If you were involved in a minor fender bender that caused neither property damage nor bodily injury, there’s not much an attorney can do for you. But if either you or your vehicle suffered harm, or you lost a family member in the crash, you should speak with an attorney about pursuing damages.
The medical bills and other financial ramifications of a wreck can be devastating, but you may be entitled to compensation for the losses you incur. In order to recover a payout, though, you’ll have to put together a strong claim.
Generally speaking, it’s probably worthwhile to call a lawyer and start putting together a case if any of the following applies:
1. You Sustained a “Serious Injury”
In Florida, car accident victims are usually limited to seeking damages from their own carriers. If you meet the state’s “serious injury” threshold, though, you may file a third-party claim with the liable motorist’s insurer.
Florida statutes define a “serious injury” as one that results in:
- Significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function;
- Permanent damage, other than scarring or disfigurement, within a reasonable degree of medical probability; or
- Significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement.
Accidents that result in death also warrant legal action.
2. Your Vehicle Was Severely Damaged
Florida allows for the recovery of property damage like automotive repairs. Until your vehicle is repaired, you may also be entitled to funds for alternative transportation. And if your injuries caused permanent disabilities, you may be able to secure compensation for a modified vehicle that can accommodate your new limitations.
3. You Did Not Play a Role in the Wreck
If you were following the rules of the road prior to the accident, someone else was inevitably to blame. When it comes to motor-vehicle collisions, potentially liable parties include motorists, cyclists, pedestrians, parts manufacturers, maintenance contractors, and government agencies responsible for maintaining the roads.
A resourceful attorney can help you determine whether one—or more—of these parties was at fault for the crash and, if so, how best to prove it. Naturally, the strongest evidence that will contribute to your claim will depend on the circumstances. Generally speaking, though, it will likely include some combination of the following:
- Photographs of the wreckage;
- The official police report;
- Eyewitness testimony;
- Statements from accident reconstruction experts;
- Cell phone records;
- Toxicology reports;
- Vehicle schematics;
- Maintenance records;
- Dash cam recordings;
- Surveillance footage; and
- Black box data.
Since some of the most valuable pieces of evidence may be time-sensitive—and may be hard to obtain without applying legal pressure—it’s wise to call a lawyer as soon as possible.
Call (954) 880-9500 to Discuss Your Case with a Car Accident Attorney
If you were hurt in a collision through no fault of your own, contact Lubell Rosen, LLC. We’ll conduct a thorough investigation into the wreck and help you determine the most strategic way to proceed. Call (954) 880-9500 or fill out our Contact Form to schedule a free consultation with a car accident lawyer.
