CAR ACCIDENTS

After a car accident, ensure safety by checking for injuries and calling 911 if necessary. Do not move your vehicle unless required for safety reasons, and contact the police to obtain a report. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver, take photographs of the scene, and identify any witnesses who can provide information about the incident. Avoid making any statements regarding fault at the scene.

Notify your insurance company promptly about the accident and seek medical evaluation to identify any injuries, including those that may be delayed. Maintain detailed records of all information related to the accident. These steps are important and should be followed in accordance with applicable local laws and the specific circumstances, with safety as the top priority.

We provide legal advice, evaluate your case, conduct investigations, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent clients in court for automobile accident cases. Our goal is to assist in developing a legal strategy and managing the legal process so you can focus on your recovery. Each case is different and must be evaluated on its own merits. Past results are not a guarantee of future outcomes.

In Florida, you may claim compensation even if you were partly at fault for an accident due to the state's comparative negligence rule. This rule means that your percentage of fault reduces the amount of compensation you might receive. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault in a $100,000 accident, you may receive 80% ($80,000) of the compensation. Consulting with CLS attorneys can provide guidance regarding your case and potential compensation.

If you have been involved in a car accident, you may be eligible to seek various types of compensation, which could include funds to repair or replace your vehicle, cover medical expenses, compensate for lost wages if you or your parents were unable to work, and potentially cover long-term care if injuries are significant.

Compensation may also be available for pain and suffering related to emotional distress, and in cases of fatality, funds may be sought to cover funeral expenses. At CLS, we provide guidance throughout this process to help you understand the types of compensation you may be eligible for, based on the facts of your accident and applicable laws in your area.

In Florida, recent legislative changes have affected the timeline for filing personal injury claims related to car accidents. As of March 24, 2023, the statute of limitations for such claims is two years, reduced from the previous four years.

This means a personal injury claim must generally be filed within two years from the date of the car accident. For accidents that occurred before this change, the original four-year period applies. There are exceptions to this rule, including situations involving minors or when the full extent of injuries was not immediately known.

It is important to be aware of these time limits and consider initiating legal action promptly after a car accident in Florida to protect your right to file a claim. Seeking medical attention, gathering evidence from the accident scene, and recording relevant information can be important steps in the process.

If the other driver involved in the accident does not have insurance or has insufficient insurance to cover the damages, you may consider filing a claim for uninsured or underinsured motorist benefits through your own insurance company, provided you have purchased such coverage. This coverage may allow compensation up to the limits of your policy for injuries and damages resulting from the accident.

Many car accident cases are resolved through negotiations between your lawyer and the other driver's insurance company without going to court. This method may be more time-efficient and cost-effective than pursuing a trial. Each case is different and must be evaluated on its own merits. It is important to discuss the details of your case with a lawyer to understand the possible outcomes.

To determine fault in a car accident, collect evidence such as police reports that include the officer's observations and any traffic citations issued. Relevant state traffic laws may also be referenced to identify any violations by the other driver. Additionally, photographic evidence from the accident scene, witness statements, and any statements made by the other driver can be important.

Our law firm can assist with pursuing compensation for long-term care costs related to accident injuries. We can negotiate settlements or pursue litigation to address medical expenses, rehabilitation, and other related costs. A lawyer will evaluate the impact of the injuries on your life, gather evidence to support your claim, and work to pursue compensation to address long-term care needs. Each case is different and must be evaluated on its own merits. Past results are not a guarantee of future outcomes.

If contacted by the other driver's insurance company, it is important to be cautious. You are not required to provide detailed information or admit fault. You may decline to discuss specifics and refer them to your lawyer or insurance company. Insurance adjusters may seek to limit liability or propose a quick settlement. Having legal representation can help protect your interests and assist with communications and negotiations related to your case.