If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Sarasota, navigating the aftermath can feel overwhelming. That’s where a skilled Sarasota car accident lawyer comes in.
At Titan Law, our attorneys can guide you through the legal process, fight for your rights, and assist you in seeking the financial compensation you need and deserve.
Florida’s Car Accident Laws
Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Department (FHSMV) reports an average of 380,000 vehicle accidents each year, with an average of 3,500 fatalities and 240,000 injuries ranging from minor to Incapacitating. Being in a car accident can turn your life upside down, leaving you with serious physical injuries, emotional trauma, and overwhelming financial costs.
Florida’s laws play a key role in determining how car accident claims are handled. Florida is a no-fault state, meaning that after an accident, your own insurance policy’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is meant to cover your healthcare expenses and lost wages, no matter who caused the crash.
However, depending on the severity of your injuries and related expenses, you may also be able to file a claim against the driver who was at-fault as well.
You’ll also need to understand Florida’s modified comparative negligence rule, which dictates that if you share some responsibility for the accident (typically 50% or less), the amount of your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. In other words, if you’re found 20% at fault, your awarded damages will also be reduced by 20%.
Your car accident attorney will evaluate the details of your case, explain how Florida’s laws apply to you, and represent you to ensure that your rights are protected.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Sarasota
Car accidents happen for many reasons, often stemming from driver negligence. Sarasota’s busy roads and growing population increase the likelihood of collisions. Some common causes of car accidents include:
- Distracted Driving: Activities like texting, eating, or adjusting the radio take attention away from the road and lead to accidents.
- Speeding: Driving over the speed limit reduces a driver’s reaction time and can greatly increase the severity of a crash.
- Driving Under the Influence: The use of alcohol and drugs impairs a driver’s judgment, coordination, and reaction times, significantly raising the risk of accidents.
- Reckless Driving: Behaviors like tailgating, weaving through traffic, and running red lights create dangerous conditions.
- Weather Conditions: Sarasota’s frequent rainstorms can make roads slippery and reduce visibility, contributing to accidents.
Identifying exactly what caused your accident is critical in determining liability. A qualified personal injury lawyer will uncover the facts and show why the responsible party should be held accountable.
Speak With a Sarasota Car Accident Lawyer
Steps You Need to Take After a Car Accident
The moments following a car accident can be chaotic, but your actions can significantly impact your ability to pursue compensation. First, prioritize safety by checking yourself and others for injuries and calling 911 to report the accident.
Law enforcement will create a report that can be valuable for your claim, so be sure to ask for a copy.
If you’re able, document the scene by taking pictures or video of the vehicles, the road conditions, relevant signage, and any visible injuries. Trade contact and insurance information with any other drivers involved but avoid admitting fault, even casually.
Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you feel fine. Injuries like whiplash or internal organ damage don’t always show symptoms immediately but can become serious over time.
Finally, consult a Sarasota car accident lawyer to help you navigate the insurance claims process, gather evidence, and protect your best interests.
Why You Need a Sarasota Car Accident Lawyer
While Florida’s car accident laws may seem straightforward, when you have to deal with insurance companies, things can get complicated fast. Insurers will often try to minimize payouts, leaving you without the full compensation you need.
Having an experienced lawyer on your side can make a significant difference when dealing with the complexities of your case.
Building Your Case
An experienced lawyer will take a comprehensive approach to building your case using evidence like police reports, medical records, eyewitness statements, and video surveillance footage. If necessary, they may work with an accident reconstructionist to show how the crash occurred and who was at fault.
Next, your lawyer will calculate your damages. This involves assessing the full extent of your medical costs, lost or reduced income, and other economic losses, as well as non-economic damages you’ve experienced, like pain and suffering. Using this information, they’ll negotiate with the insurance company to reach a fair settlement.
If negotiations fail, they’ll prepare to take your case to trial and present a compelling argument before a judge and jury.
Seeking Compensation
The compensation you may recover after a car accident depends on the specifics of your case.
Common damages include:
- Medical Expenses: These include past and future medical costs related to your accident, including things like hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation therapy, and prescribed medications.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries have kept you from working or forced you to work fewer hours, you can seek compensation for this lost income.
- Property Damage: You may be reimbursed for the repair or replacement of your vehicle and other personal property damaged in the crash.
- Pain and Suffering: These are non-economic damages that take into consideration the physical pain and emotional trauma you’ve experienced due to the accident.
A skilled car accident lawyer can thoroughly evaluate all of your losses to make sure that you’re seeking the full compensation you deserve.
The attorney you select will be crucial to the success of your case. Look for a lawyer with extensive experience in vehicle accident claims, as well as a proven track record of achieving favorable outcomes.
Read client reviews to gauge their communication skills and commitment to their clients.
You’ll also want to make sure that your lawyer has access to the necessary resources and contacts to handle complex cases. Car accident claims often require expert witnesses and detailed investigations, so having a well-equipped legal team is essential.
Why You Must Act Quickly After a Car Crash
To protect your claim, it’s essential to act quickly.
In Florida, the statute of limitations for filing a car accident lawsuit is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, there are exceptions. For example, if the accident involves a government entity, shorter deadlines may apply. If you miss filing your claim within the statute of limitations, you could lose your right to pursue compensation at all.
Contacting a lawyer as soon as possible also increases the chances that important evidence is preserved, that the witness’s memories are still fresh, and that all paperwork is filed within the required time frames.
Recovering from a car accident can be difficult, but you don’t have to face it alone.
At Titan Law, our experienced car accident attorneys provide the support, guidance, and advocacy you need to recover and move forward.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, don’t wait to seek legal help. Contact us today to schedule your free strategy session and start your journey toward justice and fair compensation.
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