As more autonomous vehicles hit the road, the question of liability may be complex, as there is a classification system regarding how autonomous a vehicle is. Google’s self-driving cars, requiring

How AI-Generated Police Reports Can Impact Your Car Accident Claim

Axon, a company originally known for its Taser products, is leading a technological overhaul with the introduction of “Draft One,” an AI-generated police report system. This cutting-edge software transforms audio

The Role of Accident Reconstruction in Lakeland Car Accident Cases

When seeking justice after a car accident in Lakeland, you may need various types of evidence to prove negligence caused your injuries. Working with an accident reconstruction specialist enables you

The Ultimate Guide to Defective Vehicle Accident Claims

A defective vehicle can turn an ordinary drive into a life-altering disaster. Whether it’s faulty brakes, malfunctioning airbags, or a tire blowout, vehicle defects often lead to severe accidents and

WE REMOVE THE FEAR

of Going Through the Process of a Personal Injury Claim

The team at Dismuke Law understands how our clients are affected by accidents and brings that empathy to the courtroom and settlement table every day.

DISCUSS YOUR CASE TODAY

Recent Car Accidents Blogs:

Will There Will Be A Car Accident Investigation?

The at-fault party’s insurance company will immediately launch an auto accident investigation to reduce their payout.

This investigation includes taking statements from the parties and witnesses and collecting physical evidence, such as photographs and even the damaged vehicles.

While the insurance company attempts to avoid liability, most auto accident victims are left to deal with the personal and financial effects of the trauma. This reality is why it’s important to have a specialist on your side. We won’t let the insurance company take advantage of you.

Should I Seek Medical Attention After An Accident?

Most people avoid doctor appointments after a vehicle accident. However, after a severe auto crash, it is important to follow medical advice to give yourself the best and fastest chance to heal.

Seek medical care immediately after an injury and avoid missing appointments with your healthcare professionals.

Should I Tell My Doctor About Prior Injuries?

Your auto accident case value is determined by evidence from several places, especially your doctors. Most people who require treatment will get better; however, some catastrophic injuries require lifelong care.

After an accident, document what future needs may be necessary. It is also important to tell your doctors about past issues.

The doctors need to give opinions about new injuries and prior injuries that were possibly exacerbated. Failure to provide your doctors with accurate information may damage your credibility and undermine your doctor’s findings.

What Is A Permanent Injury In Florida?

After Lakeland, FL, car accident, you must demonstrate that your injury is permanent to receive compensation for pain and suffering, disability or physical impairment, deformity, mental anguish, inconvenience, or loss of capacity for enjoyment of life.

To be considered a permanent injury, it must include:

A significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function.

Permanent and significant scarring or disfigurement.

An injury that the evidence shows is permanent to a reasonable degree of probability.

What Is "Maximum Medical Improvement?"

Maximum medical improvement is when an injured patient’s condition cannot be further improved or when a healing plateau is reached.

It can mean the patient has fully recovered from their injury, or their condition has stabilized, and no substantial change can be expected. Maximum medical improvement does not mean the patient will not receive future care.

What Is "Palliative Care?"

Sometimes, future care is designed to help with functionality or pain levels and will not cure the condition. This kind of treatment following a car wreck is called “palliative care.” Palliative care is a multidisciplinary approach to specialized health care for people with severe conditions.

It focuses on providing patients with relief from the symptom or pain. Such therapy aims to improve the patient’s quality of life.

How Can A Lawyer Help Me After An Accident?

After getting the care you need, obtaining good advice and counsel is important for your future. Hiring the right personal injury attorneys can make a difference in your case. If you need legal assistance, contact one of our car accident specialists.

If you hire a lawyer on contingency, you will likely pay the same percentage fee whether your lawyer is a first-year lawyer with little or no experience or a board-certified specialist by the Florida Bar.

Handling Car Accidents as a Passenger

Car accidents are terrifying experiences for everyone involved, and vehicle passengers are no exception. Passengers can sustain serious injuries and losses in car crashes, just as drivers can.

It is extremely important that you know your rights as a passenger in a car accident. The process of filing a claim will be a bit different than if you were the driver of the vehicle, but you are no less entitled to compensation for your injuries than a driver would be.

How Do I File a Claim as a Passenger?

Passengers actually have more options than drivers when it comes to filing a claim after a car accident.

If you have car insurance of your own, you can file a claim with your insurer just like you would if you were the driver of the car. If you do not have car insurance of your own, you can also file a claim against the insurance company of the driver of your vehicle.

Additionally, you can file a claim against the driver of the other vehicle’s insurance company. The best option for you is dependent on the situation and details of the accident.

Which Types of Coverage Do I Have Access to as a Passenger?

Since Florida is a no-fault auto insurance state, vehicle owners are required to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. PIP pays up to 80% of medical bills and 60% of lost wages, up to $10,000.

If you have car insurance of your own, you can file a claim with your own insurance company even if you were a passenger in someone else’s vehicle at the time of the accident. Your PIP coverage still applies. This will typically be the best and most efficient way to recover for your losses.

If you do not have insurance of your own, you can file a claim through the driver’s insurance policy. PIP coverage not only covers the driver of the vehicle, but also extends to passengers in the event they do not have their own insurance policy. This coverage would work in the same way that a PIP policy of your own would.

You may also be able to make a claim with the other driver’s insurance policy. This is a good option if you do not have health insurance and your expenses exceed the maximum insurance payout of the driver that you were riding with. Depending on who was at fault, the other driver’s insurance may cover the portion of expenses that were not met by your driver’s policy.

Dealing With an Accident as a Passenger in a Rideshare Vehicle

Another scenario that has grown more likely in recent years is the possibility that you are injured in a car crash as a passenger in an Uber or Lyft vehicle. Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare services have grown increasingly popular, and you are entitled to compensation if you are in an accident while utilizing these services.

Rideshare service drivers must carry certain liability coverage of $1 million or more for bodily injury, death, and property damage, as well as PIP, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. The companies themselves provide coverage if there are issues or complications with the driver’s own insurance.

Trust a Qualified Attorney at Dismuke Law

Dismuke Law is home to a team of highly qualified personal injury attorneys who specialize in car accident cases.

Take The Next Step

We Care About Your Recovery

Seriously injured? Have no coverage? We want to talk to you and we can help. We have two convenient office locations in Lakeland and Tampa and can even come to you if you are unable to travel due to your injuries. When you’ve been hurt in Florida, 1-800-ASK-DAVE is the only number you have to remember.

WHAT IS MY AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT CASE WORTH?
CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT!

Contact Us Today

WHAT IS MY AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT CASE WORTH?
CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT!

Not Just Your Attorney

Acting Within Our Community

Charities We Support and Communities We Are Involved In