Car Accident Lawyer Vero Beach, FL
Tuttle Larsen, P.A.
If you have suffered injuries while driving around the area, we urge you to notify our car accident lawyer Vero Beach, FL at Tuttle Larsen, P.A. as soon as possible. Our attorneys know from experience that soon after an accident, injured parties often realize the true value of their loss cannot be measured without proper analysis and a thorough investigation of their case.
The pain of an injury might last for the rest of your life. Mental health conditions, like PTSD, might affect your ability to function. You may never be able to return to your career. Plus, your personal and professional relationships may be negatively affected because of your injuries. These are just some things that car accident victims often face in the aftermath of a collision.
When an accident could have been avoided but occurred because of the careless actions of another party, let our experienced legal team fight for compensation. Although no amount of money can turn back time, it can help to provide financial relief and some degree of closure. Attorney Douglas W. Tuttle has been advocating for injured victims since 1992. If legal support is something you are ready to pursue, please call our personal injury attorney today.
Causes and Types of Car Crashes
The majority of vehicular accidents will involve at least one other vehicle, such as a car, motorcycle, truck, or bus. In 2019, there were 4.4 million car accidents in the United States that involved injuries serious enough to warrant the need for medical attention. An estimated 38,800 people lost their life; of these 1,600 were children. Approximately 2 million people suffered a permanent injury that will require ongoing care.
Our car accident lawyers have handled cases involving:
- Commercial trucks
- Pedestrians
- Motorcycles
- Bicycles
- Collisions with a parked car
- Rollover accidents
- Accidents involving animal
- Reckless driving
- Distracted driving
- Texting while driving
- Speeding
- Drinking and driving
- Aggressive driving
We also handle cases that involve a vehicle defect (recalls), road condition, road obstacle, or other non-vehicular causes. In these scenarios, we may pursue compensation from a government entity or municipality, company, manufacturer, distributor, or supplier.
No two claims are exactly alike. Therefore, we would encourage you to give Tuttle Larsen, P.A., a call to talk about the specifics of your case, as well as any questions you might have.
Establishing Fault
How does an insurance company prove who was at fault in an automobile accident? One would think that for most accidents liability is obvious. But to insurance companies, the process of determining who was at fault is sometimes more complicated. It is important to figure out who was negligent or liable when processing claims. If you provide the insurance company’s evidence supporting your side of the story, the more likely you will be to collect a fair settlement.
Here are some points to help you establish liability if you are in a car accident:
Traffic Laws in Your State
One way to prove that the other driver was at fault is to direct the insurance provider to the traffic law documentation illustrating the specific law the other driver violated. Provide the exact wording of the traffic code along with other evidence proving the other driver violated the code to further strengthen your case.
Police Reports
If the police were called to the scene of the accident there will be some type of official report filed about the accident. If no one is injured or if the accident does not disrupt traffic, you may not have seen a police officer at the site of the accident. If the police were present at the scene, be sure to ask how to get a copy of the report after it has been filed.
If there were no law enforcement officers present, the parties involved in the accident may be required to report the accident to the nearest police station.
You can request a copy of these reports. Insurance investigators may also get copies of these reports when looking into the details of the crash.
Included in the police report are the details of the accident, road conditions, length of skid marks, damage to vehicles and anything else, the demeanor of drivers, weather conditions, witnesses, etc. The officer may also include their opinion as to who was liable, whether they were speeding or violating any traffic laws. Also included in the report is the indication of any traffic citations given as a result of the collision.
Police reports can provide pretty strong pieces of evidence. The sooner the insurance companies can get a copy of these reports, the faster they may act on the settlement.
Tips for Taking Care of Your Car
Your car is an investment, and you need to make sure you take care of it. If you take care of your car, it can last for many years. Your engine becomes more efficient, you can save money at the gas station, and you do not have to worry about purchasing a new car as often. If you are involved in a motor vehicle accident, do not forget to reach out to our Vero Beach car accident lawyer. We share tips on how to take care of your vehicle and prioritize road safety.
Do Not Skip Routine Maintenance
If your car is working well, you may feel like you don’t need to take it to the shop. The entire point of preventative vehicle maintenance is to stop serious issues from developing with your car. Furthermore, if you invest in routine maintenance, you can improve the efficiency of your engine. This can increase your gas mileage, saving you money at the gas pump. Make sure you get your car maintained on time every time.
Stay Safe on the Roads
Of course, you also need to stay safe on the roads. One of the best ways to protect your car is to minimize your chances of being involved in a motor vehicle accident. Try to avoid speeding, never drive while intoxicated, and put down the cell phone when you get behind the wheel of a car. If you are involved in a motor vehicle collision, contact our accident attorney right away.
