In the event of a car accident, it’s crucial to seek legal assistance as soon as possible. It’s important to hire a reputable car accident law firm to guide you through the complex legal process and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Located in Florida, Ehrlich & Naparstek boasts a team of experienced car accident attorneys who provide tailored and effective legal representation. To achieve the maximum settlement or award, we recognize that car accidents can be physically, emotionally, and financially devastating.
Car accident cases require quick action. A lawyer should be retained as soon as possible after a claim has been filed because evidence can disappear quickly and witnesses’ memories can fade.
We offer free consultations with Ehrlich & Naparstek personal injury lawyers at (772) 842-8822 for those injured in car accidents. We will evaluate your case and explain your legal rights and options to you.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Car Accident Attorney in Florida?
You may worry about the cost of hiring an attorney if you’ve been in a car accident in Florida. Nevertheless, many Florida car accident attorneys work on a contingency basis, which means they only get paid if they win.
A payment structure like this can be especially beneficial for those who cannot afford to pay an attorney upfront. Furthermore, most car accident attorneys offer free consultations for evaluating your case and providing legal advice.
Often, car accident attorneys will cover the cost of obtaining police reports and medical records, which are crucial to building a strong case and proving the extent of the damages.
This commitment demonstrates the attorney’s belief that they will be able to achieve a favorable outcome for the client by advancing the costs. If you need an experienced and qualified car accident attorney, please call (772) 842-8822. Let us help you get the compensation you deserve without worrying about upfront costs.
Can I Sign Up for Your Services Remotely?
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, it can be challenging to travel to a law office to seek legal representation. At our Florida law firm, we understand that your health and recovery are top priorities, which is why we offer remote sign-up options for our clients. You can choose to meet with us either in person or virtually via Zoom or phone.
We’re eager to assist you and welcome you to the Ehrlich & Naparstek family. We make it easy for you to complete the required paperwork by sending it to you via email or Docusign, so you can do it from the comfort of your home or office. Our team will handle the legal aspects of your case so that you can concentrate on your recovery.
Should I Hire a Florida Car Accident Attorney After a Car Accident?
An attorney can help you if you’re injured in a car accident. Dealing with insurance companies can add unnecessary stress to the process of recovering from an injury. You may not be able to obtain the necessary compensation if you attempt to handle the claim yourself, as insurance companies often have legal teams dedicated to minimizing claims.
If you hire an experienced personal injury lawyer, you can focus on your recovery while leaving the legal negotiations to the professionals. An attorney can assist you with navigating the legal process, gathering evidence, and building a strong case on your behalf. A lawyer can also significantly increase your chances of maximizing your compensation.
Our Florida car accident attorneys at Ehrlich & Naparstek, P.A. work hard to recover compensation for our clients.
How Ehrlich & Naparstek Car Accident Lawyers Can Help You
The Most Common Types of Car Accidents in Florida: What You Need to Know
Car accidents Can result in a range of injuries, some of which may seem minor but can still pose a risk of infection and other complications. For instance:
Cuts and abrasions
Can occur during a collision and may require immediate attention to prevent infections.
Neck injury
is a common neck injury that can be caused by the sudden back-and-forth movement of the neck during a car accident. This injury can be severe and may require a long time to heal, as the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the neck can be damaged even if no fractures occur.
Knee Trauma
is another common injury that can result from car accidents. The knees can be damaged by the interior of the car during a collision, which can lead to long-lasting injuries. In severe cases, knee reconstruction may be necessary, making it difficult to walk for an extended period.
Car Accidents:
Can also cause herniated discs, which can be painful and require a long recovery period. This type of injury occurs when the spinal discs are pushed out of their normal position and press against the nerves, causing pain and discomfort.
Broken Ribs:
Are a common injury, and even a light or moderate impact can cause multiple fractures. This can be painful and require a long healing period, as the ribs play a critical role in protecting the lungs and other organs.
Other Fractures:
Fractures such as broken arms, hips, legs, and shoulders, are also common. The force of the collision can cause multiple fractures, which can require a long healing period and may result in permanent damage.
Internal Bleeding:
Is a potential complication in any car crash and can be life-threatening if left untreated. Seeking immediate medical attention is crucial, as internal bleeding can quickly become severe and lead to death. Head injuries are the most severe type of car accident injury and can cause immediate injury as well as lifelong complications.
Brain Injuries:
Are often undiagnosed and can result in permanent damage or death. It’s critical to seek medical attention immediately if you or someone else experiences a head injury in a car accident.
