A car accident is a terrifying experience that can result in permanent and life-altering injuries. Getting behind the wheel is an everyday necessity for nearly all Americans, as we rely on cars to transport us to work, school, and anywhere else we travel to in our day-to-day lives. While most motorists are reasonably safe while driving, some drivers are negligent and reckless in their driving habits. These drivers can (and do) unfortunately cause other drivers and passengers to become injured when accidents inevitably occur.
When a negligent driver causes an accident, that driver (and their insurance company) are legally responsible for paying for the injuries sustained by others involved in the accident. Our team of personal injury attorneys routinely assists victims of car accidents in recovering compensation for their injuries, and we’re ready to assist you today.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, there were almost 400,000 car accidents on Florida roads in the year 2022 alone. Of those accidents, almost 250,000 injuries were sustained of varying severity, and more than 3,400 deaths occurred. While the state government does not track the causes of all these accidents, many of them were certainly caused by negligent driving behavior.
When negligent driving behavior causes an accident, and in turn, injuries to another person, a personal injury lawsuit can (and should) arise immediately. Among the most common causes of car accidents that involve legally actionable behavior include the following:
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol
- Failure to yield to traffic
- Distracted driving, including texting or phone usage
- Disobeying traffic laws and signs
- Inattentive driving
- Fatigued driving and falling asleep at the wheel
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident that involved any of these facts, you may have a viable case for compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. Contact one of our attorneys as soon as possible to set up a free consultation to get more information.
Injuries Associated with Car Accidents
Car accidents can cause serious injuries that can have life-altering consequences for accident victims. These injuries include immediate harm, such as broken bones and physical trauma, in addition to injuries that may not manifest symptoms until a significant amount of time has passed, including PTSD and other mental health issues. All in all, the injuries associated with a car accident can be painful, life-changing, and extremely expensive. Among the most common types of injuries associated with car accidents include:
- Broken bones and internal organ damage
- Head injuries and brain trauma
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Disfigurement and amputation
- Comas and associated trauma
- Mental health issues, including post-traumatic stress
When a person suffers injuries because of another person’s negligence the law provides that the injured party can recover compensation. If you have been involved in a car accident that was caused by another driver, you may be eligible to seek compensation, and you should speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
Car Accident Lawsuits
Generally, a personal injury lawsuit is the mechanism by which an injured party recovers compensation for their injuries. To prevail in a personal injury lawsuit, a plaintiff has to prove that their injuries were caused by another person’s negligence, and as previously stated, negligent driving happens all too often on roads across the country.
Damages Available to Car Accident Victims
The law provides that an injured person should be fully and fairly compensated for their injuries caused by another person or entity. The specific damages available to a plaintiff will depend on the specific facts of that plaintiff’s case. But in general, the types of damages that are usually available to plaintiffs in car accident lawsuits include the following:
- Lost wages from missed time at work
- Medical expenses and hospital bills
- Pain and suffering
- Mental and emotional damages
- Property damage, such as damage sustained by your vehicle
- Loss of enjoyment of life or future earning potential
An experienced personal injury attorney can assist you in determining what types of damages you may be eligible to seek through your personal injury lawsuit. Our team of attorneys is committed to pursuing justice for our clients, and if we are able to take your case, we will seek the maximum amount of compensation that is available to you.
Insurance Companies in Car Accident Lawsuits
Car accident lawsuits are different from other personal injury lawsuits because they usually always involve insurance companies. In Florida, drivers are required by law to carry car insurance, and so when an accident is caused, a driver’s insurance company is responsible for covering the costs under their insurance policy. While that sounds like good news for accident victims, insurance companies are often difficult defendants because they will seek to pay out as little money as possible to preserve their own bottom line.
Our team of attorneys is experienced in dealing with insurance companies, and we’re not afraid to take on insurance companies and their lawyers. After you obtain counsel, your attorney can assist you in negotiating with the insurance company, but until you have found a lawyer, you should avoid speaking to any representatives of an insurance company that isn’t your own. Oftentimes, insurance companies will seek to use the words of an accident victim against them when seeking to negotiate a settlement or deny a claim.
The best way to avoid these types of issues is to reach out to an attorney as soon as possible after an accident occurs. After you have retained a lawyer, insurance companies are ethically obligated to only speak to you through your counsel.
Request a Free Consultation Today
At Bailey Glasser, our legal expertise extends beyond personal injury and car accidents, encompassing a variety of specialties to meet your diverse needs. We have a proven track record in representing clients in birth injury cases, offering comprehensive legal counsel for families facing this devastating situation. Additionally, we advocate for victims of dog bites, ensuring they receive fair compensation for their suffering. Our firm is also well-versed in medical malpractice law, standing beside victims of healthcare negligence to secure justice. Whatever your legal need may be, our team is ready to provide the support and representation you require.
The first step in seeking compensation for your injuries is to talk to an experienced and capable attorney. Our team is ready to assist you and your family today, and we offer free no-risk consultations to prospective clients. Get in touch with us today to set up a free consultation on your prospective car accident personal injury case.