Personal Injury Attorneys in Lakeland FL

When life takes an unexpected turn, and an accident or someone else’s negligence causes injuries, the road to recovery can feel overwhelming. Medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma are just a few of the challenges that follow a personal injury.

In times like these, having our personal injury attorneys in Lakeland FL, by your side can help in the fight for the compensation you deserve. At Howell & Thornhill, P.A., we can help to protect your rights, to hold responsible parties accountable, and togive you peace of mind during a difficult time.

Understanding Personal Injury Law

Personal injury law, also known as tort law, involves legal disputes where one person’s negligence or intentional actions cause harm or injury to another person. These cases can involve physical, emotional, or psychological harm, and they often result from accidents, negligence, or wrongdoing. In Florida, personal injury law applies to various types of accidents, including car accidents, slip and fall incidents, dog bites, workplace injuries, and more.

Our team of personal injury attorneys is proficient in handling these cases. We advocate on behalf of injured clients and work tirelessly to fight for fair compensation for your injuries. We assist with:

• Investigating the incident and gathering evidence
• Negotiating with insurance companies
• Filing claims and lawsuits
• Representing you in court when necessary
• Ensuring that you receive the financial resources to recover as much as possible

Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle in Lakeland, FL

Personal injury law covers a variety of accidents and situations. Here are some common types of personal injury cases handled by our Lakeland attorneys:

Car Accidents

Car accidents remain a leading cause of personal injury claims in Florida. According to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), there were nearly 14,000 traffic accidents in Polk County in 2022, killing 133 people and injuring another 9,532. These cases often involve injuries ranging from minor cuts and bruises to severe trauma like broken bones or traumatic brain injuries. Our personal injury attorneys can help determine liability, navigate Florida’s no-fault insurance law, and seek compensation for damages.

Truck Accidents

Due to commercial vehicles’ size and weight, truck accidents often result in catastrophic injuries. These cases can be complex because they involve multiple parties, such as the truck driver, trucking company, and possibly the vehicle manufacturer. Our personal injury attorneys in Lakeland are equipped to handle the unique challenges of truck accident cases, including analyzing black box data, maintenance records, and driver logs to establish liability.

Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents are hazardous because riders are more exposed than car occupants, often resulting in severe injuries like road rash, broken bones, and head trauma. While Florida law does not mandate motorcycle insurance, it does require riders to prove financial responsibility in an accident. Determining liability for such crashes can be challenging. Our attorneys, experienced in motorcycle accident claims, understand the nuances of these cases and work to protect the rights of injured riders.

DUI Accidents

Accidents caused by drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs are especially devastating because they are entirely preventable. Victims of DUI accidents may suffer life-altering injuries or lose loved ones. In addition to seeking compensation through civil claims, our attorneys can help counsel you on the testimony often required in the criminal case against the DUI driver.

Bicycle Accidents

Bicyclists in Lakeland face significant risks due to negligent drivers, poorly maintained roadways, or defective bicycle equipment. Injuries in these cases are often severe, including fractures, spinal injuries, and head trauma. Our personal injury attorneys help bicyclists by determining the cause of the accident, whether it is driver negligence, or a roadway hazard, and working for compensation for their injuries.

Boating Accidents

With Florida’s abundance of waterways, boating accidents are a common cause of personal injuries. These incidents may involve collisions between vessels, capsized boats, or injuries from jet skis or other watercraft. Boating accidents often involve specific maritime laws, and our skilled attorneys can protect your rights while pursuing claims against negligent operators or boat manufacturers.

Work Injuries

Workplace accidents can result in severe injuries, especially in the construction, manufacturing, and transportation industries. Workers’ compensation laws in Florida provide benefits to employees who are injured on the job. However, workers’ compensation does not always cover all damages, particularly in cases of third-party negligence. If a third party’s negligence caused your injury, such as a defective machine or unsafe working conditions, we can help seek additional compensation through a lawsuit.

Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrians are some of the most vulnerable road users. Accidents involving pedestrians often result in severe injuries or fatalities, especially if a vehicle is traveling at high speed. Common causes include distracted driving, failure to yield at crosswalks, and impaired driving. Our lawyers can investigate the circumstances of the accident, gather evidence, and work to ensure that you or your family receive fair compensation.

Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall accidents are prevalent in Lakeland. Private and commercial property owners must maintain safe premises for visitors. You may be entitled to compensation if you suffer an injury due to hazardous conditions, such as wet floors, uneven walkways, or poorly lit areas. Slip and fall claims are often complicated because you must prove that the property owner was aware of or should have reasonably known about the hazard. Our team can gather the necessary evidence, witness statements, and expert testimony to help prove the truth of what happened.

Dog Bites and Animal Attacks

Florida law holds pet owners strictly liable for injuries caused by their animals under certain circumstances. Dog bites and animal attacks can result in physical injuries like lacerations, infections, and permanent scarring, as well as emotional trauma. Our personal injury attorneys can help you pursue compensation for medical treatment, therapy, and other damages resulting from the attack.

