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Deciding The Liability For Driveway Accidents In Florida

Many people think that their driveways are safe zones because the traffic in the area will be typically slow-moving. The movement in this area is either backing out the cars or pulling into the yard. But the reality is that the driveways may turn out to be quite dangerous. The driveway accidents take place at an alarming rate in Florida. What is even more tragic is that many of these accidents involve children. Children are at a higher risk to suffer significant or even fatal injuries. It is emotionally difficult to handle these claims and they are legally complicated as well.

How they occur

National Center for Biotechnology published information about the driveway accidents recently and according to them, the accidents resulting in injuries to children normally involve a child hit by a car, which is run by an adult, or a child shifting gears in an idle car. Another common form of driveway accidents is “backover accidents”. These occur when a car driver backs out the vehicle from a driveway and fails to notice the person standing behind the car. This type of accident usually involves children, as they are many times not able to appreciate the danger involved in a situation. They are also difficult for the diver to observe due to their smaller size. This problem is compounded for larger vehicles such as trucks, vans, and SUVs. 60% of the backover accidents are due to larger vehicles like these.

Liability of driveway accidents

Many driveway accidents cannot be avoided for the driver especially those involving a small child. The child many times darts out behind a car but sometimes the drivers fail to take due care by checking the mirrors. Rear backup sensors and cameras play a significant role in reducing driveway accidents. But they cannot assure safety so it is especially important for the drivers to look out for children. The person who is held accountable for the accident depends on the circumstances of the case.

Many times more than a single person is held accountable for the driveway accident and this will decide the compensation for the victim. When more than a single person is held responsible for an accident, each of the people will have to compensate the victim for his or her contribution to the accident.

Apart from the car driver, the homeowner and car manufacturer can also be held accountable for the accident. Most courts will not take into consideration the child’s actions the same way as they do for adults when they are making their decisions. This is because the children are not mature and do not have the experience however the car driver needs to know his responsibilities towards pedestrians and motorists.

Therefore if you or one of your children was involved in a driveway accident and you have queries regarding the various legal options you need to contact an experienced professional. For accidents in Tampa Florida, you may get in touch with the Rojas Law Group who are experienced in these matters and can advise you about your future actions.

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Pedestrian Accident Lawsuits In Florida! Everything You Need To Know!

Crosswalks can be dangerous to the health of pedestrians if car drivers are not paying attention. On the other hand, if you are an attentive driver and some jaywalker walks into the path of your car your life will change in an instant. In Florida, pedestrian accidents take place mostly at night. The reason for this being visibility. These pedestrian accidents take place more in cities than in rural places.

Reasons behind pedestrian accidents

After the new drivers have completed the classes for Driver’s Education, they will start concentrating on cars. Many times, they forget to think about the pedestrians and the different laws that are in place to protect the pedestrians. The Driver Education institutes always focus on “not hitting the person”. This can lead to the new drivers forgetting about the pedestrian law until much later when they are driving recklessly. Some of the typical reasons for the pedestrian accidents are,

  • Deciding to let all the pedestrians go through in a crosswalk but not being able to stop the car in time.
  • Drinking and driving.
  • Irritating slowdowns due to bad weather, traffic, or crowd.
  • Failure to stop the car completely at the stop sign.
  • Failure to maintain control of your car.

When you are walking at nights, it is a good idea to use bright clothing that will make you stand out. Using reflective strips for the walkers and headlamps for the drivers is useful. You may feel silly but it is better than being injured or end up dead.

Types of injuries in a pedestrian accident

You can sustain serious injuries when a vehicle hits a pedestrian. A huge piece of metal is hitting a small individual and in most cases, this individual is not fully clothed because of playing basketball in the evening. In fact, anyone who can survive such an accident is astonishing. It is common to find severe injuries as in most cases, as the victim will not be wearing any protective gear. The forward momentum the car carries is transferred to the pedestrian, which may cause the person to be thrown many feet or yards away. After the pedestrian has hit the ground, you can get broken bones, head injuries, and lacerations. Some of the worse injuries that may occur are,

  • Spinal injuries.
  • Brain injuries.
  • Lacerations.
  • Fractures.
  • Loss of limbs.
  • Paralysis.

