Largo Car Accident Lawyer
Don’t miss your opportunity to recover compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more after a Largo car accident caused by another driver.
Summary
- Florida Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance covers initial medical expenses and lost wages after a Largo car accident. However, additional compensation can be pursued in cases of severe injury.
- Common causes of car accidents include distracted driving, speeding, drunk driving, bad weather, and mechanical failures, leading to injuries like whiplash, broken bones, and traumatic brain injuries.
- Car accident victims can seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and permanent disability through Largo personal injury claims.
- Hiring an experienced Largo car accident attorney helps accident victims navigate insurance negotiations, establish liability, and secure fair settlements.
- Victims have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit in Florida, making it crucial to act quickly.
An ER visit is often only the start of a long and costly healing process after a Largo car accident. It can take accident victims several weeks or months to reach maximum medical recovery. Even so, injuries can leave them with chronic pain and limitations for possibly a lifetime.
Additionally, for most accident victims, the cost of treatment is a significant financial strain. Our Largo personal injury attorneys can provide the capable, informed legal guidance you need.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident because of someone else’s negligence, you don’t have to bear these burdens alone. There are various forms of compensation you can recover from the at-fault party.
To learn more about your options, contact Jones Law Group today. You can reach us by calling (727) 571-1333 or submitting this contact form to schedule a free case evaluation appointment with a Largo car accident lawyer.
How a Largo Car Accident Claim Works
In Largo, Florida, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is a mandatory insurance coverage designed to provide immediate financial support following a car accident, regardless of who is at fault. PIP covers a percentage of medical bills and lost wages for the policyholder, offering up to $10,000 in benefits.
This ensures that individuals involved in an accident can quickly access necessary medical care and recover some of their lost income without waiting for lengthy insurance or legal proceedings.
Before Florida drivers pursue a claim against another driver’s insurance company, they must first exhaust their own Personal Injury Protection coverage. This means that if you’re injured in a car accident, your own PIP policy will be the first source of financial relief for a portion of your medical bills and lost wages.
Seeking Compensation After Your PIP Benefits Run Out
However, there are specific circumstances where you can step outside this framework, such as in cases of catastrophic injuries in Largo.
For example, if you’ve sustained a permanent injury, such as significant disfigurement or loss of an important bodily function, you can pursue a car accident claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance even if your PIP coverage isn’t exhausted.
In such cases, you might be eligible to seek compensation for damages that exceed your PIP coverage, including pain and suffering, which is not typically covered under standard PIP policies. This exception allows you to obtain fair compensation for more severe injuries.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
Sometimes unavoidable conditions on the road do contribute to car accidents. However, most of the common causes of accidents are preventable.
- Distracted driving
- Drunk driving
- Speeding
- Bad weather
- Driver exhaustion
- Tailgating
- Ignoring traffic signs
- Aggressive driving
- Mechanical failures
- Swerving to avoid obstacles
Common Injuries from Car Accidents in Largo, Florida
Car accidents often result in a variety of injuries, ranging from minor to severe. Over the course of a year, more than 2.3 million people wind up in the emergency room after a car accident.
Typical injuries include whiplash, fractures, and concussions, each with its unique set of challenges and recovery processes. Such injuries can significantly impact victims’ lives.
This can lead to prolonged physical discomfort, emotional distress, and financial burdens due to medical expenses and time off work.
Whiplash
Whiplash is an injury that happens to the muscles and tendons of the neck. When your neck is forcefully jerked back and forth during a car accident, the muscles and tendons tear and stretch. Whiplash affects 83% of patients who are treated for car accident injuries.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries happen when ligaments, muscles, and tendons in the body sustain damage. Damaged soft tissues can lead to swelling, cramps, spasms, muscle weakness, and pain.
If you have a soft tissue injury, you may notice that your range of motion becomes limited. Your joints could also become unstable and unable to bear weight.
Head and Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic Brain Injuries develop from a jolt or blow to the head. There are many possible severe consequences of TBIs. These include cognitive decline, unpredictable emotions, and chronic pain.
Broken Bones
Any bone can break due to a car accident, including bones in the legs, arms, and ribs. Broken bones in the neck and back often have the most potential for long-term health consequences.
Internal Bleeding
Internal bleeding is particularly dangerous because it can easily go undetected. It prevents vital organs from getting the blood supply they need.
Neck and Back Injuries
The most critical neck and back injuries affect the spine. Spinal injuries can result in paralysis and other forms of nerve damage.
Emotional Trauma
It is normal to become saddened or frustrated when you’ve been injured. Your body may not look, feel, or function like it did before the car accident.
What to Do After a Car Accident
After calling 911, collect as much information as you can. By Florida law, the other drivers involved are required to share their name, license, address, and registration. It is also useful to collect witness statements and their contact information.
Take photos of the damages, including pictures of both vehicles and any visible injuries. Pictures and video of the surrounding area can also help to piece together the causes of the accident later.
Seek medical attention as soon as possible in the aftermath of an auto accident. Prompt medical intervention may prevent your condition from getting worse.
