Getting into a car accident is a frightening experience. People are often left wondering when (or if) they need to contact a lawyer to protect their rights and secure fair compensation.
Below, we’ll explore common concerns about hiring a McKinney Car Accident Attorney, including how soon you should call one, whether you need one for a minor collision, and how an attorney helps navigate insurance claims. Attorney Matthew R. Boren, founder of Matthew R Boren Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers Orlando, has guided many crash victims through stressful post-accident chaos and stands ready to help you too.
Do I Need a Car Accident Lawyer After My Orlando Crash?
Understanding the Value of Legal Help
Even a seemingly straightforward accident can quickly spiral into medical bills, insurance hassles, and stressful phone calls. If you’ve been in a collision on I-4, SR-408, or along any of Orlando’s busy streets, you might feel pressured to settle for whatever an insurer offers. However, you don’t have to handle this alone.
Serving Orlando and Surrounding Areas
Attorney Matthew Boren and the car accident attorneys at Matthew R Boren Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers Orlando focus on helping accident victims in Altamonte Springs, Winter Park, and throughout Central Florida. Orange County alone recorded 26,000+ crashes in 2023, underscoring how common these incidents have become. Seeking experienced legal counsel ensures you have someone to protect both your health and your financial future.
Experience and Compassion
Matthew Boren has over 10 years of experience representing those injured in Orlando-area crashes. He is known for his compassionate, personalized approach that prioritizes client well-being. He and his team take pride in supporting you through medical challenges, insurance negotiations, and any legal steps that follow. Their mission is to make sure you can focus on recovery while they fight for your rights.
How Soon After a Car Accident Should I Call a Lawyer?
Urgency and Timing
It’s wise to call a McKinney Car Accident Attorney as soon as you address any urgent health needs. Acting quickly can preserve vital evidence—photos, witness statements, and accurate police reports—which are crucial for building a strong claim. The longer you wait, the more likely key details and memories will fade.
Florida’s Important Deadlines
In Florida, you have 14 days to seek initial medical treatment if you want to use Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits. Missing this window can jeopardize coverage for medical bills. Additionally, there is a two-year statute of limitations to file a personal injury lawsuit in most cases. Attorney Matthew Boren will guide you through these procedural requirements to ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Insurance adjusters often try to contact you right away, seeking recorded statements or quick settlements. Consulting the Orlando car accident attorneys at Matthew R Boren Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers Orlando before you speak to insurers can help prevent you from inadvertently harming your claim. Acting sooner rather than later usually translates into less stress and a stronger legal position.
How Do I Know If I Should Get a Lawyer for My Car Accident?
Not Every Crash Necessitates a Lawyer
Minor scrapes where no one is hurt may be resolved through insurance without professional help. However, many situations call for experienced legal representation.
Situations That Warrant Calling an Attorney
- Severe or Long-Lasting Injuries: Broken bones, head trauma, or injuries requiring hospital stays can result in large medical bills and ongoing care.
- Fatalities: Wrongful death claims are legally complex, making an attorney’s guidance crucial.
- High Medical Costs or Lost Wages: If your accident caused you to miss significant work or accumulate hefty bills, legal counsel ensures you pursue the compensation you need.
- Unclear or Contested Fault: When fault is disputed or uncertain, a McKinney Car Accident Attorney investigates the details to prove what really happened.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Drivers: A lawyer looks for alternative coverage sources if the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance.
- Complex Circumstances: Multi-vehicle collisions, commercial trucks, or pedestrian accidents often involve intricate insurance and liability issues.
- Insurance Company Pushback: Lowball offers or claim denials are strong indicators that an attorney’s involvement is needed.
Free Consultations and Gray Areas
Most accident attorneys, including Matthew Boren, offer free consultations. In a quick phone call, they can assess whether your situation truly requires professional representation or if you can handle it independently.
Should I Call a Lawyer for a Minor Accident or If I Feel Fine?
The Reality of “Minor” Crashes
It’s common to think, “I’m fine—I don’t need a lawyer.” In some genuinely minor incidents, you may settle with insurance without legal intervention. However, caution is critical: injuries like whiplash or mild concussions aren’t always evident at the scene. Symptoms can emerge days or weeks later.
Protecting Yourself from Hidden Injuries
Florida’s no-fault insurance (PIP) may cover initial medical evaluations, but only up to certain limits. If your injury turns out to be more severe than initially believed, you’ll want legal support sooner rather than later. Attorney Matthew R. Boren advises crash victims to see a doctor promptly, even if they think they’re okay. Proper medical documentation helps guard against unforeseen complications.
Peace of Mind Through Consultation
Reaching out to a McKinney Car Accident Attorney or the Orlando car accident attorneys at Matthew R Boren Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers Orlando is a low-risk step. The consultation is free, and you’ll have professional insight into whether your case is truly minor or merits further legal action.
