A Lakewood Ranch car accident attorney can help you sort through the aftermath of a crash and get the support you need. Car accidents are bound to happen. In Manatee County, Florida, home to Lakewood Ranch, there were 6,772 car crashes resulting in 5,129 injuries and 71 deaths in 2021 alone.
Nothing can fully heal the lasting damages a car accident causes. But an experienced attorney can help you obtain the compensation you need to recover. If a collision injured you or a loved one or tragically resulted in death, and you need a car accident attorney, Lakewood Ranch firm James Horne Law will fight for you. Attorney James Horne is an AV-Preeminent-rated aggressive litigation counselor. He has successfully represented clients from case inception through trial and appeals and believes every case deserves his full, undivided attention. When you work with James Horne Law, you are not just another name or case file. You can bank on our team’s compassion, consideration, and know-how to make your claim as strong as possible.
Common Causes of Lakewood Ranch Auto Accidents
Many things can cause a car accident. But most are caused by manufacturing defects, bad weather and road conditions, and human error. Specific circumstances that commonly lead to accidents include:
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol,
- Driving while texting,
- Driving while drowsy,
- Speeding,
- Running red lights,
- Running stop signs,
- Tailgating other drivers,
- Road rage,
- Making dangerous lane changes,
- Illegal passing,
- Slick and icy roads, and
- Run-down vehicles and tire blowouts.
These situations can all lead to head-on collisions, off-road crashes, and rollover accidents. No matter the type of accident you’ve been in, car accident lawyer James Horne knows every case is unique. His commitment to providing top-notch legal representation can help you get compensation that accounts for your specific injuries.
Common Injuries From Car Accidents
Car accidents often result in a wide variety of injuries. While some are minor, others may require long-term treatment or cause permanent limitations. Common injuries include:
- Whiplash and neck strain,
- Back and spinal cord injuries,
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries,
- Broken bones and fractures,
- Soft tissue injuries, and
- Emotional distress, such as anxiety or PTSD.
Even if you do not feel hurt right away, you should still get checked by a doctor. Some injuries take time to show symptoms. Seeing a medical professional right after the accident also creates an official record of your injuries, which can help strengthen your legal claim.
What Should You Do After an Auto Accident in Lakewood Ranch?
Sometimes, accidents result in harmless fender benders. Other times, the damage is immeasurable. After any automobile accident in Lakewood Ranch, protecting your legal rights and preserving your ability to collect a settlement is essential. To assure you’re in the best possible position after a car crash, take the following steps:
- Assess any injuries. If there’s any chance you or any passengers are injured, stay seated and call 911. Do not move until medical personnel arrive on the scene, or you’ll risk aggravating any potential injuries.
- Make sure you are safe. If you can, move your car to the side of the road and turn your hazard lights on so you don’t risk another accident. If you can’t drive or your vehicle won’t operate, turn your hazards on to alert other drivers.
- Seek medical attention. A physician, EMT, or qualified medical professional should thoroughly examine you even if you think you’re okay. Some injuries take a while to present and can be dangerous if left untreated. Plus, a documented medical assessment can help support your accident claim should you decide to file one.
- Call the police. When the police arrive at the scene, they will write up a crash report, which is helpful during the insurance claim process.
- Make sure law enforcement files a report. Under Florida law, a Florida Traffic Crash Report must be completed and submitted to the Florida Safety and Motor Vehicles Department (FLHSMV) within ten days after law enforcement completes an investigation into an accident that resulted in death, personal injury, or any complaints of pain or discomfort from any parties or passengers involved in the crash. In the event of a minor collision, drivers may report the accident themselves by mail or online.
- Exchange Information. Be sure to exchange insurance information and to take note of the makes, models, years, car colors, license plate numbers, and vehicle identification numbers of everyone involved.
- Take photographic and video evidence. Take photos and video evidence of every car involved. Images can provide information about how the accident occurred, prove property damage, and support injury claims.
- Never admit fault. Limit your conversation with other parties to only exchanging information. Insurance companies will sometimes use second-hand accounts of anxious apologies or offhand comments to deny claims.
- Do not contact your insurance company until after consulting with an attorney. Insurance companies sometimes use manipulative tactics to settle your claim for less than its worth. This is one of many reasons you should never talk to an insurance company or submit written or recorded statements without talking to an attorney first.
To help ensure you receive fair compensation, contact Lakewood Ranch car accident attorney James Horne as soon after your accident as possible. He will investigate your crash, review your evidence, and ensure your legal rights are protected.
How Long Do You Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Florida?
Under Florida law, most car accident victims have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. This legal deadline is called the statute of limitations. Missing this important deadline means you could lose your chance to seek compensation. Although two years might sound like plenty of time, gathering strong evidence and building a case takes careful work. Crucial evidence can be lost quickly, and insurance companies often delay the process. That is why you should contact a car accident lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights.
Some cases may have shorter deadlines. If the crash involved a government vehicle or government employee, special notice requirements apply. These rules are complex and have strict time limits. Speaking with an experienced car accident attorney helps ensure you meet all required deadlines.
How Much Compensation Can You Expect From Your Car Accident?
