If you were injured in lightning car crash Fort Myers, you might be dealing with serious injuries, property loss, and confusion about who pays for the damages. While lightning strikes are considered acts of nature, that doesn’t mean you are left without options. Our Fort Myers car accident lawyers can help you navigate your insurance claim, identify liable parties if another driver was involved, and recover compensation for your losses.
You know whom to pursue for compensation after a collision with a negligent driver, but what do you do after an accident involving a lightning strike? Understanding who pays your resulting costs could be confusing. A Fort Myers car accident lawyer knows what happens if you crash after your car is struck by lightning and how to obtain compensation.
Common Injuries for Victims of Car Accidents Caused by Lightning Strikes
Can you get struck by lightning in a car? Yes, and suffer potentially catastrophic injuries, including:
- Cardiac arrest
- Vision damage
- Hearing damage
- Severe burns
These injuries can leave you with both long- and short-term medical expenses. The personal injury protection (PIP) coverage in your auto insurance policy will cover many of them. You do not have to manage the details of your claim alone.
PIP Covers a Percentage of Your Medical Bills and Lost Wages
PIP (a type of no-fault insurance coverage) has many benefits for Florida vehicle owners. It covers up to:
- 80% of your reasonable medical bills
- 60% of your lost wages
If an accident caused by a car getting struck by lightning led to a fatality for a loved one, PIP also provides up to $5,000 in death benefits. A lawyer can guide your family through this financial recovery process with kindness and compassion.
In a crash without a financially liable party, like a lightning strike, you can rely on your PIP coverage. It can ease the financial burden of your medical expenses and lost wages you might otherwise experience, allowing you to focus on getting better.
The Advantages of Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer in Fort Myers
Florida Statute 627.736 defines the parameters of PIP insurance and your rights and responsibilities. When a lawyer takes on your insurance company, they can tap into this portion of your policy and provide the following services:
- Deal with the insurance adjuster
- Complete and file claim forms
- Explore your coverage limitations
- Pursue maximum compensation
The sooner you contact a local attorney after you are struck by lightning in a car, the more time they have to speak to witnesses and comply with all notification and filing deadlines.
How Lightning Strikes Can Lead to Secondary Collisions
A lightning strike can impair the vehicle’s electronic systems, including braking and steering controls. This malfunction may cause the driver to lose control, veer into another lane, or crash into roadside obstacles. When lightning strikes a moving car, the driver’s momentary disorientation or unconsciousness can also result in a collision with another vehicle, including potentially dangerous impacts such as being hit on the passenger-side front.
If a car accident hits the passenger side front results, injuries can be severe due to the proximity of passengers to the point of impact. These types of crashes can lead to concussions, broken bones, and traumatic brain injuries. When filing a claim, your Fort Myers personal injury lawyer will highlight the impact location to support the full scope of your damages.
Who Pays When No One Is at Fault?
In a lightning-related crash, assigning blame isn’t straightforward. Unlike typical accidents, where driver error or negligence is the cause, nature is the culprit in this case. In these cases, your PIP benefits and possibly comprehensive insurance coverage are your primary sources of compensation.
However, complications arise when your vehicle strikes another during or after the lightning incident. If someone else is hurt, your liability insurance may be invoked. Your attorney can help navigate these liability gray areas and protect you from out-of-pocket costs or lawsuits.
The Role of a Car Accident Attorney in Fort Myers in Navigating Insurance Claims
Dealing with insurance companies after a lightning-related car crash can be challenging. Many providers may hesitate to pay full benefits without strong documentation and a clear understanding of policy limits. A car accident attorney in Fort Myers helps by:
- Reviewing your auto insurance policies thoroughly
- Determining which coverages apply: PIP, collision, comprehensive
- Gathering medical reports and mechanic statements
- Ensuring all deadlines for claims and legal filings are met
By acting as your advocate, your attorney protects your rights and helps you focus on healing.
Steps to Take Immediately After a Lightning-Related Crash
If you are involved in a crash after being struck by lightning:
- Move to a safe area and call 911.
- Get medical attention, even if injuries seem minor.
- Take pictures of the damage, surroundings, and any visible injuries.
- Request a copy of the incident or police report.
- Avoid admitting fault or making statements to insurers without legal counsel.
- Contact a Fort Myers personal injury lawyer for guidance.
Timely and accurate documentation is crucial in unusual accident scenarios like these.
Legal Support for Long-Term Recovery
After a lightning-related crash, some victims may experience long-term effects such as chronic pain, PTSD, or permanent sensory impairments. A Fort Myers personal injury lawyer will calculate these damages and collaborate with medical experts to develop a comprehensive long-term care plan. This can include:
- Ongoing physical therapy or rehabilitation
- Prescription medication needs
- Assistive devices for mobility or sensory issues
- Career retraining or vocational therapy
Your lawyer can incorporate these costs into your compensation demand to ensure financial stability during recovery.
Understanding Vehicle Damage From Lightning Strikes
In addition to bodily injuries, lightning strikes can severely damage your vehicle’s electronics, fuel system, and body structure. Damage may include:
- Melted wiring or damaged fuses
- Disabled onboard computers and safety features
- Exterior burns or holes in the roof or hood
- Impaired airbags or braking systems
These damages often result in total loss declarations by insurers, especially when the vehicle’s critical systems are affected. A car accident attorney in Fort Myers can help challenge lowball repair estimates or premature total loss claims by ensuring proper inspection and valuation of your vehicle.
When vehicle damages are significant, comprehensive coverage typically comes into play. This aspect of your policy differs from collision coverage and helps pay for damages caused by natural disasters, theft, fire, or lightning. Your lawyer can verify the extent of your comprehensive coverage and ensure the insurer honors it fully.
Call (954) 633-8270 for a Free Car Accident Claim Review
Understanding what happens if you crash after your car is struck by lightning could be easier with our Fort Myers car accident lawyer on your side. We will accept your claim on contingency and fight for maximum compensation from your insurance company.
Contact our consultation team at the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato today to get your free claim evaluation.
