If you drive in Sarasota, then you will have seen loose debris on the road or the side of the road. When loose debris comes from a vehicle traveling at high speeds, it can cause a crash. A variety of scenarios can lead to loose debris on the road, such as a damaged vehicle or items falling from trucks. While a variety of scenarios can lead to a loose object accident, the fact of the matter is that if you were not at fault, then you deserve to be compensated for your injuries.
At The Law Place, our Sarasota car accident lawyers have a wealth of experience in car accident cases in Florida. The combined experience of our Sarasota car accident lawyers spans over 75 years, and we are committed to fighting for justice and supporting victims of car accidents in Sarasota, FL. It is our hope that by holding negligent drivers responsible, our law firm can make Sarasota roads a safer place to drive. Simply call us on (941) 444-4444 for your free consultation today.
Who Is Responsible for My Claim?
Depending on the elements of your individual personal injury case, different people or companies may be responsible for your damages. Identifying who is at fault for your accident is crucial to getting you the proper compensation. Your Sarasota personal injury lawyer at The Law Place will have the knowledge and experience in order to investigate your case and identify who is at fault.
Trucking Companies
In Sarasota, FL, it is common for loose objects to fall from large trucks. Trucks often carry heavy loads, sometimes much heavier than they should, and this can make it difficult to ensure that everything is properly secured. As required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the trucking company and the driver to ensure that their loads are secure. If a truck is responsible for your injury, then it is essential you have an attorney on your side ready to fight for your case. Trucking companies have experienced lawyers on their side who will work hard to devalue or dismiss your claim. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you level the playing field.
Manufacturers
Sometimes parts of a vehicle can detach and become loose objects on the road, leading to serious accidents. Examples include fenders and tires. When this happens, sometimes the driver is at fault for not properly maintaining their vehicle. Other times the manufacturer is at fault. If the manufacturer is at fault, then an attorney will help you to file a product liability lawsuit.
Government and Private Road Guardians
Depending on the road where your accident occurred in Sarasota, a governmental or private entity could be responsible for the upkeep of the road. If the debris that caused your accident ought to have been cleared away, then your personal injury claim could be based on their negligence. Since Florida used a comparative negligence system, even if you were partly at fault, you may still be owed some compensation.
Comparative Negligence in Florida
Florida is a comparative negligence state. This means that even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you could still claim for compensation, up to the degree that the other party was at fault. Generally, you can claim so long as you are found to be less than 50% at fault for the accident.
For example, if there was debris on the road, but you were speeding at the time of the accident, you could be partially at fault. Let’s say you are found to be 20% at fault; your settlement will be reduced by 20%.
Compensation for Loose Debris Accidents
If you were in an accident in Florida, then your personal injury lawyer will help you to fight for compensation for your losses. The types of damages you may be able to claim for are:
- Medical Expenses, including the past, present, and future treatment.
- Lost wages and lost earning potential.
- Pain and suffering, including mental anguish and loss of enjoyment if your injury prevents you from participating in activities that you once enjoyed.
- Wrongful death, if you have lost a loved one in a car accident, you should be able to claim for funeral expenses and compensation for lost income to a family household.
Some of these damages can be difficult to prove. Insurance companies deal with countless road accident claims, and they have experienced lawyers on their side, fighting to devalue your claim. Your attorney at The Law Place will make sure that you are not taken advantage of and will fight for the compensation you deserve.
In fact, research shows that personal injury claims that have representation from a lawyer on average result in a payout that is 60% higher.
Phone The Law Place for a Free Consultation
If you have been an accident, then you should at least phone The Law Place for a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer. We will give you free, honest, and unbiased advice so that you can make an informed decision. The sooner you speak to an injury lawyer after an accident, the better as they will be better able to gather evidence and support you through the legal process. What do you have to lose? Our phone lines are open 24/7, so call us today on (941) 444-4444.