A lawyer can provide valuable assistance in many ways after a stop sign car accident. While you’re recovering from your injuries, they will handle all aspects of your case. For example, your attorney can gather evidence to prove the other party’s negligence and fight for just compensation during settlement negotiations or a trial.
They’ll also send you updates and make themselves available for questions, so you won’t ever wonder how your case progresses. Finally, your car accident lawyer in Fort Lauderdale will represent you on a contingency fee basis, meaning there’s no payment due upfront. They only get paid if you obtain a monetary award.
What a Stop Sign Crash Compensation Lawyer Can Do for You
Trying to understand legalese, playing phone tag with the insurance company, and determining fair compensation can get frustrating and tedious, especially when you’re dealing with painful injuries. That’s where a car accident attorney from our firm can take charge and assume all case-related tasks for you.
Collecting Evidence to Prove the Other Driver’s Negligence
Evidence serves as the foundation of every stop sign car accident claim. Although each case may require different documentation, it’s typical for a stop sign crash compensation lawyer to compile:
- The police report
- Witness statements
- Accident reconstruction reports
- Pictures of the scene, damage to the cars, and injuries
- Video surveillance footage
- Medical records
This information will tell the story of the events leading up to, during, and following the stop sign car accident, helping us establish the at-fault party—the person whose negligence caused the accident. When demonstrating negligence, your attorney must show that these four elements have taken place:
- Duty of care: They had to uphold a high standard of care on the road, like coming to a complete stop at a stop sign.
- Breach of duty: This party failed to meet this standard and acted negligently (e.g., they didn’t stop in time to avoid hitting you at a stop sign).
- Causation: This party caused a stop sign car accident.
- Damages: You’ve incurred economic and non-economic losses.
If even one of these elements is missing from your case, it ceases. However, you can count on our team to gather substantial evidence to prove your eligibility for financial recovery.
Handling the Back and Forth With the Insurance Company
Don’t be surprised if an insurance representative calls you after the stop sign crash. It’s part of their routine, and you must be prepared. Politely decline to answer their questions. Instead, have them call your lawyer. They’ll know how insurance adjusters operate and can handle all communication with them through the end of your case.
Another standard tactic adjusters employ is submitting an initial lowball settlement offer. However, your attorney will assess the actual value of your claim, and we’ll go back and forth with the insurer until we can agree on an amount. Settling out of court is our most likely outcome.
Comparative Fault and How It Relates to Your Stop Sign Car Accident Claim
However, in rare cases, the insurance company won’t cooperate. For example, they may say you’re partially to blame for the accident and reduce your payment in accordance with Florida Statutes § 768.81.
In other words, the adjuster may claim you were 40% at fault, so the insurance company should only pay you 60% of your original compensation request. In that event, we may have to go to trial to maintain your fight for the money you deserve.
Why It’s Important to Get Help From A Lawyer Sooner Rather Than Later
Do you want to take legal action against the at-fault party? It’s critical to consult an attorney right away. Florida typically allows claimants only two years to file a personal injury lawsuit, according to Florida Statutes § 95.11.
Moreover, this deadline can rarely be extended. If you don’t abide by it, the court could prohibit you from filing a lawsuit, and you could no longer compel the other party to compensate you. However, when our Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyers have sufficient notice, they can help you sue before the two-year deadline lapses.
How a Lawyer Works to Secure Fair Compensation for You
Your attorney’s job is to protect your legal rights after a stop sign accident. They must ensure the other party accounts for all your losses when they pay your settlement or court award. In doing so, they’ll consider what your medical treatment entails and whether you can return to work, in addition to your pain levels, how your family life has changed, and your emotional well-being.
What your attorney learns from this assessment will reveal what fair compensation would be for you. Keep in mind that two people can be hurt in the same stop sign crash, yet still have varying degrees of damage. However, it’s common for victims to recover the following compensation:
- Past and upcoming medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Vehicle repair or replacement costs
- Mental anguish
- Loss of income
- Future loss of earning power
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death if a loved one passed away from related injuries
Note that the financial losses (e.g., lost income and medical bills) from the crash are typically a small portion of your total compensation. The toll the accident has taken on you physically and emotionally is our primary focus, as it can have long-lasting—even permanent—effects on every aspect of your life.
Let Our Stop Sign Car Crash Compensation Lawyer Take on Your Case Today
If you or a loved one was in a stop sign car crash, hire the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato to lead your case or compensation. The only thing you need to do is concentrate on getting better. We’ve recovered over $200 million in settlements and bring more than 75 years of collective experience to the table.
Call our team today at (954) 633-8270 for a free consultation.
