Car Accident Lawyer Port St. Lucie, FL

Seeking Justice After A Car Accident

Our Port St. Lucie, FL car accident lawyer knows that if you were involved in a car accident in Florida, you might be unsure about what to do, and whether or not you’ve done all that is possible to hold those accountable for their wrongdoings. By hiring a lawyer, you can get the guidance you need to navigate your situation with clarity and confidence. We can get to the bottom of your case by conducting an investigation to find out how much you should be compensated for. At Tuttle Larsen, P.A., we have a team of lawyers who will explain all of your rights and options. We’ll help you to know what you are likely owed and what you might expect to reach a settlement. To schedule a free consultation with an attorney who really listens, call our firm now.

Each year there are about 400,000 car accidents in Florida. Up to half of them result in injuries and over 3,000 people will lose their life. These numbers continue to climb, especially as texting and driving become an increasing problem. There are many drivers on the road who are careless, reckless, and have no concern for the drivers, passengers, and pedestrians around them. They pose a risk to everyone else around them. If you have been a victim of a reckless or negligent driver, it is important to know that you have options. Going to a lawyer for help with your case can be beneficial since they can point you in the right direction and suggest actions you can take. Knowing what steps to take after an auto accident can provide a sense of security and peace of mind.

Don’t wait one more day to learn about your rights and the compensation amount that you may be entitled to. Learn about your legal options now before it’s too late. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, please call a car accident lawyer in Port St. Lucie, Florida. In doing so you’ve taken the first step towards recovering compensation.

Compensation For Car Accident Victims

Car accidents can be traumatic experiences, often leaving individuals with not only physical injuries but also financial and emotional burdens. Understanding your rights and the types of compensation available is crucial in the aftermath of a car accident. At Tuttle Larsen, P.A., we specialize in helping clients navigate the complexities of car accident compensation. This comprehensive guide will explain the different aspects of car accident compensation and how our team can assist you in securing what you deserve.

Car accident compensation typically covers a range of damages incurred by the victims of the accident. These damages can be broadly categorized into economic and non-economic damages.

Our role extends beyond just legal representation. We understand the emotional and physical toll a car accident can take on an individual and their family. Therefore, we offer compassionate yet assertive advocacy for our clients, ensuring that they receive comprehensive support throughout the process. From handling legal paperwork to providing regular updates on your case, we take care of the details so you can focus on your recovery.

Economic Damages

These are quantifiable financial losses that result from the accident. They include medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. Medical expenses can range from immediate emergency room charges to long-term rehabilitation costs. Lost wages account for the income you lose while recovering and, in severe cases, may also include loss of future earning capacity. Property damage usually refers to the repair or replacement of your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.

Non-Economic Damages

These damages are more subjective and include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium. Pain and suffering compensation is meant to address the physical discomfort and emotional trauma resulting from the accident. Emotional distress covers the psychological impact, such as anxiety and depression. Loss of enjoyment of life refers to the diminished quality of life due to the injuries, while loss of consortium compensates for the impact on the victim’s relationship with their spouse or partner.

Determining Liability And Fault

The process of securing compensation begins with establishing liability. Determining who is at fault in a car accident can be complex, involving an examination of traffic laws, accident reports, and witness statements. In some cases, fault may be shared among multiple parties, which can affect the amount of compensation you may receive.

Comparative Fault

The concept of comparative fault, also known as comparative negligence, is crucial in cases where multiple parties share the blame for an accident. This legal principle allows for the apportionment of fault among the involved parties. Depending on the state’s specific laws, your ability to recover compensation may be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to you. For example, if you are found to be 30% at fault for an accident, your recoverable damages may be reduced by 30%. It’s essential to understand how comparative fault works in your jurisdiction, as it directly impacts the outcome of your claim.

In accidents involving comparative fault, the total compensation you are eligible to receive will be adjusted based on your degree of fault. This adjustment is not always straightforward and often requires detailed analysis and negotiation. For instance, if your total damages amount to $100,000 and you are found to be 20% at fault, you may only be entitled to $80,000 in compensation. This reduction reflects your partial responsibility for the accident.

Insurance Claims Process

Most car accident claims are resolved through insurance companies. Navigating insurance claims can be a daunting task, especially when dealing with insurance adjusters whose primary goal is to minimize the company’s payout. It’s important to remember that you are not obligated to accept the first settlement offer. We at Tuttle Larsen, P.A. can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to help you receive a fair settlement that covers all your damages.

Legal Representation And Litigation

In some cases, it may be necessary to pursue legal action to receive adequate compensation. This is particularly true in situations where the insurance settlement offer is insufficient, or liability is disputed. Our attorneys at Tuttle Larsen, P.A., have extensive experience in litigating car accident cases. We provide comprehensive legal representation, from gathering evidence and filing lawsuits to representing our clients in court.

Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming. Securing fair compensation is crucial to cover medical expenses, recoup lost wages, and address the pain and suffering endured. At Tuttle Larsen, P.A., we are dedicated to assisting our clients through every step of this process. If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, remember that you are not alone. We are here to offer our knowledge and support.

Common Causes Of Car Accidents

Car accidents are an unfortunate reality of modern life. While advancements in technology and safety measures have reduced the risk, collisions still happen frequently, often with devastating consequences. Understanding the common causes of car accidents can help us take preventive measures to reduce their likelihood. In this article, we’ll explore these causes and discuss how our Port St. Lucie car accident lawyer can assist in the event of an accident.

