If you have sustained a serious injury as a result of a car accident, pedestrian accident, or other event and have hired a Florida personal injury attorney to pursue your claim, you have taken an important first step towards reclaiming your life and your finances after your accident. However, it is only a first step. While waiting for your case to work its way through the court system, you still need to manage your finances. However, this can be challenging after an accident. If you have sustained a serious spinal cord injury or brain injury, you may not be able to return to work. In addition, you may have substantial medical bills. This can place an enormous financial burden on you at a time when you are vulnerable and trying to heal. Luckily, there are several things you can do as you wait for your claim to be resolved:

1) Seek an attorney who works on a contingency basis. Attorneys who work on a contingency basis use their own financial resources to pay for the case. You do not pay until and unless the settlement is resolved successfully. Then, attorneys remove a portion of your settlement claim to cover legal fees. Attorneys who work on a contingency basis do not ask for money up front, so that you can get good legal representation without worrying about legal bills. Look for an attorney with a good record who has the financial resources to litigate your claim fully without cutting corners. Keep in mind that some personal injury cases can take years to work their way through the court system.

2) Stay current with your most important bills. If you are struggling financially after a personal injury, you will need to budget very carefully. Where possible, eliminate unnecessary bills such as television cable or magazine subscriptions and prioritize remaining bills so that you pay your most important bills first. Home payments, utilities, and grocery costs are generally your most important bills. Some bills – such as medical bills – can be repaid after you win your settlement, in some cases.

3) Communicate honestly with your attorney. If you are under financial pressure after your accident or injury, speak to your attorney. Florida personal injury attorneys well understand the pressures plaintiffs feel. Attorneys have worked with many clients in similar situations and may be able to offer support as well as advice.

4) Seek help and resources that can help you. If you have an injury, seek groups and organizations that can help you. For example, if you have a spinal cord injury, consider joining a support group of spinal cord injury patients can help you find resources and free medical help that can assist you and save you money. As well, joining such a group can help you find support as you recover.

Many patients who feel financial pressure after an accident are tempted to accept the first offer presented to them from an insurance company. This strategy, however, can be challenging to your long-term financial health. The initial claim amount you are offered may not cover your injury treatment or long-term costs, meaning that you will have to pay these costs yourself. These amounts may be substantial and may push you into debt. Some injury victims are forced to declare bankruptcy because of overwhelming medical bills and other bills. This is why it is so important to speak to a personal injury attorney, especially if an injury can cause you severe financial distress. A good personal injury attorney can ensure that you have access to all the financial resources available to you under the law.