Car accidents are often an incredibly traumatic experience. Not only are they physically and emotionally devastating, but they can also lead to significant financial problems. If you or someone you love has been involved in a car accident, it’s vital to seek legal help as soon as possible. An experienced car accident lawyer can investigate the accident and help you recover the compensation you deserve. Contact the Port St. Lucie personal injury lawyers at GOLDLAW for assistance.
What is the Statute of Limitations in Florida Car Accident Claims?
The statute of limitations is the deadline by which an injured party must file a lawsuit to preserve their right to do so. In Florida, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims – and therefore car accident claims – is four years from the date of the accident.
There are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if the injured party is under 18 at the time of the accident, the deadline is extended. Similarly, if the injured party is experiencing a disability that prevents them from being able to file a claim, such as mental incapacity or being in a coma, the statute of limitations will not begin to run until their disability is lifted.
This may seem like a long time, but it’s essential to contact a lawyer right away so they can begin gathering evidence and building your case. If you wait too long, key witnesses may disappear or die, and evidence may be lost or destroyed.
The Statute of Limitations is Different if The Accident is Fatal
If you lost a loved one in a car accident, the deadline to file your claim is different than if only injuries were sustained. This is important to know so you don’t lose out on your chance to obtain the compensation you’re entitled to. In this case, you must file your claim within two years from the date of your loved one’s death.
Who You Can Sue For Your Car Accident in Florida
If you’ve been in a car accident, you may be wondering who could be held liable for the damages. The answer depends on the specific circumstances of your accident, but there are a few parties that are commonly found to be at fault:
The Driver: In most cases, the driver of the other vehicle will be found at fault for an accident. This is because drivers are expected to operate their vehicles in a safe and reasonable manner. If a driver breaches this duty of care and an accident occurs, they will likely be liable for any resulting damages.
The Manufacturer: In some cases, the driver may not be at fault for an accident but rather the vehicle’s manufacturer. This can happen if a defect in the design or manufacture of the car causes it to malfunction and cause an accident. If this is the case, you may have a claim against the manufacturer. An example of a design defect could be defective brakes or airbags that don’t deploy properly.
The Government: The government is responsible for maintaining safe roads and road conditions. If an accident occurs due to poor road conditions, they could be held liable. The statute of limitations is shorter for a claim against the government, so make sure you contact a lawyer right away so you don’t miss your chance.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident
There are a few critical steps that you will need to take to make a successful claim, including:
Seek Medical Help
The first thing you need to do after an accident is seek medical attention, even if you do not think your injuries are serious. This is important for two reasons. First, it will ensure that any injuries are treated as soon as possible. Second, it will create documentation of your injuries which will be important when making a claim. The amount of compensation you’re entitled to will depend in large part on the severity of your injuries and the cost of your medical expenses.
Call the Police
Once law enforcement arrives, they will observe the scene, talk to witnesses, and write up a report. The police report will document what happened and could be helpful if you decide to file a claim. Always request a copy of the report.
Gather Evidence
Take photos of the scene and get contact information for any witnesses who may have seen what happened. It is important to gather this evidence as soon as possible after the accident because it can be challenging to do so down the line.
Make sure you keep track of all medical appointments and other expenses related to the accident. This documentation will be essential when it comes time to file a claim with the insurance company.
Speak With an Attorney
The next step is to speak with an experienced car accident attorney who can assess your case and advise you on what kind of claim to make and what compensation you may be entitled to. Your attorney will also be able to handle all aspects of your claim on your behalf so that you can focus on recovering from your injuries.
Dealing with the aftermath of a car crash is never easy, but by taking the right steps, you can ensure that you are taken care of both physically and legally.
Why You Should Hire GOLDLAW For Your Florida Car Accident Claim
When choosing a personal injury attorney, it’s important to choose someone who makes you feel comfortable and has experience handling cases like yours. GOLDLAW is here to help.
- We have the resources necessary to thoroughly investigate and litigate your case.
- We won’t back down from insurance companies; we will ensure you obtain the compensation you deserve.
- We handle exclusively personal injury cases, as well as truck accident cases, so we have expertise in this area.
If you were involved in a car accident and believe you might have a civil claim, contact GOLDLAW to schedule your free consultation.