When a careless driver fails to operate their vehicle in a safe manner, life-altering injuries can occur, ranging from simple cuts and bruises to broken bones and paralysis. If you were injured in a car accident due to another person’s negligence, you could benefit from consultation with a personal injury attorney.
A seasoned and compassionate Dunedin car accident lawyer may be able to guide you through the steps of the legal process and address any questions or concerns that you might have. Delays can be detrimental to a car accident claim, so it could be important to begin considering your legal options now.
Auto Accident Settlements and Lawsuits
In some cases, the parties involved in a car accident claim reach a settlement agreement. Often, this agreement is the culmination of thorough investigation, analysis, and negotiation on the part of a car accident attorney in Dunedin.
In other cases, the parties are not able to reach a settlement agreement, so it may become necessary to file a lawsuit. In either situation, an injured party may need to be able to demonstrate that the at-fault driver failed to exercise reasonable care, thereby causing their injuries.
Recoverable damages from an auto collision may include medical expenses, lost wages, mental anguish, and pain and suffering. Depending on the severity of the injury, an individual may require months or years of treatment, and therefore may request compensation far in excess of their current financial losses in anticipation of future costs. With the aid of a legal expert, an individual could more effectively demonstrate the need for future medical care and the costs associated with the required care.
Statute of Limitations for a Claim
The statute of limitations for a claim stemming from a car accident varies from state to state. In Florida, the statute of limitations provides that a car accident victim has four years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Failure to file a personal injury lawsuit by the filing deadline could lead to a dismissal of an injured individual’s claim and them losing the right to recover damages.
The statute of limitations provides protection for parties who may be liable for damages. However, it can also be advantageous for injured parties to begin pursuing their claims as soon as possible following an accident. For instance, it could be more difficult to locate evidence and witnesses as time passes, and the memories of witnesses may also begin to fade with time.
Getting started on a claim as soon as possible could not only help an individual preserve their right to recover damages but also provide a strategic advantage. However, there are various factors which can affect the deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit, so it could be beneficial to consult a car wreck lawyer in Dunedin for advice regarding the filing deadline in a specific case.
Call a Dunedin Car Accident Attorney Now
Being injured in a car accident could change your life in many ways. You might no longer be able to perform the duties of your job or be able to enjoy life as you once did, and medical bills can also pile up quickly.
Allow a seasoned attorney to assist you in gathering evidence, assessing damages, and negotiating in your case. If you were injured in a car accident due to another person’s negligence, contact a Dunedin car accident lawyer today to start exploring your legal options.