If you suffered a serious injury in a motor vehicle accident, you may find the claims process frustrating and confusing. One mistake could create delays or prevent you from receiving any money from the responsible party. Working with a Sanford auto accident lawyer could ensure that you receive fair compensation.
At Colling Gilbert Wright, our personal injury attorneys have a long history of obtaining excellent results for our clients. We could bring our knowledge, skill, and compassion to your case. We are proud that former clients and local professionals refer their loved ones to us when they need representation in a vehicle accident case.
Act Quickly To Preserve Your Rights
Timing is a critical aspect of any auto accident claim. If you miss certain deadlines, you may lose your right to compensation regardless of the merit of your case.
Get Medical Treatment Immediately
Your personal injury protection (PIP) may pay for most of your medical treatment and reimburse your lost wages up to the $10,000 policy limit. However, Florida Statutes § 627.736 requires you to seek medical attention within 14 days of the accident. If you miss this deadline, your PIP will not cover you.
Getting immediate medical treatment after a car crash also strengthens your legal case if you eventually file a lawsuit. A medical record from soon after the crash ties your injuries to the accident. If you delay your treatment, the responsible parties could claim that the crash did not cause your injuries.
File the Lawsuit Within Two Years
If you have permanent injuries, the law allows you to pursue compensation outside of the no-fault system. You can file a lawsuit seeking full compensation within two years of the accident.
When a minor gets hurt in a vehicle crash, they can sue within two years of their 18th birthday. However, it is usually more advantageous for a parent or guardian to sue on their child’s behalf within two years of the incident. There are special challenges in child injury cases, so discussing your situation with one of our attorneys at The Florida Firm Injury and Accident Lawyers serving the Sanford area soon after your car crash could bring the best results.
What Damages Are Available if You Sue?
If you bring a lawsuit seeking damages, you must prove that the defendant’s negligence caused the accident. Negligent conduct triggers liability for your out-of-pocket and intangible losses.
The liable party must pay your medical expenses to date and the cost of anticipated future care. You could also claim your lost wages and diminished ability to earn in the future. You are entitled to pain and suffering damages, which compensate you for:
- Past and ongoing physical pain
- Emotional distress because of the accident
- Limitations on your activities because of disability
- Inconvenience, embarrassment, and humiliation
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Changes to your personal relationships because of your injuries
Our legal team could show you how to document your day-to-day experiences to prove your pain and suffering damages.
We are skilled at compiling and presenting evidence regarding the extent of your damages. Our attorneys have obtained verdicts and settlements exceeding $1 million in numerous vehicle accident cases.
Punitive Damages Are Sometimes Possible
State law allows you to seek additional damages when a defendant’s conduct is especially egregious. Your legal team must present compelling evidence that the defendant acted intentionally or caused your auto accident in Sanford because of gross negligence. Punitive damages are rare in personal injury cases, but you could receive them in cases involving drunk driving, racing on public highways, or similar situations.
Cases Involving a Government Entity
Sometimes a unit of government, such as a town or city, a county, or a state agency, is the responsible party in an auto accident. This may apply if the crash involves a bus, fire truck, or garbage truck. A government entity might be liable if an at-fault driver was a public servant on official business at the time of the wreck.
You could collect damages if you prove the government entity is liable for your injuries, but the law limits the amount. You cannot receive more than $200,000 as an individual claimant, regardless of your actual damages. If multiple people make claims arising from the same incident, the government will pay no more than $300,000 total to all claimants. You cannot receive punitive damages in claims against the government.
Contact a Sanford Auto Accident Attorney To Discuss Your Claim
When a vehicle accident causes serious injuries, you are entitled to hold the responsible parties liable for the harm they caused. You could pursue financial damages with the help of a Sanford auto accident lawyer at Colling Gilbert Wright.
You are not responsible for legal fees or expenses unless we win your case, and initial consultations are always free. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with a member of our vehicle accident intake team.