Pay Attention To Your Dashboard Lights
Finally, you need to pay close attention to your dashboard lights. If your tire pressure is low, make sure you check it. If the engine coolant light is on, make sure you take a look at the engine. Do not put off repairs. If there are problems with your car, get them fixed as quickly as possible.
Trust an Attorney
If you pay attention to these important tips, you can add years of life to your car. That way, you don’t have to purchase a car as often, which saves you a lot of money. If you are involved in a motor vehicle accident, make sure you see a doctor as quickly as possible. Then, reach out an attorney at Tuttle Larsen, P.A., who can protect your interests.
Building a Strong Case After a Car Accident
A common misconception about car accidents is that you only need a strong case if you plan on suing. In reality, having irrefutable evidence can help you in every step of getting compensation: filing an insurance claim, negotiating a settlement and taking someone to court. Our attorneys will work tirelessly to strengthen your personal injury case.
Gathering Evidence To Prove Your Case
A car accident legal case has several different points that must be successfully proved. For example, It’s necessary to demonstrate what type of damages you suffered as a result of the crash. These damages can be physical or economic. Our auto accident attorney collects several types of evidence to calculate a fair settlement amount.
- Injuries: It’s not enough for you to say that you have pain. Medical records, hospital scans and test results, prescriptions and medical bills all help support claims of injuries from car accidents.
- Economic losses: Bills or estimates from body shops help to prove the costs of repairing your automobile. Hospital bills show the ongoing cost of treatment for any injuries.
- Lost wages: If injuries from an accident left you unable to work, you can sue for compensation. Our personal injury lawyer can help gather the necessary work records.
- Automobile damages: Photographs of the scene are strong pieces of evidence, especially when it comes to proving who is at fault. Video is even more effective for showing the position of each vehicle in an intersection.
It’s smart to use your phone to record as much evidence as possible at the scene, but that’s not always an option, especially if someone in the car was injured. Our legal team can let you know what type of evidence is needed for your case and we can gather it for you.
Filing an Insurance Claim
You don’t need to file a claim on your own. Whether you have no-fault insurance or you’re submitting a claim with the other driver’s insurer, let our Vero Beach car accident attorney help you. Providing the right evidence on the initial form makes it more likely for your claim to be approved instead of rejected.
Negotiating With Insurance Companies
Why do you need evidence for negotiations? The stronger your case, the more leverage you have at the bargaining table. When insurance companies see you have Tuttle Larsen, P.A. representing you, they know that they have to make a serious offer or be prepared for a lawsuit. This can help you get the settlement you deserve right away instead of going back and forth with insurers.
What To Do If the Police Report Is Not Accurate
You can amend a police report if you are correcting factual information such as names or contact information for insurance companies or specific vehicle facts. It is more difficult to amend a police report if you want to change facts that may change who was at fault. If you strongly feel that the fault needs to be amended, you should seek the advice of our personal injury attorney who is experienced in automobile accidents.
Our Florida auto accident lawyer can discuss your accident and determine if you have a strong case. We will help you get the police report amended if necessary. Our lawyer can represent you throughout the case, whether it be getting a fair settlement from the insurance provider or going to court to fight for your rights after a car accident.
Recovering Compensation After a Car Accident
As soon as you retain our lawyer, we will open up an extensive investigation into what happened. Depending on the circumstances of your case, our attorneys may seek damages for:
- Any related medical bills or treatment (including future-prospective treatment)
- Lost wages and loss of income
- Permanent loss of income
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
When a Car Accident Case Go To Trial
Most often, the majority of claims that are handled by our personal injury attorney can be settled without going to trial. However, that may not always be the case, and in some situations, you must go to trial in civil court. Generally, litigation can occur for several reasons:
- Your claim is denied by the insurance company because they refuse to take responsibility.
- The insurance company makes an unreasonably low offer.
- The insurance company denies accepting your medical documentation for your injuries.
- Two or more defendants don’t agree on which defendant is responsible for the accident.
If any of these reasons occur, then you can expect your case to go to trial and for our legal team to guide you through the process of going to trial and fighting for the outcome that you deserve.
A Pre-Trial Settlement
Pre-trial settlements are one of the most common outcomes when dealing with a car accident claim because trials can be long and drawn out, not to mention, costly and unpredictable. A pre-trial settlement is when a settlement is made before the lawsuit is filed in court. However, that does not mean you cannot settle before you end up in a courtroom. Both parties need to reach an agreement before the trial starts to have a pre-trial settlement. Having our lawyer on your side could make sure that you do not agree to anything that would not be beneficial to you and your future. Hiring our skilled and experienced professional may seem costly, but our lawyer understands the laws and has handled cases similar to yours. We understand what to expect from the law and pre-trial settlements.
