If you’ve recently been in a car accident in Florida, there is one question that likely stands at the forefront of your mind: How much is my claim worth? Attorneys who specialize in personal injury law can determine the value of your claim by evaluating the impact the accident has had and will have on your life. From medical bills to missed work days, it is essential for attorneys to take all damages into consideration when deciding how much money may be able to recover from an insurance company or party liable for causing the crash.
If you’ve been in a car accident in Florida and are unsure of how to determine the value of your claim, reach out to Herman & Wells for experienced representation. Our attorneys understand the complexities that car accident cases can present and have many years of experience navigating them. We use our knowledge to ensure our clients receive fair compensation from insurance companies or liable parties. Call us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you!
In this post, we dive into each component considered when calculating a potential settlement amount after a car accident in Florida.
The Cliff Notes: Key Takeaways From This Post
- In Florida, you may be able to recover compensation for damages incurred in a car accident.
- Consulting with medical experts and gathering evidence to strengthen your case are essential steps in assessing the value of your claim.
- Attorneys analyze precedents and past case outcomes to assess the value of a car accident claim and predict how much an insurance company can pay out. Negotiating with insurance companies and opposing parties is critical in obtaining fair compensation.
- The benefits of hiring an experienced Florida car accident attorney include knowledge of Florida law, court trends, and tactics to help you understand your rights as an injured victim.
- Finally, it is important to remember that filing a lawsuit or claim must be done within the two-year statute of limitations. If you were partially at fault for the car accident, your damages may still be recoverable as long as your percentage of fault is less than 51%.
- If you have been injured in a car accident in Florida, contact Herman & Wells today. We are committed to providing personalized legal advice and advocacy tailored to your individual needs.
Understanding The Factors Influencing The Value Of A Car Accident Claim In Florida
Car accident claims in Florida can be complex and costly. Depending on the severity of the crash, damages may include medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other forms of compensation. The value of a claim is determined by evaluating all economic damages that occurred as a result of the car accident as well as any non-economic losses such as pain and complexities involved in assessing the value of a car accident claim in Florida.
Evaluating Economic Damages In A Car Accident Claim
Economic damages are the most tangible forms of compensation for a car accident claim and may include:
Medical Bills
All medical expenses related to treating injuries sustained in a crash, including emergency room visits, surgeries, medication, physical therapy, counseling, and more.
Lost Wages
This includes any paychecks missed due to time taken off work for medical treatment or recovery. If an injured party is unable to ever return to the same job due to injuries sustained in a car accident, they may also be entitled to compensation for future lost wages.
Property Damages
Compensation for the cost of repairing or replacing damaged personal property, including the vehicle involved in the crash as well as clothing, electronics, luggage and other possessions inside the vehicle.
Assessing Non-Economic Damages In A Car Accident Claim
Non-economic damages may not be as tangible or quantifiable, but they are still a huge factor for attorneys when calculating the value of your claim. Considerations include:
Pain and Suffering
The physical, emotional, and mental pain caused by the accident. This may include physical pain, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and more.
Loss of Enjoyment
The loss of enjoyment or quality of life due to the car accident. This includes any hobbies or interests that you cannot participate in anymore because of your injuries.
Punitive Damages
Occasionally, parties responsible for causing the crash may be subject to punitive damages if they are found to have acted with malicious intent or gross negligence.
The Role Of Comparative Negligence In Evaluating A Car Accident Claim
In some cases, the court may assign a percentage of blame to each party involved in the accident. This is known as comparative negligence and it can drastically reduce the value of your claim if you are found partially liable for causing the crash. For example, if you are found to be 40% at fault for a car accident that caused another party $100,000 worth of damages, your potential settlement amount would be reduced to $60,000.
Reviewing Insurance Coverage And Policy Limits
When assessing the value of a car accident claim, it is also essential for attorneys to review the insurance coverage and policy limits of all parties involved. This information is used to determine how much compensation may be recovered from an insurance company or party liable for causing the crash. In Florida, some types of auto insurance coverages that are relevant to car accident claims include:
Bodily Injury Liability Coverage
This type of insurance coverage pays for medical costs and other damages related to injuries sustained by another driver, passenger, or pedestrian in an accident.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
If you’re involved in a crash with someone who does not have sufficient auto insurance coverage, this type of policy may provide coverage for certain damages.