It is also an important way to document the progress of your injuries and treatment. Continue to receive care and save records over time. They will serve as valuable evidence in your personal injury case.
How Can a Largo Car Accident Attorney Help My Case?
Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with insurance companies and legal processes. A seasoned Jones Law Group car accident lawyer in Largo, FL, can help secure the fair compensation you deserve.
Handling Insurance Companies
One of the primary challenges following a car accident is dealing with insurance companies. The other driver and his or her insurance company will be reluctant to admit fault.
Insurance adjusters may try to twist your account of the accident to place the blame on you to minimize payouts. A Largo car accident lawyer will handle all communications with the insurance company on your behalf.
That way, they can ensure your account of the accident is accurately represented and protect you from tricky tactics. They will advocate for your rights and work tirelessly to secure the compensation you rightfully deserve.
Establishing Liability
Proving the other party’s liability is crucial in any car accident case. An attorney who is experienced in investigating car accidents can help you establish that the other party is liable.
A Largo auto accident lawyer from Jones Law Group will meticulously investigate the accident scene, gather evidence, and consult with experts if necessary to build a strong case.
By establishing the other driver’s fault, your lawyer will lay the foundation for a successful claim, increasing your chances of a favorable outcome.
Negotiating Settlements
Negotiating a fair settlement requires skill and experience. Your Largo car accident attorney will handle these conversations with the insurance company and fight for the most compensation available to you.
Through negotiations, they will aim to maximize your compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Largo personal injury lawyers understand the tactics employed by insurance companies.
They will work to ensure that any settlement reflects the true extent of your car accident injuries and losses, avoiding lowball offers that fail to cover your current and future needs.
Providing Legal Advice
Throughout the process, having access to expert legal advice can provide invaluable peace of mind. Your lawyer will guide you on the best course of action at every step, explaining your rights and options clearly.
This support helps you make informed decisions, avoiding costly mistakes that could jeopardize your claim.
Representing You in Court
If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiations, your Largo car accident lawyer will be prepared to take your case to court. Jones Law Group attorneys have the expertise and courtroom experience necessary to present a compelling case before a judge and jury.
By representing you in court, we ensure that you have a dedicated advocate fighting for justice and the full compensation you deserve.
How Long After a Car Accident Can You Claim Injury?
After a car accident in Largo, Florida, it’s crucial to be aware of the time limits for filing an injury claim. In Florida, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, it’s important to act quickly to gather evidence and build a strong case.
Some injuries might not be immediately apparent, and early medical evaluation can help link these injuries directly to the accident. Furthermore, insurance policies often have their notification deadlines, which can be much shorter, so you should be sure to report your accident to your insurer.
If you miss these deadlines, you might forfeit your right to compensation. Contacting an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible ensures you meet all necessary deadlines and maximizes your chances of a successful claim.
By leveraging their legal expertise, a Largo car accident lawyer at Jones Law Group can significantly impact the outcome of your case, guiding you through the complexities and ensuring your interests are protected every step of the way.
What Kind of Compensation Can I Receive?
After a car accident in Largo, you may be entitled to various types of compensation, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. These compensations play a crucial role in aiding recovery and providing financial stability during the challenging aftermath of an accident.
Medical Bills
This includes the cost of hospital stays, medications, physical therapy, and doctors’ visits.
Lost Wages
The time you take away from work to receive care and recover at home factors into your claim’s value in the form of lost wages. Your car accident attorney will also calculate any future opportunities affected by your accident.
Property Damage
This includes car accident damages to your vehicle, belongings, and real estate.
Pain and Suffering
You can receive compensation for the physical pain and emotional toll caused by a car accident.
Permanent Loss and Disability
If your injuries and their impacts are permanent, the amount of compensation you need may have to be enough to cover you for your lifetime.
Wrongful Death
A surviving spouse and children can pursue a claim for the financial and familial support they’ve lost.
Contact the Experienced Car Accident Attorneys at Jones Law Group
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, getting maximum compensation is an important part of your recovery. At Jones Law Group, we take a strong, unrelenting stance with insurance companies that attempt to settle for less than our clients deserve.
We will manage your car accident case with the same dedication. Our initial evaluations are always free. Call us at (727) 571-1333 or contact us online today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Largo car accident lawyer cost?
Jones Law Group Largo car accident lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. The lawyer’s fee is a percentage of the settlement or court award, collected only if you win your case.
This approach ensures that legal representation is accessible, allowing you to focus on recovery without financial stress.
What should I expect during the first meeting with a car accident lawyer?
In your initial free consultation with a personal injury lawyer, you can expect to discuss the details of your accident, your injuries, and any evidence you have.
Your lawyer will evaluate the merits of your case, explain the legal process, and answer any questions you may have, providing clarity and direction for your next steps.
How do I choose the best Largo car accident lawyer?
To select the best attorney, consider their experience, track record of successful settlements, and client reviews. Look for a lawyer who specializes in car accident cases, communicates effectively, and has a strategy aligned with your needs.