Driving your car may be one of the most dangerous things to do on any given day. The chances of getting involved in an accident due to another party’s negligence are high.
Actions such as drunk driving, distracted driving, and speeding can cause collisions. If you’ve been hurt in a crash, you should contact an experienced St. Petersburg car accident lawyer for sound legal counsel.
In order to maximize your settlement, there are several essential steps that you should take after a car wreck.
Seeking medical attention, contacting your insurer, and filing a report with the police can help you secure a favorable outcome in your case. Hiring a reputable car wreck attorney is also highly advisable.
At Florida Lawyers 360, we are ready to help you and your loved ones get through these difficult times. Our St. Petersburg personal injury lawyers will take the time to explain your legal options and the best course of action in your case.
We will also work with law enforcement and health care providers to build a strong car accident claim.
Call 954-448-7355 now to schedule a free case review. We are available 24/7!
How Much Does a Car Accident Lawyer Cost?
Different law firms have different fee arrangements for their legal services. Some lawyers charge hourly fees, retainers, and flat fees.
At Florida Lawyers 360, we operate on a contingency fee basis. We don’t get paid unless we win your car accident claim. You don’t pay any money upfront for our legal services. We only get paid once your case is over.
Our fees and expenses are only deducted from the final settlement.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident?
Figuring out what to do after a dreadful car accident can be unnerving. Most victims of car crashes are usually unaware of what they should do. Our experienced lawyers can help you during this difficult time.
The seconds, minutes, and hours after your collision are crucial if you want to receive compensation for your car accident.
Here are some tips that can help you if you are involved in a car crash:
Contact Police
Always contact the police after a car crash. Law enforcement officers will file a report which is required when filing your insurance claim.
Check on Other Involved Parties
Never leave the scene of an accident. Move your car to the side of the road if your vehicle is still drivable. Check to see if the other occupants of the vehicles have sustained any serious injuries. Call 911 in case of any injuries.
Exchange Info
Get the name, phone number, address, license plate number, insurance information, and car model of the other driver. Don’t forget to note down the details of any eyewitnesses.
Record the Scene
Take pictures and videos of the scene from different angles. These photographs may include vehicle damage, bruises, traffic signs, license plates, and crucial evidence like beer bottles in the other driver’s car.
Never Admit Fault
Admitting fault in a car crash may hurt your claim. Claims adjusters may use your own statements and remarks to limit or deny compensation.
Seek Medical Attention
Injuries may not be immediately apparent after a car crash. Visit your family physician for a checkup after an accident to rule out internal bleeding and concussions.
Call a Car Accident Lawyer!
It is a great idea to reach out to a lawyer after your crash. At Florida Lawyers 360, we are well-versed with Florida’s personal injury laws. We can protect your rights and help you secure the best compensation for your case.
What is the Average Settlement For a Car Accident?
Every car collision is different. Various factors have to be considered when arriving at a settlement for a car accident. The average settlement for car crashes in the US is about $18,417.
Florida is a no-fault state, implying a car accident victim first has to turn to their insurer for compensation. The settlement for the injuries is paid from your personal injury protection coverage of $10,000.
When Should I Get a Lawyer For My Auto Accident?
It would be best if you got an attorney immediately after an accident. Your lawyer will protect your rights and ensure claims adjusters don’t dupe you into signing agreements that limit your compensation.
You should contact a car accident lawyer immediately after your crash or a day or two later.
Why Do I Need a Lawyer?
Many accident victims often hesitate to reach out to personal injury lawyers after car accidents. They wonder whether a lawyer is necessary after a crash. You have no legal obligation to work with a lawyer after your crash. This decision rests solely on you.
Nonetheless, a car wreck attorney in St. Petersburg, Florida, can improve your chances of securing maximum compensation. A lawyer can also boost your sense of confidence and comfort when dealing with the insurance company’s claims adjusters and lawyers.
