Car Accident Lawyers Who Will Fight for You
Our Fort Pierce, FL car accident lawyer knows that car accidents can take many different forms. Some are serious and others minor. The associated injuries can be similar. For incidents that resulted in significant harm or property damage, consulting with Tuttle Larsen, P.A. is a smart idea. Injuries from a car accident can be devastating, and they can be costly to recover from, due to the number of medical expenses, lost wages, and other significant damages. That said, as a victim of a car accident, you have the right to call a lawyer no matter what the circumstances might be.
Table of Contents
- Car Accident Lawyers Who Will Fight for You
- Recovering After a Car Accident
- Florida Car Accident Laws
- Fort Pierce Car Accident Lawyer Infographic
- Car Accident Statistics
- FAQs
- Tuttle Larsen, P.A.
- Contact Us Today
How We Can Help You
If you have been a car accident victim and suffered severe injuries because of another individual’s negligence, then you can seek your legal options. It should not be up to the victim to deal with the consequences of an accident that another person caused. Understandably, pursuing legal action may not be at the forefront of your mind shortly after a car accident. You may be more focused on reaching a full physical and mental recovery. However, there could be a high amount of compensation that you can receive if you choose to file a claim. If you are struggling with medical bills and are concerned with how you are going to pay them, then consulting with a car accident lawyer who has years of experience helping victims can take much stress off your shoulders.
A lawyer can provide you with guidance and advice about what you should and should not do. While you are processing the aftermath of an accident, it may be unclear what actions you should take next. It is important that you take the right steps because taking the wrong actions can harm your case. Talk to a lawyer so that they can evaluate your case and determine if your case is valid. If you have a valid case, our firm will investigate the incident to find out what happened, who is responsible, and why. We will also take care of filing any documentation on your behalf and maintain communication with the insurance company. In the event the defendant disputes our claim or wants to offer you a lowball amount, we will be ready to negotiate vigorously to the full extent of our ability and the law. We will utilize an array of legal strategies designed so that you can receive the compensation you are rightfully entitled to.
This tenacious legal approach can be valuable in any context; however, it is most beneficial when you’ve suffered an injury such as broken bones or strains, spinal cord injuries, head trauma, internal bleeding, loss of limbs, limited use of your body, disfigurement or scarring, temporary or permanent disability.
How To Prevent Future Car Accidents
Are you looking for a way to prevent car accidents? Most people do not roll out of bed in the morning thinking they are going to be involved in a motor vehicle collision. Unfortunately, they are more common than many people realize, but there are also steps you can take to prevent a car accident.
One of the best ways to prevent car accidents from happening is to take care of your car. Even though your car might be working well, you still need to invest in routine maintenance. This is important for preventing problems from developing with your engine, brakes, and transmission. If your car handles well, you can reduce your chances of being involved in a motor vehicle collision.
Even though you might feel like you need to have your cell phone in your hand at all times, your hands need to be on the steering wheel when you are in the car. Your cell phone can be distracting, and taking your eyes off the road for a few seconds can lead to a disaster. Do not let this happen. When you are driving a car, all of your attention needs to be on the road in front of you. If you are involved in a car accident, reach out to a car accident lawyer in Fort Pierce, FL.
Florida gets bad weather from time to time, including hurricanes. Even though you might feel like you have to go somewhere, try to avoid driving in bad weather. When the road gets wet, your chances of being involved in a serious accident go up. It is always better for you to wait for the storm to pass before you get behind the wheel of a car again.
Recovering After a Car Accident
A car accident can be a traumatic event for any driver, no matter how experienced. The professionals at Tuttle Larsen, P.A. know that it can be difficult to emotionally recover after an accident that has left you with physical injuries and shaken your driving resolve. The path to a new beginning can be unclear without some helpful tips and encouragement to guide you. When you feel comfortable doing so, you can take the first steps toward regaining your driving confidence.
Talk About It
Being open and honest about your car accident is a powerful way to overcome the trauma of the event. When you speak to your car accident lawyer in Fort Pierce, FL, practice transparent communication so that you can take charge of your emotions and get through the situation without a hitch. Building a support group of friends or other individuals who have experienced a car accident is another effective method of healing over time.
