Lakeland Auto Accident Attorney
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Polk County, you need a lawyer. Our Lakeland auto accident attorney location at Howell & Thornhill, P.A. can pursue the financial compensation that you deserve after a crash. Start getting your life back to normal with the help of our expert accident lawyers.
The legal team at Howell & Thornhill, P.A. is here to fight for you and help protect your legal rights from big insurance companies that in our opinion do not want to pay the money you rightfully deserve. We’ve got this! Contact us now to schedule an initial consultation.
How Common Are Auto Accidents in Lakeland?
Auto accidents are common across Lakeland and Polk County. Some collisions can cause catastrophic injuries. There are different types of auto accidents on Florida roadways caused by negligent drivers.
Common types of auto accidents include:
- Sideswipe accidents
- Head-on collisions
- Rear-end accidents
- Rollover crashes
- Multiple vehicle crashes
Common injuries that auto accident victims face can include the following:
- Bruising
- Back and neck injuries
- Whiplash
- Amputation
- Disfigurement
- Paralysis
- Brain injuries
- Burns
- Wrongful death
Of course, these are not the only types of injuries or accidents. However, no matter the type of accident you are involved in or what kind of injury you have suffered, you deserve expert legal representation.
The attorneys at Howell & Thornhill, P.A. are here and ready to fight for you. Whether it’s the insurance company, reckless drivers, or other parties, we have a team of attorneys behind you who want you to recover every dime you deserve after an auto accident.
Where and Why Do Auto Accidents Happen in Lakeland?
Car crashes happen for various reasons, but auto accidents often happen in the local area where there is heavy traffic, high speed, or fast lane changes.
Some of the most dangerous streets and intersections in Lakeland include:
- Bartow Road
- Florida Avenue and Memorial Boulevard
- South Florida Ave
- Lakeland Hills Boulevard and Memorial Boulevard
- Harden Boulevard
- Combee Road and US 92
- US Hwy 98 N
- CR 540 and CR 540A
Many auto accidents throughout the region can be attributed to two main causes: speeding and distracted driving.
Speeding
Speeding is one of the most common causes of auto accidents throughout the country. Speeding was the primary cause or a contributing factor in nearly 20,000 accidents. Excessive speed can cause serious and devastating accidents. A speeding driver can easily lose control of their vehicle. Stopping can be difficult as well, potentially leading to a pile-up accident.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving happens when the driver takes their eyes off the road, removes their hands from the wheel, or diverts their attention away from driving. Distracted driving can include anything from texting and driving to daydreaming. Losing focus for even a moment can lead to a serious crash.
According to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, more than 150,000 accidents involved at least one distracted driver.
Why Do I Need an Auto Accident Attorney?
Working with a local Lakeland auto accident attorney comes with several benefits for collision survivors and their families. You deserve the personalized and case-specific representation that an attorney who is part of your community can offer. Here are some of attributes you need in a lawyer in Polk County:
Strong Reputation in the Community
An attorney with a good reputation in the legal community will serve you well after an auto accident. A good reputation gives your auto accident lawyer credibility with opposing counsel and insurance companies. Your lawyer’s reputation among their peers might encourage opposing counsel and insurers to negotiate promptly and in good faith. Ask your friends and neighbors about Howell & Thornhill, P.A.
Personalized Legal Service
A Lakeland-based auto accident lawyer can help by providing trusted, personalized service after a crash. You won’t just be a case number, but a neighbor receiving expert representation. Howell & Thornhill, P.A., knows the local doctors, Judges, investigating police departments, and autobody mechanics. Hiring a local attorney will give you a source of knowledge that you can rely on for accurate case-related information.
Quick Response Times
Having a local attorney can ensure that you can have more prompt communication with your legal team. A local auto accident attorney makes it easier to meet in person for updates regarding your case or for strategy sessions.
Established Local Relationships
Local lawyers have established relationships with other professionals in the area. Our auto accident attorneys have a full-time investigator who can work to track down CCTV footage of your crash.
Knowledge of Regional Accident Trends
A Lakeland auto accident attorney might have specific knowledge of particular dangers in the city. Your lawyer might have a particular knowledge of dangerous intersections, including places like S. Florida Avenue, Bartow Highway, US 98 N, Combee Road, Memorial, CR 540, and 540A.
Familiarity with the Local Court System
A local attorney will be familiar with the local judges, court staff, and legal customs. Knowing the legal focus of Judges, especially, might help your attorney prepare for hearings and trials.
The attorneys at Howell & Thornhill, P.A. are the local attorneys you need. We work hard to ensure that our clients feel like our neighbors, because they are. We work hard to serve our community so auto accident victims get the recovery that they deserve.
Florida-Specific Auto Accident Laws
The state of Florida has its own auto accident laws. Working with a local attorney is the best way to ensure that you follow all applicable laws. Here are some of the most important laws that you should know about after an auto accident in Florida:
Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations is a deadline set by Florida law that restricts the amount of time an auto accident victim has to file a lawsuit or settle their claim. Generally, Florida allows accident victims two years from the day of the crash to file a claim.
