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If you were injured in a vehicle crash, you should get in touch with a car accident lawyer in Melbourne, FL. Your medical bills may be piling up and are unsure of when you can return to work. A lawyer can help you pursue the compensation you deserve. There may even be expenses you have not thought about — such as future medical bills or lost wages due to missed work — so it is crucial that you retain representation for your case. The sooner you reach out, the faster you will be able to make sure your rights are protected. 

Melbourne Car Accident Lawyer

What You Should Do If You Are Involved In A Car Accident

Getting into a car accident is an incredibly stressful ordeal. Not only is it alarming at the time, but it can end up being expensive and having many other financial repercussions after the fact. You should always be prepared for what to do if you find yourself in this situation. Here are some of the steps to take if you are ever in a car accident. 

Procedure In Case Of A Car Accident

Car accidents can be traumatic and disorienting experiences. It is essential to know the proper procedure to follow in case of a car accident to protect your rights and ensure a fair resolution of any legal matters that may arise. Hiring a skilled car accident lawyer in Melbourne, FL, can be invaluable in guiding you through the process and helping you achieve the best possible outcome. This article outlines the steps you should take following a car accident.

Prioritize Safety

Immediately following a car accident, your top priority should be to ensure the safety of all individuals involved. If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location away from traffic. Turn on your hazard lights, and use road flares or warning triangles to alert other drivers to the accident scene.

Assess Injuries

Check yourself and any passengers for injuries. If anyone is injured or in need of medical attention, call 911 immediately. It is crucial to seek prompt medical attention, even if injuries seem minor, as some symptoms may not be immediately apparent.

Call the Police

Regardless of the severity of the accident, it is essential to contact the police. A police report can be a valuable piece of evidence when pursuing a claim or working with a car accident lawyer in Melbourne, FL.

Gather Information

Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s) involved in the accident. Obtain the contact information of any witnesses and take detailed notes about the accident, including the location, weather conditions, and any potential contributing factors.

Document the Scene

Use your phone or a camera to take photographs of the accident scene, including the damage to all vehicles involved, any skid marks or debris, and any visible injuries. These images can serve as crucial evidence for your car accident lawyer in Melbourne, FL, when building your case.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Be honest and provide accurate information, but avoid admitting fault or speculating on the cause of the accident. Your car accident lawyer in Melbourne, FL, can help you communicate with your insurance company and ensure your rights are protected.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if you feel fine after the accident, it is essential to seek medical attention to rule out any hidden injuries. Keep records of all medical treatments and expenses, as they will be vital in supporting your claim.

Consult a Car Accident Lawyer in Melbourne, FL

Contact a skilled car accident lawyer in Melbourne, FL, to discuss your case and explore your legal options. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the complex process of filing a claim, negotiating with insurance companies, and pursuing compensation for your injuries and damages.

Keep Detailed Records

Maintain thorough records of all correspondence, medical bills, repair estimates, and other relevant documents related to the accident. This documentation will be crucial for your car accident lawyer in Melbourne, FL, when building a strong case on your behalf.

Follow Up on Your Claim

Stay in communication with your car accident lawyer in Melbourne, FL, and provide them with any additional information or documentation they may need. Regularly check on the status of your claim and be prepared to attend any necessary meetings or court appearances.

By following these steps, you can protect your rights and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve after a car accident. A skilled car accident lawyer in Melbourne, FL, can be instrumental in guiding you through the process and helping you achieve a favorable outcome.

Contact our Melbourne Car Accident Lawyer

What Are the Most Common Car Accident Injuries?

Your body isn’t built to handle a high-speed collision in a moving vehicle. After an accident, you may suffer from various injuries, many of which can be debilitating. If you weren’t at fault for your accident, you need to contact a Melbourne car accident lawyer, as soon as possible. He or she can help you file a claim and prove your injuries to the court or insurance adjuster.

The most common accident injuries lawyers handle daily:

Back Injuries

Back injuries are among the most severe injuries you can face due to a car accident. Trauma to the spine can be life-altering. Many car accident victims who suffer spinal injuries face paralysis from the waist or neck down. About 40% of people who suffered spinal injuries that resulted in paralysis had them occur during a car accident. When you face such life-altering injuries, you could have to change occupations; you may have to quit the hobbies you used to love. Both your enjoyment of life and your bank account takes a hit when you have a back injury.

