If you or a loved one was injured in a recent car accident, you could be entitled to financial compensation from the at-fault driver. A lawyer in your area can help you navigate the personal injury claims process effectively. Your Lee County car accident lawyer will describe your rights and responsibilities and help you present a claim that meets the required legal parameters of Florida law.
Your Lee County car accident attorney can handle every aspect of your case from evidence collection to settlement negotiations. In addition to meeting your legal obligations, they can protect your rights to favorable financial recovery. Most Lee County law firms will let you get started immediately with a no-cost, no-obligation car accident claim review.
A Lawyer Can Fight to Protect Your Rights After a Lee County Car Accident
You have rights and responsibilities after a car accident. A Lee County personal injury lawyer can help you get the answers you need and build a claim that verifies your right to financial recovery.
Your Rights Include Immediate Financial Assistance Via Personal Injury Protection
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance is a mandatory part of your car insurance policy. You can tap into it immediately and receive up to:
- 80% of your accident-related medical expenses
- 60% of your accident-related lost income
- $5,000 in death benefits for fatal car accidents
Accident victims generally must seek medical treatment within 14 days to claim PIP benefits. You could also be entitled to additional third-party compensation if you suffered catastrophic injuries or your damages exceed PIP’s limitations.
You May Have the Right to Additional Third-Party Compensation for Serious Cases
By proving the at-fault party’s negligence, you establish their financial liability. If you qualify for a personal injury claim or lawsuit, the economic and non-economic damages you may be able to recover include:
- Past and future medical bills
- Past and future lost wages
- Loss of future earning ability
- Property damage or total loss
- Impairment or disfigurement
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Emotional trauma
- Loss of quality of life
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Families of fatal car accident victims also have the right to recover a range of wrongful death damages. If a Lee County wrongful death lawyer represents you, they can collect evidence establishing your losses and their monetary value.
You Have the Right to Defend Yourself Against Allegations of Shared Fault
Florida’s comparative negligence laws could diminish or eliminate your financial recovery. If the other involved driver alleges you contributed to the accident, your compensation will be decreased by a corresponding percentage.
Evidence that proves the accident’s causes and contributing factors may include:
- Accident reconstruction
- Medical records
- Photos and videos
- Police report
- Witness statements
If you have a personal injury attorney, they can handle evidence collection and fight to prove your involvement was minimal or non-existent.
Your Lee County Attorney Can Help You Build a Car Accident Claim That Meets Your Legal Responsibilities
One of the first things you should do after a vehicle collision is report the road accident to police. You can call the police by dialing 9-1-1. Doing so is mandatory if anyone in either car was seriously or fatally injured, per Florida Statutes § 316.066.
The automobile accident attorney handling your claim will obtain an official copy of the police accident report and all its potentially supportive attachments. These can include police-generated photos, videos, notes, and diagrams.
Your Responsibilities Include Remaining at the Scene of the Accident
Fleeing the scene of an auto accident is illegal and irresponsible. In Florida, you must remain at the accident scene and exchange insurance information with the other-involved driver(s) and police.
Your Financial Responsibilities Include Having Auto Insurance
Every registered vehicle owner in Lee County must have insurance that meets the state’s minimums. According to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), you must have at least $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Property Damage Liability (PDL).
The police can verify insurance via a printed or digital card. They may also be able to access your insurance policy information by entering your license plate number into the local DMV database.
Your Responsibilities Include Filing Your Car Accident Lawsuit on Time
With limited exceptions, you generally have two years to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit, according to Florida Statutes § 95.11. If you do not comply with the required filing deadline, the court could prevent you from taking legal action.
An experienced car accident lawyer can help you avoid the costly consequences of non-compliance with the statute of limitations by filing your personal injury lawsuit on time.
How Can a Lee County Car Accident Lawyer Help With Your Claim?
Hiring a motor vehicle accident attorney means you can focus on your physical and psychological recovery. While you take time to rest, your lawyer can handle the entire legal process, ensuring your injury claim stays on track. They will:
- Communicate with the liable party’s insurance company on your behalf
- Draft and file your insurance claim or lawsuit
- Gather evidence of the responsible party’s negligence
- Investigate the details of your accident
- Gather physical evidence and documents
- Interview accident witnesses and experts
An experienced attorney can also negotiate for a fair settlement by fielding offers, making counteroffers, and fighting for your rights.
Get Legal Service and Support Right From the Start at No Upfront Cost
A contingency fee agreement allows you to hire a lawyer without paying anything out of your pocket. Instead, they will receive a percentage of your recovered damages as compensation.
You will pay nothing upfront and only compensate the personal injury law firm if and when they recover damages for you. If your lawyer doesn’t secure compensation for you, you don’t pay any attorney fees.
Learn More About Your Rights and Responsibilities With a Free Lee County Car Accident Review
If you or a loved one was injured in a motor vehicle crash, our law firm can help you seek fair compensation. Our legal team is devoted to ensuring our clients know their legal rights and responsibilities from the start.
Learn how our Lee County car accident lawyers can help you seek the compensation you need and deserve. Contact the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato for a free initial consultation by calling (954) 633-8270 now.
