Auto Accidents
Why Choose Eastmoore Crauwels & DuBose?
At Eastmoore Crauwels & DuBose, our attorneys have the necessary experience and knowledge. Insurance companies and other responsible parties will have strong legal representation who have defended these types of cases before. It is important for you to have someone as equally experienced on your side. The insurance company may be working against your interests and may try to pay out the least damages possible. Contact an attorney as soon as possible to start building your claim so you can maximize your recovery.
Whether you need help getting your money from an insurance company after an accident, filing a lawsuit against another party in the accident, our attorneys will assist you in:
- Collecting evidence and speaking to witnesses
- Helping you understand your rights
- Determining the value of your claim or lawsuit, and your best course of action
- Filing a lawsuit if necessary, and navigating technical legal procedural rules
- Utilizing the best evidence, hiring expert witnesses and presenting your best case
- Protecting you against the opposition’s case
- Getting you the compensation you deserve
Common Causes Of Auto Accidents
- Drunk driving
- Reckless driving
- Negligence
- Rear-end collisions
- Side impact collisions
- Sideswipe collisions
- Rollovers
- Head-on collisions
Underinsured Or Uninsured Drivers
You may be involved in an auto accident in which the other driver is either uninsured or does not have enough insurance to cover your damages. You may likely have coverage with your own auto insurance company which covers such instances. Simply because the other driver does not have enough insurance does not mean you cannot receive compensation for the full extent of your damages.
When You May Sue
Statutes of limitations require that lawsuits be filed within a certain amount of time after the injury occurs.
For auto accidents that are caused by negligence, the time limit to bring a claim is four years with very few exceptions in the State of Florida. If a lawsuit is not filed within the four years, the court may refuse to hear the case.
If the four-year deadline is approaching, please contact a lawyer immediately.
Case Elements
Negligence
Car accident cases often use a negligence theory of liability. The law requires everyone to be reasonably prudent and careful in their actions. When driving, this means exercising caution and doing things like noticing the drivers, cyclists and pedestrians around you on the street. Using a negligence theory means asserting that the defendant was not exercising adequate care in driving, and his or her lack of care caused damage to the plaintiff. This may include a driver who is not paying attention while driving, driving while intoxicated or driving negligently.
Negligence can be either an act or an omission. For example, negligence can mean acting by driving in a reckless manner or by failing to act, such as not stopping at a stop sign.
In a negligence case, you and your attorney will need to prove that the defendant was negligent and that negligence caused your injuries.
Comparative Negligence
Comparative negligence occurs when the injured person contributed to the incident that caused the injuries. This can reduce the damages awarded to the victim. Although sometimes both sides might share some of the blame, it is important to have a lawyer who can minimize the blame apportioned to you and maximize your recovery.
Damages
Compensatory
Compensatory damages for the injured party may include compensation for physical and emotional pain and suffering, mental anguish, lost wages and reimbursement for medical expenses. The spouse of an injured person may also have a claim in his or her own right for damages caused by the injury to his or her spouse.
Punitive
In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded. Punitive damages punish the defendant and discourage him or her, and others, from engaging in such behavior in the future.
Contact Us Today
Consulting with an experienced attorney after a personal injury can be very helpful. The attorneys at Eastmoore Crauwels & DuBose can evaluate your claim and help you understand your options. Call us today at 941-366-8888 or schedule a free consultation.