Choosing a lawyer after a car, truck, or motorcycle accident is one of the first real decisions you make while you are still recovering. This guide explains what to look for, what questions to ask, and which Florida deadlines apply — so you can decide with clear information rather than guesswork.
Do I actually need an attorney after an accident?
Not every crash requires one. If nobody was injured and the property damage is minor, you may be able to handle the claim directly with the insurance carrier. Representation generally matters more when there are injuries requiring ongoing treatment, when fault is disputed, when the insurer has denied or delayed the claim, or when a commercial vehicle or government entity is involved.
If you are not sure which situation applies to yours, an Orlando car accident lawyer can review the facts and give you an honest assessment of whether representation would help.
How long do I have to decide in Florida?
Two deadlines matter, and they are different from each other.
The 14-day rule. Florida’s no-fault system requires you to seek initial medical treatment within 14 days of the crash to access Personal Injury Protection benefits under Section 627.736. Miss that window and PIP coverage may be unavailable, regardless of how serious the injury later proves to be.
The filing deadline. For negligence claims arising on or after March 24, 2023, Florida’s statute of limitations is two years. Claims arising before that date are generally governed by the prior four-year period. This changed under House Bill 837, so older guidance you find online may be out of date.
What should I look for in an accident attorney?
- Florida Bar standing. Every attorney’s license status, admission date, and public disciplinary history is available through The Florida Bar’s member directory. It takes a minute to check.
- Relevant case experience. Ask how often the firm handles cases like yours. A firm that regularly handles motorcycle claims will understand issues that do not arise in ordinary car crashes.
- Who actually handles your file. Ask whether the attorney you meet will be the one working your case, and who to contact with questions.
- Communication. Ask how often you will receive updates and how quickly calls are typically returned.
- Language. If English is not your first language, ask whether the firm can work with you directly rather than through a third-party interpreter.
How do attorney fees work in a Florida injury case?
Most personal injury firms in Florida, including ours, work on a contingency fee basis — the fee is a percentage of any recovery rather than an hourly rate. Florida Bar rules set limits on contingency percentages and require the agreement to be in writing.
Fees and case costs are two different things and are handled separately. Ask any firm you speak with to explain both in writing before you sign. Our guide on how car accident attorney fees work in Florida covers this in more detail.
What questions should I ask in the first consultation?
- Based on what I have told you, what are the main challenges in my case?
- What deadlines apply to my situation specifically?
- What is your fee, and am I responsible for case costs if there is no recovery?
- Who will handle my file day to day?
- What do you need from me, and what happens next?
An attorney who answers these directly, including the parts that are not favorable to you, is giving you the information you need. Be cautious of anyone who predicts a specific outcome or dollar figure at a first meeting — no one can know that before the facts and medical treatment are developed.
Talk with our team
Maaswinkel Law represents people injured in car, truck, and motorcycle accidents across Orange, Seminole, and Osceola counties. Founding attorney Greg Maaswinkel has represented injured Floridians since 1997, beginning his career at the Florida Department of Insurance before moving into insurance defense work. Our team assists clients in English, Español, and Tiếng Việt.
You can speak with an Orlando car accident attorney about your situation, or reach us through our contact page.
Related guides
- How to Get Your Orlando Crash Report
- Essential Steps to Take After an Auto Accident
- What Are My Options If My Vehicle Was Totaled?
This page is general information about Florida law and is not legal advice. Every case depends on its own facts. Past results are not a guarantee of future outcomes, and prospective clients may not obtain the same or similar results. The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements.
