You could be eligible for compensation if you were in a recent auto accident or if you are the surviving relative of a loved one who just passed away in an automobile accident. Everything you need to know about vehicle accidents in the United States, including who to contact, is covered in the guide that follows.
More than $1 billion in case outcomes have been obtained for our clients thus far by the skilled and experienced vehicle accident attorneys at Florin Roebig. Our team of highly regarded lawyers is skilled at securing the best possible outcome for your vehicle accident lawsuit.
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When you’ve been in a vehicle accident, there are several factors to consider. You may have injuries or damage to your vehicle, be anxious about being at blame, or be unsure what to do first. Understanding your legal rights and how to start the claim procedure might be complicated. However, you must first grasp your rights in order to lawfully protect yourself. If you are unclear what to do, please contact Florin|Roebig’s attorneys.
They can advise you on whether making a claim is the best option, explain your legal rights, and walk you through the full claim-filing procedure.
Car Accident Statistics in the United States
Because there are so many automobiles, trucks, and other transportation vehicles on the road every day, automotive accidents happen virtually daily in the United States. The good news is that fewer people died in auto accidents overall in 2023 compared to 2022.
The United States’ 2022–2023 auto accident statistics are as follows:
- Between the end of 2022 and the start of 2023, the number of accident-related deaths decreased by 3.3%.
- 12,151 people died as a result of speeding in the
- United States, a 2.8% decrease from 2021.
- 13,524 fatalities in 2022 were caused by alcohol impairment, a decrease of.7% from 2021.
- Between 2021 and 2022, motorcycle deaths in urban areas fell by 0.8%, while they rose by 5.8% in rural regions.
- There were 24 states with a rise in alcohol-related deaths, with South Carolina leading the way, closely followed by Colorado.
- Over the recent decade, statistics on driving deaths have fluctuated; nonetheless, the declining trend appears to be positive.
Important Information Regarding Auto Accident Claims
An automobile accident claim is a lawsuit that an injured party brings to get paid for harm or property damage (such damage to their car) brought on by the collision.
A victim of an automobile accident makes a claim in an attempt to obtain compensation for the incident. One may be able to claim monetary damages, such as medical costs and lost pay from missing work, or non-monetary damages, such as pain and suffering brought on by the accident.
Personal injury claims or personal injury cases are other terms for auto accident claims. With the assistance of an automobile accident attorney throughout the settlement phase, issues are typically resolved out of court.
Unfortunately, in certain circumstances, both parties are unable to agree on a settlement figure, and the dispute must be resolved in court during a car accident litigation.
automobile accident claims may appear uncomplicated, however the following are widespread misunderstandings about automobile accident claims:
- You do not need an attorney if you have insurance
- The at-fault driver’s insurance will cover everything
- You cannot file a claim if you only had minor injuries
- You can file a claim whenever you want
- Car accident attorneys are too expensive
- You have to accept whatever settlement offer you receive
- Lawsuits are necessary in order to get compensation for an accident
The Procedure for Filing a Car Accident Claim
It’s critical to begin the claims procedure as soon as possible if you or a loved one has been impacted by an automobile accident. Making your claim as soon as possible might assist guarantee that you get the money you want for bills and other associated issues on time.
The following are the fundamental actions you should do when you’re prepared to begin a claim:
Gather proof to support your assertion: You’ll need to collect the accident-related pictures and videos you captured on the spot.
Examine your insurance contract: Since most individuals don’t fully understand what their insurance policy covers, take a time to become comfortable with it.
Hire a Florin|Roebig accident attorney. This is a critical stage that cannot be missed. Even if your case is simple, having someone on your side who is familiar with your state’s accident laws is always beneficial.
Collect a police report: This is a vital piece of paperwork that can assist your insurance company in determining who was at blame for the collision and how much compensation is reasonable for the accident.
Contact your insurance representative. Once you’ve gathered everything you need, call your insurance agent. They will be able to start your claim and provide you the required documents.
An insurance adjuster will probably be dispatched to personally examine the accident and provide a report to your insurance company once you have formally filed your claim. When determining the amount of compensation, your insurance company will consider the facts provided by the adjuster.
It is crucial to remember that all official paperwork and papers need to be precise and error-free. Hiring the top Florida auto accident attorneys, Florin|Roebig, to check your documentation and ensure everything is accurate on your behalf is beneficial.
