car crash accident on the road

Florida Car Accidents

Experienced Spring Hill, Florida, Car Accident Lawyer

Car accidents happen every day in Spring Hill and other parts of Florida. While some are minor fender benders, many others involve serious injuries. If you suffered severe injuries due to another driver’s negligence, you could have the legal right to pursue a claim for your damages. However, car accident claims in Florida can be complicated to resolve. It is best to hire an experienced Spring Hill car accident lawyer who can help. Wendy Doyle-Palumbo is an experienced attorney who understands what a stressful and confusing time this is for you and your family.  Due to the new change in Florida’s Tort Law, time is limited to pursue your claim. The Statute of Limitations has changed from four years to two years.

Call Wendy Doyle-Palumbo today at (727) 788-6007 to book your free consultation.

Why Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Spring Hill, Florida?

Many individuals may hesitate to contact a lawyer following an accident, questioning the necessity of doing so. While there is no legal obligation to do so, enlisting the help of a lawyer can significantly enhance your chances of recovering the maximum compensation owed to you. It also offers you a sense of confidence and reassurance throughout the process. Below are crucial ways in which our Florida car accident lawyer aids you in the aftermath of a car crash:

  • Conducting a Thorough Investigation: Determining fault in an accident is not always straightforward. The right evidence must be gathered to substantiate it even when it is. Fault, or negligence, plays a substantial role in the settlement offer you may receive. Without establishing the other party’s negligence, you may be unable to recover any compensation. Our investigation commences as soon as we learn about your accident, including collecting all pertinent evidence, including physical evidence, photographs of the accident scene, police reports, video footage, witness statements, and more.
  • Handling the Claim Filing Process: Navigating the process of filing a claim can be confusing. You may be unsure about how to file your claim after an accident or against whom to file. This is particularly true if the accident was caused by a party other than another driver, such as a defective auto part manufacturer. Our Florida car accident lawyers assist you in filing your claim against the appropriate party promptly and efficiently.
  • Establishing Damages: In the event of an injury in a crash resulting in losses, it may be assumed that the responsible insurance adjuster will acknowledge this and provide compensation. Unfortunately, you will need to substantiate the full extent of your losses to secure any compensation. Our Florida car accident attorneys can help you compile medical bills, collaborate with experts, and present evidence of damages.
  • Advocating for a Fair Settlement Offer: Insurance adjusters often attempt to offer claimants less than what they truly deserve. They anticipate that claimants might accept a lower settlement in frustration or desperation. When your initial settlement offer falls short of covering your complete damages, we will vigorously negotiate for a more equitable and suitable settlement amount.
  • Pursuing Litigation if Necessary: Our Florida car accident lawyers are prepared to take your case to court in cases where a settlement cannot be reached.

Contact us today at (727) 788-6007. Our attorneys will answer any questions you may have regarding Spring Hill, Florida Car Accidents.

Compensation for a Car Accident

Wendy Doyle-Palumbo will thoroughly investigate the details of your car accident and assess the extent of the damage. With a proven track record of success, our law firm is well-equipped to assist you in seeking compensation for several types of damages, including:

  • Medical Expenses – Covering the costs of hospital stays, doctor visits, surgeries, physical therapy, rehabilitation, prescription medications, and related expenses.
  • Lost Wages – Accounting for income lost due to an injury preventing you from working, diminished earning capacity, and alterations to your regular income.
  • Property Damage – Addressing expenses related to damage to your property, including your vehicle, clothing, mobile phone, and other belongings.
  • Pain and Suffering – Acknowledging a reduced quality of life due to physical pain, mental distress, emotional trauma, depression, PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), and other forms of suffering, potentially entitling you to compensation.
  • Wrongful Death – In the unfortunate event of losing a loved one, you may be eligible to seek compensation for funeral expenses, medical bills, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and more. Florida Statute 768.21 outlines the legal framework for wrongful death cases.

Statute of Limitations on Car Accidents

The statute of limitations sets the specific period within which you must initiate a personal injury claim, and these timeframes differ from state to state.

In Florida, you are granted up to four years to file a personal injury claim after a car accident. However, if the unfortunate event of a loved one’s passing in a car accident occurs, you have a limited window of two years to file a wrongful death claim.

It’s crucial to note that failing to adhere to the timeframes outlined in Florida Statute 95.11 for a personal injury or wrongful death claim can result in a forfeiture of your right to seek compensation later.

Florida Is a No-Fault State

Florida is a no-fault insurance state. Following a car accident, your first step is filing a claim with your insurance company under your personal injury protection (PIP) benefits. This coverage could reimburse a percentage of your medical expenses and the time you lost from work.

For severe accidents, PIP benefits may not cover all your damages. They also do not compensate you for pain and suffering and other non-economic damages.

Fortunately, Florida law allows you to file a personal injury claim against the at-fault diver if your case meets the threshold for a “serious injury.” Exceptions for a significant injury include:

  • Significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement
  • Significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function
  • Permanent injury within a reasonable degree of medical probability, other than disfigurement or scarring
  • Death.

Examples of injuries that meet the significant injury threshold include a spinal cord injury with paralysis, a traumatic brain injury, or broken bones that lead to permanent impairment. If you are concerned about qualifying your case, speak with a knowledgeable Spring Hill car accident lawyer.

Recovering Full Compensation After a Car Accident

Seeking compensation after a car accident in Florida can be a complex endeavor. The legal requirements vary depending on the specifics of your case. For instance, Wendy Doyle-Palumbo will thoroughly examine all available avenues for compensation, including:

  1. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Insurance – Florida mandates that every driver carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance, which covers medical expenses, lost wages, and related costs up to a specified limit, regardless of fault. The laws governing personal injury protection (PIP) insurance are outlined in Florida Statute 627.736.
  2. Negligent Driver’s Insurance – If another party is responsible for your car accident, you may be able to hold their insurance company accountable for medical expenses that surpass the limits of your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, along with other losses.
  3. Auto Accident Lawsuit – In cases of severe injuries, you can pursue compensation through the civil court system by filing a car accident claim against the party at fault.

Wendy Doyle-Palumbo will thoroughly investigate your car accident, gathering all essential evidence to negotiate for the highest possible compensation. This may involve pursuing claims through your personal injury protection (PIP) insurance, the responsible party’s insurance, or through legal proceedings if necessary.

Florida Car Accident FAQs

What should I do immediately after a car accident in Spring Hill, Florida?

After a car accident, ensuring everyone involved is safe is crucial. Call 911 for emergency assistance if needed. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other parties involved, and document the scene with photographs if possible. Report the accident to local law enforcement.

Do I need to report the car accident to the police in Spring Hill, Florida?

Yes, in Spring Hill, Florida, it is generally required to report any car accident to the local police if it results in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $500.

How long does resolving a car accident case in Spring Hill, Florida, take?

The duration of a car accident case can vary significantly based on several factors, including the complexity of the case, negotiations, and the court’s schedule. It can range from several months to a few years.

Contact Our Car Accident Lawyer in Spring Hill

If you sustained severe injuries in a Spring Hill auto accident, Wendy Doyle-Palumbo can help protect your rights. We can help you hold the responsible party accountable. With over 30 years of experience representing Florida clients, we will work tirelessly to help you fight for maximum compensation.
Contact our office today at (727) 788-6007 to schedule a free, no-obligation initial consultation.

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