Being involved in any motor vehicle accident can be a frightening experience. This is especially true when the accident leaves you with severe injuries and facing extensive medical treatment. In addition, you may need time off work to heal, which can negatively impact your finances.
A Sebring car accident lawyer from Dismuke Law truly cares about you and your recovery and are ready to do everything in our power to secure the best possible outcome for you. We have extensive experience representing victims of automobile accidents and have a proven record of success. We operate on a contingency fee basis and provide free consultations.
When Can You File a Personal Injury Claim After a Sebring Car Accident?
If you were involved in a Sebring automobile accident you could pursue compensation by filing a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver.
According to Florida Statutes section 95.11(3)(a), you have two years to file an automobile accident claim against the negligent parties. You must file your auto accident claim soon after you receive medical care. Depending on the severity of the crash, you may have more or less time to file.
One of our personal injury attorneys can tell you exactly how long you have to file. Plus, we can help you handle any paperwork that you need to fill out.
How Does No-Fault Car Insurance work?
The first thing you should know is that Florida is what is known as a “no-fault” car insurance state. If you were involved in a car accident in Florida, you will likely need to file a claim through your personal injury protection (PIP) insurance coverage, regardless of who caused the collision.
You may file a claim against the at-fault motorist if your damages exceed your coverage amount.
The next thing to know about filing a Florida car accident claim is that they are subject to the state’s pure comparative negligence rule.
Under this rule, you may still bring a claim against the other driver’s insurance company (after your own PIP coverage has been exhausted) even if you were partially at fault for the accident.
However, your financial recovery will be reduced by the percentage of fault you have. For example, if a jury finds you 60% at fault for the accident, you will only be able to recover up to 40% of the total award.
If you exhaust your PIP coverage and want to file a claim, you must show the at-fault driver or another party was negligent.
What Are Common Causes of Car Accidents in Sebring?
Showing that another motorist was reckless and that this behavior led to your accident injuries is a critical element to your car accident claim. Filing a claim or accident lawsuit is how you establish that another driver is liable for your damages, including your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
The following are a few of the most frequent examples of negligence-related causes of automobile accidents:
- Distracted driving (including distracted drivers that text while driving)
- Driving while intoxicated or under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Fatigued driving or falling asleep at the wheel
- Violating traffic laws
- Inexperience leading to driving errors
- Careless driving, such as making unsafe turns
- Defective auto parts, including tires, brakes, seatbelts, and airbags
- Defective or dangerous road construction and design
A Sebring Car Accident Lawyer Can Help Determine the At-Fault Party
Auto accidents are not always the fault of another driver. For example, if defective car parts or a faulty road design leads to your accident, the parts manufacturer or construction company could be liable for your damages. A Sebring car accident lawyer can help you determine who is liable based on in-depth investigations into how the accident occurred. We have a wealth of experience in this area of law and will aggressively pursue maximum compensation for your economic and non-economic damages.
What Damages Can I Recover for My Car Accident Injuries?
After a severe accident, the costs to take care of your injuries can add up quickly. We understand that piles of bills can delay your recovery. One of our personal injury lawyers can help you recover damages, including:
- Loss of income
- Medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of quality of life
- Punitive damages
- Property damage including vehicle repairs
- Wrongful death
Our team will hold the at-fault parties responsible for their actions. We’ve been helping injured people get fair compensation for years. When you need effective legal representation, our team can be there for you and tell you how much your case is worth.
How Can I Tell if My Car Accident Qualifies for Punitive Damages?
Punitive damages are a special type of damage you can recover after an accident. A car accident attorney must prove that the negligent driver purposely harmed you in order for you to receive this damage.
After a lawyer provides the evidence that the negligent party deliberately harmed you, a judge or jury reviews your case and determines if you qualify for the damage. If you do, the judge will award damages for your injuries.
Can a Sebring Car Accident Attorney Help Me Deal with the Insurance Company?
When you have to meet an insurance company representative, (for example, an insurance claims adjuster) it can be intimidating. This is why you should have an experienced attorney in Sebring by your side. Insurance companies seek to retain as much money as possible for their bottom line.
If you approach the insurance company without an experienced lawyer, you could get taken advantage of and lose out on a fair settlement. Our team can defend you and your settlement by fending off tactics auto insurance companies use to reduce your accident injury payout.
Contact Us Today for a Free Initial Consultation
If you or someone you love was involved in a serious car accident in Sebring, FL, our firm stands ready to help. Dismuke Law assists those injured in automobile collisions and the surviving family members of fatal car accident victims.
If you were injured in a car accident, Ask Dave any questions through the contact form on the website, or call 1-800-Ask-Dave for a free legal consultation today.