St. Augustine Car Accident Lawyer

St. Augustine Car Accident Attorney

A car accident can have serious and life-altering impacts. As you focus on healing and moving forward with your life, you deserve the support of thorough and reputable attorneys. They can advocate for your rights and pursue a settlement that adequately covers your losses. Reach out to a St. Augustine car accident lawyer at Spohrer Dodd Trial Attorneys if you have experienced an accident.

Car accidents can have profound and far-reaching impacts, affecting various aspects of victims’ lives. Their physical health can be altered due to injuries ranging from minor cuts and bruises to severe trauma like fractures, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, chronic pain, and permanent disabilities. Accidents can also lead to emotional and psychological impacts, such as fear, trauma, anxiety, grief, and loss.

The impacts of car accidents are multifaceted, and addressing these conditions often requires comprehensive medical care, psychological support, and legal assistance.

What Are Common Types of Car Accidents?

Car accidents occur in various ways, but some types are more common than others. A common type of car accident is a rear-end collision, which occurs when one car collides into the rear of another. Drivers who follow too closely behind other vehicles are more likely to cause this type of accident. However, drivers who stop suddenly can also lead those behind them to crash. Rear-end crashes are more common when the roads are slippery.

Intersection accidents are also common and can occur when drivers fail to yield the right-of-way, run red lights or stop signs, or make improper turns. These accidents typically involve sideswipes or T-bone collisions. Single-vehicle accidents involve only one vehicle and can occur due to factors like driver error, loss of control, speeding, distracted driving, and adverse weather conditions. This can include collisions with fixed objects, such as trees and poles.

Hit-and-run accidents can occur when a driver leaves the scene of an accident without stopping to exchange information or offer help. Parking lot accidents tend to involve low-speed collisions, such as fender-benders, sideswipes, or backing accidents. Distracted driving is a frequent cause of many of these types of crashes.

Steps to Take After a Car Accident

Responding adequately after a car accident is crucial for your safety, as well as for legal and insurance reasons. There are several steps to take to ensure your safety and also set you up for any legal action that may be necessary. Consider the following steps if you find yourself in a car accident:

• Check for Injury and Move to Safety: Your health and safety are the primary priorities, so check yourself and others involved in the accident for any injuries. If you are in a dangerous location, such as the middle of a motorway, and are physically able, move to safety to prevent further accidents and injuries.
• Contact Emergency Services: If there are any injuries, contact emergency medical help and receive treatment. Even minor conditions and symptoms can worsen over time. Contact local law enforcement, as it is necessary to have a police report, especially in the event that you are seeking compensation or pursuing legal action.
• Gather Contact Information: Exchange contact information with the other parties involved, such as their name, phone number, insurance information, and any other relevant information.
• Document the Scene: If it is safe to do so, document the accident scene through photos, videos, or a written account, as the details of the accident can be challenging to recall by memory later on.
• Contact Your Insurance Provider: Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible, as many insurance carriers have a deadline by which they will accept claims after an accident. Provide the insurance company with the details of the accident, but it is important not to disclose fault because this can impact the compensation you receive.
• Speak With a Trusted Car Accident Lawyer: Speak with a car accident lawyer to understand your options. They can help you understand your rights and support you in receiving fair compensation.

If you’re not severely injured, it is important to take the appropriate steps following an accident to ensure your safety, comply with legal requirements, and protect your legal and financial interests. Proper documentation and timely communication with authorities and insurance companies are key to managing the situation smoothly.

How Are Car Accident Settlements Determined?

Car accident settlements are determined through investigation, evaluation, and negotiations with insurance providers. The initial step often begins with reporting the accident to the insurance company. In the report, information such as the date, time, location, parties involved, and more should be included. An insurance adjuster will be assigned to the case and investigate, assess damages, and determine liability.

The next step is often gathering evidence, such as a police report, witness statements, medical records, vehicle damage, and more. The adjustor analyzes the evidence to determine who was at fault. In certain cases, fault is shared between multiple parties and is handled uniquely based on state laws. Florida adheres to comparative negligence rules.

The adjuster will then evaluate all damages caused by the accident. This includes medical expenses, such as emergency room visits, surgeries, medication, physical therapy, follow-up appointments, and more. If there has been an impact on an individual’s future earning capacity or if they have lost wages, these losses should be compensated. Property damage, pain and suffering, emotional damage, and any other relevant factors will also be evaluated.

The insurance company will offer an initial settlement offer based on their research. If the offer is low or unfair, the claimant or their attorney can negotiate the settlement amount. If it’s impossible to agree, you could pursue further legal action to seek appropriate compensation. It is helpful to consult with a car accident lawyer to ensure the insurance claim process is conducted legally and fairly. If there are any issues, an attorney may be able to pursue legal action.

How Can a Car Accident Lawyer Help Me?

