Accidents are a common occurrence in the State of Florida. Those who have been injured in an automobile collision often sustain severe injuries such as broken bones, head trauma, spinal cord, and chest injuries. Besides the physical injuries, victims are often left with emotional and financial hardships as well following a car crash. Fortunately, a knowledgeable personal injury attorney could help victims get the relief they need.
If you or a loved one were injured in an automobile crash, consider seeking help from a seasoned New Port Richey car accident lawyer. They could investigate the cause of the collision, collect evidence, and speak to witnesses to help prove your case. With the help of a skilled car crash attorney, you may be eligible to recover compensation for your injuries and damages.
Filing a Car Insurance Claim
Since many insurance companies have their own legal counsel, a car accident attorney in New Port Richey could be an asset in helping plaintiffs negotiate a fair settlement. Florida follows the no-fault system for auto insurance.
Under the no-fault system, those who have been injured in a motor vehicle crash may receive financial relief from their own insurance company regardless of who is at fault for the collision. Victims could seek compensation for medical bills and other economic losses that resulted from the accident under their own policy.
In order to file a personal injury claim against the driver who caused the collision to recover excess damages, such as pain and suffering, plaintiffs must meet a no-fault threshold. The State of Florida sets a serious injury threshold that plaintiffs must meet to file a personal injury lawsuit. To meet the threshold, plaintiffs must have suffered one of the following types of injuries:
- Substantially full disability for 90 days
- Significant disfigurement
- Significant limitation of use of bodily function or system
- Permanent limitation of use of bodily organ or member
- Bone fracture
It is best to speak to a diligent New Port Richey car accident lawyer to learn more about the serious injury threshold and the types of damages a victim may be eligible to recover.
Comparative Fault Issues
Issues of comparative fault could limit a plaintiff’s financial recovery. Florida follows the pure comparative fault model. Under the pure comparative fault model, codified under Florida Statutes §768.81, plaintiffs may recover damages against the defendant even if they are 99 percent at fault for the collision. However, their compensation award will be reduced by their percentage of fault
An experienced New Port Richey car collision attorney could fight against claims of shared fault to help the plaintiff recover more compensation for damages.
Filing Deadlines for Car Accident Claims in New Port Richey
A car crash attorney in New Port Richey could assist plaintiffs in the filing process. Courts have filing deadlines, also known as a statute of limitations, that is imposed on a plaintiff’s cause of action. If a plaintiff does not file their lawsuit within the statute of limitations, they lose the right to sue the defendant for damages.
In Florida, the deadline to file a personal injury claim related to a car accident is four years and starts to run from the date of the crash per Florida Statutes § 95.11(3).
Reach Out to a New Port Richey Car Accident Attorney Today
Seeking compensation following a car crash might seem like an unattainable goal while trying to recover from your injuries. Fortunately, you do not need to handle your case alone. Let a New Port Richey car accident lawyer could handle the legal elements of your case while you focus on your physical and emotional health.
Discuss your case and legal options today.
