No one ever steps into their car thinking they’ll be part of the statistics, yet collisions in Florida are a grim reality many face. With the help of a Hollywood car accident lawyer, you can navigate the legal aftermath and fight for the compensation you need to get back on your feet.
In these challenging times, a Hollywood personal injury lawyer becomes crucial. At Winston Law Firm, our legal team will stand beside you. We have decades of experience helping injury victims rebuild their lives. Contact us today for a free initial consultation.
Strong Legal Representation by Car Accident Lawyers in Hollywood
At our firm, we pride ourselves on being authentic, approachable, and honest in all our communications with clients. We understand that facing legal challenges can be overwhelming, which is why we make it a priority to ensure you feel supported throughout the entire process.
From our first interaction to the resolution of your case, we will listen to your concerns and provide clear guidance every step of the way. This commitment to open communication fosters a strong attorney-client relationship built on trust, allowing you to feel confident in the decisions you make.
Our legal team is well-versed in the law and passionate about advocating for our clients. We approach each case with tenacity, determined to pursue the best possible outcome on your behalf. Our reputation as one of the highest–rated legal teams speaks to our effectiveness in achieving favorable results.
Available Compensation for Car Accident Victims
After a car accident in Broward County, life seems like an endless string of medical appointments and bills. We understand the long-term expenses of a catastrophic injury. However, compensation can offer solace.
Car accident victims may claim the following damages:
- Medical expenses and rehabilitation: These include emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medication, and follow-up appointments. Rehabilitation, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, or mental health counseling, may also be necessary to help you recover fully.
- Lost wages: Lost wages are a significant concern after a car accident, as time away from work directly translates to lost income. Whether you are recovering from injuries, attending medical appointments, or dealing with the aftermath of the accident, your ability to earn a living can be severely impacted.
- Emotional trauma: Emotional trauma is a serious consequence of a car accident, and not all scars are visible. The psychological impact of the incident, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), can significantly affect your quality of life.
- Property damages: Repairing or replacing your vehicle and other belongings can be expensive. Car damage may require anything from minor repairs, such as fixing dents and scratches, to a complete replacement if the vehicle is deemed a total loss.
- The cost of future medical care: The cost of future medical treatments can be a significant burden after a car accident, especially when injuries require long-term treatment. Some injuries, such as spinal damage, traumatic brain injuries, or chronic pain conditions, do not heal quickly and may demand extended care.
The exact damages you qualify for will depend on the specifics of your case. Contact our lawyers serving Broward County to learn more about the value of your car accident claim.
The Insurance Company Is Not Your Friend
Insurance companies may appear helpful after an accident, but their primary goal is to protect their bottom line, not your best interests. Adjusters are trained to minimize payouts by offering quick, low settlements or questioning the extent of your injuries and damages. They may use anything you say against you to weaken your claim or shift blame.
While they are obligated to compensate you, their focus is on reducing costs rather than providing fair reimbursement. To ensure you receive the compensation you deserve, approach interactions with the insurance company carefully and consult an experienced attorney.
At Winston Law Firm, we are familiar with insurance adjusters’ tactics and have developed effective strategies to fight for our clients’ rights. We will make your voice heard throughout the negotiations. However, if the insurance company refuses to negotiate, we are prepared to take your case to court.
Understanding No-Fault Car Accident Laws in Florida
Florida operates under a “no-fault” insurance system for auto accidents. Regardless of who is at fault for a crash, each driver‘s insurance covers their own medical expenses, 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. Also, 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 permanent injuries.
Thankfully, you can take action against the at-fault driver and their insurance company when your bills exceed the amount covered by your personal injury protection (PIP) plan. Contact a Hollywood car accident lawyer to get that process started.
Comparative Negligence in Florida
Modified 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 less of the fault, you would be eligible to pursue damages from the at-fault driver.
How to Prove Negligence After a Car Accident
Negligence occurs when a driver fails to exercise reasonable care, leading to harm or injury to others. This can include actions such as speeding, distracted driving, running red lights, or failing to yield the right of way.
