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Badly Damaged Front of a Car on a Highway Right After Head On Barrier Collision in Heavy Rain

Manatee County Car Accident Lawyers

Car accidents can happen in an instant, but they can also affect injured parties for the rest of their lives. If you’ve been hurt in a car accident due to no fault of your own, simply contact our Manatee County car accident lawyers today. We stand ready to fight for you, every step of the way.

Car Accident Lawyers | Representing Clients in Manatee County & Throughout Florida

Don’t face the impact of a car accident on your own. With a seasoned team of Manatee County auto accident lawyers in your corner, you can have peace of mind, knowing your case is in good hands.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Car Accidents?

Car accidents are caused by several different factors, and the truth is, sometimes, they are simply inevitable. Not every single crash is distinctly someone’s “fault.” However, that being said, the number one cause of auto accidents, is, without question, driver negligence. Some of the most prevalent types of driver negligence in our society include distracted driving, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and speeding.

Distracted driving is now the leading cause of car accidents in the United States, largely due to the technology takeover. Nearly everywhere you go, you can see motorists with their heads tilted downward, looking at their phones, whether texting, checking their GPS, or otherwise. In other cases, distracted drivers will cause accidents while applying makeup, or even eating a meal while behind the wheel. The bottom line–all distracted driving is dangerous, and if you have been injured because of it, you most likely qualify for financial compensation.

Speeding is the second most common cause of car accidents in the U.S. Though we understand that in today’s day and age, everyone’s in a rush, the truth is, speeding is still considered negligent driving behavior. If you were injured because a speeding driver rear-ended you because he/she was going too fast to stop, the law will almost always recognize that driver at fault for your injuries.

Perhaps the most blatantly careless form of driver negligence is drinking and driving. Everybody knows just how dangerous–and not to mention–illegal it is, however, people still do it, in Florida and across the United States. Needless to say, if you have been injured by a drunk driver, you stand a very good chance of recovering financial compensation for your injuries–however, you will still need an experienced attorney to fight for your rights. Fortunately, if you’re reading this, you are in the right place–our Manatee County car accident lawyers are on your side.

There are various other common types of driver negligence, such as driving while fatigued, which frequently causes truck accidents, as truckers are often overworked and driving after dark. No matter the cause of your accident, if you have been injured due to negligence of any kind, you may qualify for significant compensation.

Steps to Take After a Car Accident

If you’re injured in a car accident, you should take several critical steps to document the incident and ensure you receive the medical treatment you need. After a car accident, try and do the following:

  1. Call 911. Law enforcement will arrive at the scene of the accident and send emergency medical services as well.
  2. Ask the other driver for their insurance information. Be polite, but keep conversation to a minimum. Just get their information and head back to your vehicle.
  3. Take pictures and videos of any damage to vehicles or other property involved in the accident.
  4. Ask witnesses for their contact information. They may corroborate your claim at a later date.
  5. Keep copies of all medical documentation and bills pertaining to your injuries. These can be used to prove the extent to which your car accident has impacted your life in a personal injury claim.
  6. Retain the services of a seasoned Manatee County car accident lawyer who can effectively fight for the compensation you deserve and need to heal.

PIP in Florida

Personal Injury Protection, or PIP, is a type of “no-fault” insurance designed to provide motorists limited coverage for their medical bills and lost wages after an accident, regardless of who caused the accident. In Florida, motorists are required to have at least $10,000 in PIP insurance, which will cover 80 percent of their medical bills, 60 percent of their lost wages, and $5,000 in death benefits. However, if you do not receive medical treatment within 14 days of your accident, you will no longer be allowed to use PIP. Additionally, you should also note that when your injury extends past PIP coverage, you may have to file a lawsuit to win full compensation.

Can I Still Sue Someone For An Accident That Was Partially My Fault?

Car accidents in Florida follow “modified comparative negligence.” This law states that in many cases, even if you are partially to blame for a collision, you may still recover partial–yet proportionate–compensation. So, for example, if the court determines you are 40% responsible for a car accident, you may still recover financial compensation, however, it will be 40% less than the maximum recovery. That said, if you are deemed more than 50% responsible for an accident or injury, you will most likely lose your right to sue.

Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims in Florida

In Florida, the statute of limitations for car accidents, is, generally, two years, which means the wrongly injured in Florida generally have two years from the date of their accident to take legal action against the negligent motorist. However, if you do not file within the two-year window, you will most likely be barred from suing. Do not let this happen. Our legal team stands ready to begin the claims process on your behalf–all you have to do is ask.

Contact Our Florida Car Accident Lawyers Today

Our firm has proudly served the wrongly injured in Manatee County, Florida for years, which is why we know we have the skill and experience needed to win you the compensation you deserve. If you are someone who has been injured in a car accident due to another party’s negligence, the most important thing you can do is put our decades of combined experience to work for you. Our firm will handle the claims process so you can focus solely on what matters most to you: healing. Contact Becker & Lindauer, LLC today for your free initial consultation.