Draper Law Office

How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in Florida?

Florida's statute of limitations generally gives you two years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. Waiting too long can result in losing your right to seek compensation entirely. It is important to contact a Kissimmee personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after an accident so that evidence can be preserved and your claim can be properly evaluated within the legal deadline.

What should I do immediately after a car accident in Kissimmee?

After a car accident, you should call 911 and seek medical attention, even if you feel fine, since some injuries do not present symptoms right away. Document the scene by taking photos of vehicle damage, road conditions and any visible injuries. Exchange information with the other driver and get contact details from witnesses. Avoid making statements about fault to anyone at the scene or to the insurance company before speaking with an attorney.

How much does it cost to hire a personal injury lawyer at Draper Law Office?

Draper Law Office handles personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no upfront costs and no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. This arrangement allows anyone who has been injured due to someone else's negligence to access quality legal representation regardless of their financial situation.

What types of compensation can I recover in a personal injury claim?

Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be able to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life. In wrongful death cases, surviving family members may also recover funeral expenses and the loss of the deceased's financial support and companionship.

Do I need a lawyer for a Florida divorce?

While Florida law does not require you to have a lawyer for a divorce, having experienced legal representation is strongly recommended, especially when issues like child custody, alimony, equitable distribution of assets or domestic violence are involved. A knowledgeable Kissimmee divorce lawyer can protect your rights, ensure a fair outcome and help you avoid costly mistakes that could affect you for years to come.

How is child custody determined in Florida?

Florida courts determine child custody, referred to as parenting and time-sharing, based on the best interests of the child. The court considers a wide range of factors, including each parent's ability to meet the child's needs, the stability of each home environment, the child's relationship with each parent and any history of domestic violence or substance abuse. Florida law encourages shared parental responsibility unless it would be detrimental to the child.

What is equitable distribution in a Florida divorce?

Equitable distribution is the process Florida courts use to divide marital assets and liabilities during a divorce. Equitable does not necessarily mean equal. The court considers factors such as each spouse's contributions to the marriage, the duration of the marriage, each spouse's economic circumstances, and whether either spouse intentionally wasted or depleted marital assets. Separate or non-marital property is generally not subject to division.

Can I still recover damages if I was partially at fault for my accident?

Florida follows a modified comparative negligence system, meaning you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident, as long as your share of fault does not exceed 50 percent. However, your total recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20 percent at fault and your damages total $100,000, your recovery would be reduced to $80,000.