State Laws Regarding Automobile Accidents
Numerous state regulations may have an impact on your auto accident case, and it can be challenging to be aware of and comprehend every legislation pertaining to auto accidents in your state. Consulting with a Florin|Roebig lawyer may provide you piece of mind and give your case a strong basis.
The regulations governing the handling and management of auto accidents are many. The statute of limitations for auto accident claims and the regulations pertaining to assigning blame in auto accidents are two of the most crucial laws you should take into account.
The statute of limitations specifies the amount of time you have to file a claim against the at-fault party. In some states, the time restriction is as short as two years, while in others it is considerably longer. A Florin|Roebig auto accident lawyer can clarify your statute and assist you in filing your claim before it expires.
Your claim will most likely be affected by your state’s regulations regarding vehicle accident culpability. If you live in a no-fault state, you cannot submit a claim against the at-fault motorist unless your accident-related losses exceed your insurance policy limitations.
Car Accidents: Who Is at Fault?
Who is at responsibility for the accident is one of the first factors that might influence your auto accident case. Although there are numerous variables that might establish who is at responsibility, the person who was careless is usually the one responsible for an accident.
Negligence is the legal term for when a driver typically takes a course of action that causes an accident.
Unfortunately, determining who is at responsibility in auto accidents is not always as simple as it should be, and a number of factors may influence the determination.
When deciding who is at responsibility or legally accountable for the accident, the courts will consider each of these criteria.
Some factors that affect fault in car accidents include:
- Whether or not the driver who caused the accident was negligent
- If the driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- What the road conditions were like
- If the weather was poor
- Whether the car malfunctioned due to a manufacturing error
If a vehicle fails to yield to oncoming traffic while attempting to make a left turn, for example, the driver may be held responsible owing to their failure to respect traffic regulations.
However, if a pedestrian fails to cross in a crosswalk and causes an accident, they may be held accountable.
Liability in car accident cases.
It can be difficult to determine culpability when there are so many variables that might contribute to vehicle accidents. Someone may be at blame for your accident, but it does not necessarily make the party liable or legally obligated to pay you compensation.
This implies that they could have contributed to the mishap because of unforeseen events. For example, the driver would be at fault but probably not responsible for the accident if the car’s brakes were defective because of a manufacturing issue that prevented it from braking correctly.
The manufacturer of the brakes can be held directly accountable for the collision. Because the public’s safety depends on the brakes functioning properly, the firm that made them is legally held to a high level.
Similarly, leaving impediments on the route without a warning sign may result in an accident. In this situation, the motorist is also at fault, but the liability lies with the construction firm or city/county.
In situations like this, courts examine a variety of variables when establishing responsibility and culpability in vehicle accidents.
Florin|Roebig’s automobile accident attorneys can assist guarantee that the responsible parties are held accountable for your injuries and that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Examining Negligence and the Level of Fault
One of the numerous legal phrases that might be perplexing to people who haven’t studied law is negligence. Any conduct or activity that directly resulted in harm, property damage, or other associated outcomes is referred to be carelessness in personal injury lawsuits.
For example, if texting while driving causes an automobile accident, that is an example of carelessness.
“One of the most prevalent types of negligence on American roads is texting and driving, which has become a major concern.”
explains Chad K. Florin, one of Florin|Roebig’s top lawyers.
Negligence laws have a direct impact on both your eligibility to bring a claim and the amount of your compensation. In certain places, the amount of compensation you get will be deducted from the amount of negligence you are deemed to have.
The most prevalent categories of carelessness in personal injury lawsuits made by vehicle accident victims are:
Gross negligence: This sort of carelessness involves a substantial disregard for the safety of others or for traffic regulations, which results in an accident. A claim for vehicle accident injuries often requires gross negligence.
Most states use a comparative negligence method. It compares a party’s level of culpability for the accident to that of others involved. Each side is allocated a percentage of blame, and the damages awarded are calculated accordingly.
Contributory negligence: If you are determined to be even 1% at blame for an automobile accident, you are not eligible to bring a claim for compensation under a contributory negligence system.
Many individuals may believe that fault in auto accidents is obvious, but this isn’t always the case. In actuality, one person is seldom at blame in an automobile collision.
Depending on a number of variables, courts may award different percentages or degrees of blame. Depending on your state’s culpability rules, you may still be able to get compensation for your accident injuries.
Here’s what you need to know about blame in vehicle accidents:
You can still seek damages in no-fault states. Contrary to common assumption, if you sustained significant injuries in a vehicle accident in a no-fault jurisdiction, you may still be eligible for compensation if your injuries exceed the limits of your personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. To receive this compensation, you will most likely need to file a personal injury case, which Florin|Roebig’s attorneys may assist you with.