Florida right of the way laws

As per the Florida state pedestrian laws, the walker needs to obey the traffic control devices unless otherwise specified by the police officers. The device includes signals, traffic signs, and pavement striping. If there is a sidewalk available, the pedestrians do not need to use the roads. In case the sidewalk is not there or is under construction the walker must walk on the left shoulder of the road facing the oncoming traffic. While crossing the road the pedestrians are,

  • Not permitted to leave the curbs unless the traffic signal permits them to.
  • Keep on the right half side of the crosswalk.
  • Required to keep in mind that the transit is subject to the traffic signals.
  • Walkers are not allowed to yield to the right-of-the-way cars.
  • Required to cross the road at a right angle or by using the shortest route except in case of marked crosswalks.
  • Allowed to cross the sidewalk diagonally only when authorized by the traffic control device.
  • Not allowed to cross in the middle of adjacent intersections unless it is marked.

There are several other laws but they are more specific to certain odd situations.

For pedestrian accidents, the state of Florida follows a pure comparative negligence standard. It means if a person is responsible 99% for the accident, he or she still may collect the remaining 1% of the damages. If you want to consult professionals in the Tampa Bay area of Florida, you can talk to Rojas Law Group and they can assist you with the filing a claim.

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Reasons Behind Truck Accidents In Florida

Similar to all crashes the truck accidents are caused by a range of factors and circumstances. When you or your loved ones are involved in a truck accident with a large commercial vehicle or truck there are various reasons for the accident. In a study conducted by FMCSA about the reasons for a truck accident, it was found that the truck drivers were the main reason for the accident. All commercial vehicle drivers should maintain road safety and handle their trucks accordingly. When it is breached, there is an accident.

Truck accident reasons assigned to the truck drivers

Here are some reasons recognized by FMCSA as the causative or critical to the road accidents and caused by truck drivers,

  • Poor performance: The truck driver panicked and overcompensated. Or he exercised low-quality directional control.
  • Non-performance: The driver fell asleep, was temporarily disabled with a seizure or heart attack, or was disabled for another reason.
  • Poor Recognition: The driver failed to observe the situation due to inside or outside factors.
  • Poor decision-making: The driver was driving too fast for the conditions and misjudged the speed of other cars and followed them too closely.

Common Causes behind Truck Accidents

The FMCSA along with NHTSA recognizes the fact that most motor vehicle accidents are caused by a complicated set of events and they involve two or more vehicles. They are also influenced by various elements such as the experience of the drivers and his training, truck design, truck manufacturing, adherence to the safety recommendations, and weather and road conditions. Here are some common reasons for truck accidents in Florida.

  • Unsafe lane changing.
  • Brakes or tire failure and other mechanical problems.
  • The flow of traffic.
  • Fatigue.
  • Over-the-counter and prescribed drug use.
  • Road-related problems.
  • Traveling too fast.
  • Unfamiliarity with the road.
  • Had to stop over before the crash (Due to crosswalk, traffic control devices).
  • Insufficient surveillance.

Government Efforts for Curbing the Truck Accidents

NTSB or the National Transportation Safety Board has recommended some additional safety measures for the trucks since the 1990s. These recommendations have been announced at least a dozen times. Specifically, the forward crash avoiding and mitigation systems have been recommended more than a dozen times. These systems are also referred to as advanced driver assistance systems. These are fundamentally technology alerts and also emergency takeover functionalities. They are increasingly offered on the feature lists of the new rigs. However, they are not made mandatory as yet.

The FDT or Florida Department of Transportation while attempting to tackle this problem developed a study for deciding whether the construction of additional car lanes is a viable option for improving safety on roads such as I-75. The related researchers felt that it was not a feasible option due to the impact it may have on the environment and some cultural places. All this leads to the fact that adopting the truck safety measures is important.

Costs Involved in Truck Accidents of Florida

Many trucking companies voluntarily have decided to make the truck accidents a priority. They are anticipating regulations being forced into place eventually and there is another reason. The truck accidents in Florida can be expensive for them as well. Among the various costs incurred by the carriers in truck accidents, some include,

  • Property damage costs to the rig.
  • Worker’s compensation paid to the truckers injured in the incident.
  • Costs due to loss of cargo owned by the shippers. Carriers many times insure this.
  • Insurance settlement or verdicts coming from wrongful deaths or personal injury lawsuits.

The truck accidents in Florida have the potential to cause catastrophic injuries with heavy losses leading up to six figures. Many times even these amounts are not enough to cover for the losses. For any consultation about the case, you can contact Rojas Law Group who will work to get fair compensation for all the wrongful injuries and deaths.

