Car accidents are a serious issue, not just in Florida but across the entire country. According to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Department, about 200,000 auto accidents are recorded in the state every year, with an average of 600 crashes per day.
These accidents are fatal and are known to be a leading cause of death in the state. Despite being completely avoidable, people continue to be negligent while on the road.
Distracted driving, failure to follow traffic rules, texting while driving, and driving under the influence are some of the most common factors that contribute to car crashes and Melbourne car accident lawyers are here to help.
Fortunately, Florida does not condone such behavior and if you or a loved one has been a victim of negligent behavior on the road, you are eligible for compensation.
However, most victims are usually traumatized or in a position where they are unable to bring those responsible to justice.
This is where Florida Lawyers 360 comes into the picture. Melbourne car accident lawyers are here to help you. Our team of car accident lawyers will help you understand your rights and legal options when it comes to an auto accident case.
Get in touch with our Melbourne personal injury lawyers today at 954-448-7355 for a free initial consultation!
How Much Does a Melbourne Car Accident Lawyer Cost?
Most if not all personal injury attorneys throughout the state operate on a contingency arrangement. This means that you only pay the lawyer’s fees if you win the case, either by a favorable verdict in court or by getting a settlement.
On the contrary, if the attorney does not procure the settlement you need, you don’t pay anything.
For a successful case, your lawyer will take an agreed-upon percentage of the total damages you’ve received. This encourages the lawyer to devote their skills and efforts towards seeking maximum compensation for your injuries and damages.
Florida Lawyers 360 operates in a similar manner. You do not pay a Melbourne car accident lawyer anything unless we procure money for your losses. That is our No Fee Guarantee.
What Should You Do After an Auto Accident?
You Had a Car Accident -Now What?
Call the Police
Calling the relevant authorities is the first thing you’ll want to do, regardless of the severity of the accident. This is not only required by the law but having an official police report makes it easier to make a solid case.
Check on the Other Party
If possible, you should look around to ensure everyone in the scene is okay. Don’t leave the scene until the police have cleared you.
Exchange Information
Next, you’ll want to take down the names, contact information, insurance details, and any other relevant information. Also, give the other driver your information.
Record the Scene
If you are able to move around, try and document everything on the scene. This includes taking photographs and videos of your injuries, damages, road conditions, skid marks, etc. This information will be vital in proving your claim.
Never Admit Fault
The last thing you want is to apologize or admit fault as it will only compromise your ability to seek compensation.
Seek Medical Attention
This is one of the most important things to do after an accident. Even if you feel fine, some injuries take time to manifest, and if you don’t get checked by a medical specialist, it will be hard to make a claim for your injuries.
Also, insurance companies require an official report from a doctor when it comes to making a claim.
Call an Auto Accident Lawyer
It’s also important to get in touch with an experienced car accident lawyer as soon as possible. The earlier you get them involved with your case, the higher the chances of a good outcome. Melbourne car accident lawyers are waiting to hear from you.
What is the Average Settlement for a Car Accident In Melbourne?
After a severe accident, people usually question the amount of compensation they can get through a legal settlement. However, the answer is that there’s no average settlement amount.
That’s because the amount of money awarded varies greatly depending on an array of factors like the severity of the injury, the nature of the incident, and the insurance policies involved.
The exact amount for your claim calls for gathering information that is best interpreted by a competent Melbourne car accident lawyer.
Why Do I Need an Attorney?
You cannot trust an insurance company to tell you important information as they are never on your side when it comes to claims. While they will offer compensation, their interest is awarding the smallest amount possible.
That is why it is important to never accept a settlement before consulting a competent Melbourne car accident lawyer.
Our team will do everything in our hands to help you get the maximum settlement possible by doing the following:
Prepare the Case and File a Claim
Your Melbourne car accident lawyer will thoroughly go through every element of your case in order to determine the party at fault, the amount of settlement you deserve, and also build a solid case for you.
Next, they will help ensure that you file your claim in accordance with the law and within the set deadline.
Keep in mind that missing the deadline and mistakes in the claim filing process can easily prevent you from seeking compensation.
Settlement Negotiation
This is an important step that calls for great negotiation skills if you want fair compensation. Melbourne auto accident lawyers have experience and know what to do in order to negotiate a fair settlement.
Represent You in Court
If you cannot come to a fair agreement with the liable party, your lawyer will be prepared to take the case to court. This makes it important to hire a lawyer with experience in tackling personal injury cases in court.
What Type of Damages Can I Recover in Florida?
Damages imply the estimated amount of money you are eligible for the injuries sustained due to another party’s negligence. In Florida, you can recover the following types of damages:
Economic
These reimburse you for the money you have lost, or will lose in the future due to the accident. These include medical bills, car repair, lost earnings, transportation costs, etc.
Non-economic
These typically refer to the emotional and physical distress experienced from the accident and thus affecting your quality of life. These consist to some degree, disfigurement, disability, mental anguish, physical pain, inconvenience, and loss of consortium.
Punitive
These are damages awarded in cases where the defendant’s conduct is deemed malicious or deplorable. They are awarded to punish the wrongdoer and discourage others from engaging in similar behavior.
How is Fault Determined in Florida?
For you to recover any damages, you will need to prove that the other party was at fault for the incident. As such, your lawyer will need to prove the following negligence aspects:
- The other party owed you a duty of care to act in a responsible manner.
- The other party breached their duty of care by failure to act in a responsible way
- The accident that led to injuries was due to the other party’s negligence
- The accident resulted in injuries and damages
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim in Florida?
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims including car accidents is 4 years from the date of the incident.
How Can an Attorney Help Me File My Insurance Claim?
There’s a procedure you need to follow when filing a car accident claim. Florida is a no-fault state, meaning that you need to deal with your insurance company first for settlement.
You need to notify both your insurance company and that of the other party of your intention to file a claim. You should let your Melbourne car accident lawyer handle this, as any errors can jeopardize your case.
Your Melbourne car accident lawyer will also draft a letter containing all the evidence and information regarding the sustained injuries and damages. Next, they will initiate negotiations and prepare your case for trial if a favorable settlement agreement is not reached.
What if the Other Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?
Dealing with an uninsured driver is the most difficult aspect of seeking compensation after an accident. If you have uninsured motorist coverage, however, the issue becomes less complicated as your insurance company is obligated to compensate you.
Again, your Melbourne car accident lawyer should give you solid advice when it comes to uninsured drivers and your legal options.
If the damages are beyond your uninsured motorist coverage, you also have the option to file a lawsuit against the driver at fault.
If they are struggling financially, some options include asking for monthly fees, garnishing their bank account and wages as well as seizing their personal property with a levy.
Hire a Qualified Melbourne Car Accident Lawyer Today!
Nobody anticipates a car accident and being involved in one is almost always stressful and traumatizing. If you or a loved one has been injured because of the negligent actions of another person on the road, you are eligible for compensation.
However, the process can be very complicated, something you can barely deal with when already in pain.
To make it easier for you and your loved ones, consider getting the assistance of qualified legal representatives from Florida Lawyers 360. Our team is dedicated to fighting for people’s rights and ensuring they get the compensation they deserve.
Get in touch today at 954-448-7355!
