There were 562 lane departure accidents that included side-impact collisions in 2015, according to Forward Pinellas. While they are not the most common type of accident, side-impact collisions are relatively common. If you had a side-impact collision, your accident likely left you with vehicle damages that need repairs, as well as medical bills and other expenses. Although it can be stressful, there is a method for addressing the financial impact of your accident.
If you or a loved one is recovering from injuries after a side-impact collision, you could seek compensation related to your injuries and losses. While you do not need to hire an attorney to represent you, you can discuss your case with a St. Petersburg side-impact collisions lawyer to see what your legal options are. Contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC, at (844) 730-0233 today to speak with a member of our team about what happened. You could have options for legal recourse available to you.
Common Side-Impact Collisions Expenses
In a side-impact collision, you likely will have to manage several expenses that are common in this kind of traffic accident. Even if the damages to your car are minor, refusing to repair your car may void your insurance policy. In some cases, side-impact collisions can be so strong that they damage the frame of the vehicle beyond repair. If this happens, you will need a replacement car. Your insurance company could provide some compensation, but it might not be enough to fully pay off your car and replace it if necessary.
Medical expenses are also common. Being rushed to the emergency room by ambulance can be expensive. You will also likely have follow-up visits with care providers to ensure that you are healing properly and not developing other conditions. For example, whiplash can develop over several days, and severe cases may need medical interventions to heal properly.
Taking care of your mental health after an accident is important. Accidents can be traumatizing, and mental health care is an effective way of minimizing the impact on your life. Unfortunately, many types of mental health care are expensive. This is especially true if you need ongoing counseling and support.
Because of the damage to your vehicle and your injuries, you may find yourself out of work for some time, possibly weeks or months. You might not be paid for the time that you miss, which could impact your monthly finances. Having other expenses on top of these can put you in a challenging financial situation. Many accident victims go into debt trying to make ends meet while they cannot work.
For a free legal consultation with a side-impact collisions lawyer serving St.Petersburg, call (844) 730-0233
Statute of Limitations
According to the Florida Statutes § 95.11(3)(a), you have four years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit to recover compensation. If you do not file your lawsuit by the deadline, the court will likely throw it out. However, there are situations where the statute of limitations changes. For example, if you discover that you have a serious injury months after the accident, the statute of limitations will not start until you discovered your injuries.
The statute of limitations becomes more complicated if your accident involved a government vehicle. You can still seek to collect compensation for the accident. However, you must follow a different set of guidelines to file a lawsuit against a government agency. Regardless of your situation, having a lawyer working on your behalf could make navigating the legal system’s complexities much easier.
If you or a loved one is recovering from a side impact accident, and you want to pursue legal action and hold the liable party responsible, consider giving the legal team at Ben Crump Law, PLLC, a call today. You can speak with a member of our team about how a St. Petersburg side-impact collisions lawyer might be able to help you. We can get the details on your situation and discuss it as you weigh your options and consider your next steps.
St.Petersburg Side-Impact Collisions Lawyer Near Me (844) 730-0233
Settlement vs. Trial
Waiting to go to trial can be stressful for everyone, which is why the sued party could offer you a settlement agreement. The majority of civil cases end in settlement agreements before they ever make it to trial. For you, this means that you get the chance to negotiate your compensation and get a quicker end to your case.
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Recoverable Compensation Is Possible
The goal of a lawsuit is to collect monetary compensation to cover medical treatment expenses, damages to your property, and your overall recovery. Your lawsuit can claim any expenses you have that are directly related to your accident, medical treatment, and recovery process. Your lawyer must provide evidence that your expenses are related to your accident, such as medical records, receipts, and billing statements. This also includes lost wages and property damage other than your car.
In some cases, you might be able to claim financial awards for pain and suffering. Pain and suffering compensation addresses the mental and emotional stress from the accident and the resulting lawsuit. It is not awarded in every case, but it can significantly increase the compensation you receive when you win. An attorney who can help you accurately calculate pain and suffering compensation.
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Seeking Legal Action
Deciding whether to seek legal action is a personal decision that you must make for yourself. If you have bills related to your injuries that occurred because of your accident, filing a lawsuit could help you protect your finances and alleviate your financial stress while recovering. This can be a major benefit if you have an extensive amount of medical debt because of your accident.
It is important to note that your lawyer will likely be dealing with an insurance company rather than the other party if you file a lawsuit. Insurance companies step in to represent their clients to minimize the amount of money they have to pay out in damages. This could be intimidating for you, but a lawyer can effectively represent you and your interests. Your lawyer can negotiate a settlement agreement with the insurance company since insurance companies prefer to settle cases out of court.
Call Us to Discuss the Details of Your Accident
If you or a loved one is recovering from injuries in a side-impact collision, you might be able to seek compensation. Contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC, at (844) 730-0233, today to schedule a free consultation and learn how a St. Petersburg side-impact collisions lawyer might be able to help you with your case.
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