Haines City Car Accident Lawyers

If you are involved in a car accident in Haines City, FL, get the help that you need to rebound from the incident. Initially, it is important to go to a doctor to receive medical care so you can physically recover from your accident. Along with this, it is beneficial to consult with an insurance claims lawyer.

Howell & Thornhill, P.A. is a Haines City car accident law firm that you can trust. Many of our car accident lawyers were born and raised locally, and we know what it takes to help you get compensation in a personal injury lawsuit. For more information, please reach out to us. 

Why Car Crashes Happen in Haines City

Nearly 300,000 car crashes have been reported in Florida between January 1, 2023, and October 12, 2023, according to data from Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). Car accident lawyers handle cases involving motorists and pedestrians who get hurt in crashes that occur for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common reasons why auto collisions happen in Haines City and other Florida cities and towns include:

Driving Under the Influence

Many motorists do everything in their power to avoid intoxicated driving. Yet, a Florida driver may choose to get behind the wheel while intoxicated and cause a collision. An intoxicated driver can receive criminal penalties and get sued if they operate a vehicle and get into a crash. 

Distracted Driving  

It only takes an instant for a driver to look down at their cell phone or GPS system and get distracted. If a motorist cites driving while distracted as the reason for causing a crash, they can still be held responsible for the incident. At this point, the accident victim can hire a car accident attorney who can help their client seek damages from the at-fault motorist. 

Bad Weather

Heavy rain and other harsh weather conditions can hamper a driver’s ability to travel safely. Even if a motorist is traveling on a slick road, they must take every precaution. If they do not, the driver can cause a crash and be held accountable for it. 

Speeding

A driver may decide to travel faster than the posted speed limit in spite of the dangers of doing so. This driver can get into an accident with another motorist or pedestrian. In this scenario, accident victims can experience paralysis, scarring, and other injuries and request compensation from the at-fault driver. 

The team at Howell & Thornhill, P.A. can take a look at your auto crash case. Our Haines City car accident attorney can help you figure out who is at fault for your collision and determine if now is the right time to move forward with a legal claim. To learn more, please get in touch with us. 

What to Do If You Are Involved in a Car Accident in Haines City

Haines City car accident law firms want people to know their rights, particularly when it comes to auto collisions. If you are involved in a car crash that happens due to no fault of your own, try to remain calm. Here are things that you can do to protect yourself in the aftermath of your collision:

Call 911

Get to a safe spot away from traffic and call 911. From here, medical professionals will arrive on the scene to treat you and anyone else who has been injured. Also, police officers will come to the scene to collect information from you and others involved in the collision. 

Get the Contact Information of the Driver Who Caused Your Crash

Ask for the at-fault driver’s full name, driver’s license, and auto insurance information. You should do so if you were the driver of another vehicle or involved in a pedestrian accident. The at-fault driver’s contact information is relevant since you will need it to seek damages from this individual. 

Collect Evidence

Use your smartphone to take photos and videos of your injury and the accident scene. If you were involved in a bicycle accident and do not have your smartphone with you, see if any witnesses can capture images and videos on your behalf. Each piece of evidence that you gather can help you build a compelling argument against the at-fault driver. 

Go to the Doctor

Resist the urge to “tough it out” and forgo medical treatment. Instead, get checked out by a doctor within at least 14 days of your crash. This allows you to treat any injuries before they contribute to long-lasting health problems. 

Connect with a Haines City Auto Accident Law Firm 

Contact Haines City auto accident law firms, so you can discuss your crash with an attorney. You can then learn about the legal process and what it takes to file a personal injury lawsuit. Plus, a Haines City auto accident attorney can address your legal concerns. 

Not all Haines City auto accident lawyers maintain the same approach to personal injury cases. By looking for auto accident attorneys who have a wealth of pertinent case experience, you can find a lawyer who is well-equipped to serve you. This attorney can teach you about insurance premiums and other auto collision topics and put you in the best position to secure a fair settlement.  

When to File a Car Collision Lawsuit

In Florida, there is a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. This means you have a maximum of two years from the date you suffer an injury to seek damages from anyone responsible for it. If you choose not to ask for compensation from the driver responsible for your auto collision within this period, you are solely responsible for any costs you incur that relate to your crash. 

It is in your best interests to meet up with Haines City car accident attorneys following your auto collision. This gives you the opportunity to share details about your crash with a lawyer. Next, the attorney can go over your legal options with you. 

Your Haines City auto accident lawyer can answer frequently asked questions and many others about car crashes and other legal topics. If you decide to submit a claim for damages, your attorney will make sure that your lawsuit is filed in alignment with Florida’s statute of limitations. Then, your attorney will work with you to make your case as strong as possible. 