What Happens If I Wait Too Long to Call an Attorney?
Risk of Lost Evidence
Delaying your call to a lawyer can weaken your claim. Evidence like camera footage or eyewitness accounts might disappear over time. Physical indications at the crash site—like skid marks—quickly fade, and witnesses often become less reliable as memories blur.
Insurance Tactics
Insurance companies capitalize on delays. They may rush to settle with you before you fully understand the extent of your injuries. If you haven’t spoken to Attorney Matthew Boren or another experienced car accident attorney, you might inadvertently sign away your rights in exchange for a small, quick payout.
Florida’s Statute of Limitations
In Florida, the statute of limitations generally provides two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit (though specific exceptions can apply). Procrastinating too long leaves minimal time for your attorney to investigate, gather evidence, and negotiate effectively. If the deadline passes, you lose the legal right to seek compensation, no matter how valid your claim.
How Can a Car Accident Lawyer Help Me with Insurance and My Claim?
Navigating Insurance Companies
Insurance adjusters are trained to protect their company’s bottom line. An experienced McKinney Car Accident Attorney or Orlando car accident attorney steps in to handle communications, shielding you from pressure to accept unfair settlements. Having Attorney Matthew R. Boren advocate for you often leads to higher compensation and a smoother process.
Gathering and Preserving Evidence
A thorough investigation can make the difference between a low settlement and a meaningful recovery. Your lawyer will collect police reports, witness statements, medical records, and potentially arrange expert accident reconstructions. This level of detail is pivotal for proving both liability and the full scope of your damages.
Calculating Fair Compensation
Car accident victims frequently underestimate future costs. Medical expenses, rehab, lost wages, potential surgeries, and emotional distress should all factor into your claim. Matthew Boren has the experience to gauge what your case is worth and will fight for every dollar you deserve.
Paperwork and Legal Formalities
Filing insurance forms and preparing a lawsuit can be overwhelming when you’re already dealing with injuries. An attorney manages deadlines and paperwork to ensure accuracy and compliance with state laws.
Trial Readiness
If insurers refuse to offer a fair settlement, your lawyer can file a lawsuit and represent you in court. Having the car accident attorneys at Matthew R Boren Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers Orlando on your side signals to insurers that you’re prepared to pursue litigation if necessary.
Will It Cost Money to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
The Contingency Fee Model
A major worry for many accident victims is legal fees. Most personal injury attorneys, including Matthew R. Boren, work on a contingency basis. This means you pay nothing upfront and owe no legal fees unless you win a settlement or court award.
Free Consultations and No Financial Risk
The initial consultation with a McKinney Car Accident Attorney is typically free. During that conversation, you can ask questions about attorney fees and potential case outcomes. If you and the lawyer choose to proceed, you’ll only pay a percentage of the compensation you receive.
Focus on Recovery, Not Costs
Medical bills, car repairs, and lost wages can cause financial strain. By using a contingency arrangement, you can get high-quality legal help without adding to your immediate money worries. If no recovery is secured, you pay no attorney fees—giving you peace of mind during a challenging time.
What Information Should I Have When Calling a Lawyer?
Be Prepared with Key Details
When calling Attorney Matthew Boren or the Orlando car accident attorneys at his firm, having certain information available can streamline the process. Don’t panic if you don’t have everything right away—your lawyer can assist in gathering missing pieces.
- Accident Details
- Date, time, and location of the crash.
- Brief overview of how it happened.
- Police Report
- The actual report or the reference number.
- Other Driver’s Information
- Insurance details, license plate number, and contact data.
- Witnesses
- Names and phone numbers of anyone who saw the accident.
- Photos or Videos
- Any images of vehicle damage, skid marks, or intersections.
- Medical Documentation
- Hospital or doctor reports, diagnoses, and ongoing treatment notes.
- Insurance Correspondence
- Letters or emails from your insurer or the other driver’s insurer.
Why It Matters
Providing as much accurate information as possible helps your McKinney Car Accident Attorney or Orlando car accident attorney build a compelling case from the start. The more details they have, the better they can protect your interests.
Why Choose Matthew Boren as Your Car Accident Lawyer?
Local Knowledge and Personalized Attention
Attorney Matthew R. Boren brings a blend of legal skill and local awareness. He knows Orlando’s congested highways, the complexities of Florida’s insurance laws, and the challenges faced by accident victims in this region. Clients repeatedly emphasize how personally he invests in their recovery—treating people like family, not case numbers.
Track Record and Experience
With over a decade of practice, Matthew Boren understands how to handle insurance companies, negotiate settlements, and, if necessary, present a powerful case in court. His firm’s compassionate approach is balanced by a fierce commitment to securing the maximum compensation each client deserves.