October 28, 2024 | Car Accidents
Car accidents can lead to serious injuries, emotional distress, and financial hardships. Whether you have been in a minor fender bender or a catastrophic accident, you may be left facing a web of insurance claims or lawsuits to recover rightful compensation. You may also wonder what a Vero Beach car accident lawyer can do for you. An experienced legal team can handle all aspects of your case.
Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation
One of the first things a car accident lawyer does is offer a free initial consultation. This allows you to meet with a lawyer, discuss your car accident, and ask questions. The lawyer will also gather preliminary information about your damages to assess whether you may have a viable case.
Key factors include:
- The cause of your car accident
- The extent of your injuries
- Insurance coverage of the parties involved
- Potential liabilities and damages
The lawyer will honestly assess your case and explain your legal options. This will help you understand whether you want to pursue a claim.
Investigating the Accident
A Vero Beach car accident lawyer will lead an in-depth investigation into your car accident.
They will collect and analyze evidence that can support your claim, such as:
- Police reports
- Medical records
- Photographs and videos from the accident scene
- Witness statements
- Traffic camera footage
A car accident lawyer may even work with experts, such as accident reconstructionists, to determine the cause of your crash. The investigation process focuses on understanding all aspects of your accident to determine who is responsible.
Dealing With Insurance Companies
Another key part of a car accident lawyer’s job is dealing with insurance companies on your behalf. Most car accidents involve filing claims with insurance companies, and their insurance adjusters will aim to settle claims quickly and for as little as possible. A car accident lawyer can help you avoid low settlement offers that may not fully compensate you for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Your lawyer will handle all communications with the insurance companies and negotiate for a fair settlement that accurately reflects your losses.
Determining and Proving Liability
Florida is a no-fault automobile insurance state, which means drivers must carry personal injury protection insurance (PIP) to pay for their medical expenses and other accident-related damages, regardless of who caused the crash.
However, you may be able to file a claim directly against the at-fault party in certain circumstances. This will require proving liability.
This typically requires showing that another driver was negligent or reckless, which may require proving the other driver:
- Violated traffic laws
- Drove while distracted or impaired
- Failed to maintain their vehicle defects
A lawyer will use evidence and legal arguments to build a strong case that shows the other party’s fault, even if liability is contested.
Calculating Damages
A car accident lawyer will fight for full compensation on your behalf. This requires accurately calculating your damages, which involves looking at more than just medical bills.
Damages in car accident claims typically fall into two categories:
- Economic damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage
- Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life
Punitive damages may also be sought in some instances if the at-fault driver’s behavior was especially egregious, such as in cases involving drunk driving.
Filing a Lawsuit and Representing You in Court
Most car accident claims settle out of court. But if negotiations fail to reach a fair settlement or you suffer serious injuries, a car accident lawyer can file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf. They will then handle all aspects of the litigation process, including filing your initial lawsuit, managing pre-trial motions, navigating discovery, and representing you in court.
During the trial, your lawyer will present evidence, question witnesses, and make compelling arguments on your behalf. They will also respond to the defense’s tactics and help counter allegations of comparative negligence, which may reduce or bar potential compensation.
Injured in A Car Accident? Contact a Vero Beach Car Accident Lawyer Today
A car accident lawyer often plays a key role in helping accident victims recover the compensation they deserve. From investigating your accident to negotiating a settlement with an insurance company, Vero Beach car accident lawyers aim to make the post-accident process less overwhelming. If you or a loved one have been involved in a car accident, schedule a free consultation today at (772) 758-1966 to speak with an experienced Vero Beach car accident lawyer.
Contact Our Car Accident Law Firm in Florida
If you’ve been injured in an accident, please contact our experienced personal injury lawyers at Graves Thomas Rotunda Injury Law Group to schedule a free consultation today. We have three convenient locations in Florida, including Vero Beach, St. Petersburg, and Port St. Lucie.
Graves Thomas Rotunda Injury Law Group – Vero Beach
2651 20th St
Vero Beach, FL 32960
(772) 758-1966
Graves Thomas Rotunda Injury Law Group – St. Petersburg
200 Central Ave Suite 304
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(772) 569-8155
Graves Thomas Rotunda Injury Law Group – Port St. Lucie
10805 SW Tradition Square Unit 024A
Port St. Lucie, FL 34987
(772) 677-0373