According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 38,000 fatal car accidents and 4.8 million injured accident victims in 2020. The promising news is that fatality rates have been declining for the past decade, primarily because of vehicle safety and medical science improvements.
Were you recently injured in a car accident in Palm Coast, FL, and have no clue what to do next? Helping the Hurt Personal Injury Lawyers can help you during this difficult time. If you have suffered minor or severe injuries, you need the assistance of an experienced car accident injury attorney. We work with skilled attorneys who specialize in car accident cases to ensure that injury victims receive the fair compensation they deserve for their pain and suffering.
Our Palm Coast car accident attorneys have a long history of assisting crash victims to recover adequate compensation for losses that have left them physically and financially disadvantaged. We take the time to collect evidence, thoroughly investigate the accident scene, collect expert testimony, contact witnesses, and ensure that each client knows their case is being handled by a reputable and powerful litigation team.
We understand that handling an accident lawsuit on your own is difficult. Our car crash lawyers will deal with the complicated insurance policies from insurance companies, complex paperwork, and any legal matters relating to your case so you can recover stress-free.
Throughout the personal injury claims process, your legal team is on your side. We will work tirelessly to obtain the best possible result and maximum compensation to cover unexpected expenses and medical costs. Keep scrolling to learn more about what to do after a car accident in Palm Coast, Florida.
Table of Contents
- How To Choose a Car Accident Lawyer in Palm Coast, Florida
- What Can I Expect From a Car Accident Lawyer in Palm Coast?
- How To Evaluate Damages After a Car Accident in Palm Coast
- Typical Causes of Auto Accidents
- Most Common Car Accident Injuries
- Compensation Typically Awarded in Car Accident Injury Cases
- Filing A Car Accident Compensation Claim
- Contact the Best Personal Injury Attorneys in Palm Coast, Florida
- Frequently Asked Legal Questions About Car Accidents
How To Choose a Car Accident Lawyer in Palm Coast, Florida
An experienced car accident attorney is a legal professional with a solid track record, strong communication skills, knowledge, and experience. They will have extensive knowledge of each law that pertains to your case. They are well prepared and have thoroughly researched prior case results relevant to your accident claim.
A good auto accident lawyer will thoroughly investigate and document all economic and non-economic damages, including medical care costs. An experienced attorney will also have a reputation for updating their clients throughout the case, paying attention to their demands, and diligently negotiating on their behalf. An experienced auto accident attorney must understand what strategies to execute to win cases.
What Can I Expect From a Car Accident Lawyer in Palm Coast?
The failure of an individual or entity to meet the standard level of acceptable behavior, such as paying proper attention while operating a motor vehicle and ensuring the safety of others, is referred to as negligence.
Your attorney's ability to collect and present evidence that details the other party's negligent driving and, as a result, their responsibility for the injuries and damages you suffered will determine the strength of your car accident injury case. As a potential client, you should do your due diligence when choosing an accident injury attorney to represent you.
How To Evaluate Damages After a Car Accident in Palm Coast
Your Palm Coast attorney will need detailed information about your injuries and accident-related expenses, such as pain and suffering, lost wages, medical expenses, towing services, rental cars, and property damages, to determine the compensation you deserve.
A "gap in treatment" is one of the most damaging factors in any personal injury claim. A treatment gap is when a person chooses to delay medical attention for accident-related injuries or fails to turn up for doctor's appointments.
Even if you believe your injuries are minor, seeking medical attention as soon as possible after an accident is critical. Waiting weeks to begin the accident claim process can significantly impact the outcome of your auto accident lawsuit. There will be little or no evidence supporting and proving your injuries unless you have detailed medical records and a history of consistent treatment.
Typical Causes of Car Accidents
With the increased use of technology in recent years, the number of distracted drivers has increased. The key to winning your Palm Coast car accident injury case is spotting and proving distracted driving. Keep an eye out for the following from the negligent party.