The amount of compensation you can receive from a car accident in Florida can vary widely based on several factors. Florida operates under a “no-fault” insurance system, which means that your own insurance policy, specifically your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, typically pays for your medical expenses and other financial losses, regardless of who was at fault in the accident. However, there are situations in which you may seek additional compensation beyond your PIP coverage:
- Serious injuries. If your injuries meet the threshold for a “serious injury” as defined by Florida law, you may be eligible to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver. Serious injuries typically include significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function, significant scarring or disfigurement, and certain other serious injuries.
- Economic damages. In a personal injury lawsuit, you can seek compensation for economic damages, such as medical expenses that exceed your PIP coverage, lost wages, and property damage.
- Non-economic damages. You may also be eligible to seek non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life, in a personal injury lawsuit if your case meets the criteria for pursuing such damages.
- Punitive damages. In rare cases involving egregious conduct, you may be able to seek punitive damages, which are intended to punish the at-fault party rather than compensate the victim.
The amount of compensation you can receive will depend on factors like the severity of your injuries, the extent of your financial losses, the insurance policies involved, and the skill of your attorney in negotiating or litigating your case. Additionally, Florida’s comparative negligence law means that the amount of compensation you receive can be reduced if you are found to share some degree of fault for the accident.
It’s important to consult with an attorney in Florida who can evaluate your specific case, help you understand your rights, and estimate the potential compensation you may be entitled to. Personal injury attorneys can provide guidance on navigating the legal process and working to secure a fair settlement or verdict in your favor.
How Florida’s Comparative Negligence Law Can Affect Your Case
Florida follows a legal rule called comparative negligence. The rule means that more than one person can share fault for an accident, including you. Under Florida law, you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault, but your percentage of responsibility may reduce your settlement.
For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault for the crash and your total damages are $100,000, you would still be able to recover $80,000. However, if you are found to be more than 50% at fault, you may not recover any damages.
Insurance companies try to shift as much blame as possible onto injury victims to reduce payouts. That is why it is so important to work with a car accident lawyer who understands Florida’s comparative negligence laws and can fight to protect your rights.
Why Should I Hire a Lakewood Ranch Accident Attorney?
After an accident, you want an accomplished attorney who knows how to go toe-to-toe with insurance adjusters. But you also want a compassionate advocate who can handle everything from filing your claim to going to trial, so you can spend your time recovering. At James Horne Law, we can:
- Explain your options after a crash,
- Assist you in seeking care,
- Request all your medical records,
- Investigate and collect evidence,
- Handle complex insurance claims,
- Negotiate with insurance companies,
- File a personal injury lawsuit if insurance won’t settle, and
- Build a solid personal injury case to help you fight for the compensation you’re entitled to.
Insurance companies count on using a car crash victim’s inexperience against them. Working with James Horne Law will reduce the chances that an insurance company will try to pressure you into accepting a settlement that is less than your damages are worth. We pride ourselves on fighting for settlements that accurately reflect the harms our clients suffered. And the bigger the settlement, the more resources you’ll have at your disposal to recover from your injuries.
What Evidence Can Help Prove Your Case?
A successful car accident claim relies on strong evidence. You need to show how the crash happened and how it affected your life. Our team at James Horne Law can help gather critical information to build your case. Useful evidence includes:
- The police report. This report often details the drivers involved, witness statements, and the officer’s initial findings about fault.
- Photos and videos. Visual proof of vehicle damage, skid marks, traffic signals, and weather conditions can support your claim.
- Witness statements. Independent accounts from people who saw the crash can confirm your version of events.
- Medical records and bills. These documents prove the extent of your injuries and the care you needed to recover.
- Vehicle repair records. Repair estimates or receipts show the cost to fix or replace your vehicle.
- Employment records. Pay stubs or employer statements can prove lost wages if you missed work.
- Expert reports. Specialists such as accident reconstruction experts or medical professionals may provide reports to support your case.
The sooner you contact a car crash lawyer, the easier it is to preserve this evidence. Early action helps ensure nothing important is lost or overlooked.
Contact a Lakewood Ranch Car Accident Attorney
James Horne Law Firm understands the ins and outs of car accident cases and will work tirelessly to help you get the compensation you deserve. If another person’s negligence caused a car accident that injured you or a loved one, contact us online or by phone today to find out how we can help.
FAQs
How Much Does a Car Accident Lawyer Cost?
At James Horne Law, your car accident attorney works on a contingency fee basis. You do not pay anything upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. Our fee comes directly from your settlement or court award, so you can focus on recovering without worrying about paying out of pocket.
What Is the Average Car Accident Settlement Amount?
There is no fixed amount for car accident settlements because every case is unique. Factors that affect your settlement include your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and how the accident has impacted your daily life. Your car accident lawyer will review your case and help you understand what your claim may be worth based on your specific circumstances.
Do I Have to Go to Court to Get Compensation?
Most cases settle without going to court. Our car crash lawyer works hard to negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer a reasonable amount, your auto accident attorney may recommend filing a lawsuit. At James Horne Law, we prepare every case with trial in mind, so we are always ready to fight for you if needed.