Car Accident Lawyer Lake Wales FL

A car accident can turn your life upside down in a second. When facing the aftermath of a Florida car crash, having our experienced car accident lawyer Lake Wales FL law firm by your side is crucial. At Howell & Thornhill P.C., we understand the stress and worry you are facing.  We have lawyers who are experts in car accident cases and personal injury law.

We provide face to face legal advocacy to the injured in Florida and have been doing so since 1975. Contact our Lake Wales, FL, injury lawyers for a free consultation to discuss your case.

Car Accidents in Lake Wales, FL

The Florida Crash Dashboard, put together by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), provides concerning statistics on car accidents in the last full reporting year. The dashboard reports almost 400,000 crashes, 3,412 fatalities, and 252,279 injuries. A fourth of all crashes were hit-and-runs, which injured 22,654 people and killed 284.

Lake Wales’s Share in the State’s Car Accident Problem

As a community within Florida, Lake Wales is not immune to these alarming figures. Our experienced car accident attorneys in Lake Wales encounter a variety of car accident cases annually, including:

• Truck accidents: Collisions with large trucks can lead to catastrophic injuries and wrongful death.
• Motorcycle accidents: Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable in accidents due to their lack of protective shielding.
• Bicycle accidents: Cyclists share the road with motorists, and accidents can result in severe injuries.
• Pedestrian accidents: Pedestrians have limited protection when struck by a vehicle.
• DUI accidents: Drunk driving remains a significant factor in many car accidents.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Lake Wales, seek legal counsel as soon as you are able. Our team of attorneys will advocate for your legal rights and help you receive the financial support you deserve. We are here to help you every step of the way. Read our testimonials and learn how we have recovered money for thousands of clients just like you.

The Benefits of Hiring a Lake Wales, FL Car Accident Lawyer

Car accidents are life-altering, taking a physical, emotional, and financial toll on injury victims. At Howell & Thornhill P.C., we understand you are hurting from more than just your injuries. Our attorneys are dedicated to supporting clients suffering after car accidents, and we will do everything we can to help you fight for the compensation you deserve. From negotiating insurance claims to representing you in court, our lawyers talk to our clients to help them every step of the way.  You items we think are important are as follows:

• Thoroughly investigate your Lake Wales car accident and collect any evidence that will strengthen your claim.
• Work actively to prove the other driver’s liability and minimize your liability through a body of proof.
• Calculate past, present, and future losses you incurred from the car crash to create a comprehensive loss statement to send to insurance.
• Negotiate with insurance adjusters in an attempt to secure the maximum financial settlement for your physical, emotional, and mental injuries and losses.
• Communicate clearly and efficiently with you throughout the process so you understand what is happening and all your legal options.
• Compassionately advocate for your best interests and be a guide you can trust.
• File a lawsuit and represent you in court if an insurance claim proves not to be an option.

We know that the time after a car accident can be both physically and emotionally draining. Our commitment is to provide you with the necessary support and legal advice you need.

How Does Florida’s No-Fault Insurance Affect My Car Accident Claim?

Florida operates under a no-fault insurance system. This means that drivers typically file claims with their own insurance companies after a car accident, regardless of who was at fault. Your insurance rates should not increase if you did not cause the crash.  However, while this system is designed to streamline the claims process, it has complicated implications for accident victims.

Personal Injury Protection Coverage

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage is a type of auto insurance required by Florida law. It is designed to cover a portion of your medical expenses and lost paychecks, no matter who was at fault in a car accident.  PIP coverage typically has a limit, usually $10,000. Once this limit is reached, you may need to seek additional compensation through other means.

Another limitation of this type of coverage is that PIP often only covers a percentage of medical expenses, such as 80%. This means you would be responsible for the other 20% of your medical bills. While a smaller percentage than paying for everything, this amount can add up fast, especially if you were severely injured in your crash.

When Can You Sue for Additional Damages?

If you are severely injured and your medical bills exceed your PIP coverage limits, you may need to file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver to recover additional damages. You may be able to pursue additional damages if you have suffered significant injuries or economic losses.

Working with a Lake Wales car accident attorney can help you determine if you have a solid case for receiving further damages. Florida’s no-fault laws can be confusing and complicated to those who do not work with them every day. Our lawyers are experts in personal injury law, and they understand the limitations of no-fault laws to fight for your complete reimbursement of your losses and harms.

