Frequently Asked Questions

Our “No Win No Fee” promise works as part of a contingency fee agreement. Instead of receiving payments from clients, we recoup fees and expenses from the final settlement or verdict you receive. This allows us to start working on your case immediately, and you owe us nothing if we don’t win your case.

No. At Souder Law there is no charge for your first consultation, whether you call us or meet in person.

You are not legally required to hire a lawyer, but it is often critical to protecting your rights. Insurance adjusters work for insurance companies and have an incentive to minimize the amount paid out. With Souder Law, all communications with the insurer go through us. We collect medical records, witness statements and expert opinions to build your case, and then negotiate aggressively to seek maximum compensation. This allows you to focus on healing while we handle the legal process.

There is no universal formula for calculating the value of a case. The value depends on factors such as the severity of injuries, whether future medical care is required and the insurance coverage available. You must also consider economic losses (medical bills, lost wages) and non‑economic losses (pain and suffering). Insurance adjusters often start by adding up medical expenses and lost income, then multiply by a number reflecting the severity of injuries. They may reduce the offer based on your percentage of fault. At Souder Law, we fight for full compensation, including future medical expenses, lost earning capacity and compensation for pain, suffering and mental anguish.

Florida’s statute of limitations sets strict deadlines. For accidents occurring on or after March 24 2023, the time limit to file a negligence‑based personal‑injury lawsuit is two years. Accidents that happened before March 24 2023 continue to have a four‑year filing deadline. These changes came from Florida’s 2023 civil reform and apply to car accidents, slip‑and‑fall claims and most negligence cases. Exceptions may apply—for example, claims involving a government agency or uninsured motorist benefits may have different deadlines. Medical malpractice, nursing‑home neglect and wrongful‑death cases generally have shorter deadlines (often two years) with a discovery rule that starts the clock when you discover the injury. Because missing a deadline can bar your claim, contact Souder Law as soon as possible to protect your rights.

Under Florida’s modified comparative negligence rule, you can still recover damages if you are less than 50 percent at fault, but your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. If the court determines you are 50 percent or more at fault, you cannot recover any damages. This law took effect on March 24 2023, replacing the former pure comparative negligence system where plaintiffs could recover even if they were 99 percent at fault. Souder Law analyzes all evidence to minimize any attribution of fault to you and to ensure that defendants cannot unfairly shift blame. Even if you believe you were partly responsible, it is wise to consult a lawyer rather than assume you have no case.

Most personal‑injury claims settle without going to court. However, some cases require litigation when the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation. Souder Law prepares every case as if it will go to trial—collecting evidence, retaining experts and developing persuasive arguments. This thorough preparation often leads to favorable settlements, but if a trial is necessary we have the courtroom experience to fight for you before a judge and jury.

Florida law allows injured people to recover compensatory damages, which include economic and non‑economic losses. Economic damages cover tangible losses such as medical bills, lost income and property damage, while non‑economic damages compensate for pain and suffering, mental anguish and loss of enjoyment. In rare cases, punitive damages may be awarded when the defendant’s conduct is especially egregious. In most cases, there is no cap on compensatory damages in Florida (with some exceptions for medical malpractice). Souder Law documents all your losses—including future medical expenses, diminished earning capacity and emotional harm—to pursue the full measure of damages allowed by law.

Your health and safety should come first. After an accident you should seek medical attention, take photos or videos of the scene, and collect contact information from witnesses. Do not admit fault or apologize, as your statements may be used against you later. You should also report the accident to the proper authorities (police for motor‑vehicle accidents, property owner for slip‑and‑fall cases) and notify your insurance company. Finally, contact Souder Law as soon as possible so we can preserve evidence, speak with insurance adjusters on your behalf and advise you on the next steps.

There is no set timeline for a personal‑injury case. Many factors influence the duration, including the complexity of liability issues, the severity of your injuries and the willingness of the insurance company to negotiate. Building a strong case involves collecting medical records, obtaining expert evaluations, and negotiating with insurers—processes that can take months. Some cases settle quickly, while others may require litigation and can last a year or more. At Souder Law we strive to resolve your case efficiently without sacrificing the value of your claim. We keep clients informed about progress and work diligently to move the case forward.

Be cautious when an insurer offers a fast settlement. Insurance adjusters aim to settle claims for as little as possible. Adjusters may offer a quick settlement that falls short of covering all your damages. Once you accept a settlement, you generally cannot ask for more money if your injuries turn out to be worse than expected. Before accepting any offer, consult Souder Law. We will evaluate the offer in light of your medical bills, future care needs, lost wages and pain and suffering. Our goal is to secure a settlement that truly reflects the harm you have suffered.