Car accidents can shatter lives. The physical pain, emotional trauma, and financial strain can be daunting, emphasizing the importance of a dedicated Florida car accident lawyer.
At Winston Law, our team knows the upheaval these incidents can cause for you and your family. Rest assured, we’re here to guide you through every step, ensuring you get the compensation you deserve and the assistance needed to rebuild.
The following information will help clarify how a Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer can assist and the steps involved in securing your future after a car accident.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale sees its fair share of traffic and, with it, unfortunate car accidents. The bustling streets can sometimes turn perilous, leading to life-changing injuries or damage. This is commonly caused by:
- Distracted driving
- Negligent behavior
- Speeding
- Poor road conditions
Compensation You Can Receive in a Car Accident Case
Car accidents can be harrowing, throwing life into chaos. With damages stretching beyond just the physical, financial implications can be a burden too heavy to bear alone.
It’s pivotal for victims to understand the avenues of compensation, so they can rebuild and recover without the cloud of financial strain looming over them.
There are three main categories of compensation a victim can pursue.
- Medical and Rehabilitation Expenses: Immediate medical attention is imperative after an accident. But the journey often extends beyond the ER. You might need surgeries, ongoing treatments, therapies, and medications. All of these come with hefty bills. Compensation aims to cover these expenses so that the best care isn’t out of reach due to financial constraints.
- Lost Wages or Future Earning Potential: An injury could force you out of work for days, weeks, or even permanently. This leads not just to lost wages but potentially lost opportunities and promotions. Compensation for such damages considers the wages you’ve lost and the potential earnings you might miss out on due to reduced capacity or disability from the accident.
- Pain, Suffering, and Reduced Quality of Life: Beyond the tangible are the non-economic damages. The trauma, the sleepless nights, the lifestyle changes, and the emotional scars that an accident imprints on one’s life. Assigning a dollar value might seem challenging, but it’s essential to recognize and compensate for this genuine and profound impact on a victim’s life.
Knowing the damages you’re entitled to ensures you’re not left grappling with costs you shouldn’t bear alone. This isn’t just about weathering the storm; it’s about emerging from it stronger, ensuring a brighter tomorrow regardless of today’s challenges.
The Role of a Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Lawyer
When you think of a car accident lawyer, you might envision courtrooms and legal battles. But there’s so much more we do right from the moment we’re on your side.
First, evidence is critical. We’ll immediately gather the necessary documentation, eyewitness accounts, and expert assessments to fortify your case.
Some of the steps we’ll take include:
- Securing police and medical reports
- Gathering statements from witnesses
- Collaborating with accident reconstruction experts
Next, we’ll begin reviewing the paperwork for your case. Our team ensures every document, every form, and every piece of the puzzle fits perfectly, leaving no room for oversights.
Finally, we’re your frontline negotiators. Insurance companies can be tough, often trying to minimize payouts. With our expertise, we tackle them head-on, ensuring you get every penny you rightfully deserve.
Florida’s Modified Comparative Negligence Laws
On February 15, 2023, HB 837 was introduced in the Florida House of Representatives, marking a significant tort reform in Florida. This legislation introduced a variety of substantial changes. Here’s an overview of what to expect, according to the National Law Review.
Comparative Negligence System Reformation
Here are some of the basic changes:
- Previous System: The existing structure allows a claimant’s recovery to be adjusted based on their percentage of fault. Simultaneously, a defendant has the capacity to further lessen its liability based on the comparative fault of other entities.
- New System: This will transition Florida from a “pure” comparative negligence system to a “modified” one. A claimant determined to be over fifty percent (50%) at fault for their injuries will not be able to recover damages from any other party.
Statute of Limitations
The time window for filing negligence actions will be reduced from four (4) years to a concise two (2) years from the date of the incident in question.
Modifications to the “Bad Faith” Framework:
Simply proving negligence will not suffice for showcasing bad faith. Also:
- Insured individuals or claimants (or their representatives) must act in good faith, especially regarding the provision of information, demand setting, deadline assignments, and attempting settlements. This measure seeks to deter attempts at fabricating bases for bad faith claims.
- Insurers can eschew third-party bad faith liability if they tender policy limits or meet the claimant’s demands within 90 days post receiving the claim’s notice.
- For scenarios involving multiple claimants, an insurer’s bad faith liability can be restricted if they pay the full policy amount initially.
Contact a Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Today
Car accidents can turn your world upside down in seconds. The emotional, physical, and financial pain can be overwhelming. But remember, every problem has a solution. Don’t let the aftermath of an accident bog you down or rob you of your rights. Immediate action is paramount.
We at Winston Law understand the pain and complexity you’re facing. But with a dedicated Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer from our team, you’re not alone. We’re here to guide, support, and fight for you. Don’t wait; the clock is ticking. For guidance, support, and to ensure justice, contact us today.