Property Damage Liability Coverage
This coverage helps to pay for the cost of repairing property damaged in a car accident, such as another car or public property.
Collision Coverage
If you cause an auto accident, collision coverage can help cover the repair costs for your own vehicle.
It is also important to be aware of policy limits. Policy limits are the maximum amount an insurance company is willing to pay out for a claim. For example, if you are in an accident with someone who only has $50,000 worth of bodily injury liability coverage, that person’s insurance company may only be able to cover up to $50,000 worth of medical damages sustained by the other party.
Consulting With Medical Experts And Gathering Evidence
An essential part of assessing the value of your car accident claim is consulting with medical experts and gathering evidence to strengthen your case. Attorneys work closely with medical experts such as doctors, physical therapists, orthopedic specialists, and other healthcare professionals to evaluate the extent of a person’s injuries and their long-term effects. Medical records, diagnostic reports, expert opinions, and other types of evidence are essential for attorneys when determining the value of a car accident claim.
Analyzing Precedents And Case Outcomes
Attorneys analyze precedents and past case outcomes to assess the value of a car accident claim. Attorneys review similar cases in Florida to understand the trends and patterns in compensation for car accident claims. This allows them to predict how much money may be able to recover from an insurance company or party liable for causing the crash.
Negotiating With Insurance Companies And Opposing Parties
We understand the importance of negotiating with insurance companies and opposing parties to obtain optimal compensation for injured clients who have been in a car accident. Our experienced personal injury attorneys are dedicated to securing fair value for your claim. We will present a compelling case, utilizing evidence and advocating on behalf of our clients’ best interests in order to achieve the best possible outcome.
The Benefits Of Hiring An Experienced Florida Car Accident Attorney
The benefits of hiring an experienced Florida car accident attorney are vast. With our in-depth knowledge of Florida law and the latest court decisions, we can help you understand your rights as an injured victim. We are well versed in the tactics employed by insurance companies and other opposing parties and are not intimidated by their attempts to reduce or deny compensation for damages incurred due to car accidents.
FAQs About Determining The Value Of Car Accident Claims In Florida
Q: What Factors Does A Court Consider When Determining The Value Of A Car Accident Claim In Florida?
A court will consider various factors when assessing the value of a car accident claim. These factors include but are not limited to property damage, medical expenses, lost wages due to time missed from work, any pain and suffering endured as a result of the accident, and any potential future medical expenses or lost earning capacity.
Q: How Do I Know If The Settlement Offer I Received For My Car Accident Claim Is Fair?
It can be difficult to determine if a settlement offer is fair without legal representation. An experienced Florida attorney can review your case and help you assess the full extent of damages incurred in order to make an informed decision about whether or not to accept a settlement offer.
Q: What Is The Statute Of Limitations For Filing A Car Accident Claim In Florida?
In Florida, you have two years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit. If you do not file within this time period, you may be barred from recovering compensation for any damages related to the accident.
Q: Can I File A Claim If I Was Partially At Fault For My Car Accident?
Yes, individuals in Florida may be able to recover damages even if they were partially at fault for an accident. Under Florida’s comparative fault law, you can seek damages as long as your percentage of fault is less than 51%. However, any amount of damages that you are awarded will be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to you.
Injured In A Car Accident In Florida? Contact Herman & Wells
At Herman & Wells, we understand the complexities involved in determining the value of a car accident claim in Florida and how intimidating the process can feel for those who have been injured. Our experienced attorneys are committed to providing personalized legal advice and advocacy tailored to your individual needs.
We strive to secure optimal compensation for our clients and ensure that their rights are protected throughout the legal process. If you have been injured in a car accident, contact Herman & Wells to discuss your options. Call (727) 821-3195 for a free consultation today!
We look forward to helping you get back on track!