To prove negligence, four elements must be established:
- Duty of care: The defendant had a legal obligation to act with reasonable caution to avoid causing harm to others. This duty extends to all road users, including pedestrians, other drivers, and passengers.
- Breach of duty of care: The driver failed to uphold this duty through negligent actions or inactions.
- Causation: The breach of duty directly caused the accident. This means that if the driver had not acted negligently, the crash and resulting damages would not have occurred.
- Damages: The accident resulted in actual harm or losses, such as physical injury, property damage, or emotional distress. These damages must be documented and proven to be the direct result of the driver’s negligence.
Proving negligence establishes the at-fault party’s liability, which is necessary to secure compensation for damages. Without demonstrating that the other driver was negligent, it becomes challenging to hold them accountable for damages.
Negligence provides the legal basis for your Florida car accident claim and ensures that the responsible party, or their insurance, covers the costs associated with the accident. Establishing negligence also helps strengthen your case, increasing the likelihood of a favorable outcome in settlement negotiations or court proceedings.
Why Hire a Hollywood Car Accident Lawyer?
Working with the right attorney increases your chances of a successful outcome for your case. When choosing your lawyer, look for someone experienced in dealing with similar cases and with whom you feel comfortable.
The many benefits of working with our personal injury law firm include:
- We understand the local legal landscape. From local ordinances to key contacts, we’ve got it all covered.
- Insurance companies are strong adversaries. They often aim to minimize payouts. We know their tactics and how to counter them effectively.
- Our experienced attorneys harness a network. From doctors to accident reconstruction experts, our team ensures every angle of your case gets the attention it deserves.
- We initiate an immediate and thorough investigation to gather all crucial evidence, including your financial documents, police reports, and medical records. We use a wide range of evidence to build a strong case against the negligent parties.
- Our legal team speaks with relevant authorities, ensuring all paperwork and reports are duly filed and accessible. Our track record of successful case results highlights our effective legal strategy.
- Communication channels are open. We ensure you’re informed at every stage and understand the progress and the path ahead. This is your journey, and we’re your guardians in it.
- We prioritize your well-being and connect you with medical professionals, ensuring your health recovery aligns seamlessly with your legal pursuits.
At our personal injury law firm, we create a secure environment where you can share all the details of your case confidently, knowing that we will always represent your best interest. Our car accident attorneys in Hollywood will make your voice heard throughout the legal claim.
The Statute of Limitations for Car Accidents in Florida
As of 2023, Florida law has seen a significant change concerning the statute of limitations for motor vehicle 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 fair compensation.
Note that the new two-year limitation is unlikely to apply retroactively to pending personal injury claims but will be in effect for any incidents filed on or after the specified date. Given these complexities and time sensitivities, consult an experienced attorney as soon as possible to protect your legal rights.
Immediate Steps to Take Following a Car Accident
The aftermath of any accident can be incredibly confusing and overwhelming, leaving you unsure of what to do next. However, the steps you take immediately after the car crash are crucial and can significantly impact the value of your claim later on.
To protect your right to fair compensation after a collision, you should:
- Document the scene: Documenting the scene of a car accident is a critical step in building a strong claim. Start by taking clear photos of all vehicle damages from multiple angles, including dents, scratches, broken parts, or any other evidence of impact.
- Talk to witnesses: Witnesses can provide unbiased, firsthand accounts of what they saw, helping to clarify how the accident happened and who may have been at fault. Start by asking for their names, phone numbers, and email addresses so they can be contacted later if needed.
- Don’t admit fault, even casually: Statements like “I didn’t see you” or “I’m sorry this happened” might seem polite or empathetic at the moment, but they can later be interpreted as an admission of responsibility. Insurance companies will use these comments against you to reduce or deny your claim.
- Contact a personal injury attorney now: An experienced attorney can provide guidance on the steps you should take to protect your rights and strengthen your claim. They can help you avoid common mistakes, such as making statements to insurance companies that could harm your case.
Contact a Hollywood Car Accident Attorney Today
Automobile accidents can turn life on its head. Between physical injuries, emotional turmoil, and the avalanche of bills, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Winston Law Firm will compassionately guide 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. Contact us today and schedule a confidential meeting with our team.
