No one ever steps into their car thinking they’ll be part of the statistics—yet car accidents in Hollywood, Florida, are a grim reality many face. In these challenging times, a Hollywood personal injury lawyer becomes crucial. At Winston Law, our team is here to stand beside you.
With the help of a Hollywood car accident lawyer, you can navigate the aftermath of a car accident, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve and the support to get back on your feet.
No-Fault Car Accident Laws in Florida: What You Need to Know
A key thing to understand is that Florida operates under a “no-fault” insurance system for car accidents.
In Florida, the “no-fault” rule means that regardless of who is at fault for an accident, each driver’s insurance covers their own medical bills, property damage, and lost wages up to their policy limit. The no-fault system removes fault from initial claims, often resulting in faster compensation.
However, Florida laws only require drivers to have $10,000 in property damage and $10,000 in bodily injury coverage – and these policies only pay 80% of your medical bills and 60% of your lost wages. This amount is often insufficient when it comes to treating major and long-term injuries.
Thankfully, you can take action against the at-fault driver and their insurance company when your bills exceed the amount covered by your PIP plan. Contact a Hollywood car accident lawyer to get that process started.
Immediate Steps to Take Following a Car Accident
Gathering evidence following your accident is pivotal. Here’s what you should focus on:
- Document the scene: Take photos of vehicle damages, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries.
- Talk to witnesses: Gather their contact details and firsthand accounts, which can be invaluable later.
- Don’t admit fault, even casually: Conversations at the accident scene can be used against you later.
- Consider reaching out to a lawyer sooner than later: While it might seem premature, having legal advice can ensure you don’t overlook crucial steps.
Comparative Negligence in Florida: What You Need to Know
In Florida, the concept of modified comparative negligence is a crucial part of the legal landscape for car accidents. Comparative negligence is a legal principle that assesses the degree to which each party is at fault for an accident.
This matters because the percentage of fault assigned to you can directly affect the amount of compensation you’re eligible to receive.
For example, if you’re found to be 30% at fault for an accident, the compensation you receive would be reduced by that same percentage. This means if you were originally entitled to $100,000 in damages, you would only receive $70,000 due to your percentage of fault.
As long as you hold 50% or lower of the fault, you would be eligible to pursue damages from the other party.
The Path to Compensation: What Victims Deserve
After a car accident, life seems like an endless string of medical appointments and bills. But compensation can offer solace. What can victims expect?
- Medical Bills and Rehabilitation: From initial ER visits to long-term therapies, costs pile up.
- Lost Wages: Time away from work translates to lost income. The clock doesn’t stop ticking because of an accident.
- Emotional Trauma: Not all scars are visible. Emotional distress has its toll, and it’s quantifiable.
- Property Damages: Replacing or repairing your vehicle and belongings isn’t cheap.
- Future Medical Costs: Some injuries linger, demanding extended treatments.
Your exact damages you qualify for will depend on the specifics of your case. Contact our team to learn more about the value of your car accident claim.
Why Hire a Hollywood Car Accident Lawyer?
With so many lawyers out there, why choose Winston Law?
- We understand the local legal landscape. From local ordinances to key contacts, we’ve got it all covered.
- Insurance companies are daunting adversaries. They often aim to minimize payouts. We know their tactics and how to counter them effectively.
- Our attorneys harness a network. From medical experts to accident reconstruction specialists, our team ensures every angle of your case gets the attention it deserves.
But our commitment doesn’t stop there. As soon as we take on your case:
- We initiate an immediate and thorough investigation to gather all crucial evidence.
- Our team speaks with relevant authorities, ensuring all paperwork and reports are duly filed and accessible.
- Communication channels are open. We ensure you’re informed at every stage, understanding the progress and the path ahead. This is your journey, and we’re just your guardians in it.
- Prioritizing your well-being, we connect you with medical professionals, ensuring your health recovery aligns seamlessly with your legal pursuit.
New Statute of Limitations for Car Accidents in Florida: Act Quickly
As of 2023, Florida law has seen a significant change concerning the statute of limitations for car accidents. You now have only two years from the date of the accident to initiate a lawsuit. This tightened timeframe makes it even more imperative to act quickly if you aim to seek compensation.
Note that the new two-year limitation is unlikely to apply retroactively to pending claims but will be in effect for any incidents filed on or after the specified date.
Given these complexities and time sensitivities, consulting an attorney as soon as possible becomes crucial to protect your legal rights.
Contact a Hollywood Car Accident Attorney Today
Car accidents can turn life on its head. Between physical injuries, emotional turmoil, and the avalanche of bills, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. We’re here, committed to guiding you every step of the way.
If you or a loved one find yourself in this situation, don’t wait. The road to justice and rightful compensation starts with a single step. It’s imperative to act now, so contact us today.
