NEW PORT RICHEY CAR ACCIDENT LAWYER
Have You Been Injured in a Car Accident in Pasco County?
If you have been injured in a car accident, speak to a car accident lawyer as soon as possible. Injuries sustained from a car accident can be tragic and life-altering. A car accident lawyer can help you fight for the compensation you deserve. The Fran Haasch Law Group is here to help you in every way possible. We have years of experience helping injured victims in New Port Richey, Wesley Chapel, and Zephyrhills get the money they need to pay for medical bills, lost wages, and more. If you suffered harm in a car accident, we will put our experience to work for you. Contact one of our top rated auto injury lawyers near you today for a free consultation.
“This law office handled every detail of my auto accident. My only job was to heal. Very thankful for this law group. I would recommend them to anyone who has suffered an auto or motorcycle accident.” — Laurel Byers
WHAT TO DO AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT
First, call the police and get medical care. Some injuries might not be immediately apparent but can still be very dangerous. Traumatic brain injuries and internal bleeding are injuries you cannot always see, but need treatment immediately to prevent further suffering. There is also a chance you could be in shock. Therefore, it is always best to get examined by a doctor.
Next, call the New Port Richey car accident lawyers at The Fran Haasch Law Group for a free evaluation. The sooner you call after a car accident, the better your chances are of receiving the total compensation you deserve. Our car accident attorneys will answer all your questions, explain your rights, and deal with the insurance companies so you do not have to. We’re here to handle the details of your case so you can focus on healing.
STEPS TO TAKE AT THE CRASH SCENE
You, or someone with you who is able, should take the following steps after a car accident:
- Call the police
- Get medical help
- Document the scene with photos or videos
- Get the contact information of all drivers
- Get insurance information of all drivers
- Write down witness contact information
- Stay until the police finish their investigation
- Call a car accident attorney
WHY YOU NEED A CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
Insurance companies do not want to give you fair compensation because they want to keep as much money as possible for themselves. Therefore, they use tactics to ensure you settle for less than you’re entitled to, or they may even try to pay you nothing. Having an experienced car accident attorney who is familiar with car accidents and insurance companies will help advocate for your rights.
Our car accident lawyers have seen how insurance companies and opposing counsel try to exploit the car accident victim. The Fran Haasch Law Group will help you receive the total compensation you deserve. Let us put our 20 years of knowledge and success to work for you today.
Strategies Used By Insurance Companies
- The other driver’s insurance company might call right away to get you to say you are OK. They may initially seem concerned; however, they’ll often use the information you give them against you. Because of this, it is always better to talk to a car accident attorney before talking to the insurance company.
- The insurance company might encourage you to quickly accept a less-than-optimal settlement before fully understanding the extent of damages you suffered. Some injuries, such as neck injuries, do not present themselves immediately. It is better to get thoroughly examined by a physician and discuss your crash with a New Port Richey car accident attorney before working on any settlement.
- On the contrary, insurance companies might take excessive time to process your claim in hopes that you will accept any low amount they finally offer.
- They may tell you certain damages are not covered when, in reality, they should be.
- Insurance companies may request that you authorize them to access your medical records. They then can use this information against you and potentially claim the injuries you have from the crash were pre-existing.
- An insurance company might pressure you to sign paperwork before you can talk to a lawyer.
- They certainly will discourage you from hiring a car accident lawyer who can tell you your rights and get you the compensation you deserve.
What Should I Do When an Insurance Company Contacts Me?
Do not answer any questions from the insurance company, give a recorded statement, or sign paperwork without first consulting with a car accident lawyer. Knowledgeable car accident lawyers are experienced in dealing with insurance companies. Not to mention, auto policies can be complicated. A car accident attorney accustomed to reading auto policies can help you fully understand your coverage and rights.
Our Attorneys Do Not Back Down
Lawyers at The Fran Haasch Law Group have a reputation for not backing down from big insurance companies. As a result, opposing counsel and big companies know we will not accept an unfair offer. We also have extensive experience representing New Port Richey residents in car accident cases.
Personal Injury Car Accident Cases Can Be Complex
What makes a car accident case so complex? For example, a car crash might involve one or several individuals with personal injury cases. In addition, the cause of the accident could involve several factors that affect the case. For example, the extent of the injuries suffered; also, determining who is responsible for the damages.
Our Car Accident Lawyers Are Thorough
The Fran Haasch Law Group looks at all the factors related to the accident. Our car accident lawyers keep you updated and explain every detail along the way. The following are types of evidence our car accident attorneys examine when working on your Port Richey car accident case:
- Police reports
- Witness statements
- Medical records
- Physician statements
- Vehicle maintenance records
- Proof of damages
- Video footage
In addition, our car accident attorneys work with accident reconstruction specialists to recreate the scene.
