Personal Injury FAQs

We strongly suggest an injured party contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible following an accident. Early involvement allows us to preserve evidence, interview witnesses while memories are fresh, obtain surveillance footage before it’s erased, and guide you through the insurance claims process.

Waiting too long can make it more difficult to prove liability or document your injuries. In some cases, important evidence may no longer be available, and legal deadlines can affect your ability to pursue compensation.

That said, even if some time has passed since your accident, it’s still worth speaking with an attorney to discuss your situation and learn what options may still be available. Our personal injury attorneys at Tuttle Larsen, P.A. know the law and the statute of limitations that determine your eligibility to make a claim.

It really depends on the circumstances. Some accidents result in only minor property damage and no lasting injuries. Others may seem minor at first but later lead to significant medical treatment, lost wages, or ongoing pain.

Because certain injuries like whiplash, concussions, and soft tissue injuries may not become fully apparent for several days, it’s often wise to speak with an attorney before accepting a settlement from an insurance company.

A free consultation with our firm can help you determine whether hiring legal representation is likely to benefit your case.

A personal injury lawyer represents people who have been injured because of another person’s or company’s negligence. Our job is to build a strong claim, protect our client’s rights, and pursue compensation for our clients. What we need to do in order to achieve those goals vary, but we commonly:

• Investigate how the accident happened.
• Gather medical records and other evidence.
• Work with accident reconstruction experts or medical professionals.
• Handle communications with insurance companies.
• Calculate current and future damages.
• Negotiate a settlement.
• File a lawsuit if necessary.
• Represent the client through trial.

The vast majority of personal injury cases settle without going to trial. However, we thoroughly prepare from day one as though every case would one day go to trial. This approach  strengthens the client’s position during negotiations. That can include taking depositions and engaging with experts. We have been representing injured people in the Vero Beach community for over 30 years and at Tuttle Larsen, P.A., personal injury law is all we do. We do not use a one size fits all approach because each client, injury, and situation is unique.

An attorney cannot promise a specific outcome or guarantee that a claim will settle for a certain amount. However, an experienced personal injury lawyer can often identify damages that may otherwise be overlooked, including future medical expenses, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, and other long-term losses. Our attorneys also understand how to gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and present claims in a way that supports fair compensation.

The value of a claim ultimately depends on factors such as liability, the severity of the injuries, available insurance coverage, and the evidence supporting the case. At Tuttle Larsen, P.A., our entire firm is exclusively dedicated to serving personal injury victims. We do not practice any other areas of law. All of the work we do is solely to achieve the best possible result for our personal injury clients. We do not charge by the hour, we do not make more by filing frivolous motions – every single activity we do is only driven by answering “yes” to the question: will this add value for my client?

A free consultation is an opportunity to discuss your accident with an attorney and learn whether you may have a viable personal injury claim. Most people are surprised by how relaxed the first meeting is. This is a conversation and you are getting to know us as much as we are getting to know you and the details of your accident or injury.

During the meeting, our attorneys will typically ask about:

• How the accident happened
• Your injuries
• Medical treatment you’ve received
• Accident scene investigations and whether any party was determined at fault or cited
• Insurance information
• Witnesses
• Any photos, reports, or documents you have

The specific questions that are most pertinent depend on the type of personal injury case.

You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions about the legal process, fees, timelines, and what to expect moving forward.

At the end of the consultation, the attorney can explain whether they believe they can help and discuss the next steps if you decide to move forward.

Our goal isn’t to pressure you into hiring us. It’s to help you understand your situation so you can decide what’s best for you and make sure you have a clear understanding of your options.

Very often, people who contact us for consultations are worried. “What if I don’t have ____?”  Rest assured you don’t need to have every document before meeting with our attorney.

Whenever possible, bringing any available information you do have can help us better evaluate your case and helpful items include:

• Police, accident, or incident reports
• Photographs or videos
• Insurance information
• Medical records or discharge paperwork
• Medical bills
• Prescription receipts
• Witness contact information
• Repair estimates
• Correspondence from insurance companies

If you don’t have these documents yet, we can often help obtain many of them if you proceed with representation.

Most of our personal injury consultations last between 30 minutes to one hour, although more complex cases may require additional time.

The free consultation is designed to give you an opportunity to explain what happened, ask questions, and receive an initial evaluation of your potential claim. There is no obligation to hire us.

At Tuttle Larsen, P.A., we offer consultations by phone or video for clients who are unable to travel because of their injuries. We strive to make the process as convenient as possible for you from start to finish and we meet people where they are. Our firm also has texting capabilities.

Yes, you’ll meet with an attorney.

When a potential new client reaches out to our firm, the person taking your call is an experienced paralegal or legal assistant. They know exactly the right questions to ask to provide each caller with the help they need. After gathering some vital initial information, if an attorney is available on the spot, we will transfer you immediately. If scheduling a call, video, or in- office meeting is more convenient, we will book an appointment with an attorney for you. Most appointments are the next business day. When you meet with one of our attorneys whether in person or by phone, there is no cost and no obligation.

This is an opportunity to interact with our team, have an experienced attorney answer your questions and determine if we are a good fit to represent you.

Choosing a firm where you feel comfortable communicating with both the attorney and support staff can make the experience smoother from beginning to end. At Tuttle Larsen, P.A. we pride ourselves on listening, communicating clearly, and treating people the way we’d like a loved one to be treated if they were injured.

All of our clients have an attorney dedicated to their case. In addition, one of our experienced paralegals will also be assigned to your case. You will get to know your attorney and paralegal as you work together for the duration of the case. Additional support staff will also work behind the scenes on your case, such as our medical records and billing specialist, our legal secretary, and firm administrator.

