Auto Accident Attorney in Bradenton, FL
Have you or a loved one been injured in a car accident in Bradenton, Florida? If you have, you need legal advice from a law firm with experienced car accident lawyers who know Bradenton. Being in an auto accident causes a lot of pain and suffering. In addition, the process of dealing with insurance companies can be overwhelming.
The Fran Haasch Law Group has personal injury lawyers to assist you every step of the way. We keep fighting until you obtain the compensation you deserve.
“Incredible law firm! Helped my husband after his accident. They took care of everything- definitely call Fran Haasch for any motor vehicle accident!” — Michele F.
After experiencing a motor vehicle accident, you need to concentrate on healing. Let our attorneys take care of the paperwork and phone calls with insurance companies. Did you suffer injuries from a car crash caused by someone else’s negligence, or are you not sure who is at fault? Contact us for a free evaluation. Our law firm has 20 years of experience handling car accident cases.
Causes of Car Accidents in Bradenton, FL
Florida is alluring because of its beautiful beaches, amusement parks, and warm weather. However, with frequent visitors to the state, the roads stay busy, increasing the risk of auto accidents. The Florida Department of Highway and Motor Vehicles reported 401,867 car crashes resulting in 3,185 fatalities in the state in 2019. That equates to an average of 1,101 crashes per day. Car accidents happen for many reasons:
Impaired drivers
Drivers suffering from sleep deprivation or under the influence of alcohol, controlled substances, prescriptions, or over-the-counter medications can all experience impairment.
Carelessness includes distracted and reckless drivers. Drivers can be distracted by many things, including smartphones, passengers, events taking place outside of the vehicle, eating and drinking, and other screens in the car. When Florida passed the Florida Ban on Texting While Driving Law, typing on a mobile device became a primary offense.
Carelessness
Violating Traffic Laws
Speeding, not yielding to someone’s right of way, and failure to stop at a traffic light or stop sign are all frequent causes of auto accidents.
Unsafe Vehicles
Failure to maintain a vehicle that is safe for operation can be dangerous. Therefore, it is essential to get regular maintenance and to know if your car has any recalls. If there are any recalls, address them as quickly as possible.
Inexperienced Drivers
When teens start driving, they do not always know what to do in every situation, and that lack of experience can lead to a car accident.
Driver Aggression
Tailgating other drivers or speeding to pass other cars can lead to deadly car accidents.
Hazardous Weather
The weather frequently becomes hazardous in Florida. Always follow the advice from local authorities regarding travel safety. Stay off the roads when recommended.
Unsafe Roads
A road may be dangerous for several reasons:
- missing barriers and guardrails
- confusing or absent signs
- faded or poorly painted lines
- unannounced surface changes
- Potholes
- Debris
Factors That Affect Car Accident Claims
Several determinants may affect the strength of a claim and influence a claim settlement. Each car accident case is unique; however, most car accident claims involve the following factors.
Determination of Fault in Florida
Florida is a no-fault state that uses personal injury protection or PIP insurance to help protect residents injured in an accident. However, PIP insurance only provides up to $10,000 in coverage. This amount probably will not be enough to cover your expenses due to a car accident. In many cases, this may be the only source of compensation available.
Comparative Negligence
Florida law also follows the principle of comparative negligence, meaning authorities and experts determine the percentage of fault by each party. Defense attorneys and adjusters attempt to take advantage of this law to decrease the amount of compensation an injured victim can receive. When one party is negligent and causes an accident, victims need to prove that the other person’s negligence resulted in their injuries to determine liability. Florida laws can make a car accident case more complex. A lawyer from The Fran Haasch Law Group, well-versed in Florida laws, is a crucial asset in a car accident case.
Severity of Injury
Car accident injuries can be mild to severe and even result in loss of life. Sometimes injuries are immediately visible or felt by the victim. Other times it takes longer for an injury to become apparent, especially a brain injury, making a car accident case more complex. Brain injuries are often incorrectly dismissed as stress or emotions due to the accident or depression. However, brain injuries can vary from mild to severe. A traumatic brain injury can be life-threatening and requires medical testing to confirm. Whiplash is another type of injury that is not always visible and can appear hours or days after an accident. If you are injured or are not sure if you are okay because you are experiencing the stress or shock of being in an accident, you must go to the hospital to get checked. There can be hidden injuries, like traumatic brain injuries or internal bleeding, that could be fatal.
