What Happens After You Accept a Personal Injury Settlement in Florida?

Jim Curtis • January 6, 2026

You fought hard for your rights. You stood your ground. And after negotiations, medical treatment, and weeks—or even months—of waiting, the insurance company finally made a settlement offer you decided to accept.


But what happens next?
Does the money arrive overnight?
Are there important steps still standing between you and your final recovery?


As a Florida personal injury lawyer, these are some of the most common questions my clients ask. And the truth is this: accepting a settlement is not the final step—it’s the beginning of the final stage of your claim.


Whether you’re dealing with a car accident, slip and fall, or another type of personal injury case, this breakdown will help you understand the process and protect your financial recovery.


Step 1: The Settlement Agreement — Making It Official


Once you agree to accept a settlement, the first step is signing the settlement agreement (also called a “release”). This document is extremely important because it officially ends your claim. By signing it, you agree that:


·      The insurance company pays the agreed amount

·      You give up the right to file any further claims related to the accident

·      You cannot request more money later—even if new injuries appear or your condition worsens


There are no do-overs.

 

It’s important to note that many releases also contain a provision for confidentiality. This means that you cannot disclose information that would identify the releasor (paying party) or the amount of the settlement (ex. posting the terms of your settlement on social media, etc.). If you were to violate this provision, you could be subject to sanctions and/or be forced to pay back the settlement amount.


That’s why it’s crucial to have your lawyer review every sentence with you before signing.

A good attorney makes sure you understand:


·      Exactly what your responsibility is

·      Who is being released (the driver? the company? the vehicle owner?)

·      Whether health insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid has any special language requirements


Never sign a settlement agreement without fully understanding what you’re giving up.


Step 2: Insurance Company Processing —

When Does the Check Arrive?


After the release is signed, your lawyer will immediately notify the insurance company and provide it with a copy of the signed release. Then the insurer begins processing the payment, which may take a few days, a week, or sometimes several weeks.


Once the check arrives, it’s not deposited into your personal bank account. Instead, your lawyer will deposit it into the law firm’s trust account, where it must clear before any funds can be distributed. This protects you, ensures transparency, and allows all required deductions (medical bills, liens, and attorney fees) to be handled properly.

 

Step 3: Negotiating Medical Bills and Liens


For many clients, this step is the biggest surprise.


Even after your settlement is paid, your case is not finished until all medical bills and liens are resolved. These may include bills for:


·      Hospital bills

·      Emergency room physicians

·      Chiropractors

·      Physical therapists

·      Orthopedic specialists

·      Private health insurance

·      Medicare or Medicaid

·      VA benefits

·      Letters of protection


Anyone who paid for accident-related medical care may have a legal right to be reimbursed from your settlement.


But here’s the good news:


Your lawyer can often negotiate these balances—and this part alone can potentially save you thousands of dollars. Providers often accept reductions because:


·      A settlement is the only source of repayment

·      They would rather be paid something than nothing

·      They recognize that attorney negotiation is standard in personal injury cases


Reducing your medical bills increases your net settlement, which is the amount that goes into your pocket. It should be noted that any money saved in reductions are not subject to attorney’s fees. This money will go straight in your pocket to maximize what you take home. A skilled Florida personal injury lawyer doesn’t just settle your case—they will fight to maximize what you actually take home.

 

 

Step 4: Attorney Fees and Case Costs


Every personal injury case includes attorney fees and case expenses. These were explained in your contract at the beginning of the case, and now they are applied to the settlement.

Common case expenses include:


·      Medical records

·      Experts and Expert reports

·      Filing fees

·      Postage

·      Accident reports


Your law firm should give you a full, itemized breakdown in the form of a Closing Statement showing:


·      Total settlement amount

·      Attorney fee

·      Case costs

·      Medical bill payments

·      Lien payments

·      Your final net amount


If anything is unclear, your lawyer should explain it line by line until you feel comfortable. NEVER sign the Closing Statement until you fully understand everything that is being deducted from your settlement.

 

Step 5: You Receive Your Net Settlement


Once all payments are made, all reductions negotiated, and all accounting finalized, you receive the remaining balance, known as the net settlement. Clients often ask: “How much will I actually receive?” The answer depends on:


·      Your total medical bills

·      Your health insurance liens

·      Attorney fees and costs

·      Negotiated reductions


Your lawyer will provide a final settlement sheet (Closing Statement) so you know exactly where every dollar went. This is the moment when you can finally breathe, knowing:


·      Your medical bills are resolved

·      No debt collectors are coming

·      All liens are cleared

·      Your recovery is protected



Why Having a Lawyer Matters After You Accept

a Florida Personal Injury Settlement


Many people think the legal work ends when the settlement is reached. In reality, some of the most important work happens AFTER the settlement is accepted. Your lawyer ensures:


·      No improper medical bills slip through

·      Liens are reduced or eliminated where possible

·      The insurance company pays promptly

·      You receive the maximum net amount

·      You are protected from future claims or billing surprises


Without a lawyer, it is very easy to overpay medical providers or unknowingly violate lien laws, especially with Medicare, Medicaid, or ER hospital billing.