How To Choose The Best Car Accident Lawyer For Your Case
Choosing the right car accident lawyer is crucial for success. Prioritize expertise with a proven track record, emphasizing client testimonials and case results. Effective communication, accessibility, and transparent fees are key considerations. Ensure a strong attorney-client relationship by selecting a lawyer who prioritizes your case. With a focus on experience and transparency, confidently choose the best car accident lawyer for your needs.
WHAT DAMAGES CAN YOU CLAIM IN FLORIDA CAR ACCIDENT CASES?
Economic Damages
Economic damages are financial losses due to an accident. These damages include current and future lost wages and benefits, present and future medical bills, and property damages to your vehicle.
Non-Economic Damages
The purpose of non-economic damages is to cover losses that are not financial, but still significantly alter your quality of life due to the accident. These damages may include physical and mental pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment in activities that previously brought you joy. An additional type of non-economic damage is the loss of consortium. This term refers to losing the benefits of married and parental life.
HOW DOES FLORIDA LAW DETERMINE PAIN AND SUFFERING?
Pain and suffering can be subjective and personal to each individual. A car accident injury can affect each person differently. Therefore, it isn’t easy to calculate the amount to award. The court examines several factors to determine the extent of pain and suffering damages, such as the following:
- Age of the victim
- Severity of the car accident injury
- Current and future medical treatment and therapy required
- Pre-existing conditions
- Economic loss due to the accident
Punitive Damages
Under certain circumstances, a victim might seek punitive damages when it is necessary to punish the defendant for harmful behaviors. This punishment also prevents others from being injured by similar acts.
HOW MUCH IS MY PORT RICHEY AUTO ACCIDENT INJURY CASE WORTH?
Every car accident is unique. Motor vehicle accidents alter each victim’s life differently. An experienced New Port Richey auto accident lawyer will evaluate each detail and determine how your accident affects your life. The Fran Haasch Law Group lawyers know Florida laws and car accident victim rights. Below are some factors that lawyers will use to determine how much your car accident claim is worth:
- How severe are the injuries you suffered from your accident?
- What is the amount of related medical bills that you have incurred?
- Will you require ongoing medical treatment or equipment for your car accident injuries? What are the estimated costs of that care?
- Has the car accident and the chronic effects of the crash affected you mentally and emotionally?
- Has the car accident affected your ability to work? Are you able to return to your job, or will you have to learn a new skill? Will you be able to make the income you need to support your family?
- Do you need someone to help you with activities of daily living that you were able to complete previously? These tasks include bathing, dressing, driving, caring for your children, and similar activities.
- Has your car accident injury affected your ability to participate in or enjoy aspects of your life?
- What are your total out-of-pocket costs related to the car accident?
- What are the applicable insurance limits and/or available assets?
The greater your car accident has affected the above factors, the more your case is worth. However, having an experienced car accident lawyer on your side is crucial to ensure you maximize your recovery.
Our New Port Richey Car Accident Lawyers Fight for the Most Compensation Possible
Our knowledgeable Port Richey car accident attorneys will make sure you receive the total compensation you deserve from your accident. We will take your case to trial if both parties cannot reach a fair settlement outside of court. As a result, the Fran Haasch Law Group has recovered millions in payment for car accident victims. Our car accident law firm has experienced attorneys ready to fight for you.
Fran Haasch, our founding attorney, is a Lifetime Member of the Multimillion Dollar Advocates Forum. She is also a member of the Elite Lawyers of America, a group of trial lawyers who have obtained a settlement or verdict of $2 million or greater.
What If The Individual Who Caused The Accident Is Uninsured Or Underinsured?
Underinsured Drivers
Auto insurance coverage requirements are very limited in Florida. Under Florida law, for a driver to operate a car, they are only required to maintain $10,000 in both personal injury protection (PIP) benefits and Property Damage Liability. PIP benefits work like health and/or disability insurance. However, under most circumstances, PIP policies will not pay out to third parties. Therefore, if you are the victim of a car accident, you may only be covered up to $10,000 from your PIP coverage. Unfortunately, more than $10,000 is likely needed to cover your medical bills and/or lost wages due to a car accident.
When the at-fault driver only has basic coverage, you will receive minimal compensation for your damages. Unfortunately, it is entirely legal to drive underinsured in the state of Florida.
Uninsured Drivers
On March 26, 2021, The Orlando Sentinel reported that more than 20.4% of Florida drivers are uninsured. That means that if you get in an accident in New Port Richey, Florida, there is a one in five chance that the other driver does not have any auto insurance to provide in case of an accident. The national average of uninsured drivers is 12.9%. Therefore, when driving in Florida, you have an increased risk of being involved in an auto accident with an uninsured driver.
When you are hit by an uninsured driver or involved in a hit-and-run accident, your chances of receiving compensation for damages decrease even more. The FLHSMV website reported 1,916 hit-and-run accidents in Pasco County in 2021. Those hit-and-run accidents resulted in four fatalities and 765 injuries.
