Frequently asked questions
Straight answers, in plain English
The questions Floridians ask us most after a crash, an injury or a denied homeowners claim. These are general answers, not legal advice for your case. For that, talk to us. It’s free.
Working with Sunshine
What it costs, what to expect from the first call, and how we keep you in the loop.
Nothing up front. We work on a contingency fee: our fee is a percentage of what we recover for you, and you owe no attorney’s fee if we don’t recover. Florida requires the agreement to be in writing, and we walk you through it, including how case costs are handled, before you sign.
Yes. Talking with us costs nothing and doesn’t commit you to anything. We’ll listen, explain where you stand and tell you honestly whether you need a lawyer.
What happens in a free consultationWhatever you have is fine: the crash or incident report number, photos, insurance cards or your homeowners policy, letters from the insurance company, and medical bills or records. If you don’t have them yet, don’t wait. We can help you get them.
Sí. Our bilingual team can handle your whole case in Spanish, from the first call to the final paperwork.
Visite nuestro sitio en españolNo. We have offices in Orlando (Winter Park), Tampa and Jacksonville, but we can meet by phone or video, or come to your home or the hospital if you can’t travel.
Ways to reach usYou’ll know who is handling your case and how to reach them. We send updates as things move, by text, call or email, whichever you prefer, and we explain every offer and decision in plain words.
After a car accident
The first days after a crash matter more than most people realize. Here’s what to know.
Call 911 if anyone is hurt, and get the police report number. Take photos of the cars, the scene and your injuries, and get the other driver’s and witnesses’ information. Then see a doctor within 14 days, even if you feel fine, so your PIP coverage applies.
Common mistakes to avoid after a crashYour own PIP pays first, covering 80% of reasonable medical bills up to $10,000, as long as you get treatment within 14 days. After that, health insurance, MedPay, the at-fault driver’s bodily injury coverage and your uninsured motorist coverage can each play a part.
How medical bills are paid after a crashSometimes. No-fault means your own PIP pays first, whoever caused the crash. You can step outside no-fault and claim against the at-fault driver if your injury is serious enough to meet Florida’s threshold, such as a permanent injury or significant scarring.
What no-fault means in FloridaNot before you talk to a lawyer. You don’t have to give the other driver’s insurer a recorded statement, and adjusters use them to argue fault or downplay injuries. You can politely say you’ll get back to them.
Why the insurance company isn’t on your sideFlorida law limits when an insurer can raise your rates after a crash that wasn’t your fault, and hiring a lawyer doesn’t change your rates. We’ll look at your policy and tell you what to expect.
Rideshare crashes can involve your own PIP, the driver’s personal policy and the rideshare company’s policy, which depends on whether the app was on and a ride was in progress. We sort out which coverage applies.
Uber and Lyft accidents in FloridaInjury claims
Deadlines, fault, settlements and court: how a Florida injury claim works.
For most negligence claims since March 24, 2023, including car crashes and slip and falls, Florida gives you two years from the date of the injury. Wrongful death claims also have a two-year deadline, and claims against a government agency have their own notice rules. Evidence fades well before any deadline, so it helps to call early.
Florida injury deadlines, explainedYes, as long as you’re not found more than 50% at fault. Your recovery is reduced by your share of the fault. Insurers know this, so they often argue fault early, and we gather the report, witnesses, photos and video to push back.
How Florida’s comparative fault rule worksIt depends on your medical bills, lost income, whether the injury is permanent, how fault is split and how much insurance is available. No honest lawyer can give you a number on the first call, but we can tell you what will drive it.
10 factors that affect a settlementUsually not before you know the full cost of your injuries. Accepting typically means signing a release that ends the claim, even if you later need surgery. Have an attorney review the offer first.
Should you accept the first offer?Many cases settle within several months to a year, but it depends on your treatment and how the insurer responds. We don’t settle before we know the full cost of your care. If the insurer won’t be fair, a lawsuit takes longer, and we keep you updated the whole way.
Most injury cases settle without a trial. We prepare every case as if it could go to court, because insurers make better offers when they know you’re ready. If going to trial is the right call, we’ll explain why and what to expect.
Yes. Insurers look at your posts, and a photo at a birthday party can be used to argue you aren’t really hurt. It’s safest to stop posting until your case is resolved and to set your accounts to private.
How social media affects your caseHomeowners and property claims
Denied, delayed or underpaid after a hurricane, roof leak, burst pipe or fire? Start here.
Ask for the denial in writing, and keep the letter and your full policy, including the declarations page. Take photos and video of the damage. Many denials don’t hold up to a careful read of the policy, so have a lawyer review it before you give up.
Roof claim denied? What to do nextFor a new or reopened claim, you must give your insurer notice within one year of the date of the damage. A supplemental claim, for added damage or a higher repair cost, must be filed within 18 months. The deadlines to sue are different, so don’t wait.
What Florida’s new laws mean for homeownersFlorida law requires your insurer to acknowledge your claim within days and, in general, to pay or deny it within 60 days of receiving notice, unless something outside its control prevents it. If yours is dragging on, that’s worth a call.
Often, yes. If the payment doesn’t cover what contractors actually charge, or you find more damage, you may be able to file a supplemental claim within the deadline. Cashing the check doesn’t always end your claim, but have a lawyer look at what you signed.
Make emergency repairs to stop more damage, like tarping the roof or drying out water, and keep every receipt. Take photos and video before you change anything, and wait for the inspection before permanent repairs. Your policy requires you to protect the home from further damage.
Many policies let you settle a disagreement about the amount of the loss through appraisal: each side picks an appraiser, and an umpire decides if they can’t agree. It can be faster than a lawsuit, but it doesn’t decide whether damage is covered. We’ll tell you if it fits your claim.
Hurricane deductibles in Florida are usually a percentage of your dwelling coverage, often 2% to 10%, rather than a flat amount. That’s why a low estimate can wipe out your payment entirely. We check that the deductible was applied correctly and the estimate reflects real repair costs.
Yes. Citizens Property Insurance has its own rules and processes, but it still has to pay what your policy covers. We handle claims against Citizens and private insurers.
Why a homeowners insurance attorney helpsNot for every claim. If your claim was denied, delayed or paid far below your contractor’s estimate, or the insurer wants an examination under oath, a lawyer can make a real difference. Our policy review is free, and we’ll be honest if you don’t need us.
5 ways to know if you need an insurance lawyerDidn’t see your question?
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