Auto Accidents

Car accidents have the potential to be life-changing. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, more than 400,000 collisions occurred in 2018, and they resulted in more than 255,000 injuries. During the aftermath of a car accident, you will likely have medical bills piling up, your car may not be drivable, and you may be unable to return to work. Even with all of this going on, you will also have to deal with an insurance adjuster that will try to settle your claim as quickly as possible and for a very small amount. For all of these reasons, if you have been injured in a crash, it is of utmost importance that you speak to an experienced auto accident attorney that can protect your legal rights.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

While some car accidents are the fault of no one, countless numbers of them are the direct result of the negligent and careless actions of drivers. In dealing with car accident claims, we thoroughly examine the circumstances of the accident to ascertain the cause and to identify the liable party. Common causes of car accidents include:

What To Do After A Car Accident?

It is natural to be in shock after a car crash, but it is important to remain calm so you can think clearly and take appropriate actions.

You must first call the authorities out to the scene. In Florida, this is a requirement under the law for any accident that resulted in injury, death, or significant property damage.

You must also seek medical attention immediately if you are suffering from serious injuries. Even if you do not think your injuries are that serious, you should still be examined by a doctor within 14 days of the accident. Not all injuries are visible right away and some, such as a concussion, may not present symptoms for several days. Keep a copy of any documentation related to your injuries and follow the doctor’s orders very carefully. If you fail to do this, the insurance company will argue that your injuries are not as serious as you claim because you did not follow the doctor’s orders.

If possible, take photos of all vehicles involved and the scene of the accident, as these can provide valuable evidence. Take pictures of any property damage to the vehicles involved, your own injuries, and other relevant information, such as a traffic signal that the negligent driver may have ignored. These pictures can help resolve disputes about which driver was at fault for the crash.

You will also need to exchange contact information with any other drivers involved in the accident, and obtain the names and contact information of any witnesses that saw the crash. However, this is the only reason you should communicate with others on the scene. Do not engage in a conversation about what happened or accept blame for the crash.

When Do You Need A Car Accident Attorney?

Not every car accident will require the help of a lawyer, but there are some instances in which you should always speak with a lawyer. These situations include when you sustained any type of serious injury, or when the police report places you at fault for the crash and you believe that it is incorrect. Essentially, any time you had to see a doctor for your injuries and believe someone else was at fault, you should speak to a lawyer about your case.

Accident victims sometimes take on their case on their own, and then struggle to negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company. When this is the case, you should always speak to a lawyer, although it is typically best to let an attorney handle the case from the very beginning. This will help ensure you do not say anything to the insurer that could hurt your case and be used against you in the future.

Insurance companies sometimes also act in bad faith. Acts of bad faith include denying the coverage you have purchased, refusing to pay the claim without an investigation, failing to pay the claim in a timely manner, and denying your claim without a clear explanation. In any of these scenarios, we will fight to protect your rights.

When Should You Contact A Car Accident Attorney?

It is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible following your accident. Typically, the negligent party will notify their own insurance company of the accident, and their insurer will then contact you to discuss the crash. It is crucial that you do not provide a statement to the insurer without first speaking to a lawyer. It is important to remember that the insurance company cares more about its own profits than they do your injuries, medical expenses, or lost income. We will communicate with the insurance company for you so your words are not taken out of context and to secure a fair settlement that fully covers the cost of your injuries.

Another reason to contact an attorney as soon as possible is due to the statute of limitations. This is the amount of time you have to file your claim or a lawsuit. The statute of limitations in Florida is four years from the date of your crash, so it is crucial that you speak with us immediately after your accident.

Types of Car Accidents We Handle

There are many different types of car accidents, and we handle them all, including:

Common Car Accident Injuries

You can sustain just about any type of injury during a car accident. The most common include:

Schedule Your Free Consultation

If you or a loved one were injured in an auto accident, call Aventis Law Firm for a free consultation. We will work with you to learn about the facts of your case and let you know how we may be able to help you get compensation for your injuries.