Overcome Guilty Thoughts
Whether or not you caused the accident, it’s likely that you will experience feelings of guilt or thoughts about what you could have done differently. While it is extremely difficult to push these lingering sentiments out of your mind, it will eventually be time to accept that the past is behind you. Reaching out to a car accident lawyer in Fort Pierce, FL such as Tuttle Larsen, P.A. can put you on the fast track to settling the legal matters of your accident so that you can come to terms with your emotions sooner.
Take Defensive Driving Classes
You can benefit from taking driving classes after your car accident, even if you are a highly experienced and competent driver already. Going back to the basics under the supervision of a skilled instructor is a great way to rebuild confidence from the ground up. Taking the time to specifically learn new defensive driving techniques will go a long way towards giving you a renewed sense of control on the road.
Take Some Time Away From Driving
Perhaps the best thing you can do for yourself after an accident is to take a much-needed break from the driving scene. Your car accident lawyer in Fort Pierce, FL may strive to make the process as quick and painless as possible, but the aftermath of an accident might leave you feeling exhausted regardless. Give yourself some time after the crash and slowly ease yourself back into driving whenever it feels appropriate to return.
Why You Might Need A Lawyer After an Accident
It is certainly possible for a case to involve unique complications, legal concepts, or disputes. In the event that any such issues or complexities arise, talking to a lawyer can be greatly beneficial. They have a wide range of legal knowledge, so they have the tools and skills to handle especially difficult cases that have a more challenging set of circumstances and obstacles.
For instance, if any of the following apply, hiring a car accident lawyer Fort Pierce, FL offers may be in your best interest. If the insurance company is accusing you of being at fault, if your property damage is several thousand dollars or more, if the adjuster is telling you certain damages are not covered, if the insurance company wants access to your medical records, if your claim is being undervalued or denies, if your accident involves the government, if the accident involves a company care, or if there are several parties involved, if may be in your best interest to hire a lawyer.
Florida Car Accident Laws
To provide you with the best possible representation, it’s crucial for your attorney to have a deep understanding of the laws that govern such cases in the state. At Tuttle Larsen, P.A., our legal team is well-versed in these laws and is committed to helping you seek the justice and compensation you deserve.
- Florida’s No-Fault Insurance Law
Florida operates under a “no-fault” insurance system, which means that regardless of who is at fault for the accident, each driver’s own insurance company covers their medical expenses and certain other financial losses. However, this system has its limitations, and victims may still pursue legal action in specific situations.
- The 14-Day Rule
One important law to note is the “14-Day Rule.” Under this rule, accident victims must seek medical attention within 14 days of the accident to be eligible for Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits. Failing to meet this deadline could result in the denial of crucial benefits. Our experienced Fort Pierce car accident lawyer understands the importance of adhering to this rule and making sure you receive the necessary medical care.
- Comparative Negligence in Florida
In Florida, the legal concept of “comparative negligence” is applied when determining compensation. This means that even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you can still recover damages. However, your compensation will be reduced in proportion to your level of fault. Understanding how comparative negligence impacts your case is crucial when seeking fair compensation.
- Statute of Limitations
Every personal injury case, including car accidents, is subject to a statute of limitations. In Florida, you generally have four years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. However, seeking legal counsel promptly is advisable to make sure all necessary evidence is preserved and deadlines are met.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Florida law also requires insurers to offer uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM). This coverage can be invaluable if the at-fault party is uninsured or lacks sufficient insurance to cover your damages. Our firm can help you navigate UM/UIM claims and help you seek the compensation you need.
- Wrongful Death Laws in Florida
Tragically, car accidents sometimes result in fatalities. Florida has specific laws governing wrongful death claims. Family members of the deceased may be eligible to pursue compensation for medical bills, funeral expenses, lost income, and emotional suffering. Our firm is experienced in handling these sensitive cases with compassion and expertise.