How Much Money You Can Get in a Haines City Auto Crash Lawsuit

Typically, you can ask for any amount of money in an auto collision lawsuit. You can request economic and non-economic damages. Economic compensation is awarded for quantifiable losses, while non-economic damages are provided for subjective losses. 

In addition to economic and non-economic compensation, you may receive punitive damages in your auto collision lawsuit. A judge or jury will award punitive compensation to deter an at-fault party from future acts of negligence. With punitive compensation, there is a cap of $500,000 or three times the amount of economic and non-economic damages awarded — whichever amount is higher. 

Your lawyer helps you establish realistic expectations for your auto crash lawsuit. They can calculate your losses to date and those you may be forced to deal with down the line. This enables you to pursue compensation based on your medical bills, lost wages, pain, suffering, and other economic and non-economic damages. 

What It Takes to Get Compensation in an Auto Accident Lawsuit

If you suffer an injury in a motorcycle accident or any other incident caused by a motorist, you must be able to show that the driver was negligent. You must provide evidence and other forms of proof to support your case. This requires you to prove that the following elements of negligence were present at the time of your crash:

• Duty of Care: The at-fault driver had a duty of care in which they would be expected to follow the rules of the road and take other measures to operate their vehicle safely. 
• Breach of Duty: This driver violated their duty of care to you. 
• Causation: Your collision was the result of the at-fault driver’s decision to violate their duty of care. 
• Damages: You were harmed due to the at-fault driver’s actions. 

Proving negligence can be difficult, but your lawyer can help you out. If your car was totaled or you suffered other damages due to another driver’s negligence, your lawyer can help you build a body of evidence to show that this individual was completely responsible for your crash. They may even be able to help you get the compensation you deserve without having to go to trial. 

What to Do If You Receive an Auto Crash Settlement Offer

You may get a call from the motorist responsible for your crash or their insurance provider just days after your crash. The driver or their insurer may offer you a settlement. You may be inclined to accept the settlement — but before you do, consider the risks of approving the proposal. 

By accepting a settlement offer right away, you give up your right to pursue additional compensation. Thus, you may wind up receiving an offer that is far less than what you could get if you go to trial or attempt to negotiate a settlement. You may also be forced to cover most or all of the costs associated with your collision. 

If you partner with a personal injury law firm, you can get plenty of help with settlement negotiations. Your lawyer can notify you if the defendant in your case proposes a settlement. On top of that, your attorney can provide honest and unbiased feedback regarding a settlement offer and help you make an informed decision about it. 

How to Decide on an Auto Crash Settlement

Your lawyer can help you weigh the pros and cons of approving a car crash settlement. They can explain what can happen if you accept an offer. Your attorney can also discuss the benefits of bringing your case to trial. 

Ultimately, you should not accept a settlement proposal unless you feel good about it. Your lawyer will not decide on an offer for you. Rather, you have the final say on whether to accept, reject, or counter any proposal. 

If you are not fully satisfied with a settlement proposal, you can decline the offer without any penalties. Your lawyer will notify the defendant about your decision. Meanwhile, the defendant can continue to submit settlement proposals to you leading up to your trial date. 

What to Expect If Your Auto Accident Case Goes to Trial

If you are involved in a texting and driving accident or any other that goes to trial, your lawyer will help you prepare accordingly. They will discuss the trial process and potential outcomes. Your attorney will answer any questions you have about what can occur during your trial, too. 

In an auto crash trial, both you and the defendant in your case get the chance to share your side of the story. Your attorney advocates for you and explains to a judge or jury why you should be awarded damages. Comparatively, the defendant’s lawyer disputes claims from your attorney and tries to show that their client should not be held accountable for your accident. 

A judge or jury will review evidence and witness testimony from both parties in an auto accident case. If a judge or jury finds that the defendant was negligent, they will award damages. Once the judge or jury renders its verdict, you will get compensation, and your case will be closed. 

How to Choose a Haines City Car Accident Lawyer

When you search for a Haines City car accident attorney, consider the lawyer’s experience. Ideally, your lawyer will have a great track record in auto crash lawsuits. They may have helped many clients recover large settlements over the years.

Consider what past clients are saying about an attorney. You can ask a lawyer to share client testimonials with you. By reading these testimonials, you can get a good idea about what it is like to work with an attorney. 

Lastly, select a car accident attorney in Haines City who instills confidence. This lawyer listens to what you have to say and communicates and collaborates with you throughout your litigation. They are proud to serve as your legal representative and ensure that your legal rights are protected. 

Get Started with a Car Accident Lawyer in Haines City

Howell & Thornhill, P.A. is a car accident law firm that has been serving central Florida since 1975. We are available to learn about your auto crash case and help you get compensation from anyone responsible for your collision. To find out more, please contact us today.