Reports from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) state that every year, accidents in Tampa Bay result in approximately 200 fatalities and 20,000 injuries. Over 50 pedestrians died and more than 600 were injured in 2021 in Tampa.
From the above statistics, you get an idea of the accidents that Tampa residents have experienced. If you are the victim of an accident in Tampa, you need the services of a lawyer. You also need to know whether an attorney will consider your case or not.
In this blog post, we are going to discuss the six main things personal injury lawyers in Tampa consider to be red flags in a case.
- Inadequate Damages
- Liability is Unclear
- The Statute of Limitations has Expired
- Large Expenses for Filing Your Personal Injury Case
- You have Unrealistic Expectations
- You have a Conflict of Interest
Inadequate Damages
If your injuries are minor or you have fully recovered, your case may not be worth pursuing. They may not take your case if the potential compensation is too low to cover their expenses and fees. Here are some things an attorney will consider:
- How severe are your injuries?
- How many days did you miss work?
- How did the injuries affect your quality of life?
You Are Responsible for the Accident
If it is not clear who is at fault for your accident or injury, or if you share most of the blame, then your personal injury case will be difficult to win. A personal injury attorney needs to establish that the other party was negligent and caused your harm.
If there is no clear evidence or witness testimony to support your personal injury claim, then your personal injury attorney will reject your case.
The Statute of Limitations has Expired
In Florida, you have four years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, your personal injury case will be dismissed by the court.
A personal injury attorney will not take your case if the statute of limitations has expired or is about to expire, as they will not have enough time to prepare for your case.
Large Expenses for Filing Your Personal Injury Case
Filing a personal injury lawsuit can be expensive, as you will need to pay for
- Court fees
- Expert witnesses
- Preparation of trial exhibits
- Documents
- Depositions
- Other costs
If your case involves complex issues, multiple parties, or extensive damages, the costs may be too high for the attorney to take your case.
You have Unrealistic Expectations
If you have unrealistic expectations about the value of your personal injury case, the duration of the legal process, or the outcome of your case, your personal injury attorney will reject your case.
Personal injury attorneys are professionals who have experience and knowledge of the law and the local courts. They will give you an honest assessment of your case and advise you on the best course of action. If you do not trust their judgment or follow their advice, you may not have a good working relationship with your attorney.
You have a Conflict of Interest
If your personal injury lawyer has a conflict of interest in your case, they may not be able to represent you. A conflict of interest occurs when the attorney has a personal or professional relationship with the at-fault party, the at-fault party’s legal representative, the judge, or anyone else involved in your case.
A conflict of interest may compromise the lawyer’s confidentiality, loyalty, or objectivity. If a conflict of interest exists, the attorney must disclose it to you and either withdraw from your personal injury case or obtain your informed consent to continue.
Final Thoughts
We hope our article has helped you understand some of the common reasons why a personal injury attorney will decline your case. This does not mean that you do not have a valid personal injury claim or that you should give up on seeking compensation. You should find another attorney who is willing to take your personal injury case.
