Legal Question in Personal Injury in Florida

Being my own attorney

I was hit in the rear by a driver driving a tour bus. The company is well insured. I had a lawyer but let him go because of his lack of experience. I have an appointment next week, to sit down with an experienced lawyer. The driver of the bus was charged in this accident. Is if possible to represent myself and ask the insurance company to offer a settlement, just to see if it meets with my approval. If it does not, will I still have the right to seek new legal counsil. The accident occured 6/1/01


Asked on 8/07/01, 1:36 pm

3 Answers from Attorneys

Anthony Comparetto Comparetto Law Firm

Re: Being my own attorney

Yes you can but I would recommend that you can self help materials on settling your case. My firm has a video on "secrets of settling P.I. cases for $99.00 you may wish to purchase.

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Answered on 8/07/01, 3:43 pm
Michael Tobin Michael M. Tobin, P.A.

Re: Being my own attorney

Of course you have a right to try to settle on your on and then seek an attorney. You do not state whether you suffered any injury or just had damage to your car. You should be warned that insurance company adjusters are experienced in getting control knowing that they can always settle cheaper with the unrepresented victim. You might consider retaining an attorney on an hourly rate for advice and assistance to prevent you from making any major mistakes. I have occasionally consulted with people including injured insurance adjustors and other lawyers who have tried to settle on their own. I have always done much better with the company. Statistics prove that represented claimants are paid larger amounts.Your 'good hands' and 'good neighbors' insurance companies rarely live up to their advertising.

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Answered on 8/07/01, 3:56 pm
Peter Gonzalez Sanchez-Medina, Gonzalez, Quesada, Lage, Crespo, Gomez & MachadoLLP

Re: Being my own attorney

You can always choose to represent yourself and you can always seek the advice of counsel before signing any settlement agreement or releases. You failed to state whether you suffered any injury or the extent of the property damage. Obviously, these are issues that will have an impact on the value of the potential settlement you might be able to obtain. If you're going to go at it alone, you may want to consider brushing up on auto negligence law and on your negotiating skills. Remember that insurance adjusters negotiate these types of cases every single day. You don't. They have an edge. Perhaps you can hire an experienced PI lawyer on an hourly basis or on a reduced contingent fee basis. Good luck.

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Answered on 8/07/01, 4:42 pm


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