does your law firm handle?
A.: Our firm is dedicated to handling personal injury cases, including Motor vehicle, and Trucking accidents; Wrongful death; Premises liability; Slip and Fall Accidents, Trip and Fall Accidents; Resort tort/ travel vacation injuries; Construction accidents; Boating accidents; Negligent security Claims; Holiday Accidents; Accidents at work; and Accidents in home. We also handle Personal Injury Protection and No-fault claims on behalf of medical care providers. Finally, we handle first party claims on behalf of insureds such as homeowners’ claims against insurance companies when they deny or reduce a claim.
Q.: What are your fees for handling my case?
A.: We work on a 100% contingency fee basis. Our consultations are free! If you don’t receive a recovery, we do not get paid! This arrangement is approved by the Florida Bar and is standard in the industry for these types of cases. Contact us if you need our legal advice or service. Remember that your case is as important to us as it is to you!
Q.: Is an attorney necessary?
A.: You should always seek an opinion from a lawyer to get an unbiased legal opinion regarding your case and your rights. When you’ve been in an accident, or have a claim against your insurance company, you have a lot on your mind. Aside from any emotional turmoil and stress, you also must deal with your injuries, damage to your vehicle or property, the handling your claim, complying with the insurance company’s requests, family issues, and any other situations. Lawyers can help you deal with the process of your claim and reduce your stress in the process. Our experienced attorneys at Whitehead Law Group understand what is needed to properly investigate and document your claim and seek the maximum recovery on your behalf.
Q.: What is a homeowner claim?
A.: A person who is a homeowner and has homeowner’s insurance may make a claim with their insurance company in the event the homeowner sustains property damage. Some of the most common homeowner claims are the following: Wind & hail, Fire and lightning damage, Water Damage & Freezing, and all other types of property damage such as roof damage, kitchen damage, bathroom damage and mold. In Florida, The Homeowner Claims Bills of Rights relates to the insurance claims process and outlines your rights and responsibilities as a homeowners insurance policyholder, as outlined in s. 627.7142, Florida Statutes.
“The purpose of the bill of rights is to summarize, in simple, nontechnical terms, existing Florida law regarding the rights of a personal lines residential property insurance policyholder who files a claim of loss. The Homeowner Claims Bill of Rights is specific to the claims process and does not represent all of a policyholder’s rights under Florida law regarding the insurance policy.” Fla. Stat. s. 627.7142.
Whitehead Law Group is well-versed and experienced in the nuances of the homeowner claims process and can navigate your claim to avoid numerous hurdles and potential pitfalls presented in the claims process.