Car Accidents:
Can also cause psychological injuries, and it’s common for individuals to experience emotional damage. The emotional impact of a car accident can last longer than any physical injury, and seeking help for both mental and physical injuries is crucial for long-term well-being.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, we encourage you to reach out to us for a free consultation with an experienced attorney. Our team is available to assist you throughout Florida and will work tirelessly to help you recover the compensation you deserve for your personal injury claim.
Handling a Car Accident: Your Next Step
Understand the importance of taking legal action after a car accident, even if it’s not your first thought. Many people may not realize the legal implications of a car accident, but it’s important to understand that you have legal rights that may entitle you to compensation for any injuries or damages you have suffered.
By taking legal action, you can hold the responsible parties accountable and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
- Any injuries sustained in the accident should be identified, diagnosed, and treated as soon as possible. It is still essential to seek medical attention after a car accident, even if you feel fine. An injury may not show symptoms for hours or even days, so getting a timely diagnosis and treatment can make a big difference in your recovery.
- Immediately report the accident to the authorities to document the incident and gather important details. To gather important details for your case, you must report the accident to the authorities. Your police report will provide a detailed account of the accident as well as information about any witnesses, injuries, or property damage.
- To support your future personal injury claim, gather evidence such as photographs and your recollection of the event. The more evidence you gather, the stronger your case will be. Photograph the accident scene, as well as any damage to your vehicle, and document your recollection of the event. In order to prove your case and receive the compensation you deserve, you may need to provide this evidence.
- Refuse early settlement offers from insurance companies to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. If your insurance company offers you a quick settlement, keep in mind that these offers may not reflect the full extent of your injuries and damages. Choosing not to accept an early settlement offer gives you the opportunity to negotiate a settlement with an experienced attorney that fully compensates you for your losses. Obtain legal assistance from an experienced attorney to maximize your compensation.
- Lastly, you should seek the advice of a personal injury lawyer who is experienced in helping clients navigate the legal system and maximize their compensation. A lawyer can assist you with obtaining evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and representing you in court if needed. In the right hands, you can get the compensation you deserve and move on from the accident with peace of mind.
What Evidence Is Necessary to Demonstrate the Full Extent of Your Damages?
In order to effectively prove your damages in a car accident case, you will need several key pieces of information and evidence. The following are the main points you should consider:
Medical & Billing records:
Keep detailed records of every medical consultation, procedure, and interaction related to your accident. Every diagnosis and treatment plan should be documented in writing, along with all expenses associated with your medical treatment. For a complete picture of the cost of your treatment, you will need to gather billing records from each doctor or facility you visited.Insurance Records:
To determine what portion of your treatment costs are covered by your health insurance, obtain an Explanation of Benefits from your insurer.
Prior Medical Records:
Gather medical records from before the accident to show that any injuries you suffered were new and unrelated to pre-existing conditions. These new injuries can, however, still count in your case if the accident made pre-existing conditions significantly worse.
Payroll Records:
If the accident caused you to miss work and lose income, gather payroll and other employment records to demonstrate your lost wages.
Pictures:
Take photographs of all injuries as soon as possible after the accident. These pictures can be very powerful evidence in a car accident claim, showing cuts, abrasions, scars, wounds, and other injuries caused by the accident.
By gathering and presenting these pieces of information and evidence, you can effectively demonstrate the full extent of your damages and losses in a car accident case. It’s important to work with an experienced car accident lawyer who can help you navigate the process and build a strong case.
Uncovering the Most Prevalent Causes of Car Accidents in Florida
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
This refers to operating a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs or alcohol. DUI is a serious offense in Florida that can result in fines, license suspensions, In addition to jail time, jail time may even be imposed. As reported by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, 33,779 DUI crashes occurred in 2020, causing 8,623 injuries and 524 fatalities.
Driving
This refers to any activity that takes a driver’s attention away from the road, such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, or adjusting the radio. Nationally and in Florida, distracted driving is on the rise. In 2020, there were 50,127 accidents involving distracted driving in Florida, resulting in 3,392 injuries and 295 fatalities.
Driving at Night
Driving at night can be more challenging than driving during the day due to reduced visibility and increased risk of fatigue. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that fatal crashes are three times more likely to occur at night than during the day. There were 13,640 nighttime crashes in Florida in 2020, resulting in 3,441 injuries and 74 deaths.
Hazardous Road Conditions
This refers to any condition that makes driving more difficult or dangerous, such as wet roads, ice, snow, or poor visibility. Flooding and hurricane damage are also hazardous road conditions in Florida. It is estimated that 14,725 crashes involving hazardous road conditions were reported in Florida in 2020, resulting in 2,343 injuries and 31 deaths.