Whiplash

When you think of whiplash, you probably think about car accidents. Whiplash is most commonly associated with a collision. During the impact, your head jolts forward and backward quickly—the movement and speed cause soft-tissue injuries to the tendons in your neck. Whiplash may manifest as pain directly following an accident or you may not have any signs of whiplash until 24 hours later.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

A TBI can be a mild concussion or a severe injury that leaves a patient comatose. Unexpected stops and wrecks force your head to move in unnatural ways. You can suffer from muscle sprains or you can hit your head against the window or steering wheel. Closed head injuries can be severe, resulting in tearing and bruising of blood vessels and severe swelling. Some people suffer permanent damage following a TBI. You could deal with chronic headaches, an inability to concentrate or think clearly. The results of a TBI can be life-changing for the patient.

Chest Injuries

It is common to hit the dashboard or steering wheel during a collision. The impact may cause bruising, but it can also break your ribs or cause internal injuries. Chest injuries can be debilitating and dangerous if left unchecked. Your seatbelt can also cause injuries to your chest during an accident, but opting out of a seatbelt leads to much worse consequences.

Common Tricks Insurance Companies Try To Limit Your Compensation

Many of the clients we’ve helped at Tuttle Larsen, P.A. have told us horror stories about the way they were treated by their own insurance company. Many drivers are under the impression that their insurer is there to help after a car accident. The truth is that insurance companies are mainly interested in protecting their profits. A Melbourne car accident lawyer, can help you avoid common tricks insurance adjusters use to keep from paying.

1. Denying Valid Claims

Did you know that many insurance agents reject claims automatically without even looking at your case? That’s completely unfair, but it’s a common tactic. Insurance companies want to make the process as difficult and time-consuming as possible for drivers.

Having a car accident lawyer in Melbourne, FL, changes things. At Tuttle Larsen, P.A., we take care of your case so you can focus on other things. We can gather needed documents, fill out claim forms, speak with insurance adjusters and handle negotiations. You can get back to your life and still get the compensation you need.

2. Blaming You for the Car Accident

Florida has no-fault insurance, which means that it’s not necessary to figure out which driver was responsible. Your own insurance company handles claims for vehicle damages and medical costs, often with the help of personal injury protection driver’s coverage.

Don’t let your insurer give you bogus excuses to turn down your claim. You don’t have to prove your innocence to the insurance company or anyone else. At Tuttle Larsen, P.A., we tell you right away what the insurance company can and can’t do.

3. Offering You a Low Settlement

Sometimes, insurance companies try to convince you to sign an agreement that gives you a low payout after the accident. The small print may limit the medical expenses covered or prevent you from getting the treatments you need to recover. Always have a Melbourne car accident lawyer, look over any settlement agreements before you sign them.

We keep in mind your needs right now as well as possible costs you may face down the road. Many car accident injuries take a while to appear, potentially causing long-term issues that you didn’t notice right away. Our team can help you evaluate your options and negotiate with the insurer.

How much is your car accident claim worth? That depends on the type of coverage you have and the circumstances of the accident. Speak with a Melbourne car accident lawyer, to get a good idea of what you can expect in your case.

Melbourne Car Accident Law Infographic

Common Tricks Insurance Companies Try To Limit Your Compensation Infographic

How to Prepare for a Consultation with a Car Accident Lawyer

If you want to pursue a lawsuit for your car accidents injuries, one of your next steps should be to schedule a meeting with a car accident lawyer. Here are a few tips to get ready for the initial consultation.

  • Gather evidence. In order to obtain compensation for your injuries, you must have sufficient evidence. If you have any evidence pertaining to your case, you should bring it with you to your first meeting with a lawyer. The more information your lawyer has to go on, the better he or she can help you. For example, if you have a copy of the police report or photographs of the accident scene, remember to bring them with you.
  • Be prepared to answer questions about your case. During your initial consultation, your lawyer will want to gather as much information as possible about your case. As such, you should be prepared to answer several questions. For example, your lawyer may want to know when and where the accident occurred and who is responsible. He or she may also want to find out what kind of injuries you sustained.
  • Save correspondence with the insurance company. After a car accident, the negligent driver insurance company might try to contact you. They may ask you questions about the accident and even offer a settlement. If you communicated with the insurance company by phone or email, you should preserve the correspondence and show your car accident lawyer in Melbourne, FL.
  • Write down a list of questions. At your consultation, your lawyer shouldn’t be the only one asking questions. You should also have a list of your own questions. If you ask plenty of questions, you can determine if the lawyer is the right person to represent you or not. For instance, you may want to ask how many car accident cases the lawyer has handled and what the strengths and weaknesses in your case are.