A car accident lawyer can provide invaluable assistance in various aspects of handling a car accident claim. Below are several ways a lawyer can help:

• Legal Advice and Guidance: An attorney will explain your legal rights and options, assisting you in understanding the compensation to which you are entitled. They will guide you through the complexities of legal procedures and paperwork that are involved in filing an insurance or personal injury claim.
• Investigation and Gathering Evidence: Lawyers conduct comprehensive investigations to gather all necessary evidence, including police reports, medical records, witness statements, and accident scene photographs. They work to evaluate the total damage caused by looking into medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, ongoing medical costs, property damage, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
• Help With Litigation and Negotiation: An attorney has experience in negotiating with insurance companies. They can work to secure an ideal outcome and settlement amount for their clients. They know the tactics insurers use to minimize payouts and can counteract them effectively. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, lawyers can file a personal injury claim on your behalf and represent you in court. They can present your case to a judge and jury, using evidence to argue for the compensation that you deserve.
• Ongoing Administrative Oversight: Lawyers handle all necessary paperwork, ensuring that documents are filed correctly and on time. They ensure that your claim is filed within the statute of limitations, preventing it from being barred due to missed deadlines.
• Legal Advocate: Throughout your work with an attorney, they will be your most trusted legal advocate. They should prioritize your interests and rights and take a strategic legal approach. As questions and concerns emerge, your attorney will help you address these topics in a timely manner.

Spohrer Dodd Trial Attorneys Can Assist You With Your Car Accident Case

At Spohrer Dodd Trial Attorneys, our meticulous legal team collaborates to achieve our client’s ideal outcomes. We have a century and a half of combined legal experience, and our success is proven, as we’ve secured over $1 billion in verdicts and settlements for victims of personal injuries.

With extensive and diverse experience within our team, we develop effective strategies that predict the other party’s tactics, ensuring we are prepared to counteract their claims. We recognize that no amount of compensation can reverse your injuries, but we are committed to securing a settlement that brings you comfort and financial stability during this trying time. Our goal is to maximize your chances of full compensation.

We employ a collaborative approach while handling claims, leveraging the unique talents and experiences of each lawyer. Therefore, we can provide robust legal support and insightful guidance for the entirety of each client’s case. We provide legal services to residents of North and Northeast Florida, as well as clients across the country and the world. In addition, we have experience in federal and state courts. Our areas of focus include the following:

• Traffic accidents
• Wrongful death
• Catastrophic injury
• Product liability
• Premises liability
• Medical malpractice
• Workplace accidents
• Aviation accidents

FAQs

Q: How Much Does an Attorney Charge for a Car Accident in Florida?

A: How much an attorney charges for a car accident in Florida depends on several factors. These factors include the complexity of the case, how challenging it is to prove liability, the attorney’s experience level, the jurisdiction, the case outcome, litigation costs, case duration, and more. The type of fee arrangement can also influence the costs. Lawyers may charge an hourly rate, a flat fee, or a contingency fee.

A contingency fee basis is a common payment structure where the attorney will receive a percentage of the settlement if the case is successful.

Q: Should I Get a Lawyer After a Car Accident in Florida?

A: You should get a lawyer as soon as possible after a car accident in Florida. While it is not a legal requirement to enlist the help of a lawyer for car accidents, it is highly recommended. Lawyers can help in several essential ways that make receiving a full and fair settlement amount more likely. A lawyer’s negotiation skills and legal representation can help protect your rights and increase the likelihood of a favorable outcome.

Q: How Much Can Someone Sue for a Car Accident in Florida?

A: How much someone can sue for a car accident in Florida depends on several factors, including the severity of the injuries, the extent of property damage, and the specific details of each case. Damages that are considered when determining claim values include the costs of medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, the extent of pain and suffering and emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life and companionship, and more.

Q: How Is Pain and Suffering Calculated in a Car Accident in Florida?

A: In a Florida car accident claim, pain and suffering are calculated through the court’s discretion. They may look into the unique impacts that physical pain, emotional distress, and other factors have had on the plaintiff’s quality of life.

There is not one specific method the court uses to determine pain and suffering compensation, but there are common approaches, such as the multiplier method, the per diem method, the hybrid method, and more.

Q: Who Pays for Car Damage in Florida?

A: The parties that pay for car damage in Florida are typically both driver’s insurance companies, as Florida is a no-fault state. Under a no-fault insurance system, regardless of who is at fault for the accident, each driver’s own insurance company pays for their medical expenses and certain other losses.

In this system, the ability to sue the other driver for damages is limited and typically only allowed in cases where the injuries are severe, result in death, or meet monetary thresholds.

Contact a St. Augustine Car Accident Lawyer Today to Get the Help You Need

If you were recently in a car accident in North Florida or Northeast Florida, speak with a talented lawyer at Spohrer Dodd Trial Attorneys. Navigating the aftermath of a car accident is already an overwhelming and complicated challenge. With the added stress of legal implications, you deserve dedicated support and assistance.

Reach out today to set up a consultation and explain the details of your case. We can assist you in taking steps that represent your desired outcome and protect your rights.