Speeding
This refers to car crashes due to driving above the posted speed limit or driving too fast for the current road or weather conditions. In Florida and nationwide, speeding causes a significant number of car accidents. In 2020, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reported 24,616 speeding-related crashes, resulting in 10,654 injuries and 466 deaths.
Compensation Options for Victims of Car Accidents
There are two types of damages that victims can suffer in car accidents: economic and non-economic damages. In Florida, non-fatal crashes cost an average of $17,000 and fatal crashes cost over $1 million. Economic damages include medical bills, lost wages, and property damage.
Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life, don’t have a specific dollar value and are subject to caps of $500,000 or $350,000 in Florida.
Despite this, these damages can still significantly impact a victim’s quality of life. For an accurate estimate, you should consult a qualified personal injury attorney.
Car Accident Settlement Timeframe: How Long Can You Expect It to Take?
Settlement times for Florida car accident cases depend on factors such as complexity, injury severity, and negotiation willingness. Complex cases with multiple parties or severe injuries may take longer to settle than simple cases with clear liability and minimal damages.
You should consult with a personal injury attorney if you are interested in settling too quickly, as doing so may result in a lower settlement amount.
Proving Fault or Negligence in a Car Accident Case in Florida: Essential Elements to Establish
When filing a negligence case, such as a car accident case in Florida, it is necessary to prove four fundamental elements to establish the fault or negligence of the other party. These elements include:
Duty of care: The other driver had a duty of care towards you while operating their vehicle on the road, which means they were responsible for driving safely and responsibly.
Breach of duty: The other driver breached their duty of care by failing to take reasonable precautions to prevent the accident, such as speeding or not using signals while turning.
Causation: The breach of duty caused the accident and your resulting injuries. For example, if the other driver ran a red light and caused the accident, they are responsible for any injuries you sustained as a result.
Damages: The accident resulted in damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.
By proving these four elements, you can establish the other driver’s negligence and pursue compensation for your injuries and damages. It’s important to seek the guidance of an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you navigate the legal process and build a strong case.
Get in Touch with Ehrlich & Naparstek, Experienced Car Accident Attorneys in Florida
You should consult a Florida car accident lawyer if you have been injured in a car accident. Our attorneys at Ehrlich & Naparstek. understand that the aftermath of an auto accident can be overwhelming.
If you have been injured in a car accident, medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering, our experienced lawyers will work relentlessly to make sure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Schedule a free consultation with us to learn more about auto accident lawsuits and your legal rights and options. Don’t let the insurance companies dictate the outcome of your case.
Contact Ehrlich & Naparstek today and let us fight for your rights and get the justice and compensation you deserve.
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Accident Types
important PERSONAL INJURY FAQ
vision makes us who we are
What is the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Florida?
In Florida, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is four years from the date of the injury. This means that if you've been injured, you have four years to initiate legal proceedings. If you fail to file your lawsuit within this time frame, you may lose your right to seek compensation.
How is fault determined in Florida auto accidents?
Florida operates under a no-fault insurance system. This means that after most traffic accidents, your own insurance policy will compensate you for medical expenses and lost income, irrespective of who was at fault. However, in severe injury cases, you might be able to step outside this no-fault system and file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
What is Florida's comparative negligence rule?
Florida follows a pure comparative negligence rule. If you're found to be partially at fault for your injury, your compensation may be reduced by a percentage equal to your share of the blame. For instance, if you're found to be 20% at fault, you can still recover 80% of your total damages.
What damages can I recover in a personal injury lawsuit in Florida?
In Florida, you can seek compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include tangible costs like medical bills and lost wages, while non-economic damages cover intangibles like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
How long does it typically take to settle a personal injury case in Florida?
The duration varies based on the complexity of the case, the parties involved, and the evidence. While some cases might settle quickly, others, especially those that go to trial, can take months or even years to resolve.
How much will it cost me to hire a personal injury attorney?
We operate on a contingency fee basis. This means that we only get paid if you win your case or secure a settlement. Typically, the fee is a percentage of the compensation you receive.
What should I do immediately after an accident in Florida?
First, prioritize your safety and seek medical attention. Then, if possible, document the scene, take photographs, gather witness information, and report the incident to the police or relevant authorities. It's also advisable to contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
What if the person who hit me doesn't have insurance?
If you're hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver in Florida, you can turn to your own insurance policy's uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. This coverage can help compensate for your injuries and damages.
How do I prove pain and suffering in a personal injury case?
Pain and suffering are subjective and can be challenging to quantify. Evidence such as medical records, therapy sessions, personal journals, and testimonies from friends and family can help establish the extent of your pain and suffering.