Factors That Determine the Value of Your Car Accident Case

If you were injured in a car accident caused by another motorist, you may be eligible for compensation. However, before you file a claim, it’s important to understand what can affect the value of your claim. Here are some factors that may impact the value of your car accident case:

  • Type of injury. The amount of money you receive in your settlement will greatly depend on the type of injury you sustained. Generally, the more severe your injury is, the higher settlement you receive. For example, if you suffered a traumatic brain injury, you may receive a higher settlement because you may require more medical treatments, like surgery and rehabilitation therapy.
  • Medical bills. A Melbourne car accident lawyer will also look at the medical bills you incurred thus far from your injury. It’s important to keep your medical records in a safe place so that you get fairly compensated.
  • When you sought medical treatment. In order to receive fair compensation for your injury, you need to seek medical care immediately. The longer you wait to see a doctor, the harder it will be to prove that your injury resulted from the accident. Even if you don’t feel too bad after the accident, you should still get medical care right away.
  • Liability. In some car accidents, both motorists can be considered at fault. If you’re found even partially at fault in a car accident, it can lower your settlement.
  • Statements about the accident. Anything you say about your car accident can impact your settlement. For example, if you say, “I’m sorry,” after the accident, you are admitting fault. Don’t say anything that indicates you’re admitting fault. 
  • Activities during your recovery. If you’re trying to obtain compensation for a car accident injury, you shouldn’t do anything to make others think that you’re not truly hurt. For example, if you suffered whiplash during the accident and post a photo of yourself at an amusement park on Facebook, the insurance company could see that and argue that you aren’t actually injured.
  • Pre-existing conditions. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, the insurance company could argue that it caused your current injury. If this is the case, don’t let them convince you to accept a low settlement. Have your lawyer speak with the insurance company.

6 Things Not To Do After a Car Accident

Car accidents can be frightening. You may feel disoriented for some time afterward. Here are six actions a car accident lawyer in Melbourne, FL, such as Tuttle Larsen, P.A. suggests that you absolutely should not do after an accident.

Leave the Scene of the Accident

In many jurisdictions, leaving the scene of an accident is a criminal offense. Depending on the severity of the car accident and injuries to people or property, you could be facing anywhere from two months to 30 years in jail, with hefty fines, long probation and license suspension thrown into the mix. Whenever you are in an accident, give the other party your name, address, registration and insurance information.

Decline Medical Attention Because You Feel Fine

Oftentimes, injuries from car accidents don’t show themselves for hours or even days. The hormone adrenaline, which your body releases during times of stress, can mask pain for up to an hour. Internal bleeding might not reveal symptoms for days. If you are involved in a car accident, Tuttle Larsen, P.A. recommends you seek immediate medical attention. 

Think You Don’t Need To Call the Police

Even minor car accidents can cause injuries that would merit a personal injury claim filed by a Melbourne car accident lawyer. Calling the police to have them file reports on what happened is a crucial step in your car accident case.

Admit Fault

Whatever you say, don’t say anything that might be construed as admitting fault. Don’t even say, “I’m sorry,” because that has been used in court as an admission of fault. A car accident lawyer in Melbourne, FL, would tell you it’s best to keep your mouth shut, no matter how much at fault you might feel.

Tell Everyone You’re Fine

If you tell the other driver, law enforcement personnel or insurance claims agents that you feel fine, that could reduce the damages you could receive when you file a personal injury claim. People are conditioned to say, “I’m fine” when asked how they are; suppress this conditioning and be honest about how you are feeling. 

Talk to Insurance Agents Without Consulting Your Attorney

Insurance agents may not always have your best interests at heart. They may want to minimize the amount of money they have to give you. Anything you tell them could be used to say that you were at fault for the incident. Your Melbourne car accident lawyer, can help you figure out what you can tell insurance agencies and what to keep to yourself.

Schedule a consultation with a Melbourne car accident lawyer to discuss your case in detail. At Tuttle Larsen, P.A., our lawyers are ready to help you.

My car was damaged in a car accident. What do I do now? 

Car accidents can be scary and stressful. If your car was damaged in the accident, it may or may not be drivable anymore. Either way, it will need to be evaluated by a professional to determine the extent of the value and how much it will cost to fix it. But damages can go beyond just your vehicle. They also include any physical or mental harm you suffered as a result of the accident. An experienced car accident lawyer in Melbourne, FL can help you determine what damages you should pursue and what monetary amount to assign to them. Call Tuttle Larsen, P.A. today to schedule a free consultation with our knowledgeable staff. Our lawyers can help you navigate challenging insurance and legal processes that can result in too little compensation to get you back in the driver’s seat. 

What happens after a car accident? 

If the accident was serious enough, then the police should have been called to produce a report on the scene. You and the other party, if they had insurance, should have called your respective insurance companies to report the accident and start a claims process. If the other party has insurance, then their insurance company will put an insurance adjuster on the case. This person determines the amount that the insurance company should pay you. 