How Does a Car Accident Impact the Victim’s Life?
Impacts from a car accident can be long-lasting and affect both your personal and professional life. You might be unable to work or be forced to change careers due to an injury. In addition, your injuries might affect your relationships or keep you from doing activities you enjoy. After a car accident, clients often require assistance with basic activities of daily living. For example, many of those injured in a car accident need help with child care, housekeeping, and transportation to medical appointments.
Types of Claims
A car accident usually falls under personal injury claims, wrongful death claims, or property damage claims.
Statute of Limitations
It is always better to pursue a claim quickly rather than wait. The statute of limitations in Florida is two years for personal injury claims. This statute means you have a limited amount of time to file a personal injury claim for a car accident, or you may lose the right to seek compensation. One of our experienced car accident lawyers will be able to inform you how these laws could affect your claim and guide you on the applicable time limitations.
Benefits of Getting a Personal Injury Attorney After a Car Accident
Insurance companies will try to downplay the severity of your accident or claim your injuries occurred previously. They want to reduce the amount of compensation you can receive. Insurance companies will try to close your case quickly and get you to accept a settlement that is not fair. That is why you need a free case evaluation by an experienced car accident lawyer who can offer legal advice regarding your case.
The Bradenton car accident lawyers at The Fran Haasch Law Group work with experts to reconstruct and evaluate the technical features of your accident, like speed and distance. Our attorneys also examine medical records, physician statements, and witness statements. Then, we will negotiate for a fair settlement with the at-fault party’s insurance company on your behalf. However, sometimes the parties do not agree on a fair settlement. In that case, we will file an injury lawsuit and fight for you in court.
The Fran Haasch Law Group has recovered millions in compensation for victims of motor vehicle accidents. Our experienced and knowledgeable attorneys make sure you receive the total compensation you deserve.
Damages Awarded in Auto Accident Claims in Florida
You can receive compensation for more than just medical bills. There are many types of damages you might claim when you have an injury. You need legal representation from an experienced car accident lawyer to prove your case. The following are examples of types of damages you might be entitled to:
- Lost wages/benefits and future lost wages/benefits
- Current and future medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium— injuries from your accident may affect your relationship with your significant other.
- Loss of enjoyment — not being able to participate in activities you previously enjoyed.
- Property damage to your vehicle
- Punitive damages — meant to punish the defendant for harmful behaviors and prevent others from being injured by similar acts.
Experienced Bradenton Car Accident Lawyer
The personal injury attorneys at The Fran Haasch Law Group will fight aggressively on your behalf. We are experienced in personal injury cases, such as car accidents, and help those suffering due to someone else’s negligence. In addition to Bradenton, FL, we serve clients in Tampa, Palm Harbor, Clearwater, and the surrounding areas. We desire to get the best outcome for your case. Therefore, we will go to trial if it means getting fair compensation for your accident.
Why You Should Choose The Fran Haasch Law Group
When you are a Fran Haasch Law Group client, we consider you part of our family. Therefore, we will always treat you with respect, keep you informed of any updates in your case, and explain each detail thoroughly.
If you or a person you care about has been adversely affected by a car accident in or near Bradenton, FL, you may have a case, and we can help. You can count on our car accident lawyers to get you the most compensation possible.
“Such a great firm! There’s not a single person I spoke with that wasn’t friendly, compassionate, caring, professional, and knowledgeable. And every time you call, you get the most friendly and warm greeting I’ve ever heard! I was recommended to this firm and will recommend this team to everyone!” — Stephen
Contact Us
Call our office at (727) 784-8191 to request an initial evaluation. We do not charge initial fees, and you only pay if we successfully recover compensation for you.
Don’t wait. Contact us for your free evaluation today.
