Our Jacksonville Car Accident Attorneys Fight for Fair Compensation and the Justice Our Clients Deserve
Being involved in a car accident is an unsettling experience, often leading to physical injuries, medical expenses, and lost income. While your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance might cover some of your losses up to your policy limits, what happens when your expenses exceed those limits?
In such situations, you’ll need an ally who can assist you in navigating Florida’s complex personal injury laws. The legal team at RTRLAW is ready to uphold your rights and help you pursue the compensation you rightfully deserve. We offer free, no-obligation case reviews, providing you with a risk-free opportunity to explore your legal options.
Contact us at (904) 549-7661 or toll free at 1-833-HIRE-RTR (1-833-447-3787) to discuss your case with an experienced Florida car accident attorney today.
What Causes Car Accidents in Jacksonville?
While some car accidents happen due to unfortunate circumstances, like a deer darting across the road, the majority are caused by driver mistakes. The U.S. General Services Administration Office of Motor Vehicle Management states that 98% of car accidents are a result of human error. Even when you adhere to all the traffic rules, you could still end up in a devastating crash due to someone else’s negligence. Here are some common reasons for car accidents:
- Excessive speed and aggressive driving
- Distracted driving, including cellphone use
- Ignoring traffic signs or signals
- Failure to wear a seatbelt
- Failure to adjust driving behavior to weather or traffic conditions
- Driving in the wrong direction or lane
- Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or prescription medications
- Failure to use turn signals
- Following too closely (tailgating)
- Incorrect lane merging
- Poor vehicle maintenance, leading to equipment failure
According to TeenSafe’s 2018 studies, tailgating accounts for over one-third of all road accidents. By maintaining a three-second gap between your vehicle and the one in front, you can significantly lower your risk of an accident. If you’ve been involved in a crash despite being a careful driver through no fault of your own, a car accident attorney from RTRLAW can help you understand your rights and seek compensation for your injuries.
What Injuries Are Common in Car Accidents?
Despite considerable advances in vehicle safety features, car accidents can still result in severe harm to occupants. Alarmingly, it’s estimated that nearly two million drivers involved in car accidents sustain injuries each year, which can lead to missed days of work and heavy medical expenses. Frequently observed car accident injuries include:
- Back and Spinal injuries
- Injuries to the face and skull
- Neck and spinal injuries, possibly resulting in paralysis
- Broken bones
- Burns
- Cuts and bruises
- Internal organ damage
- Amputations
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Whiplash
Serious injuries can also lead to fatalities, prompting family members to file wrongful death claims. Surviving accident victims may face substantial medical bills related to hospital stays, surgeries, rehab, and home care services. Losing income, either temporarily or permanently, can further add to the financial burden. It’s crucial to have a qualified Jacksonville personal injury lawyer at your side to help you seek fair compensation for your injuries.
The Importance of Immediate Medical Evaluation After a Car Accident
Neglecting to seek medical attention after a car accident can be a grave mistake. Your body releases adrenaline following an accident, potentially masking injury symptoms. Some injuries, like back and neck damage, are notorious for causing delayed pain and stiffness due to swelling over time. Non-visible injuries, including internal bleeding or brain hemorrhaging, could be fatal if not treated promptly. Seeking immediate medical care not only ensures timely treatment but also helps validate your insurance claim.
Your emergency room or urgent care visit creates a record of the injuries resulting from the crash. Without this record, the insurance company could deny your claim or question the severity of your injuries. A medical evaluation soon after the accident can thwart these tactics by establishing a solid paper trail. Following all treatment plans and keeping follow-up appointments further demonstrates your eagerness to recover. If you need help accessing quality medical treatment after your car accident, contact RTRLAW for a referral to a qualified medical facility near you..
Understanding PIP Insurance in Florida
Florida is a no-fault state for car accidents, meaning that victims can claim compensation for their economic losses, such as medical expenses and lost wages, through their own auto insurance. This contrasts with at-fault states, where victims typically seek reimbursement from the at-fault party’s insurance. The no-fault system requires all drivers to carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance.
PIP insurance is the primary source for covering your medical expenses from a car accident, even if you have health insurance. It also provides compensation for lost wages for a specified period following your accident, and compensation to family members if a loved one dies in a tragic crash. The advantage of PIP is that it can promptly cover your expenses without the hassle of filing a claim with the other driver’s insurance.
However, PIP has its limitations, often capping around $10,000.00, although this can vary based on your coverage. If your medical and missed work expenses exceed this amount, you may face difficulties filing a lawsuit against the responsible driver unless your injuries are deemed permanent. Determining whether an injury is permanent often involves medical experts’ opinions, adding to the complexity of the situation.
If you’ve suffered a car accident and are struggling to secure full compensation for your injuries, an experienced car accident attorney from RTRLAW will advocate for your rights and assist you in obtaining the compensation you deserve.
Why Retain RTRLAW for Your Jacksonville Car Accident Case?
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Florida, it’s vital to have a strong advocate who will fight for your recovery. Whether your own insurance is resisting paying your full PIP benefits, or you’ve exhausted your PIP coverage due to significant injuries and need to explore options for recovering compensation from the at-fault parties, RTRLAW is here for you.
We offer assertive, compassionate legal representation for car accident victims and bring our extensive legal expertise and resources to your aid. We also handle wrongful death lawsuits for families of car accident victims. RTRLAW’s attorneys have been helping car accident victims and their families since 1988. You don’t have to face this battle alone. We’ve recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in compensation for our clients over the years. Our proven track record in Florida personal injury law can be a valuable asset to your claim. You can handle everything over the phone with us. Simply call us today at (904) 549-7661 or toll free at 1-833-HIRE-RTR (1-833-447-3787) for a free, no-obligation case review about your car accident case and get started on the path to recovery today.