When you’re injured in a car accident in Clearwater, Florida, you need a Clearwater car accident attorney to help you with your case. In 2021, there were an average of 1,100 car accidents per day, with a total of 3,741 fatalities across the state. Car collisions can cause physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial hardship, and navigating the aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming and confusing.
A Clearwater car accident attorney from Emerson Straw Injury Law can provide legal guidance and support if you’re injured in a car accident. We can help you understand your rights and options for seeking compensation for your damages.
Clearwater Car Accident Attorneys at Emerson Straw
Emerson Straw Injury Law has Clearwater personal injury lawyers ready to help you with your case. Our personal injury law firm has years of experience handling Florida car accident cases. We will assist you with your claim by:
- Investigating the accident by interviewing witnesses, gathering evidence, and hiring professionals
- Accessing the police report to review the circumstances of your accident
- Filing a claim with your personal injury protection (PIP) insurance or the negligent driver’s liability insurer
- Explaining the total value of your claim, including economic, non-economic, and punitive damages
- Negotiating a settlement and sharing advice on whether to accept an offer
- Representing you in court if it goes to trial
When Can You File a Claim in Clearwater?
In Clearwater, Florida, you can file a car accident claim if you have been involved in a car accident and suffered injuries or damages. Florida is a no-fault insurance state, meaning you will file a claim with your PIP insurance, regardless of who was at fault for the accident.
Under Florida law, PIP insurance must cover 80% of required medical care after a crash, up to $10,000. This includes surgical, dental, and X-ray services and hospital and nursing services if you receive them within 14 days of the collision.
If you have suffered severe or permanent injuries, such as significant scarring or loss of a bodily function, you may be able to file a claim against the other driver to seek compensation beyond your PIP insurance coverage.
The statute of limitations for filing a car accident claim in Florida means that you must file your claim within this timeframe to be eligible for compensation. An experienced Clearwater car accident lawyer near you can guide you through filing a claim and ensure you meet all the necessary deadlines and requirements.
How Much Can You Expect From Your Claim?
The compensation you can expect from a car accident claim will depend on various factors. These include the severity of your injuries, the extent of property damage, and the accident’s impact on your life.
Personal injury claims are often settled through negotiations with the involved parties’ insurance companies, so the compensation you receive may depend on the strength of your evidence and your attorney’s negotiation skills. If your case goes to trial, a judge or jury may determine the amount of compensation you are entitled to.
Some of the damages you may be able to recover in a car accident claim include property damage, lost wages, medical expenses, and pain and suffering. If you lost a loved one to a car accident in Florida, you can contact a car accident attorney near you to file a wrongful death claim. This type of claim can help you receive a settlement to pay for funeral expenses, loss of consortium, and lost earnings.
During a free case evaluation, a skilled Clearwater car accident attorney can review the details of your case and provide an estimate of the potential value of your claim. This ensures you ask the insurance company for the maximum you’re owed rather than accept a lowball settlement.
How Long Will it Take?
The length of the car accident claim process in Clearwater, Florida, can vary depending on the complexity of your case, the severity of your injuries, and the willingness of the insurance company to settle. Generally, resolving a car accident claim can take several months to a year or more.
If your injuries are severe and require extensive medical treatment, the process may take longer as your attorney may need to gather medical records and documentation to build a strong case. Additionally, the process may take longer if your case goes to trial as more steps are involved, including jury selection, witness testimony, and evidence presentation.
A knowledgeable Clearwater car accident attorney from Emerson Straw Injury Lawyers can provide you with an accurate estimate of how long your case may take based on the specific details of your situation.
Get in Touch With a Clearwater Car Accident Attorney Today
At Emerson Straw, we have experience representing car accident victims in Clearwater, Florida. If you have been a victim of someone else’s negligent driving, you may be entitled to financial compensation in excess of your PIP coverage.
Our firm works on a contingency basis; we don’t require payment until we win you the settlement you deserve.
Contact us for a Clearwater car accident attorney free consultation to get started on your case.