If they do not have insurance coverage, you will need to decide if you should file a claim with your insurance company or file a lawsuit against the responsible party for negligence. While it is illegal to drive without insurance, it still happens all of the time. Maybe they couldn’t afford insurance or may have let it lapse. Whether you decide to file a claim or a lawsuit, a lawyer’s advice can be very beneficial. 

How does an insurance adjuster determine compensation? 

An insurance adjuster’s job is to collect evidence and use that to determine how much the company should pay you. Logically, this amount should reflect the amount of damages you incurred, but this is often not the case. Insurance companies are privately held corporations whose goal is to make money at the end of the day. Paying out large claims reduces their profit margin and, as a result, insurance companies may initially offer to pay smaller amounts.   

When determining the amount of compensation to pay you, an insurance adjuster looks at factors like the extent of the property damage, what mental or physical injuries you suffered, and the limits of either that at-fault party’s or your insurance policy. If the other party’s insurance doesn’t cover the full amount of the damage to your vehicle, you may be in the tough position of deciding whether to pursue payment in a small claims court. Since a claim can be calculated in a number of ways, having a lawyer on your side can help advocate for higher compensation. For a Melbourne car accident lawyer you can trust, call Tuttle Larsen, P.A. now.

Melbourne Car Accident Statistics

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), in 2022 in Brevard County there were 9,186 car accidents. 7,056 of these accidents involved injuries. Driving a car implies intrinsic responsibilities, not just while driving, but also in case of an accident. Nevertheless, many times we do not know how to act in a mishap, because we simply think that it is not likely to happen to us. In general, when a car accident happens we tend to feel fearful or extremely nervous even if we are unharmed. It is normal to have a delayed reaction or feel stressed in this kind of situation. However, it is always good to know what to do in these cases. 

Pedestrian Accident FAQ

Car accidents can involve pedestrians, too – and a Melbourne, FL car accident lawyer can help. No two accidents are alike, and no two lawyers are alike either. Read on to learn more abut the impact of a pedestrian-related car accident, and get in touch with Tuttle Larsen, P.A. as soon as possible for a free consultation.

  1. What If There Was A Fatality?

A car is loaded with safety features, from seatbelts to airbags and emergency brakes. A pedestrian doesn’t have these luxuries. Unfortunately, many pedestrian-related car accidents result in fatalities. Whether you were involved in an accident that led to the death of a pedestrian, or you know someone who was killed in this type of accident, you should contact a lawyer.

An avoidable death is a tragedy. If you lost someone in a car accident, you deserve closure and support. A car accident lawyer may be able to walk you through a wrongful death case.

  1. What Are Catastrophic Injuries?

A car accident can cause serious injuries. However, an accident involving a pedestrian can cause injuries that go beyond broken bones and burns. When it comes to personal injury law, catastrophic injuries are much more serious than what people ordinarily experience in car accidents.

Catastrophic injuries take many shapes and sizes, including amputations, paralysis, and traumatic head injuries. Catastrophic injuries are typically permanent, and you may need to relearn how to live your life. This involves paying medical bills for the rest of your life, as well.

  1. Who Pays For My Medical Bills?

It’s no secret that medical care is pricey in the United States. A hospital visit can set you back thousands of dollars, and additional doctor’s visits or appointments with specialists can set you back even more.

If someone hit you with their car, odds are you’ll need some medical care. But you shouldn’t have to pay out of pocket. Fortunately, you can rely on your insurance to cover the cost of your injuries… but only sometimes.

  1. Why Is My Insurance Taking So Long?

Insurance is a valuable safety net, but you can’t count on it all the time. Insurance companies turn a profit by holding on to your money for as long as possible, which means you may be left hanging while you’re trying to recover.

You need your money as soon as possible. A Melbourne car accident lawyer can help battle with insurance on your behalf, and the right legal team can also help you get the wages you’ve missed during your recovery.

  1. What Are Lost Wages?

Chances are you won’t be able to clock in for work like nothing happened. A pedestrian accident can put you out of commission for months, and a catastrophic injury can put you out of a job forever. Not being able to collect a paycheck means falling behind on all your important payments, such as your rent, your mortgage, and your car payments.

The right lawyer can help you fight for your lost wages, and the right lawyer can also help you hold a driver accountable for his or her negligence if you were hit in a pedestrian accident. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, the professionals at Tuttle Larsen, P.A. can help.

Get In Touch With Tuttle Larsen, P.A. Today

Injured in a car accident? Contact Tuttle Larsen, P.A. for a free consultation, and see how a Melbourne car accident lawyer from our office can help.

Tuttle Larsen, P.A. Melbourne Car Accident Lawyer

3617 20th St Vero Beach, FL 32960

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“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
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