Was the distracted driver engaging in:
- Eating or drinking
- Trying to program a GPS device
- Changing the car's radio
- Texting while driving
- Talking on the phone
- Checking other electronic devices
- Shaving or applying makeup
- Reading
There is also a chance that the at-fault driver was intoxicated. Drunk driving or driving under the influence of drugs is at times a felony charge in Florida. If you suspect the person that hit you was a drunk driver, try not to escalate the situation. Immediately call the police to handle the negligent party.
Most Common Car Accident Injuries
If you were injured in a traffic accident and believe distracted driving caused it, our Palm Coast personal injury lawyers will investigate the accident to look for signs of negligence.
Car Accident Injuries
- Injuries to the Spine, Back, and Neck (Including Whiplash): These are the most common injuries in car accidents. Straining ligaments, muscles, and tendons are examples of "soft tissue injuries" that are difficult to prove from a legal standpoint. Physical therapy is commonly required for these types of injuries. Severe spinal cord injuries, which often result in paralysis, are also included in this category.
- Broken Bones: A common occurrence in tragic accidents. Surgery may be required to repair bone damage, and the injured person may require weeks or months of physical rehabilitation.
- Lacerations (Cuts): Abrasions can occur when glass is shattered or the vehicle's sheet metal is torn. Deep or severe cuts can result in blood loss, possibly putting the driver into shock. Scarring can be a problem, so a patient may need to see a plastic surgeon to have the damages repaired.
- Burn Injuries: Can be extremely dangerous and put the victim at risk of infection. Burns can result in disfigurement, lowering the injured person's quality of life.
- Concussion or Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Brain injuries, produced by a blow to the head, will cause the brain to swell. Bed rest and over-the-counter pain relievers may be used to treat a minor concussion. A traumatic brain injury may necessitate surgery and, in worst-case scenarios, result in permanent disability or death. Please keep in mind that concussion and TBI symptoms do not always manifest themselves immediately. The swelling in the brain may take an hour or more to appear.
- Internal Wounds: Internal injuries can be life-threatening and aren't always obvious. It is always best to be checked out by a doctor after a serious accident.
Compensation Typically Awarded in Car Accident Injury Cases
Your options for compensation may include the following, depending on the circumstances of your accident:
- Medical Care Costs
- Pain and Suffering
- Quality of Life
- Wages Lost
- Property Damage
Not only can traffic accidents result in serious injury, but they can also be physically and mentally draining. Having a personal injury attorney in Palm Coast that specializes in car accident injuries assist you will make the loss recovery process much more bearable.
Accidents can result in a variety of damages. Stress caused by injuries, pain, and medical bills can slow down your recovery. After a traffic accident, victims often have to deal with medical bills, vehicle repairs, rental car bills, time off work, and other issues. The last thing on your mind should be how to pay for an auto injury lawyer to represent you.
A Florida car accident attorney won't take on your claim unless they think you have a strong case. They don't get paid unless you win. This means you won't have to pay anything until your personal injury claim is settled fairly.
Filing A Car Accident Compensation Claim
To file a lawsuit, your auto accident lawyer will review the information gathered during the investigation process. In your accident injury claim, your lawyer will include the following:
- Accident Damages
- Injuries
- Negligent Behavior
- Request for Adequate Compensation
Your lawyer will use your claim to negotiate a fair settlement for your losses. While preparing your case for trial, it is up to your attorney to negotiate a settlement on your behalf.
If you can't reach an agreement with the at-fault party, your case will go to trial. The amount of compensation will then be determined by the judge and jury.
If you've been in a motor vehicle accident, it's critical to remember that you should only speak with and disclose information to your auto accident attorney. Making false statements or comments to the wrong person could jeopardize your personal injury case's compensation claim.
Connect With the Best Personal Injury Attorneys in Palm Coast, Florida
We have a dedicated team of attorneys who will fight for the financial compensation you deserve in your car accident injury case. You should never have to take legal action on your own.
Our team of lawyers is here to get you the most out of your claim for compensation so you can get on the road to recovery. Hire an expert auto accident lawyer to handle your case if you or a loved one needs assistance after a car accident. Please click the button below to schedule a free consultation with one of our Palm Coast, Florida car accident attorneys.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents
What Do I Do After a Car Accident?
