Zephyrhills Car Accident Lawyer

Zephyrhills Car Accident Attorney

With thousands of car accidents occurring state-wide in Florida each year, it is essential to know and trust a local Zephyrhills car accident lawyer. At The Frank Santini Law Firm, we have assisted hundreds of clients, just like you, who are looking for fair and just settlement amounts that fully cover the costs of their injuries and damages. Even minor car accidents can have jarring and upsetting impacts on injured parties, let alone the most catastrophic and horrifying cases.

The Frank Santini Law Firm, located in the great state of Florida, is here to provide thorough legal care to injured individuals seeking fair treatment and damage recovery for their losses. We tirelessly pursue justice and compensation for our clients, and our firm employs personalized strategies in each case to see that these ends can be met.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Last year alone, there were over a quarter of a million total accidents in Florida, with hundreds of thousands suffering injuries from these incidents. Car accidents are a serious issue not only locally but nationwide. Due to the level and extent of accidents occurring, accident experts and researchers have found common issues and causes for the majority of accidents. Whether you are driving on I-75 or State Road 39, it is essential to stay aware of common issues.

Most are due to driver error, including the behaviors on the following list:

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a term used to describe anything that takes a driver’s attention away from their primary goal of safely operating a vehicle. Distracted driving can involve visual, manual, or cognitive distractions. Specific actions include:

• Texting
• Eating
• Changing music on a radio or electronic device
• Talking with other passengers

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that eating while driving increases the likelihood of a crash by up to 1.8 times.

Reckless Driving

Reckless driving describes the ways that drivers operate their vehicles while having a conscious disregard for the rules and regulations that govern vehicle operation and road use. This can involve:

• Running red lights or stop signs
• Aggressive maneuvers, like switching lanes quickly without signaling
• Street racing
• Tailgating
• Failure to give the right of way

Driving Under the Influence

Driving while under the influence alters a driver’s reaction time, vision, and decision-making abilities, resulting in higher rates of accidents. This is a serious issue, and driving while under the influence accidents tend to have serious and fatal injuries. A DUI can involve alcohol, illegal drugs, or prescription drugs.

Driving When Fatigued

Tired drivers have a similar level of impairment as those who drive under the influence, as fatigue affects reaction times, eyesight, and decision-making competence.

Speeding

Speeding is one of the most common causes of car accidents nationwide. Operating a vehicle at dangerous speeds can cause serious injuries and damages, as reaction times are lowered, and small movements and maneuvers can create catastrophic collisions.

How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help

A car accident lawyer can help individuals who have suffered injury or damage due to a car accident in various essential ways in Zephyrhills and other neighboring areas in Florida. Their support often means the difference between a full and fair settlement amount and recovering less than what is deserved. Below are key ways that an auto accident attorney can improve your case:

• Case Evaluation and Assessment: Upon an initial consultation, an attorney can assess the merits of your case and inform you on whether you have the legal right to pursue a claim. They can perform a thorough evaluation of the details of your case and consult with you to determine how to proceed.
• Thorough Investigation and Legal Strategy: Upon agreeing to work together, an attorney can initiate a thorough investigation, looking into the evidence and details of your case. They can examine details such as medical records, police reports, recorded video of accidents if possible, eyewitness reports, the extent of injury and damage, and more. Through the information collected during the investigation, they can form a solid legal strategy that strengthens their client’s case and claims for damage recovery.
• Administrative Support: Throughout the case, attorneys and their teams can handle administrative tasks, such as conducting ongoing communication with involved parties, filling out and filing important documents, messaging reminders about important deadlines and dates, and more.
• Negotiation and Litigation Representation: An attorney can represent you in all negotiation sessions as well as litigation in a courtroom in front of a judge and jury. They can skillfully present your case to push for fair and just treatment and a full and maximum settlement amount, not settling for the first offer.
• Ongoing Legal Advocacy: Your attorney is your continued legal advocate throughout the entire process. They are available to answer any questions and concerns that come up. They can fight tirelessly for your rights and compensation.

Types of Damages You Can Recover in a Car Accident Claim

In a car accident, an individual can sustain a variety of damages, not just physical or financial, that impact their lives in serious ways. Injured individuals have the right to pursue damage recovery when the incident is the fault of other parties. Below are the types of damages that individuals can experience and seek recovery for:

• Economic Losses: Economic damages include all the monetary losses that an individual has suffered in relation to their accident. These include costs like medical bills, property damage, loss of income and benefits, ongoing treatment, and related out-of-pocket expenses.
• Non-Economic Losses: Non-economic damages are the losses that do not have an immediate monetary value associated with them. These subjective damages include pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of companionship, permanent disability, and more. These types of losses are often more challenging to prove, and insurance adjusters tend to try to undervalue them as much as they can.
• Punitive Damages: Punitive damages are awarded to injured individuals as a form of punishment to an at-fault party in specific cases. These damages are not always required but, in cases where the accident was caused by especially malicious or irresponsible behavior, this compensation may be awarded from the at-fault party to pay the injured party.

FAQs

Q: How Much Do Attorneys Charge for Car Accidents in Florida?

A: The amount that an attorney can charge for a car accident in Florida depends on the specific details of each case. Attorney fees can be impacted by the:

• Severity of the accident’s damages and injuries
• Timeline of the case
• Attorney’s experience level
• Specific jurisdiction they are practicing in

Upon initial consultation, attorneys will walk you through payment requirements and options while offering an opportunity to discuss what may be right for you as their client.

Q: Do I Need a Lawyer After a Car Accident in Florida?

A: You do not legally need a lawyer after a car accident in Florida, but it is highly recommended that you receive the support of an experienced lawyer. While you can represent yourself in a car accident claim, an attorney can maximize the damages that you can recover by using their experience and understanding of the local laws and regulations that impact your case. They employ detailed legal strategies and techniques that strengthen their client’s case while advocating for a fair judgment.

Q: What Happens If You Are at Fault for a Car Accident in Florida?

A: If you are at fault for a car accident in Florida, you can still receive compensation for your injuries and damages through your personal injury insurance plan. This is due to the no-fault insurance system in the state. However, should the other driver choose to pursue damage recovery above the amount that their insurance covers, you may be held accountable in a personal injury claim as the at-fault driver in the accident.

Due to the state’s adherence to the rule of pure comparative negligence, if you share fault with the other driver, you will be assigned fault for only the percentage of the accident that you are responsible for, not full liability.

Q: What Is the Average Settlement for a Car Accident in Florida?

A: The average settlement for a car accident in Florida is a challenging figure to accurately find. Each car accident comes with unique circumstances and factors, making two accidents of similar damage and injuries incomparable. Settlement amounts cover the specific amount of injuries and damages, including economic, non-economic, and punitive. They are also impacted by factors like attorney fees, jurisdiction differences, the case’s timeline, each party’s insurance details, and more.

Contact a Zephyrhills Car Accident Lawyer Today

If you have recently been involved in an accident, whether you believe that it was your fault or not, you deserve the support of an experienced and thorough car accident lawyer. At The Frank Santini Law Firm, we believe that everyone has the right to pursue legal action after an accident that wasn’t their fault, and we are here to guide you through each step of the process. We are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve and are owed.

When you choose our firm, you can count on being a priority. You would never have to worry about your questions and concerns going unanswered. Our well-rounded legal team, led by Attorney Frank Santini, is equipped to handle even the most complex of cases with integrity and uncompromised care. Reach out today to set up a consultation and learn how we can help you.