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Coronavirus Pandemic And Dealing With Car Accidents

The fast advent of coronavirus throughout the world has affected all aspects of our lives in recent times. Every day we are looking at new cases, restrictions, and concerns about the pandemic. Several states in the U.S. have enforced a lockdown and have asked their residents to stay at home except for the trips outside for essentials. Another thought creeping up in the minds of people is how the coronavirus crisis will impact the biggest reason for fatalities in the U.S, car accidents. Here are some important points regarding car accidents that will get affected by the coronavirus situation.

1. Medical Care after the car accident: Several medical service providers in the state are currently focused on coronavirus and therefore the non-essential treatments and surgeries will get affected. In addition to that several people are expressing reluctance to visit the hospitals due to the fear of catching coronavirus. But if you have sustained an injury in a car accident you will need fast medical attention. If you attempt to avoid the treatment these injuries can turn into serious ones. The hospitals all over the country are taking measures to make sure that everyone suspected of a coronavirus infection is isolated immediately and not relegated to the hospital waiting rooms at any stage. However, in the end, you need to do what is safest for you. Either stay home in case it is a bearable and minor injury or seek treatment if necessary.

2. Is it possible to file a personal injury case? Access to the courts is restricted in most parts of the country. Some courts are asking the motions to be filed online. The hearings are held remotely by using technical solutions such as videoconferencing or telephone. Many states have either suspended or tolled the statute of limitations for new suits. The car accident victims must consult a lawyer quickly after the incident in order to get help for navigating through the difficult court systems at the time of coronavirus crisis. The situation is constantly evolving though.

3. More financial pressure: In case you’re working hours are reduced because the coronavirus pandemic has affected the business, the expenses involved in the car accident can be tough to handle. You must be wondering how you can pay for car repair, rentals, medicine bills, and other costs involved. Even those expenses you were easily able to cover earlier will seem daunting. This can have a long term and detrimental effect on your finances. If your insurance company is not willing to pay fairly for the cover things can get difficult.

4. Will the ambulance and police respond to the car accident? It is critical that police officers arrive at the accident scene quickly so that they can ensure that those involved in the car accident get proper attention. They also have to evaluate the car crash and develop the police report. Due to a host of coronavirus cases pouring in the emergency responders are getting overwhelmed. It is likely that the situation may get worse before it improves. It is a legitimate concern that you may not have an ambulance or a police officer on the scene of the crash in case there are no injuries.

If there is a delay in the creation of a police report because the officers are unwilling to arrive at the crash scene you may want to consult a car accident lawyer immediately. A police report is crucial for the personal injury case later on. For any car accidents in the Tampa, FL region you can contact the Rojas Law Group who will provide a free consultation. They can also help with a possible claim.

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Coronavirus Anxiety And Car Accidents

When you take into consideration a normal week in San Francisco, California there are around 260 phone calls made regarding car accidents to 911. But in the week of 17-23 March 2020, there were only 110. This is the fewest number of traffic collision calls made within seven days in the last 17 years. Everyone is feeling the stress and it can cause an effect on our capability to drive safely during the coronavirus pandemic. Here are some reasons which can lead to car accidents.

Reasons for Car Accidents due to Coronavirus Anxiety

1. Incoming News: Any incoming disastrous news about coronavirus can be a distraction while driving on the road. This is typically more likely to happen while listening to the updates on the car radio and concentrating more on what is happening in the world rather on the road while driving.

2. Altering Sleeping Patterns: Because of the anxiety and having to deal with the new reality, a lot of people are reporting changing sleeping patterns and poor quality sleep. This can also cause tired driving. It is one of the main reasons for car accidents across Florida.

3. Uncertainty: Due to the uncertainty of the coronavirus situation many of us are feeling anger and frustration while driving. This can cause road rage incidents and distracted driving.

4. Anxieties and Worries: If you are feeling anxiety, fear, or worry due to the coronavirus crisis, it will also lead to distraction even when you are just a phone call away from help. There is every chance that you are contemplating your future and this emotional distraction will be insidious as avoiding it is not very easy.

Remedial Measures for Car Accidents due to Coronavirus Situation

1. Be Aware and Stay Calm: You need to be aware of the dangers associated with the coronavirus situation as it is one of the first steps towards averting the danger. Try and think about the ways of staying in control and managing your emotions as far as possible while driving and otherwise.

2. Push Away All Distractions: Although there are fewer drivers on the road at the moment due to the coronavirus situation you will be required to drive defensively and stay away from all the devices and push away the various distractions. Concentrate on the road and your driving. Also remember that other drivers could be distracted, upset, and making driving error so you have to make way for them as well. Be prepared for the unexpected during the crisis.