Car Accident Lawyer Fort Pierce Infographic
Car Accident Statistics
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), in 2022 in St. Lucie County there were 5,474 car accidents. 3,113 of these involved injuries. When serious injuries are involved, it may be possible to recover damages from the at-fault party. This may be true even in Florida which is a no-fault state. In no-fault states, everyone must file a claim with their own insurance company, and whether or not you caused the accident is irrelevant. Many of these states require drivers to have car insurance coverage that includes protection from personal injuries. Talk to a lawyer to determine what damages you can recover. Your car accident attorney will help you to understand if this is an option during your consultation. In general, a liability claim can include more damages than a no-fault insurance claim, such as pain and suffering.
FAQs
You’ve been in a car accident, you’ve been injured and you’ve got questions. Here are some of the more frequently asked questions people tend to ask that can help you understand your case and how to pursue justice and compensation in the aftermath. If you were injured in a car accident, and it was not your fault, you may have grounds for a lawsuit against the other people involved in the accident.
What Do I Do if an Insurance Adjuster Calls Me?
Don’t discuss your case with anybody, especially an insurance adjuster. Give them the name and phone number of your lawyer. The insurance company wants to pay you as little as it can get away with, and you may accidentally say something that could reduce the damages you could collect.
What Kind of Damages Can I Expect?
There are two types of damages involved in car accident cases: economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include medical bills, lost wages, future lost wages, ongoing medical expenses, and property damage, Non-economic damages are things you can’t put a concrete number on, such as pain and suffering or loss of enjoyment of life.
Do I Have a Case if I Was Responsible for the Accident?
In some states, you may have a case if you weren’t completely at fault for the accident. The damages paid will depend on how responsible you were for the accident. These laws are complicated, so talk to our car accident lawyer at Tuttle Larsen, P.A., for more information.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Car Accident Case?
While you might do okay if the accident was minor and the fault is clearly established, it’s likely in your best interest to hire a car accident attorney. An attorney who pursues these claims knows more about the fine points of law than you do and has more negotiating power with the insurance companies than you do.
Why Might the Insurance Company Deny My Claim?
It may sound unfair, but insurance companies are not in the business of providing customers with a reasonable amount of compensation to help with medical bills and lost wages. They are not obligated to compensate car accident victims with a fair and reasonable amount. At the end of the day, insurance companies are in the business of making sure they spend as little as possible. A few reasons an insurance company may have denied your car accident claim include that you did not receive medical care in the allotted time frame, you received unnecessary medical care, you were not injured by the accident, you were responsible for the accident, you were committing a criminal act during the accident, or you received medical care from an unlicensed doctor.
These are just some of the reasons that your insurance may use to deny your claim or drastically reduce the amount they give you. You can take certain steps to avoid having your insurance claim denied. Keeping accurate records pertaining to the accident can prevent insurance companies from arguing that you were not really involved in one.
What Can I Do if My Claim Was Denied?
Once insurance has sent you a denial letter, you may be wondering if you have any other options left. You can speak with your attorney about filing an appeal. The denial letter they sent over to you should outline the steps you need to take when filing an appeal. Once you have filed an appeal, a separate insurance adjuster will begin examining the information related to your claim and why it was originally denied. At this point, you may get a letter stating your claim was approved or further explaining why it was denied. Your attorney can help determine if further action should be taken at this point.
Tuttle Larsen, P.A.
Contact Us Today
Understanding the intricacies of these laws and how they apply to your specific situation is essential when pursuing a car accident claim in Fort Pierce. Our firm is dedicated to helping you navigate these laws and fight for your rights. If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Fort Pierce, don’t hesitate to reach out to our experienced Fort Pierce car accident lawyer. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you secure the compensation and justice you deserve.
Client Review
“Jesse Larsen and the Tuttle Larsen, P.A. staff were both professional and personal. It was the first time I ever needed a lawyer and my case was important for my future health. Thanks to Jesse I was able to get a settlement that ensured that would happen. In my opinion, he and Tuttle Larsen, P.A. are the best.”
Tracy Moore