Here’s how Florida Lawyers 360 can help protect your rights under Florida law:
- Investigating your car crash
- Filing your claim against the at-fault party
- Proving damages
- Speaking with the police and health care providers on your behalf
- Handling all communications with the insurance company
- Negotiating for a fair settlement with the insurer
- Taking your St. Petersburg car accident claim to court
How Much Can I Expect to Receive for My Damages?
Factors such as liability, the severity of injuries, medical expenses, policy limits, and long-term psychological issues are considered when determining a claim’s value. You require the legal prowess of an experienced car accident lawyer to assess your claim’s actual value.
Compensation for a car accident claim is usually higher in cases of severe and permanent injuries.
What Type of Damages Can I Recover?
The task of securing a fair settlement for your damages can be overwhelming. Florida Lawyers 360 will determine the value of your car accident claim and negotiate with the claims adjusters to obtain maximum compensation.
Here are some damages that may be available in your case:
Economic Damages
These damages are quantifiable with a receipt or bill. They include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost earning capacity
- Miscellaneous expenses, like hospital travel costs and parking fees
- Property damage
Non-Economic Damages
These compensatory damages are harder to quantify, including:
- Mental anguish
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
Punitive Damages
You may be eligible to receive punitive damages for the defendant’s reckless or negligent actions in Florida.
How is Fault Determined in Florida?
Florida uses the pure comparative negligence system to determine fault. This system assigns fault a percentage. You may still recover compensation for your damages even though you are 99% responsible for a crash.
An experienced St. Petersburg car accident lawyer should prove fault using these four elements:
- Duty of care
- Breach of Duty
- Causation
- Damages
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim in St. Petersburg, FL?
In Florida, injured parties in car crashes have four years to file a claim. Remember, evidence such as dash-cam footage can disappear, and eyewitnesses may also forget the details of what happened.
For this reason, you should act fast before it becomes impossible to recover compensation. Our reputable St. Petersburg car accident lawyers can help you file the paperwork before the time is up.
How Can a Lawyer Help Me File My Insurance Claim?
Claims adjusters will try everything in their power to limit or deny payouts. It is their job to minimize the amount of settlements insurers pay accident victims.
At Florida Lawyers 360, our experienced lawyers have dealt with insurance adjusters for many years. We will ensure your claim is filed in accordance with the set out guidelines to maximize your claim.
Our legal team will advise you on how and when to report your claim to the insurer.
What if the Other Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?
As of 2015, Florida was the state with the highest number of uninsured drivers in the US. 26.7 % of the drivers in Florida were uninsured. So, what should you do if an uninsured driver hits you?
In Florida, drivers are required to carry a $10,000 personal injury protection policy. This policy protects drivers in the event of crashes.
If you exhaust your coverage, you may opt to pay for your own medical expenses, turn to your medical insurance policy, or file a lawsuit against the negligent party.
If you have no insurance or underinsurance policies, they may cover you if an uninsured driver hits you. These policies will cover your medical bills and other damages in a car crash.
You’ll have to file a claim against your own insurer to receive compensation if you have these policies.
Contact an Experienced St. Petersburg Car Accident Lawyer Today!
If you or your loved one suffered severe or fatal injuries in a St. Petersburg car crash, Florida Lawyers 360 will help you secure the compensation you are entitled to.
We invite you to discuss your case and legal options with an experienced St. Petersburg personal injury attorney. We have your interests at heart.
Florida’s personal injury laws and automobile laws are complicated. It isn’t wise to deal with insurance companies on your own. Florida Lawyers 360 can conduct independent investigations, handle settlement negotiations, and represent you in court.
What’s more, we operate on a contingency basis. You won’t have to pay any upfront fees for our legal services.
For a free case review, call our Florida car accident lawyers at 954-448-7355. Let our attorneys give you sound legal advice regarding your car accident case. Get started now to maximize your chances of securing the best compensation.
