Frequent driving or riding in motor vehicles increases the likelihood of being involved in an accident. While many individuals escape without serious injuries, others may suffer significant harm.
If you were badly hurt in a wreck that was not your fault, contact a DeLand auto accident lawyer at Colling Gilbert Wright. Our personal injury attorneys have been providing exceptional legal support to injured people for decades. In fact, most of our clients find us through referrals from local attorneys and other professionals who have confidence in our skills, ethics, and professionalism.
Auto Collisions Can Cause Severe Injuries
The no-fault system for managing wrecks requires everyone registering a vehicle to have personal injury protection (PIP) that covers damage to the vehicle’s driver and passengers. Injuries, such as scrapes and bruises, sprains, and some fractures, may heal quickly, and PIP may fully cover your losses in these cases.
However, some vehicle accidents may cause acute injuries, and PIP coverage will not be adequate to cover your losses. If you were a pedestrian, cyclist, or motorcyclist and were hit by a car, you most likely have been badly hurt and have sustained severe and potentially disabling damage, such as:
- Complex fractures
- Disfiguring facial wounds
- Internal organ damage
- Spinal cord injuries
- Head injuries, including skull fractures and traumatic brain injuries
- Blinding eye injuries
- Amputations
Medical bills will accumulate while you are recovering from your wounds, and if you are unable to work, you might become overdue on your other financial obligations. The attorneys at our Florida law firm could work with your healthcare providers and other creditors to relieve the financial pressure after a vehicle crash in DeLand. We may also manage applications for disability benefits and provide other necessary support.
Why Does Proving Fault Matter?
You can go to court to obtain compensation when PIP does not cover your medical expenses or you have suffered a significant injury. To obtain compensation, you must prove that another party was at fault for the accident and that their negligence was the direct cause of your injuries.
If the other driver received a ticket, the citation is evidence of negligence. Even if the police did not write a ticket, our DeLand auto accident attorneys may examine witness statements, police reports, and any available video to find indications that the driver was negligent.
What if you were partly responsible for the crash? Florida Statutes § 768.81 allows you to claim compensation if you were no more than 50 percent to blame. Our experienced attorneys could ensure that the other parties do not transfer an unfair portion of the responsibility onto you.
Preserve Your Right To Pursue Compensation
Depending on the severity of your injuries and their impact on your lifestyle, compensation from an auto accident could be substantial. Our firm has obtained more than $5 million for a client who suffered severe burns in a car crash and more than $600,000 for someone who suffered post-concussion syndrome from a truck accident.
However, no matter how compelling your case or how skilled your lawyer, you cannot pursue compensation for a DeLand motor vehicle accident if you miss the applicable legal deadlines. An injured adult must file a lawsuit within two years of the accident date. Minors have two years from their 18th birthday, but it is usually advantageous for their parents to start legal proceedings on their behalf soon after the accident, rather than wait for the child to come of age.
The interval may be much shorter when an accident involves a municipal vehicle, such as a city bus, garbage truck, or police car. You may need to give the municipality notice of your claim against it within a few weeks of your injury. If you contact us soon after the accident, we could ensure timely notice is provided.
Consult Our DeLand Attorneys for Help After an Auto Crash
After suffering serious injuries from a vehicle wreck, you will need time to physically recover. You may also need professional help to manage your dealings with insurance companies, creditors, and the parties responsible for your accident. If you are searching for a DeLand auto accident lawyer, our attorneys at Colling Gilbert Wright have a well-deserved reputation for compassionate and effective representation of injured people. Contact our offices today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your legal options.