3. Limit the Driving and Get Help Wherever Required: If you find that you are struggling or you are exposed to the coronavirus possibility and are not feeling well just limit your driving. Ask a relative or a friend to pick you up in case there is something you need to do or if you need any groceries. You can also order online if the facility is working in your region.

Conclusion

If you have been involved in a car accident in the Tampa Bay area and are wondering about the current situation which may affect your capability to get compensation for the loss, you can get in touch with the Rojas Law Group for consultation. You can discuss the accident with an attorney and also the possible claim.

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Handling Mental Issues After Car Accidents

When you are involved in a car accident there are chances that the biggest challenge facing you is your physical recovery. Here we will see some ways of winning the mental battle. Many people will struggle mentally in the wake of a car accident. If the unfortunate situation has happened in your life, significantly, you get proper help. The crash might have happened when you were either the driver, pedestrian, or a passenger. Sometimes you may be an innocent bystander.

Some Tips for Looking After Yourself after the Car Accident

Here are some tips so that you can look after your mental health after a car accident.

  • Talk to someone close: You need to talk to someone about the accident. It can be a family member, friend, or someone you are comfortable with. Just talking to them about your experiences and getting information about the anxiety along with meeting the practical needs is all that is required many times. It might be enough to take care of your anxiety.
  • Allow yourself some time: For the difficult periods in your lives, you need to allow some time to heal completely. You need to be patient with yourselves and with what you are feeling. This is a normal feeling for all.
  • Take care of yourself: Whenever people are feeling anxious they tend to neglect themselves. Consume balanced food and try to get as much sleep as possible. Get some exercise such as a walk. Try to avoid increasing alcohol intake and also avoid drugs not prescribed by the doctor.
  • Pursue some interests: Take time to yourself and get indulged in hobbies and other enjoyable activities.

When should you get help?

You need to get medical advice when you are suffering from this,

  • You are worried about the symptoms.
  • They have persevered after 3 months of the car accident.
  • They are stopping or hampering your everyday activities.
  • Your friends and relatives are getting worried about you.

When your symptoms of anxiety do not ease off after three months or if they are so severe that they stop you from living a normal life then it is certain that you are suffering from an anxiety disorder. It is also termed as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. However, keep in mind that most people involved in a car accident will not develop an anxiety disorder. If they do, you will experience great anxiety and disturbing thoughts with fear. All portions of your life will get affected as you are overpowered with the car accident trauma.

Treatment

Significantly, you must be aware of the fact that by using the right treatment and willing support you will completely recover from an anxiety disorder. But, first, talk to the physician as he is the best person to guide you in the circumstances. Health practitioners such as social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, and counselors will help you in treating anxiety disorders. For more information about getting help, you can check out the various websites on the internet. You can find comprehensive information about recovering from anxiety after a car accident.

Conclusion

The good news here is that most people will recover from the trauma as it is the normal human reaction to a stressful incident. Many people will not have any symptoms of trauma or anxiety at all, while others will suffer from a few. Some people, unfortunately, will face the full consequences. Anxiety can force you to become unsociable and you will have several unwanted thoughts or problems regarding personal relationships. One of the most significant portions of recovery is getting support from friends and family. If you are facing legal challenges after the car accident in Tampa, FL you contact the Rojas Law Group for a consultation with an accident attorney. The attorney can also guide you if you are eligible for compensation.

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Preventing Car Accidents When Conditions Are Foggy

No matter where you live foggy conditions can occur which can frequently end up causing a car accident. Here are several things that you need to think about if you run into foggy conditions on the road.

You should stay in if at all possible. If road conditions are foggy and you do not have to go out then you should stay at home. This is the best way to avoid a car accident entirely.

Keeping your focus is also essential when you want to stay safe on the roads in foggy conditions. You need to keep all distractions away and keep all of your focus on the road.

You need to keep a lookout for clues while driving and know when it is time to pull over. If the fog that you are driving in is thick then you need to do something like roll down your window so that you can hear the traffic around you. You also need to make sure you know when it is time to pull over for a little bit until you can see a little better. If you do this remember to put your hazard lights on and pull over far enough so you avoid getting into a car accident.

Turning on your headlights and slowing down are two other things that you should do when you want to stay safe when it is foggy. Turning on your headlights will let other motorists know where you are on the road and slowing down will help you prevent a car accident from happening.