Common Types of Compensation in a Car Accident Lawsuit

When you are injured in a car accident, you may be able to be compensated for various types of damages. When you work with a car accident lawyer, they will take you through all the losses you may have sustained in your crash to determine a comprehensive list of expenses and potential case value. This list should consider both present and future expenses because if you are still recovering from your injuries, you may incur future expenses that should be considered in your settlement.

Economic Damages

These types of losses are direct expenses that are associated with your car accident. They are typically calculated and proven easily through receipts, bills, and invoices. Under Florida Law, these are defined as damages such as the following:

• Medical Expenses: These include costs associated with hospitalization, doctors, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, ambulance services, and medical equipment
• Lost Wages: This compensates for income lost due to the accident, including lost pay from missed work and reduced earning capacity.
• Reduced Earning Capacity: Compensation for the loss of potential future income if your injuries have reduced your ability to earn or impacted your opportunities for promotions or career advancement.
• Property Damage: Reimbursement for vehicle or other property damage.
• Out-of-Pocket Expenses: These costs include transportation expenses to and from medical appointments, childcare costs, home healthcare costs, replacement household support expenses, property damage to personal belongings, and other expenses incurred as a direct result of your accident.

Non-Economic Damages

These types of losses are associated with damages that are not directly tied to a sum of money. These damages attempt to compensate for things like:

• Pain and Suffering: This includes physical discomfort, pain, and emotional stress caused by the injury.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: This compensates for losing out on the ability to participate in hobbies, recreational activities, or social events you previously enjoyed.
• Loss of Consortium: This compensates for the lost love, affection, and sexual relations with a spouse or partner you may experience.
• Mental Anguish: Emotional trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other psychological injuries.
• Disfigurement: This compensates for physical scarring or disfigurement that can lead to emotional distress and social stigma.

Calculating non-economic damages is not as straightforward as calculating economic damages.  It is important for your lawyer to know all the impacts upon your activities, work, hobbies, and family.  Our lawyers meet with you to discuss these impacts and limitations caused by the crash.

How to Determine the Value of Your Car Accident Case

The value of a car accident case can vary widely, depending on a number of factors. While providing a precise estimate without thoroughly evaluating your unique circumstances is impossible, understanding the key factors that influence settlement value can help you make informed decisions. Some key factors that may affect your car accident settlement or case value include:

• Liability: The extent to which the other driver’s fault caused the accident is a critical factor. If you share some of the fault, your compensation may be reduced.
• Severity of Injuries: The severity of your injuries will impact the value of your claim. Serious injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, or severe burns, can result in substantial damages.
• Medical Expenses: We will consider your past and future medical expenses, including hospital bills, surgery costs, medication, rehabilitation, and therapy.
• Lost Wages: If you missed work due to your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. Additionally, if your injuries have long-term effects on your earning capacity, you may be eligible for future lost wages.
• Pain and Suffering: This includes physical pain, emotional distress, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life.
• Property Damage: You may be compensated for damage to your vehicle or other property.
• Loss of Consortium: If you have a spouse or partner, you may be able to claim damages for the loss of companionship, love, affection, and sexual relations. These claims can be difficult in front of a jury in Florida, but our lawyers can discuss the possibilities with you.

To get a more accurate assessment of your case’s value, we believe it is crucial to consult with a legal representative who knows how to determine your total losses. Our lawyers will conduct an investigation, gather evidence, and assess the potential damages to which you may be entitled.  We urge you to speak with an expert attorney in personal injury law from Howell & Thornhill P.A.  We do not have a call center.  We do not have voice mail.  Contact our office today to talk to a lawyer, learn more, and get a free case consultation.

What Happens If I’m in a Crash With an Uninsured Motorist in Florida?

If you were in a car accident with an uninsured motorist in Florida, your own insurance coverage may protect you if you have uninsured motorist coverage.

If you have uninsured motorist coverage, the insurance company may cover your losses, including medical expenses, suffering, and lost wages, in the event of an accident with a motorist who does not have adequate insurance coverage. Consult a car accident attorney to understand your legal rights and options.

Contact Howell & Thornhill P.C. For Your Car Accident Case in Lake Wales, FL

Do not let an accident upend your life. At Howell & Thornhill, our car accident lawyer Lake Wales FL law firm is dedicated to advocating for your rights and to securing the compensation you deserve for your losses. We understand the devastating impact your accident can have on your life, which is why we are committed to providing compassionate support and aggressive legal representation.

We are firmly rooted in this state and have supported injury victims in Florida since 1975. Check out our reviews that demonstrate a few of our past results.   We will listen to you, understand your unique situation, and work to obtain full reimbursement for your loss.  Contact us today online for a free consultation to get started.