Your compensation may be lowered by your degree of culpability. You can sue the negligent person if you live in a state with a comparative fault system, but your percentage of blame will lower the amount of money you receive. Therefore, you will receive a settlement sum that is less than 20% if you are given a 20% fault.
In certain states, fault may prevent you from pursuing damages. If you are judged to be at fault in any manner, you will not be allowed to submit a claim if you live in a state that allows contributory negligence.
Get in touch with Florin|Roebig’s attorneys right now if you have any inquiries concerning carelessness and blame. Our staff of civil and trial lawyers is here to answer any concerns you may have regarding the legal or claims procedure. We’re here to assist.
How The Accident Can Affect Your Life
Car accidents can have long-term consequences that go beyond the immediate aftermath of a major collision. In rare cases, major injuries might result in exorbitant medical bills.
Additional ways an accident can impact your life include:
- Job loss
- Lost income potential
- Loss of transportation
- Loss of independence (i.e., due to permanent injury requiring ongoing assisted care)
- Pain and suffering costs
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Loss of companionship (e.g., as a surviving spouse)
- Modifications to your living space or transportation methods to accommodate severe or permanent injuries (e.g., widening hallways, ramp installation)
It is crucial that a compensation for a vehicle accident covers all of your damages and takes into account how the event has affected your life.
The skilled lawyers at the Florin|Roebig law company have helped clients who suffered injuries in auto accidents reconstruct their lives by winning millions of dollars in case judgments.
How to Respond to a Vehicle Accident
You can be in shock and feel overpowered if you or a loved one has been in a vehicle accident. Understanding what to do following an accident can provide vital direction for obtaining proof to back up your claim. Take these actions if you were hurt in an automobile accident:
Seek Medical Care.
The most crucial thing you can do for yourself and any passengers in your car following an accident is to ensure everyone’s safety. Examine yourself and the people involved in the collision for injuries.
If you or anybody else has been wounded, contact 9-1-1 immediately. Even small injuries should be thoroughly evaluated by a medical practitioner to avoid more serious repercussions and guarantee appropriate medical care.
Keep all medical documents and invoices; these will be extremely useful in any future personal injury lawsuit.
Collect Contact Information
Collecting the contact information for all other motorists involved in the collision is critical to your insurance and personal injury claims.
Information to gather includes:
- Names
- Phone numbers
- License plate numbers
- Driver’s insurance information
- Driver’s license numbers
You will also need to note whether any of the drivers involved are uninsured.
Later, when you’re trying to get paid for any damages that resulted, these data will be crucial. Giving other drivers access to your contact details and insurance coverage is crucial.
Make a police call
By reporting an accident to the police, you guarantee that you will receive a police report, which you may use as formal proof of the occurrence and your statement that was recorded. You may utilize accident reports as helpful proof to back up your claim.
It may also be beneficial to have a police officer there to act as a mediator between you and other drivers who are in serious difficulty.
Get photos or videos.
You must document the accident site as soon as you are in a safe position and away from any risky vehicles or debris. It is critical that you specify the time and place of the collision in your video.
If you have a functioning phone, photograph your injuries, automobile damage, vehicle positions, and the license plates of all other vehicles.
All of the specifics of the accident site might help support your claim by allowing you to disclose the amount of your injuries and other losses.
Inform your insurance provider about the accident.
You must notify your insurance carrier of the accident once you have completed reporting it to the police and obtained medical care.
“Be mindful that insurance adjusters are responsible for minimizing claim payouts and will always try to offer you the least amount of compensation,” advises attorney Chad K. Florin of Florin|Roebig. Getting legal counsel from a vehicle accident lawyer is in your best interest.
It’s crucial to speak with a seasoned vehicle accident lawyer who can offer you advice on what to say. For a free case consultation, the lawyers at Florin|Roebig are always accessible.
Contact a Florin-Roebig car accident lawyer.
One of the most crucial decisions you can make following an automobile accident is to choose an expert lawyer.
Attorneys may help you in more ways than you know, from advising you on what to say and what not to say on an insurance claim to assisting you with submitting your claim, analyzing all losses, and ensuring you are filing for the greatest amount available.
Florin|Roebig is not afraid to take on insurance companies, and we have over forty years of combined expertise in vehicle accident litigation. Allow us to fight for the utmost compensation for you and your family members.