Making sure that you turn on your defroster and windshield wipers is also important. You might find that when it’s foggy that moisture can collect on your windshield making it difficult to see around you. Taking these steps will help keep your visibility at its clearest.

Keep looking while you are driving and be sure to give yourself plenty of extra room. You should make use of the line on the right side of the road to guide you while driving. Giving yourself some extra room will give you more time to slow down so you can avoid running into something.

Avoiding using cruise control and braking gently are two more important things to do when it comes to avoiding a car accident in foggy weather. If you avoid using cruise control you will better be able to control how fast you can stop and braking gently allows you to stop gradually and lessen the chances of you being rear-ended.

If you do happen to find yourself in a car accident in foggy weather you may have the right to a legal claim. You will find that if a driver did not adjust their driving to the weather conditions and ended up causing a car accident that they may be liable for what happened. If you require legal representation then contact Rojas Law Group. Their proven track record with cases like these will have you feeling confident that they are your representation for your legal proceedings.

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Bankruptcy and Your Car Accident Debt

Unfortunately, disaster has a way of happening when we least expect it. This is something that bankruptcy attorneys know all too well. After all, people rarely make an appointment to talk to these lawyers when their lives are going well. Instead, clients enter their offices when something has gone horribly wrong, oftentimes quite unexpectedly – for instance, a car accident. If you find yourself in this scenario, relax you now have an option available to you to help discharge the debt.

How Bankruptcy Deals with Property Damages from Car Accidents

According to the law you as a debtor can discharge debts for any damage that resulted from a vehicular accident. The only exception to this is Section 523(a)(6) which says that you cannot discharge property damages that you’ve willfully and maliciously caused to another person or their property. This is something that was demonstrated by the U.S. Supreme Court in the Kawaauhau v. Geiger matter, 523 U.S. 57, 61–62 (1998) whereby willful and malicious acts were differentiated from negligent and reckless acts.

According to this case willful injuries are those that are deliberately or intentionally done. Typically, this means that an auto accident will fall outside of this scope. Even if you’re caught driving drunk, you’re usually charged with actions of “reckless disregard” and not ones that are “willful and malicious.” The only exception to this occurs in a car accident Chapter 7 case. If you file a Chapter 13 case though, there isn’t a property damage exception. This means that any damage that resulted from your vehicular accident will automatically be discharged in a Chapter 13 case.

How Bankruptcy Deals with Personal Injury Debt from Car Accidents

Unfortunately, when it comes to personal injuries the bankruptcy code is less forgiving. There are in fact a lot of restrictions related to discharging such debts. Section 523(a)(9) contains the most restrictive of these exceptions. It has to do with driving while you’re under the influence of alcohol and it doesn’t matter if you file a Chapter 7 or a Chapter 13 case, it still applies to you.

It is quite possible for the court to find that your judgment satisfies all the necessary elements to meet an exception according to Section 523(a)(9) but it still isn’t bound by an acquittal in a state DUI case. This is because the standard of proof is different for criminal proceedings in the state court. A bankruptcy may also discover that under Section 523(a)(9) personal injuries can’t be discharged even if you aren’t charged with or you’re acquitted of a criminal DUI offense.

Conclusion

For more information on how all of this works and what your rights are concerning your car accident if you were to file a Chapter 7 or a Chapter 13 case, contact the Rojas Law Group today. Over the years Attorney Rojas has helped many people successfully navigate their way through these grey areas of the law. Make sure to give her a call today and set up an appointment so she can help you too.

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Safety Tips For Nighttime Driving In Florida

When you’re driving alone at night in Florida you face some additional dangers that you wouldn’t otherwise be faced with. Not only are other drivers more fatigued but there are also drunk drivers on the road too. Add to this the fact that visibility is generally poor and that there may be wildlife on the roads, and you can see that you’ll need some safety tips to help you navigate the roads safely after dark. This is without even thinking about the fact that you may be a possible target for criminals.

Improve Visibility

Take good care of your eyesight. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, you’ll want to make sure you keep your prescription up to date. You should also consider getting a no-glare coating on them so that you can see better while driving at night. On the other hand, if you wear contact lenses, you shouldn’t drive at night if you’ve worn them all day. This is because they may become dry and uncomfortable.

As far as safety tips for the vehicle you’re driving, you should adjust both the interior and dash light to prevent glare. Also, make sure that you use your headlights and high beams as necessary so that not only you can see but you can also be seen.