No-Fault Insurance Coverage
Florida requires every driver have a $10,000 health insurance policy to pay for their own medical bills, even when they are not at fault. This is called “No-Fault” coverage. The lawyers at Howell & Thornhill, P.A., think this is a silly law created by insurance companies to force everyone to have a health insurance policy on their car. Nevertheless, it is the law and it should pay $10,000.00 in medical bills without raising you rates when you do not cause the crash.
Permanent injury means reimbursement for pain and suffering
If the doctor finds that your pains continue, then that qualifies as a permanent injury. A permanent injury finding requires the insurer for the driver at fault to pay for your pain and suffering, both in the past and the future. . Your lawyer can help review the facts of your case to determine if you suffered any permanent injuries or if your injuries show significant scarring or disfigurement.
Knowing these laws can give you a strong understanding of how your case might pan out. Working closely with your lawyer will fill in any gaps in your understanding about how the law will affect your claim.
What Should I Do Immediately After an Auto Accident?
What you do immediately after an auto accident can have a large impact on the outcome of your case. Consider taking the following steps after getting into an auto accident in the Lakeland area:
- Take pictures of the vehicles, the other driver’s license, and insurance card.
- Call the police.
- Seek immediate medical attention within 14 days of the crash.
- Notify your insurance company
- Speak to an experienced auto accident lawyer
Taking these steps can help protect your physical well-being and the viability of your legal claim. Do not delay. Take these steps immediately.
Common Mistakes Auto Accident Victims Make
Auto accident victims who are not represented by an attorney tend to make avoidable mistakes. You should contact a lawyer immediately to avoid some of these common errors.
Delaying a Medical Exam or Treatment
Delaying medical treatment can be detrimental to your physical health. Some accident-related conditions may not be apparent until you undergo an exam and get professionally diagnosed. See a doctor to protect yourself and your well-being.
Admitting Fault for the Accident
Falsely admitting fault for an accident causes problems. You must prove the failure to use due care by the other driver, so falsely taking some blame makes it harder to prove the truth of what happened.
Posting about an Accident on Social Media
Posting on social media can feel like a reflex nowadays after any event in our lives, but posting after an auto accident can be devastating to your claim. Photos or comments may be used against you.
Accepting the First Settlement Offer From the Insurance Company
It might be tempting to accept the first settlement offer from the insurance company, especially if all you want is to get back to your normal life. However, taking the first offer may mean accepting terms that do not cover the extent of your damages.
Failing to Document Damages After a Crash
Failing to document your damages might mean not having enough evidence to prove your losses. Failure to keep up with medical bills, records, or lost wages, for example, can greatly decrease the overall value of your accident claim.
Not Consulting an Auto Accident Attorney
Not promptly getting legal help after an auto accident can leave you vulnerable to attacks from insurance companies or other parties. Without legal counsel, you risk missing important deadlines (like the statute of limitations), failing to gather videos and other evidence, seeing doctors that are hostile to documenting the truth of your injuries, and being noncompliant with other procedural rules.
Can Pedestrians Be Involved in Auto Accidents?
Yes, pedestrians can be involved in auto accidents. Pedestrians are particularly vulnerable when they are involved in auto accidents. Unlike drivers and passengers in vehicles, pedestrians do not have the benefit of a protective covering. Because of this, pedestrians often face more severe injuries. If you were a pedestrian involved in an auto accident, then you need legal representation.
How Much Is My Auto Accident Claim Worth?
The ultimate value of your auto accident case depends on several factors. An experienced accident attorney can perform an investigation to ensure they seek full and fair financial compensation.
How Can Long-Term Injuries Affect My Claim?
Long-term injuries can seriously impact the outcome of your claim. Claims involving long-term injuries are potentially more monetarily valuable than those that do not involve these claims.
It is important that you wait to settle until you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI). MMI is the state of wellness that an individual reaches where it is unlikely that their condition will improve a lot. Your physician will determine whether you have reached MMI. Settling before this can negatively affect your settlement amount.
Other factors that can influence the final value of your accident claim can include:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity
- Liability determination
- Insurance policy limits
- The severity of your injuries and whether your injuries qualify as a permanent injury
- Whether you are represented by an auto accident attorney
It Is Important to Understand the Terms of Your Policy
Knowing the terms of your policy, including its limits, can help you estimate the final value of your auto accident claim.
Do you have uninsured motorist coverage? Do you have medical payments coverage? Will your insurance want reimbursement for the payments made under the medical payments coverage? Get a copy of your policy and talk to an expert injury attorney at Howell & Thornhill, P.A.
Work With a Legal Team and Start Getting Your Life Back
It is time to get your life back on track after surviving an auto accident. Recovering from an accident is never easy, but you can face the uncertainty and challenges that come with pursuing financial compensation after an accident with the help of an experienced attorney.
You deserve a qualified team surrounding you as you make the uphill climb toward a successful outcome. Your legal team will help you gather and preserve evidence, collect witnesses, and avoid critical mistakes that accident victims make.
Do not fight the insurance company alone. We will fight for the compensation you deserve so you can focus on healing.
Contact Our Expert Injury Lakeland Auto Accident Attorney Law Firm
Every decision matters after an auto accident. The legal team at Howell & Thornhill, P.A. is here to fight. We know what you need to succeed in your claim and want to stand alongside you as you get your life back. Time is of the essence. If you have been injured and need to speak with experienced auto accident attorneys in Lakeland, FL, contact our office today to schedule your initial consultation.