The first thing you should do after a car accident is check if anyone has catastrophic injuries and requires medical attention. If you or anyone else in the accident has been hurt, call 911 right away for an ambulance. Do not attempt to move someone who has been injured unless they are in immediate danger or you have been instructed to do so.
If you can still drive, you may need to reposition your vehicle to avoid causing traffic congestion. Otherwise, it's best to leave the accident scene alone until the police arrive and make an official report. It's important to remember that a police report is a crucial piece of evidence in your case. Inquire about obtaining a copy of the official accident report as soon as the cops arrive.
Obtain the names and contact information of all participants and witnesses of the accident. Exchange insurance and contact information with the other parties involved, but don't get angry by discussing who was the at-fault party.
Remain calm, and don't say anything that could be construed as an admission of guilt. After an accident, it's sometimes difficult to determine who the at-fault driver is. You're not authorized to make that call at the scene.
Photograph the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. Take pictures of tire tracks, important street signs, and traffic lights. Keep a disposable camera in your glove box if you don't have access to a smartphone.
Make a list of any details you remember about the accident, including the approximate time it happened, where it happened, and if weather or road conditions played a role in the collision.
Take the advice of the on-scene paramedics. If you've been in a car accident, seek medical care as soon as possible. Visit your primary care physician, the ER, or an urgent care facility. Make sure your doctor is aware of all of your symptoms, from head to toe, even if they appear insignificant (such as stiffness, headaches, or dull pain). Some injuries from car accidents can take a long time to show symptoms, so seeing a doctor is critical for your health. If your medical provider isn't taking your injuries seriously, pursue a second opinion. Talk to a medical professional about the emotional damage caused by the accident if it is causing you pain. PTSD, anxiety, depression, phobias, and substance abuse are all examples of this.
Notify your insurance agent as soon as possible of the collision, but stick to the facts. Don't bring up the negligent driver.
Finally, please get in touch with our Palm Coast legal team right away. Having an experienced car accident lawyer on your side early in the process will give you the best chance of receiving a fair settlement. Do not attempt to handle your insurance claim, the insurance companies, or the at-fault driver alone.
What Will I Be Compensated for After a Car Accident?
If you were in a no-fault automobile accident, you might be entitled to the following economic, non-economic damages, and punitive damages from the at-fault driver:
- Loss of Consortium (Loss of Companionship)
- Medical Expenses
- Mental Anguish
- Property Damage (Repair Costs)
- Pain and Suffering
- Lost Wages
What Do I Do if an Insurance Company Contacts Me?
Don't do anything. If an insurance agent contacts you, don't say anything about your case to them. Your attorney is in charge of dealing with your insurance claim.
Both insurance companies will almost certainly contact you to obtain information about your accident. This could be used against you to reduce the amount of your settlement, depending on what you say.
Although you may need to speak with an insurance adjuster at some point, you should always consult with an experienced car accident attorney first. To protect the value of your case, they will explain what you can and cannot say to the insurance provider.
How Long Will It Take To Get My Car Accident Settlement?
The length of time it takes to resolve a lawsuit is determined by a variety of factors.
First, contact an experienced lawyer as soon as possible after your accident so that they can begin their investigation.
Second, the severity of your injuries and the severity of the accident can influence how long your case takes. Before settling, insurance companies want the injured party to finish their treatment so that all medical expenses can be valued.
Finally, it depends on the settlement size and when you can get a court date (if you cannot settle in mediation). If you're willing to accept a lower settlement, the personal injury law firm can finish your case in a matter of months. If you want a larger settlement, the process will take longer, and you may have to go to trial.
How Much Does a Car Accident Attorney Cost in Palm Coast, FL?
If you were injured in a car accident in Palm Coast, Florida, you should hire a personal injury attorney to represent you.
The legal duty of a personal injury attorney is to assist accident victims. A personal injury lawyer will get you the financial compensation you deserve if you were in an accident caused by someone else's negligent actions.
Fortunately, these lawyers work on a contingency basis. This means you won't have to pay any upfront legal fees, and your lawyer will only be paid a small percentage of your final settlement.