Travel with a Passenger

When you’re traveling with a passenger in your vehicle, you’re less likely to be targeted by criminals. You’ll also have a better chance of staying awake and alert behind the wheel. Your passenger can act as an extra set of eyes as well. On a related note, you shouldn’t use cruise control at night. In this way, you’re forced to focus on the road but make sure that your passengers aren’t distracting you from doing so.

Keep Your Vehicle from Breaking Down

It’s important to perform routine maintenance on your vehicle and always keep your gas tank full. You don’t want to break down or run out of gas in the middle of a road after dark. Of course, you may still encounter an emergency and if you do you should remain in your vehicle and call for help.

Don’t get Lost

Make sure you know where you’re going and how to get there. Always take the main route so that you’ll have more businesses open and landmarks available. Even if you’ve traveled this road several times in the past, it may still look different in the dark.

Be Aware of Criminals

When a criminal can see that they can’t easily access your vehicle or that there isn’t anything in your vehicle that they want to access, you’ll be less of a target for them. You can take this a step further by keeping your interior lights turned off at night so that the inside of your vehicle is less visible.

Sometimes you may notice that another driver is either acting suspiciously or aggressively. Always trust your instincts in these circumstances. Make sure you lock your doors, call for help, and drive to a police station, open business, or a gas station.

Be Alert

It’s important to keep the interior of your vehicle cool and never drive when you’re feeling exhausted. The darkness of night can make you feel even more tired. If you must drive, drink some caffeine and take frequent breaks.

Contact an Attorney if Necessary

Despite your best efforts to follow these safety tips you may still be injured in a car accident. When this happens, you may have a legal claim on your hands. This is when you’ll want to contact the Rojas Law Group to ensure you get what you deserve out of your claim.

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What Every Driver Should Know About Car Accidents in Tampa

When you’re in a car accident do you know what steps you should take? If you answered “no” to this question, you should know that you’re not alone. The steps you should take are important and easy to remember, which is why we’ll review them here for you.

Stay Put

When you’re in a car accident in Florida, law dictates that you must stop and exchange information with the other driver. Of course, you want to make sure that you don’t obstruct traffic any more than necessary. If anyone has been injured, you must render “reasonable assistance” to them. Failure to take these steps may result in you being charged with a felony if someone is injured or dies. Even if there’s only property damage, you may still be charged with a misdemeanor.

While at the scene of the accident, make sure everyone is fine and if anyone does need medical assistance, call 911 immediately. If someone is killed or there’s injuries or property damage of $500 or more you must immediately notify the police and highway patrol. Regardless, you’re responsible for exchanging information all relevant information (e.g. name, phone number, address, driver’s license number, vehicle registration number, insurance company and policy number). You should also get this information for any witnesses. It’s also in your best interest to take photographs and notes too.

Although you may be tempted to apologize, don’t. You don’t want to discuss liability right now. Doing so may result in you unintentionally or unnecessarily admitting guilt.

Contact Your Insurance

As soon as possible, call your insurance company and report the accident. In Florida you’re responsible for maintaining at least $10,000 of Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Property Damage Liability (PDL). Since Florida is a “no fault” state, PIP will cover you regardless of who’s at fault. Your PDL will cover any damage that you’ve done to another person’s property.

Make sure you’re honest with your insurance company. This doesn’t mean you have to accept their settlement offer though. If this means that you’re struggling to have your claim resolved, then make sure you participate in the mediation that’s offered by the Florida Department of Financial Services. This is also who you should talk to if you have questions or want to file a complaint about your insurance.

Talk to an Attorney

Unfortunately, there are times when you may need to take legal action after a car accident. Oftentimes this will depend on the extent of the injuries and the amount of damage that occurred. For this you must remember that the Statute of Limitations (the timeframe you have for being able to file a negligence or personal injury claim) is four years from the date upon which the accident occurred. Typically, such claims are based on the idea that the other driver was negligent. This means that they were careless and thus caused or contributed to the accident.

You can also seek monetary compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering in this manner. There are different divisions of the court that may hear your claim depending on how much financial compensation you’re seeking. For instance, the county civil court will hear any case seeking up to $15,000 while the county civil court hears cases of up to $15,000 and the circuit court is responsible for any case seeking financial compensation above that level.

Don’t try to figure everything out by yourself. When you’re in a car accident in Tampa, give Attorney Juana Maria Rojas right away. She can help you sort through your claim and get the settlement you deserve. Get started today by contacting her now.

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