Every car accident is different from the next, but these incidents are often life-altering for victims. Depending on the extent of your injuries, you may find yourself facing a mountain of medical expenses, along with serious disabilities that impact your ability to work or even enjoy your life.
No amount of money can truly make up for these losses, but a fair settlement offer will make it easier for you to move on with your life.
If you have been injured in a car accident in Winter Haven, Florin|Roebig law firm is here to help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Common Causes Of Car Accidents In Winter Haven
Car accidents may occur for a variety of different reasons in Winter Haven, and not all of these car accident causes will qualify you to file a claim.
In general, you will be able to file a car accident claim in Winter Haven only if your car accident is the result of someone else’s negligence.
Some of the situations that usually qualify as negligence include:
- a driver who causes an accident while intoxicated
- an accident caused by a distracted driver
- accidents occurring on hazardous roadways that have not been properly maintained
- an accident that occurs because a driver violates traffic laws
- accidents related to speeding or other dangerous driving habits
These situations are often complicated, and it can be difficult to determine if a specific accident will lead to a claim. For this reason, we recommend consulting a car accident attorney as soon as possible after being injured in a crash.
Factors That Affect Car Accident Claims
Just as your car accident is unique, your car accident claim will be unique. Several different issues will come into play in your individual car accident claim, making it somewhat difficult to predict the outcome without a thorough analysis.
You can get an idea of how your claim may play out by considering the following factors:
- negligence — car accident claims must be able to show that negligence was a factor. This means that you must show that someone else’s actions or lack of action was the cause of your crash. In some cases, the court may find that you are partly responsible for the accident. If this occurs, you may still qualify for a settlement.
- statute of limitations — If you want to file a car accident claim in Winter Haven, you will have only a limited amount of time after the crash to begin the process. This is known as the “statute of limitations.” To prevent this law from having a negative effect on your claim, move quickly after being injured in an auto accident.
- type of claim — Following a car accident, you may need to file a property damage claim and/or a personal injury claim. The type of claim you file will impact the evidence you need, as well as the way the case proceeds.
- your finances — When determining the outcome of your case and calculating any settlements, the court will consider the way the accident has impacted your financial situation. Keep careful records of all your related expenses in order to maximize your settlement offer.
- your personal life — The court will consider your physical condition and the way an injury changes your life. For example, if you have disabilities from the accident that prevent you from working or enjoying recreational activities, these issues will be taken into consideration. Likewise, the court will consider the emotional and psychological consequences of the accident.
For more information about the various factors that may impact your car accident claim, consider scheduling a free case evaluation with a seasoned car accident attorney to discuss your case.
How Much Compensation Can You Win?
Because several different factors will come into play, the amount of compensation you will win in a car accident case can be difficult to estimate.
You may be able to get an idea of your claim’s value by considering the following issues:
- the type of injury — Minor injuries that are expected to heal completely will not bring as much compensation as a more serious injury that leaves you with ongoing physical limitations.
- your financial situation — Some accidents will impact the victim’s financial situation more severely than others. If your car accident led to significant expenses, your settlement amount will include compensation for these expenses.
- your personal life — If the accident left you with noticeable changes to your personal life, such as an inability to enjoy former hobbies or ongoing psychological issues, your settlement amount will be higher.
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Types Of Damages Awarded In Car Accident Claims
If you win a car accident case, you will most likely receive a financial settlement designed to compensate you for all the losses you experienced after the crash. The exact damages you will receive in this settlement depends on the specific details of your case.
The majority of the damages you will receive fall under the category of compensatory damages, which means that they are intended to make up for a specific loss you sustained during the accident.
Some of the damages you may receive include:
- medical payments to compensate you for past and future healthcare expenses
- compensation for lost wages
- damages related to loss of earning ability
- benefits to compensate you for the pain and suffering you experienced
If the person who caused your car crash was extremely negligent, you may also qualify to receive punitive damages. These damages are intended to punish the responsible party.
Auto Accident Rates In Winter Haven
Fifty-one miles east of Tampa, Winter Haven is a city in Polk County. Home to many water attractions and even wetlands inhabited by alligators, tourism can bring in many visitors. Like other parts of Florida, Winterhaven can have its fair share of unsafe driving conditions. Polk County experienced these driving conditions in 2020:
- 19,337 total accidents this year. This number is down from 2019, most likely due to Covid-19.
- 16,080 people reported injuries after their accident. This number has also risen since 2019.
- Of these accidents, 138 resulted in death.
- Of these accidents, 11 were the results of alcohol and/or drug consumption.
Winter Haven’s Worst Intersections
While no roads can guarantee 100% safety, there are roads in Winter Haven that based on news and online reviews residents should proceed with caution. Be sure to obey any and all traffic laws. Winter Haven contains some of Polk Counties’ most dangerous intersections and here is a list of three:
- Cypress Gardens Boulevard and US Highway 27: This intersection has seen numerous accidents over the years. Factors contributing to its danger include high traffic volumes, poor visibility, inadequate signage, and aggressive driving. The intersection is also challenging due to the presence of multiple lanes and turn lanes, which can create confusion for drivers.
- Havendale Boulevard and 21st Street NW: This intersection has experienced several accidents, some of which have been fatal. Issues that contribute to its danger include poor visibility, especially during evening hours or in inclement weather, and a high volume of vehicles traveling at high speeds. Additionally, there are multiple lanes and turn lanes, creating complex traffic patterns that can be challenging for drivers to navigate.
- First Street and Avenue T NW: Accidents have been reported at this intersection in the past. Factors contributing to its danger include poor visibility, inadequate or obstructed signage, and a high volume of vehicles. Furthermore, the presence of multiple lanes and turn lanes may make it difficult for drivers to anticipate the movements of other vehicles, increasing the risk of accidents.
List Of Car Accident Lawyers Serving Winter Haven
The attorneys at Florin|Roebig law firm are both experienced and dedicated, working hard to ensure that every client has the best chance of receiving a fair settlement.
If you are thinking about filing a claim in Winter Haven, you may benefit from making an appointment with one of the members of our team, such as the following esteemed attorneys:
- Wil H. Florin, B.C.S.
- Tommy D. Roebig, B.C.S.
- Chad K. Florin, M.B.A., LL.M.
- John J. Hart
- Michael A. Ossi, O.C.
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Find Help Filing A Car Accident Claim
If you believe you may be entitled to compensation from the person who caused your car accident, you need to seek legal counsel as soon as possible. Please call Florin|Roebig today to learn more about our services or to make an appointment for a free consultation with a member of our team.