• Distracted Driving

One of the leading causes of car accidents today is distracted driving. This involves any activity that diverts attention from driving, such as talking or texting on your phone, eating and drinking, talking to people in your vehicle, or fiddling with the stereo, entertainment, or navigation system. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving claimed 2,841 lives in 2018 alone. We at Tuttle Larsen, P.A., strongly advise drivers to always keep their focus on the road. If you or a loved one has been a victim of an accident caused by a distracted driver, our legal team is here to provide expert advice and representation.

• Speeding

Exceeding the speed limit is not just a violation of traffic laws; it’s a major contributor to car accidents. Speeding reduces the driver’s ability to steer safely around curves or objects in the roadway, extends the distance necessary to stop a vehicle, and increases the severity of an accident when it occurs. We urge drivers to adhere to speed limits and drive responsibly. If you’re involved in an accident where speeding was a factor, the attorneys at Tuttle Larsen, P.A., are well-versed in handling such cases.

• Drunk Driving

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a critical issue in road safety. Impaired driving significantly decreases a driver’s reaction time, impairs judgment, and hampers coordination, leading to severe accidents. We cannot emphasize enough the importance of driving sober. If you’re involved in an accident caused by an impaired driver, our team at Tuttle Larsen, P.A. is here to help.

• Reckless Driving

Reckless driving includes a range of dangerous behaviors such as changing lanes quickly and without proper signaling, aggressive driving, and not respecting the rules of the road. These actions not only endanger the driver but also other road users. If you encounter a reckless driver, try to stay clear and report them if necessary.

• Weather Conditions

Poor weather conditions like rain, fog, snow, and ice significantly increase the risk of accidents by reducing visibility and making roads slippery. We advise drivers to exercise extra caution during bad weather and adjust their driving accordingly. In cases where an accident occurs due to poor weather conditions, determining liability can be complex.

• Running Red Lights and Stop Signs

Ignoring traffic signals and stop signs is a dangerous practice that often leads to severe collisions, particularly at intersections. Drivers who run red lights or stop signs not only risk their lives but also those of other road users. If you’re a victim of an accident caused by such a violation, Tuttle Larsen, P.A., can help you seek justice.

While we can control our actions on the road, we cannot control the actions of others. If you find yourself in an unfortunate situation involving a car accident, know that you are not alone. At Tuttle Larsen, P.A., we are committed to providing compassionate and effective legal representation. Remember, safety is paramount, and staying informed about the common causes of accidents can help make the roads safer for everyone.

Port St. Lucie Car Accident Infographic

Car Accident Statistics

If you live in the local Port St Lucie, Florida area, you understand that this is a beautiful place to live, work, and raise a family. Unfortunately, a lot of this can be derailed if you are involved in a car accident; accidents can happen at any time from driving your family for a fun activity to driving for work. In fact, according to the CDC, in 2020 over 1,000 workers were killed while driving their vehicles for work. If you lost a loved one in a car accident — no matter the reason they were driving — contact a lawyer for help.

FAQs

Can I Sue Another Driver If I was Injured?

Florida is a no-fault state. This means each driver’s policy will be responsible for paying the damage. This negates the need to prove fault and keeps the Florida court system from being overwhelmed with minor offenses. In many no-fault states, drivers are required to have protection from personal injuries as part of their auto insurance. If you were seriously injured in an accident, and it was not your fault, you may be able to file a claim or lawsuit against the other driver. In general, your injuries must be serious, for example disfiguring, debilitating, or permanent. You should consult with our car accident attorneys. They can assist you with your case and review the damages you may be able to recover.

Do I Have To Call The Police After A Car Crash?

In Florida, calling the police isn’t obligatory following a car accident, but it’s a smart move anyway. If you or one of your passengers is injured, calling 911 can help you get the medical attention required immediately. Also, you want to avoid any hit-and-run accusations by the other driver.

There’s another reason to contact police after an accident: it’ll help your car accident lawyer build the strongest possible case for you. A police report is a powerful piece of evidence detailing what occurred to your vehicle and when.

Should I Report The Accident To My Insurance Company?

If you want to keep your coverage, you need to contact your insurer as soon as possible after an accident. That said, at Tuttle Larsen, P.A., we urge our clients to be careful what they say when speaking with the adjuster. You don’t want to admit to causing the accident or give the idea that you did something wrong. If possible, speak with our Port St. Lucie car accident lawyer on the same day as the accident for helpful tips.

What If The Other Driver Is Uninsured?

Many Florida drivers are uninsured or underinsured. To prevent financial losses resulting from a car accident involving an uninsured driver, Tuttle law recommends having full auto coverage including bodily injury liability, personal injury protection or PIP, and uninsured motorist or UIM coverage. Here is a breakdown of these coverage types:

• PIP covers up to $10,000 for personal injuries. To collect more than $10,000, the injured must meet Florida’s serious injury threshold. This requirement is outlined in F.S. 627.737.
• UIM is an added protection to help cover your injuries if an uninsured driver is at fault in the accident.
• Bodily injury coverage will protect you by reimbursing the other driver for injury expenses if you were at fault in the accident. Even though bodily injury liability is not required in Florida, most drivers add it to PIP and UIM.
• Underinsured motorist coverage will help you recoup injury expenses when an underinsured driver’s insurance has been exhausted.

Most insurance companies put time limits on filing underinsured or UIM claims. Often, policyholders have to file within 30 days or less from the date of the accident.

Tuttle Larsen, P.A., Port St. Lucie Car Accident Lawyer

Contact Our Law Firm Today

Understanding these laws and their application to your unique case is pivotal when pursuing a car accident claim in Port St. Lucie. At Tuttle Larsen, P.A., we are dedicated to fighting for your rights. If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Florida, don’t hesitate to contact our experienced Port St. Lucie car accident lawyer. Reach out to us today for a free consultation, and let us assist you in seeking the compensation you rightfully 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