Car accidents can result in devastating personal injuries that require long periods of medical treatment, physical therapy, and rehabilitation. In addition to the physical pain and mental suffering, auto wreck injuries can leave victims with a tremendous financial burden. Fortunately, legal assistance is available.
If you were hurt in a motor vehicle collision, an experienced personal injury attorney may be able to recover compensation on your behalf. Call a Hillsborough County car accident lawyer today to discuss your accident and filing a claim.
Filing a Motor Vehicle Accident Claim in Hillsborough County
Under Florida’s no-fault insurance statute, accident victims must first turn to their own insurance companies for compensation prior to filing a claim or lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
Drivers must have a minimum of $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage to compensate them for their medical bills and lost wages if they are involved in a collision. However, an accident victim could sue the at-fault driver if their losses exceed this $10,000 threshold.
Additionally, victims could hold the at-fault driver accountable for all of their noneconomic damages, including compensation for:
- Suffering
- Pain
- Mental distress
- Inconvenience
- Inability to work
- Loss of spousal companionship
- Permanent disability
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of use of a body part
A Hillsborough County car accident attorney could review the extent and nature of the accident victim’s injuries, as well as the amount of their available PIP coverage, and determine how best to proceed with filing a legal claim.
Duty of Care
In some instances, victims could be eligible to file a claim directly against the drivers who caused their accident. To prevail in a lawsuit against the at-fault driver, the accident victim must first show that the driver violated a duty of care — usually by breaking a traffic law, speeding, running a stop sign or red light, or making an unsafe lane change.
The car accident victim must further show that they suffered one or more physical injuries and that the accident caused or exacerbated those injuries. Sometimes, a medical expert, such as a doctor, could testify in court to establish the causal connection between the accident and the resulting injuries.
A Hillsborough County car accident lawyer is familiar with medical and economic experts who might be able to testify in your case. Retaining a qualified expert can play a crucial role in proving fault or liability in a car accident case.
Contact a Hillsborough County Car Accident Attorney Today
Motor vehicle collisions are traumatic experiences for everyone involved. If you were hurt in a car accident, you may face mounting medical bills, lost wages, and rehabilitation expenses at a time when you deserve to focus on healing. Fortunately, help is available.
A Hillsborough County car accident lawyer could evaluate your case and provide advice about your legal options. If you have a valid claim, they could file your lawsuit within the required four-year time period, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and aggressively litigate your case. Call today to schedule a consultation.