Personal Injury Attorneys in Pensacola – Emmanuel, Sheppard & Condon
Frequently Asked Questions
Getting into an accident often leaves you with more questions than answers. To help ease some of your worries, we have provided a list of frequently asked personal injury questions and their answers. These answers are meant to provide only basic information about the topics. Please don't hesitate to contact us for more information. We serve people in the Pensacola, Florida, and Mobile, Alabama metro regions.
- I've been injured. Why should I hire a lawyer?
- Are there any fees I will have to pay?
- How long could my case take?
- Will it cost me anything if we don't win?
- What is mediation?
- What steps should I take immediately following an accident?
- Who is going to pay my medical bills?
- How can I get my wages paid while I'm unable to work?
- What am I entitled to recover as a result of an auto accident?
- Can I collect from an auto accident if the other driver does not have insurance?
I've been injured. Why should I hire a lawyer?
Many people make the mistake of settling with their insurance companies after an accident. Insurance companies often try to settle for much less than the full amount you deserve. By contacting a Pensacola injury lawyer, you can be sure you are receiving fair compensation for your injuries.
Are there any fees I will have to pay?
At Emmanuel, Sheppard & Condon, P.A., there are no fees or costs unless you receive compensation from the insurance company or other responsible party. At our law firm, you never pay any legal fees or costs upfront in a personal injury or wrongful death case; fees and costs are paid out of the money received from an out-of-court settlement or a damages award at trial. If we don't win your case, you owe nothing.
How long could my case take?
The time it takes for parties to reach a settlement depends on if they settle out of court or take the case to trial. If your insurance company offers you fair compensation right away, your case could be resolved in a matter of weeks. If the case goes to trial, it could take a year or longer to resolve your case completely. Most accident cases take some time due to your injuries and how quickly your condition improves.
Will it cost me anything if we don't win?
At Emmanuel, Sheppard & Condon, P.A., we work on a contingency fee basis. You will pay nothing unless we win your case. Our law firm will pay the costs of litigation (court filing fees, medical record costs, postage, copying, witness fees, etc) up front. You will be required to repay costs and expenses out of a settlement or verdict. If we don't win, you will not owe us anything for costs or expenses.
What is mediation?
Mediation is an informal process where both sides, along with their lawyers, present their cases to a Certified Mediator (a neutral attorney), who assists in resolving the claim. Mediation is often a successful method for encouraging insurance companies and Defendants to settle. There is very little or no risk to mediation because you make the decision whether you wish to settle or continue on with a trial.
What steps should I take immediately following a car accident?
Immediately following an accident you should exchange information with the other driver. Make sure to get his or her name, phone number and insurance provider. Don't assume you are fine. Seek medical attention immediately if you have any reason to believe there are injuries. Take photos of the damage and any visible injuries. These photos may be used as evidence later on. Contact Emmanuel, Sheppard & Condon for a free auto safety kit with detailed information on what to do after an accident.
Who is going to pay my medical bills?
If you were not at fault, the other party's liability insurance is obligated to pay the costs for the ambulance, emergency room, hospital, clinic and other reasonable medical expenses associated with your injury.
How can I get my wages paid while I'm unable to work?
You can get your wages paid if a doctor signs a note stating your injuries prevent you from working. Depending on your injuries, you may be able to collect disability benefits from the Social Security Administration or under a private disability insurance policy.
What am I entitled to recover as a result of a car accident?
You are entitled to recover the cost to repair your car, reimbursement for medical costs associated with your injuries, compensation for pain and suffering, lost income from work and more. Please contact an attorney to learn more about recovering damages after a car accident.
Can I collect for injuries in an auto accident if the other driver does not have insurance?
You may be able collect for damages caused by an auto accident with an uninsured motorist if: the accident was not your fault, you have uninsured motorist coverage, and you choose to pursue a claim.
If you have any more questions regarding your personal injury or filing a claim for the wrongful death of a family member, please contact Emmanuel, Sheppard & Condon. We will carefully explain all your legal options and help you decide whether to settle or litigate your spinal cord injury, brain injury or burn injury case.
Emmanuel, Sheppard & Condon
30 South Spring Street
Pensacola, Florida 32502
Phone: 850.444.HURT(4878)
Fax: 850.434.5856