 

Final Thoughts — Protect Your Settlement and Your Future


Accepting a settlement should feel like a victory—because it is. But the smartest financial wins come from understanding every step that follows. If you’ve been injured in a Florida accident and want help maximizing your recovery, negotiating medical bills, and avoiding costly mistakes, call me.


Attorney Jim Curtis — Florida Personal Injury Lawyer


📞 Call Jim The Lawyer: (813)937-9907

  FREE Consultations

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Do I Have to Call the Police After a Car Accident in Florida?

By Jim Curtis • April 8, 2025
Do I Have to Call the Police After a Car Accident in Florida? There is nothing more inconvenient than being in a car accident. That’s why many people don’t even wait around to call the Police after one occurs. But is this legal? The answer depends on the circumstances of the crash, but understanding the legal requirements and practical implications can help you make an informed decision in an otherwise stressful situation. Florida’s Legal Requirements for Reporting Car Accidents Florida law requires you to file a police report if your crash meets any of the following criteria: · If there is any injury or fatalities · When there is property damage exceeding $500 · Hit-and-Run situations · If there is suspicion of impaired driving · The accident involved a commercial vehicle · A vehicle needs to be towed from the scene Failure to report your accident in such a case could potentially result in criminal penalties. However, although the law requires a report of the crash if any of these criteria are met, the law does allow drivers up to 10 days to file a crash report with local authorities if they did not call the police at the scene. This obviously would not apply in the case of injury or fatality, or if a driver is impaired. These should be reported immediately. Regardless of the situation, it is always best practice to call the Police after a car accident. Why You Should Call the Police Even When You’re Not Legally Required to Do So There are number of reasons why you should still call the Police after a car accident even if you don’t meet any of the criteria that would legally require you to do so. The reasons include: There is Less Chance for Conflicting Stories When information is gathered quickly at the scene of an accident by the Police, it can then be preserved and there is less chance that it can be misconstrued in the future. People also tend to be more forthcoming at the scene when talking to the Police. However, when given time to think about it, stories often change, especially if a person knows that a claim is being pursued against them. Calling the Police and getting a report can help prevent this happening. Document the Accident The Police Report is the best place to document your accident right after it happened. Unlike merely exchanging information with the other driver, having the Police obtain a statement from all parties involved as well from any eyewitnesses is crucial for any subsequent insurance claim. The Police will often also assign fault to a party, which can be useful in a subsequent claim as well. Document Your Physical Complaints The Police Report is your first opportunity to document any physical complaints that you may have, while still at the scene of the accident. This is very important, especially if you’re unable to seek medical treatment right away. In such a case, without a Police report documenting your complaints, the insurance company may question whether you were even hurt in the accident, especially if it took 4-5 days for you to get in to see a doctor. When You Might Choose Not to Call the Police Although it is always best to call the Police after a Florida car accident, there are times where it may not be imperative that you do so. One such situation would be in the case of a minor accident with no injuries. If the crash is minor and all vehicles are driveable, and nobody is complaining of any injury, waiting around for the Police to show up and take down your information may not be necessary – as long as you still take steps to properly document your accident. Those steps should include: · Exchanging Information: Take a photo of the other driver’s license and make sure to get insurance information. · Take Photographs: If you are not going to call the Police after your accident, it is even more important that you document the crash by photographs. Be sure to take photos of the scene of the accident, and of the damage to all of the vehicles involved in the crash. · Witness Statements: If there are witnesses to your accident, ask for their names and phone numbers so you can get a statement from them later, if necessary. From here, contact a lawyer if you have any questions about filing an insurance claim, or if you begin to feel pain and believe that you may have been injured. Challenges in Pursuing an Insurance Claim Without a Police An insurance company will question everything after an accident. This is especially true if there is no Police Report. Without a Police Report, there is a good chance that liability may be disputed, as there is likely to be conflicting stories from each driver. The Police will investigate the crash and determine who they believe caused the accident. This can help if there are conflicting versions of what happened. Another challenge is in proving that your injury is related to the accident, and not to something else. Without a Police report documenting your complaints, the insurance company may dispute your injuries and their relation to the crash. This is especially true if you don’t seek treatment right away. Call Florida Car Accident Attorney, Jim The Lawyer, for Legal Help Hiring an experienced car accident lawyer can make all the difference in the outcome of your Florida car accident case. If you’ve been injured in a Florida car accident, Jim The Lawyer is here to help you fight to get the maximum compensation you deserve for your injury.  Contact Jim The Lawyer, Accident and Injury Attorney, at (813)937-9907 for a FREE Consultation and Case Evaluation.

