If you have been involved in a car accident or injured by someone else’s negligence navigating the world of Personal Injury lawsuits may be complex and confusing. However, the lawyers at Pallegar Law, P.A. aim to simplify the process, while also ensuring that you receive the right level of treatment and proper compensation for your injuries.
In order to receive a just settlement from your loss due to an accident, you must show that the person who caused your injury was negligent and that their negligent behavior led directly to your injuries. You must also have damages. Damages include injury, lost wages, loss of future work in addition to many other things. You can seek damages for a number of costs related to your injuries. These include, but are not limited to: medical bills, emotional distress, disability, or property damages.
If you have been in an accident or have been injured by another persons’ negligence, the first step you need to do is documentation. Take photos of your injuries and damage to vehicle, get witness information, make sure you write everything down and put it in a folder for future reference. The next step you will need to do is contact an experienced Sarasota personal injury and car accident lawyer.
The statute of limitations in Florida is four years for most car accident claims, which means you have four years from the date of the accident in which to file a lawsuit.
If a dog has bitten or otherwise injured you, Florida follows a strict liability rule. This means that regardless of the dog’s history or lack of viciousness, the injury is the fault of the owner and the owner is held to a higher standard regardless of fault.
Some of the most common personal injury claims involve traffic accidents. Florida is a no-fault state, which means that if you are in an accident and are injured, regardless of who is at fault; your insurance will provide a minimum amount of coverage for you. This means that even if the person who caused the accident is uninsured your insurance will cover the initial medical expenses associated with your rehabilitation.
However, if you can show that you have suffered a serious injury as the result of the other driver’s negligence, you can seek damages. Serious injuries include, but are not limited to: permanent injury or scarring, severe disfigurement, or death. If you have suffered a serious injury from a car accident, it is imperative that you contact an experienced personal injury attorney at Pallegar Law, P.A today. There is no fee unless we win.
The state of Florida follows the comparative negligence rule, which means that if you are partially at fault for the accident, you may still receive compensation. The damages you are entitled too take into account the percentage for which you are at fault. For example, if it is determined that you are 10% at fault, your compensation will be reduced to 90%.
If you are seeking non-economic damages, there is a damage cap in Florida on the amount of money you can receive. Non-economic damages include emotional trauma, pain and suffering. If you are seeking punitive damages, there is a limit on this as well, up to three times the amount of damages that you received, or up to $500,000. Punitive damages seek to punish a person who has exhibited especially dangerous behavior that lead to your injuries.
If more than one person was at fault for the accident, there are joint and several liability rules that outline the amount of compensation you can be awarded. Those responsible parties can be held from 10% at fault to up to 50% at fault. If the party is more than 50% they may be liable for up to $2,000,000. For between 10 and 25% at fault, they may be liable for up to $500,000.
In order to receive just compensation for your injuries, hire an experienced personal injury lawyer and Car Accident Attorney who can help you get back on your feet. Contact Pallegar Law, P.A. today in Tampa by calling 813-444-3912 or Sarasota by calling 941-893-5816.