When a car accident occurs, drivers and passengers are often injured. Although these injuries are sometimes minor, they are often severe enough to lead to medical bills and other losses.
If you have been a victim in a car accident, you may be able to recover compensation from the responsible party by filing a personal injury claim. The experienced attorneys at Florin|Roebig understand how these claims work, and we can help you maximize your chances of a positive outcome.
Common Causes Of Car Accidents In Safety Harbor
In most cases, the party who causes a car accident makes an unintentional mistake. However, even when a mistake causes the accident, the individual can still be held legally responsible. Likewise, certain factors can raise the risk of an accident occurring.
Some of the most common causes of car accidents in Safety Harbor are as follows:
- speeding — When a driver speeds, all types of accidents are more likely to occur. Speeding can also make auto accidents more severe.
- disobeying traffic laws — When a driver runs a stoplight or fails to yield at an intersection, a crash may result.
- driving while drunk — People who drink and drive lack proper judgment and have slower reaction times, which may lead to an accident. The same is true when someone drives while under the influence of painkillers or illegal drugs.
- texting and driving — Driving while texting, talking on the phone, or doing any other activity not related to operating the vehicle can increase the risk of accidents.
In all of these cases, negligence was a factor. This means victims of related accidents can file claims against the responsible driver to seek compensation for expenses resulting from the accident.
Reasons To File A Car Accident Claim
One of the most common reasons claimants choose to file lawsuits after being injured in a car accident is to collect damages. Car accidents can lead to a number of financial consequences for victims, including financial distress related to the high cost of medical care, as well as lost wages and the ability to earn money.
These accidents can also have intangible consequences, such as chronic pain and emotional turmoil experienced by victims. The financial settlement awarded in a successful car accident claim helps to compensate victims for these losses.
In addition to financial motivations, victims may also decide to file car accident claims in hopes of protecting others from suffering in the same way.
Car accident lawsuits draw attention to situations that often result in accidents on the road, which may encourage other drivers to be more responsible. Likewise, filing a car accident claim gives victims a chance to make sure the party that caused their crash is held responsible.
Factors That Affect Car Accident Claims
When you are thinking about filing a car accident claim, there are many different issues that could affect the progress and overall outcome of your case. Considering the impact of each of these issues is important.
One important consideration is the role of negligence in your case. In order to file a successful claim, you must show that one or more parties behaved negligently and caused your crash. However, in some cases, your own negligence may have played a role as well. In Florida, you can file a claim even if you share some of the fault.
The impact of the crash on your life is another important issue to consider. If the accident did not impact your finances or personal life significantly, you may choose not to file a claim. However, if you see any noticeable impact, filing a claim is highly recommended. The greater the impact on your life, the higher your settlement amount will be.
Finally, as you prepare to file your car accident claim, you need to consider the statute of limitations. This is a time period established by the state of Florida that limits your ability to file a personal injury claim. To protect your right to collect a settlement, you need to make sure you have filed your claim before the statute of limitations expires.
How Much Compensation Can You Win?
Every car accident claim is unique, so estimating the value of your claim can be a challenge. However, you can get an idea of how much you may be able to win by considering the factors that are most likely to impact your settlement.
For example, one of the factors that will have the greatest impact on the value of your claim is the amount of money you have spent on medical care and other expenses related to the accident.
The court will also consider the value of the wages you lost, as well as whether you are expected to be able to return to work in the future. In addition, if the accident has had a substantial impact on your quality of life, your compensation is likely to increase. The best way to get an accurate estimate of the value of your claim is to talk to an experienced car accident attorney.
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Types Of Damages Awarded In Car Accident Claims
If you win your auto accident case, you will receive a financial settlement that may include multiple types of damages.
Some of the most common damages included in car accident settlements are:
- medical payments, which will cover past and future medical expenses
- compensation for lost wages and lost ability to earn money
- damages related to psychological and emotional suffering, as well as physical pain
- punitive damages, which are awarded in cases involving malicious intent
Car Accident Rates In Safety Harbor
Safety Harbor is located in Pinellas County on the West Shore of Tampa Bay. As of 2019, the population is 17,803. Like other parts of Florida, Pinellas County can have its fair share of unsafe driving conditions. Safety Harbor experienced these traffic accidents in 2021:
- 12,237 total accidents this year, including automobiles, bicycles, and motorcycles.
- 6,940 people reported injuries after their accident. This number has also risen since 2020.
- Of these accidents, 103 resulted in death.
- Of these accidents, 4 were the results of alcohol and/or drug consumption.
Safety Harbor’s Worst Intersections
While no roads can guarantee 100% safety, there are roads in Pinellas County that Safety Harbor residents should proceed with caution. Be sure to obey any and all traffic laws. Pinellas County contains one of the most dangerous intersections.
- Main Street and Philippe Parkway: This intersection has seen several accidents in the past due to factors such as poor visibility, especially at night or during inclement weather, and inadequate or obstructed signage. Additionally, the presence of pedestrians and bicyclists in this area can create further challenges for drivers, raising the potential for collisions.
- Philippe Parkway and Harbor Oaks Drive: Accidents have occurred at this intersection in the past, with contributing factors including limited visibility, inadequate signage, and the presence of pedestrians and cyclists. The proximity of residential areas and parks makes it essential for drivers to remain vigilant and cautious at this location.
List Of Car Accident Attorneys Serving Safety Harbor
Filing a car accident claim is the best way to pursue compensation after you have been injured in a car accident. However, the process of filing a claim and litigating the matter can be complicated. For this reason, hiring an experienced legal representative is highly recommended.
The team at Florin|Roebig has significant experience representing clients who have been injured in Florida car accidents.
Some of the members of our team who serve clients in the Safety Harbor area include:
- Wil H. Florin, B.C.S.
- Tommy D. Roebig, B.C.S.
- Chase P. Florin, B.C.S.
- Chad K. Florin, M.B.A., LL.M.
- Michael A. Ossi, O.C.
- Taylor D. Roebig
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Find Help Filing A Car Accident Claim
Filing a car accident claim in Safety Harbor can be overwhelming, especially if you are still dealing with the consequences of the accident. To give yourself the best chance of success in your claim, you need a qualified attorney to provide guidance and representation throughout your case.
At Florin|Roebig, we understand all the requirements of Florida law, and we can help you construct the strongest possible argument for court. We are dedicated to our clients, and our ultimate goal is to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Please contact our office today to schedule a consultation.