The Most Dangerous Roads and Intersections in Riverview, FL

By Jim Curtis • April 1, 2025
Riverview, Florida is one of the fastest growing areas in Hillsborough County. With this rapid population growth comes increased traffic congestion. This has made some areas of Riverview notorious for accidents. Below are some of the most dangerous roads and intersections in this region. Top Dangerous Roads and Intersections 1. U.S. 301 and Gibsonton Drive This is one of the most highly congested intersections in Southern Hillsborough County. Over a 15-month period, there were 95 reported crashes at this intersection. This is due not only to congestion, but also due to aggressive driving and frequent left-turn accidents. 2. U.S. 301 at Big Bend Road This is another very highly congested intersection during most times of day. The combination of speeding vehicles, failure to yield and poor visibility contributes to the danger of this intersection, which saw 86 accidents over a 15-month period. 3. Big Bend Road and Summerfield Boulevard Although this intersection is nestled in a residential community, it has accounted for 97 crashes within a 16-month period, with 14 serious injuries or fatalities. This intersection is dangerous due to its location which is known for speeding vehicles, and there is also very poor visibility for those making left-hand turns. 4. Big Bend Road and Summerfield Crossing Boulevard Located right down the street from Summerfield Boulevard is this equally dangerous intersection. Aggressive lane changes and insufficient signage are common issues contributing to the dangers present at this intersection. Over a 16-month period, there have been 92 crashes reported at this location. Common Causes of Car Accidents in Riverview, FL While many factors can cause a car accident, some of the most common causes of car accidents in Riverview, Florida include: · Failure to Yield : mostly occurring during the course of left-hand turns and due to drivers misjudging gaps in traffic; · Speeding: given the number of lanes of travel on roads such as U.S. 301, speeding has become a common occurrence in the Riverview, Florida area; · Poor Visibility: many intersections lack sufficient signage and become partially blocked to visibility due to overgrown landscaping; · Distracted Driving: texting and talking on mobile devices is problem on all roadways and is a significant contributor to accidents. Top 4 Things You Need to do After a Riverview, FL Car Accident Thankfully, car accidents are not a common occurrence for most people. However, when one occurs, it’s important to know what to do to best preserve your accident claim. Here are the top four things you should do after a Riverview, Florida car accident: 1. Prioritize Safety The first thing you should after an accident is to make sure that everyone in your vehicle is safe. If your vehicle is in a place of danger, move it to safety to avoid a secondary collision if possible. Then be sure turn on your hazard lights to ensure that your vehicle is visible to oncoming motorists. 2. Call 911 Calling the Police after a Riverview, Florida car accident is important for several reasons. First, the Police will document the crash and all parties involved, and conduct their investigation as to who is at fault for the crash. Second, the crash report that the Police will prepare documenting your crash will be your first opportunity to document any physical complaints you may have while you are still at the scene of the crash. This will be important for the insurance company to see and will help prevent any argument the insurance company may make that your injuries were not caused by the crash. 3. Take Photos Although the Police will be documenting the crash if you called them, it is still important for you, if possible, to take photographs of the damage. When taking photographs of the damage, don’t just take photos of your vehicle. Make sure to also take photos of all other vehicles involved in the crash. This is important because often times the other vehicle will have more damage to it than yours. In addition to taking photos of the damage to all vehicles, be sure to also take photos of the scene of the crash and the surrounding area. This will document everything as it existed at the time, and may also show nearby surveillance cameras that may have captured the crash as it occurred. 4. Seek Medical Attention as Soon as Possible The quicker you can seek medical attention after a crash, the better it will be for both yourself and any potential claim that you may have. By seeking immediate medical attention, you will not only be getting the treatment you need, but you will also be avoiding any argument related to a gap in treatment between the time of crash and your first date of treatment. Of course, in addition to doing these four things, you will also want to call a lawyer as soon as possible. A lawyer will conduct their own investigation of the crash and seek to preserve all relevant evidence for your claim before it is disposed of or destroyed. Call Jim The Lawyer After Your Riverview, FL Car Accident Hiring an experienced car accident lawyer can make all the difference in the outcome of your Riverview, Florida car accident case. If you’ve been injured in a Riverview, Florida car accident, Jim The Lawyer is here to help you fight to get the maximum compensation you deserve for your injury. Contact Jim The Lawyer, Accident and Injury Attorney, at (813)937-9907 for a FREE Consultation and Case Evaluation.