When All Settlement Negotiations Fail
Not every insurer will agree to a fair settlement and that is when you can expect a case to go to trial. During a civil trial there will opening statements, evidence and witnesses from both sides, and refutations of liability if there are any. Afterward, both sides will present their closing arguments to the jury and the jury will decide the outcome of the case.
Of course, every case is unique and has its hiccups. The above is a simplified account of the process that can happen. A trial can take weeks, months, or even years, from start to finish. It is important to have our lawyer with experience in car accident claims. We can help your case move quickly and will work to make sure that you receive the compensation that you need at the time that you need it. Worrying about medical bills, damages to your car, or taking days off of work can be daunting and hold a heavy burden. Going to trial and representing yourself can be extremely stressful and costly on top of everything that you are still dealing with because of your car accident. Working with our lawyer could bring a better outcome and is something to seriously consider.
Vero Beach Car Accident Statistics
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2020, there were approximately 38,000 motor vehicle fatalities in the U.S. This marked a significant increase of 7% compared to the previous year. The rise in fatalities has been attributed to factors such as increased speeding, impaired driving, and reduced traffic enforcement during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Distracted driving continues to be a leading cause of car accidents. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that each year, almost 10% of all fatal crashes involved distracted driving, which includes texting, talking on the phone, or other forms of inattention while driving. Distracted driving is especially concerning for younger drivers, with teens being at a higher risk for accidents due to distraction-related activities.
Impaired driving remains a major contributor to car accidents in the U.S. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), around 28% of all traffic-related fatalities involve a driver with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) above the legal limit of 0.08%. In one year, this accounted for more than 10,000 deaths. Efforts to reduce impaired driving include public awareness campaigns and stricter enforcement of DUI laws.
4 Considerations for Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer
The task of hiring an attorney can be a daunting one. You don’t know who to trust with your personal injury lawsuit against the other driver. Here are some things to consider as you search for your new lawyer.
Whether the Lawyer Is Engaged in the Conversation
You want your lawyer to be engaged for two reasons. First, you want to make sure you have their full attention when you’re talking with them. Second, you want them to have an interest in your case. A disengaged lawyer will only do the bare minimum of work to pursue your lawsuit. You could likely get similar results by going it alone. If your lawyer is engaged, they’ll likely ask a lot of detailed questions.
The Lawyer Should Communicate Clearly
When speaking with a potential attorney, it’s vital that you understand what they’re talking about. They should use plain language to explain the legal process, their fees and how they will work on your case. This isn’t a situation where you want to just think you know what’s going on — you definitely need to know what’s going on.
The Lawyer’s References and Reviews
If the lawyer has testimonials on their website, that’s fantastic. But it’s even better if they have references, people you can have a conversation with about the lawyer. While no scrupulous lawyer would write fake testimonials, it’s not out of the realm of possibility. With references you can speak with, the degree of trust you have in the lawyer goes up.
You can also check peer review services for lawyers like the Martindale-Hubbell Bar Registry, The Best Lawyers in America, or Super Lawyers. These are sources where personal injury lawyers like those at Tuttle Larsen, P.A. can review other personal injury lawyers.
Assessing the Lawyer’s Experience
Hiring a lawyer fresh out of law school can be a great experience. They’re eager to start building trust in the community, and may work extra hard for you to do that. And their fees are probably going to be lower than those of a more experienced attorney. A more seasoned accident lawyer in Vero Beach, FL, on the other hand, knows the lay of the land around the courthouse. They know which judge is going to rule in which direction on any given day. They also have more cases under their belt, giving them a wider range of tactics to pursue action in your personal injury lawsuit.
Call Tuttle Larsen, P.A. Today
You are free to file a claim through the insurance company without a legal advocate. However, when doing so, you’ll be dealing with an adjuster who is trained to do everything in their power to reduce the value of your claim. Their efforts could result in you receiving a settlement that does not cover all of your losses. The attorneys of Tuttle Larsen, P.A. are familiar with the tactics utilized by insurance company representatives. Our efforts will maximize your recovery and make all of your losses are properly accounted for.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, having our experienced and compassionate legal team on your side can make all the difference. Our attorneys bring decades of combined experience handling complicated personal injury cases, and we’ve earned a reputation for delivering real results with a personal touch. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll an accident can take, and we’re committed to guiding you through every step of the legal process with integrity and care. Backed by local knowledge, proven success, and a deep commitment to client advocacy, we’re here to fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation—and let us put our experience to work for you. Call our office to schedule a time to talk with our Vero Beach car accident lawyer to learn more.
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
