When motor vehicle accidents occur, most people think about the drivers that must have been involved, often forgetting about any passengers that may have been affected. Passengers of vehicles in crashes often suffer from injuries and are almost never at fault.
If you were a passenger involved in an auto accident and suffered from injuries, then you have as much of a right to compensation for your damages as the drivers are. We know that financial compensation cannot solve the issues that the accident may have left you with, but it will help you with any financial burdens it’s left you with and serve as proof that justice was served.
While the Florida legal system allows anyone to pursue a personal injury claim, this doesn’t mean that it’s easy. This is why it’s so crucial that you get in touch with a reputable North Port law firm that will be dedicated to fighting for your rights following the accident. At The Law Place, our car accident lawyers have over 75 years of combined experience in dealing with Florida law and helping passengers that became victims of car accidents, just like you. We offer free case evaluations for anyone who believes they have a claim, so don’t delay in scheduling your consultation.
Call us today at (941) 444-4444. Phone lines are open 24/7.
Types of Injuries Sustained by Passengers in Car Accidents
Car accidents can leave everyone involved with severe and life-changing injuries that can sometimes become fatal. Listed below are a few of the most common injuries that a motor vehicle accident can cause:
- Sprains, lacerations, cuts, burns, and bruises.
- Broken bones and fractures.
- Neck injuries, such as whiplash.
- Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis.
- Traumatic brain or head injuries.
- Internal organ injuries.
- Internal bleeding.
- Wrongful death.
How much compensation you can receive can often depend on the severity of the injuries that you sustained in the car accident. But even if you only sustained minor injuries, you could still be entitled to a substantial and worthwhile amount of financial compensation. To find out if you are entitled to compensation and, if so, how much you could secure, consider contacting The Law Place today. Our car accident lawyers have extensive knowledge of the legal system in Florida and so will be able to help fight for your rights and ensure you get the justice you deserve. Contact us today and schedule a free consultation so we can get straight to work on your case!
Which Driver Do I File a Personal Injury Claim Against in North Port, FL?
If you were involved in a car accident as a passenger, then you may be confused about who you should file a claim against. This will depend entirely on the specific circumstances that surround your case, and the Florida personal injury lawyers at The Law Place will be able to help you work it out.
It’s also important that, when making a claim, you are mindful when you speak to car insurance companies. Like any large company, the top priority of insurance companies is profit, which means that they will try their hardest to pay you as little as possible following an accident. They could potentially use anything you say to them to devalue your claim. Therefore, it’s crucial that you are careful, especially as there could be several different insurance companies involved in your car accident case. If possible, you should speak to a personal injury attorney before you speak to an insurance adjuster and stick to the facts. Avoid talking about the extent of the effects the injuries had on you.
Victims of a car accident may be able to file a claim against the following:
- The driver of the vehicle that they were a passenger in and/or their insurance company. Florida is a no-fault state, as is stated in Florida Statute 627.7407, which means that you can claim against your driver’s insurance company even if the accident was not their fault. However, if the driver didn’t own the car, then you can still file a claim against the person who does own the vehicle and/or their insurance company.
- If the crash was severe and the other driver was at fault, then it may be possible to claim against them and/or their insurance company instead.
- If you own the vehicle that was involved, then you might be able to claim from your own insurance.
Before you file an insurance claim, it’s important that you contact The Law Place today. The process of filing personal injury lawsuits can be complex and stressful. Let an experienced car accident attorney guide and support you through the proceedings. Call The Law Place today for a free consultation where you will receive valuable legal advice.
The Duty of Care in Florida
In North Port and elsewhere in Florida, drivers have an automatic duty of care as soon as they operate a vehicle. This means that they must drive reasonably and safely to keep all nearby drivers, passengers, and pedestrians safe. If someone acts negligently, which leads to a motor vehicle accident, then they have violated their duty and could be liable to a lawsuit.
If your accident lawyer can prove that someone is liable for your suffering, then you may be able to claim for the following damages:
- Medical bills –Â If your injuries meant you required medical treatment, then you could be entitled to compensation that covers past, present, and projected costs, including any related expenses.
- Lost wages –Â If you had to miss work because of your injuries, then you deserve compensation for lost wages and any lost earning potential.
- Pain and suffering – This includes compensation for any mental anguish and loss of enjoyment that you might be enduring after the accident. As these are difficult to prove, it’s important you have a car accident lawyer on your side to fight for what you deserve.
- Loss of a loved one –Â If a loved one passed away as a result of the car accident, then you could be owed compensation to cover funeral costs and loss of consortium.
Florida’s No-Fault Laws
As outlined in Florida Statute 627.736, all drivers in North Port must have personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. This insurance will pay for 80% of medical bills and 60% of lost income. As the passenger, the driver’s PIP coverage will also cover you, regardless of whose fault the accident was.
However, compensation can only be recovered up to the limits of the insurance policy. The minimum PIP in Florida is $10,000, but medical expenses can rapidly exceed this amount. You may be able to claim the rest from the other driver depending on the severity of your injuries.
Contact The Law Place, North Port Today!
Here at The Law Place, we take all personal injury claims very seriously. If you or a loved one was a passenger involved in a motor vehicle accident in North Port, then you need to contact our law firm to enlist the help of a skilled accident lawyer.
While we know that no amount of compensation will be able to fix the trauma that you have endured, it will help cover any financial burdens that you may be struggling with and also serve as some proof that justice has been served.
Our phone lines are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so contact us today to schedule a free consultation where you will receive valuable legal advice from experienced attorneys. You deserve justice and financial compensation, and our team is the most likely to win it for you. Call us at (941) 444-4444!