Clearwater Car Accident Lawyers

What To Do After A Car Accident In Clearwater

If you've been involved in a car accident in Clearwater Florida, it's important to take certain steps to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you.

Assess any Injuries

The first step is to evaluate any injuries you have suffered. If necessary, call for medical help and/or transport yourself or any injured parties to the nearest medical facility in order to be treated for your injuries.

Gather Information & Evidence

Even if you are not injured, it's important that you take steps to document the accident scene by gathering as much information as possible. You'll want to take photos, get contact information from any witnesses and contact your car accident lawyers in Clearwater Florida as soon as possible.

File a Police Report

It's critical to file an accident report with the Florida Highway Patrol or local law enforcement agency. This document is essential for any insurance claim you may make and will form the basis of any legal action you might take.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Once you have gathered all of the necessary information, it's important to contact your Florida insurance company as soon as possible to initiate a claim. Be sure to provide them with the facts and evidence collected in your accident report and police report.

Retain the Services of Car Accident Lawyers in Clearwater Florida

The next step is to contact car accident lawyers in Clearwater Florida to help you with your case. An experienced attorney can advise you on the best course of action and represent you in any court proceedings if necessary.

What If You’re Severely Injured?

If you sustained a severe injury as a result of a car accident, it's important to take additional steps:

• Seek medical attention as soon as possible.
• Follow your doctor's instructions for aftercare and treatment.
• Keep all medical records related to your accident and injury.

Most importantly you should contact a car accident lawyer as soon as possible. An experienced attorney is best equipped to protect your rights and help you get compensation while you focus on your recovery.

Do You Need To File A Lawsuit To Recover Damages After A Car Accident In Clearwater?

If you've been involved in a car accident in Clearwater, Florida, you may be wondering if it's necessary to file a lawsuit to recover damages. The answer depends on the circumstances of your case. Florida law allows victims of car accidents to pursue compensation for their losses through either an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit.

When filing an insurance claim, you must prove that another party was responsible for the accident in order to be eligible for compensation. If the other party is not insured or does not have enough coverage to cover your losses, a personal injury lawsuit might be necessary. Filing a lawsuit allows you to recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses that exceed the limits of insurance coverage.

Florida Laws That Car Accident Victims Should Know About

If you’ve been injured in an auto accident in Florida, it is important to be aware of Florida's laws and regulations. Understanding Florida's car accident laws can help you protect your legal rights and get the compensation you deserve.

Florida "No Fault" Insurance Law

Florida is one of many states that has enacted a “no fault” insurance law. This means that regardless of who caused the accident, each driver's own car insurance will pay for his or her medical bills and some other expenses. Florida car accident victims are required to carry personal injury protection (PIP) coverage as part of their auto insurance policy. Florida's PIP law requires that your insurer pay 80% of all necessary medical bills up to $10,000.

Fault Determination After an Accident

In Florida, the at-fault driver is financially responsible for the losses suffered by the other drivers involved in the accident. Florida follows a system of pure comparative negligence that allows victims to recover compensation for their losses as long as they weren’t more than 50% responsible for causing the accident.

Florida’s Statute Of Limitations For Car Accident Claims

In Florida, car accident victims have two years from the date of their injury to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver. This is known as Florida's statute of limitations for car accident claims. It is important to note that this deadline can be extended in certain situations.

Common Causes Of Motor Vehicle Crashes In Clearwater

Car accidents are unfortunately a common occurrence on Florida’s roads and highways. Clearwater is no exception, with thousands of car crashes occurring annually throughout the city and its surrounding areas. If you or someone close to you has been in an accident involving a motor vehicle, it's important to know some of the most common causes so that you can be prepared and aware when on the road.

The most common cause of car accidents in Clearwater is distracted driving, typically caused by talking or texting while behind the wheel. Other factors such as speeding, careless or reckless driving, or driver fatigue also contribute to an increase in car crashes. Additionally, Florida’s weather conditions can make driving more hazardous, particularly during the summer months when rain and thunderstorms are more frequent.

Most Common Injuries Caused By Car Accidents In Clearwater

Car accidents can be devastating and cause severe injuries to those involved. In Clearwater, Florida, car accidents are one of the most common causes of injury and death. If you’ve been in a car accident, regardless of who was at fault, it’s important to seek medical attention if you feel any pain or discomfort. Common injuries resulting from car accidents include:

Whiplash Injuries

Whiplash is one of the more common types of injury caused by car accidents in Clearwater, Florida. It occurs when the neck and head are jerked backward and forward quickly with a lot of force. Symptoms include headaches, dizziness, shoulder or arm pain, difficulty sleeping, and trouble concentrating.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries are also common after a car accident in Clearwater, Florida. These injuries cause damage to the ligaments and muscles, which can take time to heal. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, swelling, bruising, and limited range of motion.

Fractures

Fractures or broken bones can occur when a car accident involves a more serious level of force, such as when vehicles collide at high speeds. The trauma inflicted by car accidents often results in broken ribs, collarbones, legs, and arms.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are a significant risk for individuals who get into car accidents in Clearwater, FL. These injuries occur when a sudden jolt or blow to the head causes damage to the brain. The force of a car accident can easily cause a TBI, particularly if the person's head strikes an object or if they experience whiplash.

Even minor car accidents can result in a TBI, and symptoms may not appear until days or even weeks later. TBIs can cause a range of cognitive, physical, and emotional symptoms, such as headaches, memory loss, difficulty concentrating, mood swings, and depression. In some cases, TBIs can lead to permanent disability or even death.

Why You Should See A Doctor Even If You Don’t Think You Were Injured

It is important to seek medical attention after a car accident, even if you don’t think you were injured. Some injuries may not be easily visible or may take time to develop symptoms, such as whiplash and soft tissue injuries. Furthermore, Florida law requires that car accident victims receive medical treatment within 14 days of the incident in order to be eligible for compensation. If you wait longer than 14 days, insurance companies may refuse to cover your medical expenses or personal injury claim.