In Port Charlotte and throughout the State of Florida, it is common for drivers to be distracted due to their busy lives or attempting to manage a lot of tasks at once. When this happens, however, it can often result in drivers acting reckless and causing serious car accidents. This is because distracted drivers will often disobey traffic signals, use their phones while driving, or drive over the speed limit.
All drivers in Port Charlotte owe each other a duty of care to keep the roads safe and to take all reasonable steps to prevent an accident from happening. This is to ensure that no one is injured in a road accident and that no damage to property occurs. When drivers breach this duty of care, however, victims can often receive compensation for any harm they have suffered.
If you or someone you love has been involved in a car accident in Port Charlotte caused by reckless driving, you should contact us at The Law Place today. We have over 75 years of experience in multiple practice areas, including many car accident cases. Our team of Port Charlotte car accident lawyers is skilled in dealing with cases like yours and will fight tooth and nail to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for any personal injury or property damage you have sustained.
Our law firm offers a free consultation where you can speak to an experienced car accident lawyer with no strings attached.
Call us today at (941) 444-4444 to schedule a free consultation. Our lines are open 24 hours, 7 days a week, for your convenience.
What Is Reckless Driving in Port Charlotte, FL?
Florida Statute 316.192 provides that a person can be found guilty of reckless driving if they are found operating a vehicle with either wilful or complete disregard for the safety of other road users and property.
When a driver acts negligently and puts the lives of other road users in danger, they could first be found guilty in a criminal court for reckless driving. However, if their reckless driving has caused an accident and you have been injured as a result, you can make a personal injury claim for compensation by establishing liability on their behalf.
As all drivers in Port Charlotte, FL., automatically owe each other a duty of care, it must be established that the other party breached their duty of care by failing to take reasonable measures to keep you safe. When a driver engages in reckless behavior on the road, this is usually sufficient to prove a breach in their duty of care to you. Some examples of reckless behavior include:
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Speeding excessively.
- Failing to obey road signals and stop signs.
- Tailgating other vehicles.
- Distracted driving, including speaking with passengers, using a phone, or eating while driving.
- Weaving through traffic.
- Improper passing.
- Disregarding the presence of pedestrians.
Damages Available for a Car Accident in Port Charlotte, FL.
In order to retrieve any damages for your Port Charlotte car accident, it must be shown that the other party firstly breached their duty of care to you. An experienced car accident lawyer will be able to help you in proving that the other party is liable for any personal injury you have sustained. Some of the damages that may be available to you following the car accident in Port Charlotte, FL., include:
- Medical bills – You can claim any medical costs resulting from your Port Charlotte car accident, including hospital appointments, any future medical expenses, and transport to and from these appointments.
- Lost wages – If you have been left unable to work as a result of your car accident, you can claim any lost wages, including potential future earnings.
- Property damage – You can claim for any damage to your motor vehicle, including valuable items contained inside at the time of the accident in Port Charlotte.
- Pain and suffering – If you have suffered emotional or physical distress from the car accident, you can claim compensation in the form of pain and suffering damages.
- Wrongful death – Losing a loved one in a car accident is tragic, and no amount of compensation can bring them back. However, one of our personal injury lawyers can help you claim any funeral expenses in addition to a loss of income to the family income to relieve any additional financial stress you may have.
How Much Is a Reckless Driving Settlement Worth in Port Charlotte, FL?
There are a number of factors that will be considered when determining how much your reckless driving car accident settlement is worth in Port Charlotte. Some of these factors can include:
- The cost of your medical expenses.
- How severe your injuries are.
- Witnesses.
- Who is liable.
- The age of the victim.
- Past and future medical bills.
- How much it has impacted your enjoyment of life.
Trying to claim compensation for your injuries in these types of situations can be difficult, which is why we recommend speaking with one of our car accident lawyers. The State of Florida requires that you speak with your insurance company immediately following an accident. However, insurance companies are renowned for prioritizing profit over their clients. It is often the case that they will use any information you’ve given them to devalue your claim.
Here at The Law Place, we offer a free consultation where you can speak with a car accident lawyer who is experienced in communicating with insurance companies. We can advise you in the free consultation on what information to give to your insurance company prior to contacting them. If you decide to proceed with our law firm as your legal representatives, we will carry out all communication with your insurance company on your behalf. This way, we can use our experience of personal injury law to fight for the maximum amount of compensation for you.
Should I Get a Lawyer for a Car Accident That Wasn’t My Fault?
Yes, our law firm always recommends having the assistance of an accident lawyer for a crash that wasn’t your fault.
As discussed before, insurance companies in Port Charlotte are renowned for devaluing claims. Having the backing of one of our car accident attorneys will ensure that you are not tricked into taking a lower settlement, and that blame is not wrongly established on your behalf.
The most important thing when looking for an accident attorney in Port Charlotte, Florida, is ensuring that they are experienced and skilled in managing cases like this. Having the backing of a law firm with a good reputation for winning these cases and that is known for having experienced car accident attorneys will be essential to your personal injury claim in Port Charlotte, FL.
Statute of Limitations in Florida
The State of Florida has a statute of limitations for any personal injury claims, as provided for under Florida Statute 95.11. This means that an individual can only make an injury claim against a reckless driver within four years following a car crash.
The courts in Florida will be unlikely to accept a claim that has been filed after this four-year period which could result in you not receiving any compensation for your injuries. Claims for motor vehicle accidents can be a lengthy process as it is necessary to gather evidence, speak to witnesses and build a strong case to present to the court. Our firm recommends speaking with an accident attorney as soon as possible following a crash in order to maximize your chances of receiving compensation. An accident attorney will get started on your case immediately to ensure the best possible outcome.
Contact The Law Place in Port Charlotte, FL., Today
If you or someone you love has been involved in a car accident involving a reckless driver and suffered injuries or property damage as a result, you should contact us at The Law Place Today. We know how stressful and traumatic motor vehicle accidents can be, and we want to relieve any additional legal stress you may face.
We have over 75 years of experience in numerous practice areas, including cases involving car accidents. Our law firm is renowned in Florida for having a strong attorney-client relationship and for always prioritizing our client’s legal needs. We offer a free consultation where you can speak to a car accident lawyer serving Port Charlotte with no strings attached. Our main goal is to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries in Port Charlotte, FL.
Call us today at (941) 444-4444 for your free consultation with a car accident lawyer. Our lines are open 24/7 for your convenience.