How a Car Accident Case Works
Orlando car accident attorneys are well-equipped to handle these cases. They are experts on how to win judgments and settlements for car accident victims.
But not everyone understands the ins-and-outs of Florida's car accident laws. Some do not know all the different factors that play into handling a car accident case.
Unfortunately, it often takes being in an automobile accident to learn.
If you are ever involved in a motor vehicle accident, you need to know your rights.
Contact an experienced Orlando car accident lawyer to gain proper legal advice.
Florida's Car Accident Law
Car accident law is a combination of traffic and personal injury law. If injured in an auto accident, you should hire an attorney to negotiate on your behalf.
Let your attorney focus on the legal aspects of your case while you focus on healing the injuries sustained during your car accident.
An auto accident attorney will handle all the communications between the other driver and their insurance company to determine who is responsible for the damages.
Your case will be put together by using statements, police reports, photos, and other evidence.
Your lawyer will also use local traffic laws and legal concepts to learn who caused the accident.
Fault and compensation will be determined by the percentage each driver is responsible for the accident. This will determine who pays for any medical costs and property damages.
Orlando's personal injury attorneys look out for your best interests. They do their best to have the compensation you receive cover the loss of wages.
But, this is not always a simple calculation. Sometimes, both drivers are at fault.
Determining liability in a personal injury case, like a car accident, can be tough.
You need to know what the car accident laws are in your state.
Why? Each state has different rules for situations where both parties are responsible.
Some states order one party to pay all the bills. Whereas other states will allow the parties to split the bills.
Whether an accident happens in Orlando, Tampa, or anywhere else in Central Florida, you need to choose knowledgeable and aggressive attorney.
Florida follows the "pure comparative fault" rule. The rule applies to accidents in central Florida and across the state. Even if the court shows that one driver is more responsible for the accident than the other.
In most car accident cases, the jury needs to calculate two things based on the evidence.
- The total dollar amount of the plaintiff's damages.
- The percentage of fault that belongs to each party.
For instance, if you are 90% at fault, you are still entitled to 10% of your total damages. The plus side is that you do not have to pay for 90% of the other driver's costs.
To gain an understanding of how this impacts your accident case, call a personal injury law firm.
You can gain valuable advice during a free case evaluation.
Fortunately, most people do not have to pay all the damages from a collision out-of-pocket. This is what an auto insurance policy is for -- covering you when auto accidents happen.
The Role of Auto Insurance
Automobile insurance can cover the cost of damages or lost wages from being in an accident.
Insurance coverage may pay for some medical expenses or the cost of an auto accident lawyer.
Clients of some insurance companies cannot choose their attorneys. They must use the one provided for them.
Some state laws also differ on the extent and types of insurance needed to drive a vehicle.
After a car accident, you need to file an insurance claim. You must file it under your own personal injury protection (PIP) coverage.
The claim produces compensation. It can cover bills related to receiving medical attention and other financial losses.
Regardless of who caused the crash.
If the other party is at fault, you may sue them. Your injury claim must meet specific requirements to file a lawsuit.
The requirements include
- Significant or permanent loss of vital bodily function Disfigurement
- Considerable scarring
- Some forms of permanent injury
- Death
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) for Auto Insurance
In Florida, all owners of motor vehicles registered in the state must buy PIP coverage.
PIP makes the individual responsible for their own injuries regardless of fault.
Bodily Injury Coverage in Florida
Bodily injury coverage is optional in Florida. If you are in a car accident and the at-fault driver is an uninsured motorist, this is a significant problem. The same goes for whether he or she has insufficient coverage.
You need "uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage" to protect you.
If you or a loved one sustain back injuries, broken bones, or fractures, you need to be safe by having UM as a backup.
UM covers accident expenses, including medical bills and lost wages not covered by the other driver.
Besides auto insurance, drivers should have UM to ensure each vehicle has coverage.
Seek the Assistance of an Attorney
Get a free consultation and connect with a personal injury lawyer. You will create and build a trusting lawyer-client relationship. One you can depend on when you need it.
A lawyer can help you through this challenging time and provide informative resources. They also have the determination needed to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Kaufman & Lynd lawyers have years of experience working with auto accident victims. We are fully prepared to to fight for every dollar you deserve.
Our law office is familiar with handling cases in different practice areas. We are experts and have been highly successful in getting our clients the compensation they deserve.
Whether it be a motorcycle, truck, or a car accident, we are here to help.
We know that insurance companies can give you a hard time when you contact them about your accident. Let us take care of all communications with insurance companies about your injuries.
Kaufman & Lynd lawyers will help:
- Locate all insurance coverage and identify all defendants
- Deal with the insurance company, so you do not have to
- Gather documentation such as police reports, medical records, and lost wage information
- Stay apprised of your medical care and document all your damages.
- Build your case to show why the defendant was at fault.
- Provide recommendations so you can make informed decisions about your case.
Our law firm offers legal advice, so you will make none of the common mistakes with your case as many do.
Determining Who Is at Fault
The laws on who is at fault vary depending on the vehicles involved.
Most states give more protection to pedestrians and bicyclists, for instance. It makes sense as they are more vulnerable to injuries from a collision.
The same goes for motorcyclists.
A motorcycle accident can cause serious injury, like a brain injury.
Truck drivers often get professional training and certification to drive a truck.
When a truck accident happens, determining who pays for damages is more complicated.
Since trucks are often commercially owned, the liability may rest on two people. The driver and the truck owner.
Auto accident lawyers can help you understand Florida's car accident laws. They will also file your case.
Our team of lawyers will work to give you clarity and to get you compensated.
We will ensure that your case receives enough time and attention from our lawyers.
It is our mission to make all legal cases go as smoothly as possible.