Can I Sue An Uninsured Driver?
A driver caught in an accident without insurance will face the consequences. The driver faces losing their license and paying penalties or fines. Victims of car accidents with uninsured drivers have the right to sue uninsured motorists for personal injury; however, these cases usually drag on in court. In addition, most drivers who cannot afford ongoing insurance policies will also be unable to provide financial resources to someone injured in an accident.
PASCO COUNTY AUTO ACCIDENT STATISTICS
Pasco County attracts a lot of residents and visitors and, therefore, has busy roads. The intersections crossing US-19 Highway are some of the most dangerous in the country. New Port Richey and its surrounding areas have grown considerably in population in recent years. Unfortunately, more traffic results in an increased number of car accidents. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) reported 7,705 motor vehicle crashes in Pasco County in 2022.
While annual crashes have been pretty stable over the past five years, there has been a significant increase in injury crashes and injuries from crashes.
Injuries from crashes are up by 18% in 2022 vs. the average between 2018-2020. This shows that a much higher number of collisions result in someone being hurt, and that these crashes are becoming more and more dangerous. Of the 7,705 crashes in the greater New Port Richey area and Pasco County, 7,487 people were injured, nearly one for every crash, and over 100 fatalities. Please, take your time and do not drive while impaired or distracted.
If you get into a car accident or any other type of motor vehicle crash in the New Port Richey area, call our offices at (727) 784-8191 to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced New Port Richey car accident lawyers near you. We do not charge clients any initial fees; you only pay if we successfully recover your compensation.
HOW DO I PROTECT MYSELF FINANCIALLY?
Since there are so many underinsured or uninsured drivers in Florida, you need to protect yourself financially. To do this, learn about the kinds of auto policies available to you in Florida. You need to look out for yourself and get the most protection you can afford because other drivers often do not. Even though it is not fair to the victim, many at-fault drivers do not have the coverage required to pay their expenses.
You can purchase certain types of coverage to ensure your family stays protected if you are involved in a car accident with an uninsured motorist. In addition, these policies make it possible for you to deal with your insurance company for coverage that the other uninsured driver’s coverage would have covered.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM) Coverage in Florida
UM covers you for your bodily injury caused by a hit-and-run driver or an at-fault driver without any/enough auto liability insurance. Though not required in Florida, UM coverage is an excellent way to protect yourself financially in the event of a car accident with an uninsured driver.
How Do I Find The Best Auto Insurance Rates?
The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) has a rate comparison tool called CHOICES available on their website, floir.com. Additionally, websites like thezebra.com or insurify.com compare insurance companies in your zip code and find the best rate for your needs. For example, you enter your zip code. The site will prompt you to answer questions about your vehicle and compare the rates available in New Port Richey, FL 34652.
Then you can contact the companies listed to negotiate the best rate. You may qualify for special discounts a company offers due to military service or where you work. Stacking your policies into one with the same company usually gives you the best overall price.
“There is a competitive auto insurance market in Florida,” Alexis Bakofsky, a spokeswoman with the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation, told the Orlando Sentinel. “OIR urges consumers to find the coverage that best suits their needs and ask their insurance agent if they are eligible for premium relief or discounts.”
CHOOSE THE FRAN HAASCH LAW GROUP FOR YOUR NEW PORT RICHEY CAR ACCIDENT LAWYER
Our Personal Injury Lawyers Treat Their Clients Like Family
“Fran Haasch law group has treated me with the utmost respect and kindness along with great customer service: they actually answer the phone calls as things progress. If you need a lawyer on your side, see Fran Haasch for all your needs.” — Debra Toner
Our car accident law firm advocates for injury victims and surviving family members of those wrongfully killed in car accidents. Our car accident attorneys work hard to recover the maximum compensation owed to our clients.
Contact Our Car Accident Law Firm for a Free Evaluation in New Port Richey, FL
Having knowledgeable legal representation can make all the difference in your financial recovery after a car accident. If you need a New Port Richey car accident lawyer, contact The Fran Haasch Law Group. We will fight for your rights.
Fill out this contact form or call (727) 390-0123 for a free evaluation by one of our accident attorneys. There are NO upfront fees—you only pay if you receive compensation. We have offices located in Palm Harbor, Tampa Bay, and Clearwater.
Neighborhoods We Serve in New Port Richey
Alaska, Briar Patch, Connie Wood, Covert Square, Crafts, Edgewood Gardens, Golden Heights, GrandView Park Estates, Gulf Coast Estates, Hazeldon Estates, Imperial Embassy, Jasmine Heights, Massachusetts Heights, New Port Richey Estates, Old Grove, Orange Grove Park, Oranoak, Orchid Lake West, Richey Court, Rio Vista Park, Riverside, Seminole Point, Sunset Point, Tanglewood Terrace, The Meadows, The Wilds, Tropic Shores, Woodridge Estates, Woodridge North.
