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 a car accident lawyer Vero Beach, FL from 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 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, Tuttle Larsen, P.A., will be ready to fight for compensation. Although no amount of money can turn back time, it can help to provide financial relief and some degree of closure. If this is something you are ready to pursue, please call a car accident lawyer 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:
- Large 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, 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 the fault 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 fault 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 accident as well.
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 accident.
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 a car accident lawyer in Vero Beach, FL, such as an attorney with Tuttle Larsen, P.A.. What do you need to do to take care of your car?
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 routine maintenance is to prevent 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, do not forget to call a car accident lawyer in Vero Beach, FL.
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 your tire pressure. 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 to a car accident lawyer in Vero Beach, FL, such as a lawyer with Tuttle Larsen, P.A., who can protect you.
Building a Strong Case After a Car Accident
A common misconception with 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. How can a car accident lawyer in Vero Beach, FL, help strengthen your case?
Gathering Evidence To Prove Your Case
A car accident 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.
What type of evidence does a car accident lawyer in Vero Beach, FL, need to provide?
- 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. Your car accident lawyer in Vero Beach, FL can help gather the necessary work records.
- Automobile damages: Photographs of the scene are strong pieces of evidence, especially when it comes to providing 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 possible, especially if someone in the car was injured. At Tuttle Larsen, P.A., we can let you know what type of evidence is needed for your case and our team 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 a car accident lawyer in Vero Beach, FL 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 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 changed, you should seek the advice of a personal injury attorney that is experienced in automobile accidents.
A Florida car accident lawyer in Vero Beach from Tuttle Larsen, P.A. can discuss your accident and determine if you have a strong case, and help you get the police report amended if necessary. Your 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.
Recovering Compensation After a Car Accident
As soon as you retain a lawyer, he or she will open up an extensive investigation into what happened. Depending on the circumstances of your case, Tuttle Larsen, P.A., 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 Does a Car Accident Case Go To Trial?
Most often the majority of claims that are handled by a car accident lawyer Vero Beach, FL 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 it refuses 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 your car accident lawyer Vero Beach, FL 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 a lawyer on your side could ensure that you do not agree to anything that would not be beneficial to you and your future. Hiring a skilled and experienced professional may seem costly, but a lawyer understands the laws and most likely is familiar with cases similar to yours and understands 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 a lawyer with expertise in car accident claims like a car accident lawyer Vero Beach, FL from the law firm Tuttle Larsen, P.A. They can help your case move quickly and will work to ensure 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 a lawyer could work out for the better in the long run for you and it is something to consider.
4 Considerations for Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer
The task of hiring a car accident lawyer in Vero Beach, FL, 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.
Is the Lawyer 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 cawse. 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.
Does the Lawyer Communicate Clearly?
When speaking with a car accident lawyer in Vero Beach, FL, such as Tuttle Larsen, P.A., it’s vital that you understand what they’re talking about. They’ll 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.
Does the Lawyer Provide References?
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.
How Much Experience Does the Lawyer Have?
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 experienced car 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 ensure all of your losses are properly accounted for.
Contact our office to schedule a time to talk with a Tuttle Larsen, P.A. car accident lawyer in Vero Beach, Florida 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
