Belleair Car Accident Attorney

Car accidents can happen at any time and can be devastating for the individuals involved, which is why you need legal representation from a Belleair car accident attorney. Even a seemingly minor accident can result in significant damage to property or a catastrophic personal injury like a traumatic brain injury.

When an accident occurs, having skilled and experienced accident lawyers in Belleair advocating for your rights can improve the outcome of your case, maximizing your compensation.

Why Work With an Emerson Straw Belleair Car Accident Attorney?

At Emerson Straw, our experienced Belleair car accident lawyers will be by your side every step of the way during the claims process, offering our legal advocacy and services, including:

• Gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and hiring professionals such as accident scene reconstructionists to help build your case
• Helping you understand what your claim is worth
• Talking to the insurance companies, preparing legal documents, and making a claim on your behalf
• Negotiating a settlement and sharing advice on whether to accept an offer
• Representing you at trial if necessary
• Providing compassionate support for you and your family throughout the process

Does No-Fault Law Apply to Auto Accidents in Belleair?

Belleair is located in Pinellas County, and like the rest of Florida, it follows a no-fault system for car accidents. This means that after a car accident, each driver’s own insurance company is responsible for covering their medical expenses, regardless of who was at fault for the accident.

Under this system, the injured party typically files a claim with their insurance company, which will cover their medical expenses up to the limits of their policy.

However, in certain situations, a driver may be able to pursue compensation from the at-fault driver or their insurance company. For example, if the accident resulted in serious or permanent injury, disability, or disfigurement, you can file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver to seek additional compensation beyond what their own insurance company will cover.

Florida law requires all drivers to carry a minimum amount of personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, which covers medical expenses and lost wages up to a certain limit. In Belleair, the minimum PIP coverage required is $10,000 per person.

What Compensation Can I Recover in a Belleair Car Accident Claim?

The compensation that you may be able to recover in a car accident claim varies depending on the specific circumstances of your case, such as the severity of your injuries and the amount of property damage. The most common types of compensation you may be able to recover in a car accident claim are:

• Medical expenses: You may be able to recover compensation for medical expenses related to your injuries, including ambulance fees, hospitalization, surgery, medication, rehabilitation, and other related costs.
• Lost wages: If your injuries caused you to miss work, you might be able to recover compensation for lost wages, including past and future lost income.
• Property damage: You may recover compensation for damage to your vehicle or other property damaged in the accident.
• Pain and suffering: If your injuries caused physical pain, emotional distress, or other types of suffering like PTSD, you might be able to recover compensation for these damages.
• Loss of enjoyment of life: If your injuries have affected your ability to enjoy your usual activities, hobbies, or quality of life, you may be able to recover compensation for these damages.
• Punitive damages: In some cases, the court may award punitive damages to punish the at-fault party for particularly egregious behavior or recklessness.