If you’ve ever been in an auto accident you know the routine. You collect oneanother’s insurance information and move on with your day. But if you were seriously injured in that accident, one of the first things you should do is contact an injury attorney, and not just any attorney.
Finding the right attorney may be a bit of a challenge on the front end of this ordeal but it is well worth your time. All attorneys are not the same.
Your attorney should have a proven history of winning cases and working them swiftly through the system so that you are not left dangling in the wind. “Your goal should be to recover as much money as possible in the quickest time possible,” says Angela, an injury attorney in Melbourne, FL. “you want quick results, but you also should get the settlement or award that you deserve.”.
Making sure you and your attorney are on the same pages early on will eliminate headaches in the future. If they don’t believe in your case or think it is worth a lot less than you do, then you should move on to a different lawyer. Making sure there are no personality conflicts is a great idea too. You don’t want to feel like you are fighting both insurance companies and your own attorney at the same time.
What to Expect
Personal injury cases in Florida do not have a fixed settlement timeline, as every case is unique. Most claims settle before trial, with the vast majority resolving through negotiations rather than going to court (often cited as 90-97% settlement rate).
Simple or straightforward cases (e.g., minor car accidents with clear liability and limited injuries): These can settle in a few months (sometimes as little as 3-6 months) once medical treatment wraps up.
Typical or average cases: Many resolve in 6 to 18 months, with some sources noting an overall average around 12-14 months
Complex or severe cases (e.g., serious injuries, disputed fault, multiple parties, or medical malpractice): These often take 1-3 years or longer, especially if a lawsuit is filed and proceeds through discovery or toward trial.