At Tuttle Larsen P.A., we work on a contingency fee basis. This means our fee is based on a percentage of the amount recovered through a settlement or verdict.

You pay nothing until we resolve your claim.

Because payment depends on the outcome of the case, clients do not pay attorney’s fees upfront. We are only compensated once your claim has resolved.

Your attorney will clearly explain the fee agreement in detail before representation begins so you understand how fees and case costs are handled.

A contingency fee is a payment arrangement in which an attorney’s fee depends on the successful resolution of the case.

Instead of paying hourly legal fees, our attorneys receive an agreed-upon percentage of the recovery if the case is successful.

Contingency fees allow many injured individuals to pursue legal representation without paying large retainers upfront.

Our goals are in complete alignment with our clients. We do work to move our client’s case toward the best possible outcome, never “busy work” to bill for like filing empty motions or logging phone calls. We also earn more when we obtain more for our clients.

The percentage varies depending on the case and the stage at which it resolves.

In Florida, all contingency fees are governed by rules established by the Florida Bar. Attorneys have strict guidelines to follow and cannot “create” a fee percentage structure to follow, it is all a pre-determined and approved formula.

We provide all clients with a written fee agreement explaining exactly how fees are calculated before representation begins.

Well beyond consultation, your attorney will communicate with you throughout the duration of your case. You will be apprised of each step. We make very clear to our clients when their matter changes from “pre-litigation” to “litigation” status. Entering the litigation phase affects the percentage.

No, our clients do not pay attorney fees or litigation expenses upfront.

Tuttle Larsen, P.A. advances the costs associated with investigating and pursuing a claim, such as filing fees, medical record requests, expert witness fees, deposition expenses, and other litigation costs. These expenses are addressed according to the fee agreement at the conclusion of your case.

During your initial consultation, we explain in-depth how expenses are handled so you clearly understand the financial arrangement.

Every case is different, and no attorney can guarantee a successful outcome.

Since we represent our clients on a contingency fee basis, you will not owe attorney’s fees if no recovery is obtained. However, how litigation costs and case expenses are handled depends on the specific fee agreement you sign.

Your attorney will explain these terms before representation begins so you know exactly what to expect.

Yes, in most situations, clients have the right to change attorneys if they believe another lawyer is a better fit for their needs.

People change lawyers for many reasons, including communication concerns, differences in strategy, or simply feeling more comfortable with another firm.

When we receive a call from a potential new client who is currently represented by another firm, we will take the time to listen and understand what you did not like about the experience. Most of the time, we will ask you to consider discussing your concerns with your current attorney before making a switch.

If you decide to switch, we can help coordinate the transfer of your case.

The process typically involves signing a new representation agreement, after which your new attorney will request your file from your previous lawyer and continue handling your case.

Switching firms may affect attorney fee allocation between lawyers, but that issue is usually handled between the attorneys rather than requiring separate payments from the client.

Choosing an attorney is an important decision. There are several factors to consider.  Some considerations we’d suggest when evaluating a personal injury attorney:

Experience

• Does this firm have experience representing people in similar situations?
• Do they have a track record of obtaining results for their clients?
• Is personal injury just one of many services they offer or are they specialized?
• How often do they litigate personal injury cases?

Reviews

• Does this firm treat people well?
• Do they have a good reputation in the community?
• Do they listen to their clients?

Communication

• Does this firm communicate with respect?
• Do they take the time to explain things clearly?
• Is keeping me posted throughout the duration of my case a priority for them?
• Will they advise me what the next steps in the case are after each milestone?
• Am I able to reach them easily?
• Do they respond quickly?

Overall, you want to feel comfortable. Do you feel you can be honest with this attorney? Will you enjoy communicating with them? This can make all the difference.

At Tuttle Larsen, P.A., our attorneys have more than 55 years of combined experience. We litigate personal injury claims of all kinds and have a proven track record of success for our clients.

We have the necessary resources to pursue maximum compensation for our clients. Our firm has handled thousands of personal injury claims over 30 years here in Vero Beach.

Our team works collaboratively together. Of course, each of our clients have their attorney and paralegal who are dedicated to their case. More than the names our clients come to know, behind the scenes, our clients get the benefit of our whole team working collaboratively together to strategize on your case.

Our attorneys, paralegals, and support staff pride themselves on being transparent, accessible, and able to explain the process in terms our clients understand.

During your consultation here at Tuttle Larsen, P.A., consider asking questions such as:

• How much experience do you have with cases like mine?
• Who will handle my case day to day?
• How often will I receive updates?
• How are fees and expenses handled?
• What challenges do you see in my case?
• What should I expect over the next several months?
• How can I help strengthen my case?

The answers can help you determine whether our attorney is the right fit for you.

Hiring a local personal injury attorney like Tuttle Larsen, P.A. can provide practical advantages. A lawyer who regularly practices in your area is familiar with local court procedures. We know the medical providers, accident locations, and conditions that commonly affect personal injury cases. We have established relationships with experts and professionals who may assist in building your case.

We live, work, and drive where you do. We shop in the same stores and attend the same events you do.

We are accessible if you prefer meeting in person here at our office.

Our relationships in the community run deep. We have built a reputation for working hard and representing the injured one satisfied client at a time. You will not find our faces on a bench or billboard. The majority of our business comes from word-of-mouth referrals.

Our attorneys are dedicated to practicing personal injury and our roots proudly planted here in Vero Beach, Florida where we have served the injured for more than 30 years.