Accident Reconstruction

Accident reconstruction is critical in many personal injury cases, especially those involving disputed liability. Our attorneys often work with expert witnesses who use physical evidence, witness statements, and technical analysis to recreate the sequence of events that led to your accident. This is particularly important in complex cases like truck, motorcycle, or multi-vehicle accidents.

Paralysis, Scarring, and Other Injuries

Injuries resulting in paralysis or permanent scarring can have profound physical, emotional, and financial impacts on your life. Paralysis cases often involve spinal cord injuries from car accidents, falls, or workplace incidents. Scarring, which can result from burns, surgeries, or animal attacks, may lead to ongoing physical and psychological trauma. Our personal injury attorneys factor these long-term effects into the negotiations with the insurer.

Nursing Home Abuse

Elderly residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities are particularly vulnerable to abuse and neglect. Signs of nursing home abuse include unexplained injuries, poor hygiene, malnutrition, and emotional distress.

 

Why You Need a Personal Injury Attorney in Lakeland

After suffering an injury due to someone else’s negligence or recklessness, hiring a personal injury attorney who can provide the guidance and knowledge needed to increase your chances of obtaining a favorable outcome is crucial. Here is why hiring our Lakeland personal injury attorneys at Howell & Thornhill, P.A., is essential for your case:

 

• Proficient legal knowledge: Personal injury law is complex and varies by state, with Florida having its own regulations and statutes governing these cases. Our attorneys are experts in Florida’s personal injury laws, including statutes of limitations, insurance requirements, and comparative negligence rules.

 

• Investigative resources: Gathering evidence is key to establishing liability in personal injury cases. Whether collecting police reports, interviewing witnesses, or obtaining expert opinions, our attorneys will use our resources, such as an investigator and a nurse, to investigate how your injury happened.

 

• Negotiation skills: Dealing with insurance companies and at-fault parties can be frustrating. Insurance companies often try to settle for less than what you deserve, hoping you will accept a low offer. We will be your advocate, negotiating on your behalf to help you receive maximum compensation for your injuries.

 

• Litigation support: Not all personal injury cases settle out of court. If negotiations fail or if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we can represent you in court. In our opinion, having a lawyer with trial experience is crucial in these cases. Cal us to advocate for your best interests before a judge and jury.

 

• No upfront fees: Our personal injury attorneys in Lakeland work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we do not get paid unless you win your case. This gives you access to legal counsel who are experts in personal injury claims without the need to pay upfront legal fees or costs.

The Personal Injury Process in Lakeland, FL

Navigating a personal injury case can seem overwhelming, especially when dealing with physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial stress. Understanding the process can help you feel more confident and prepared. While each case is unique, the personal injury process in Lakeland, FL, typically follows these general steps:

Seeking Immediate Medical Attention

Your health and safety are the top priority. After an injury, seek medical attention right away, even if your injuries seem minor. Some injuries, such as concussions or internal damage, may not be immediately apparent. Prompt medical care safeguards your health and creates a crucial medical record that we can use as evidence in your case.

Consultation with a Personal Injury Attorney

Once you have addressed your immediate medical needs, it is essential to consult with our expert Lakeland personal injury attorneys. We offer a free initial consultation, during which we will review the details of your case, assess its merits, and explain your legal rights and options. This is also an opportunity to ask questions and determine if we are the right fit for you.

Investigation and Case Building

After you retain our firm, we will begin investigating your case. This process involves gathering evidence to establish liability and document your damages. Common steps include:

• Reviewing police or accident reports
• Collecting photographs and video evidence
• Interviewing witnesses
• Obtaining medical records and bills
• Consulting with experts, such as accident reconstructionists or medical professionals

A strong foundation of evidence is essential for negotiating a fair settlement or succeeding in court.

Filing the Claim

In most personal injury cases, we will file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. This claim will outline the nature of the accident, the injuries sustained, and the damages incurred. Florida law allows injured parties to seek compensation for:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost wages in the past and loss of earnings in the future
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Property damage
• Loss of enjoyment of life

We will also handle crucial communication with the insurance company to protect your rights.

Negotiating a Settlement

We can resolve most personal injury cases through settlement negotiations, avoiding the need for a trial. We will use the evidence collected to present a demand for fair compensation. The insurance company may respond with a counteroffer, and negotiations will continue until both parties reach an agreement. Our expert attorneys in personal injury will convey the offers and seek your permission to fight for the most reimbursement possible.

Filing a Lawsuit if Necessary

We may file a lawsuit if settlement negotiations fail to produce a satisfactory resolution. Filing a lawsuit does not necessarily mean your case will go to trial. It simply formalizes the legal dispute and may encourage the other party to offer a fair settlement. Florida’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases is generally two years from the injury date, so it is crucial to act promptly to preserve your right to file a lawsuit.

Discovery Phase

During the discovery phase, both parties exchange information and evidence related to the case. This can include depositions, interrogatories, and document requests. Discovery allows both sides to fully understand the facts and prepare their arguments. We will guide you through this process.

Mediation

Many cases undergo mediation before going to trial. Mediation is a process where a neutral third party helps facilitate settlement discussions. It is often a less formal and less costly alternative to trial, and it provides an opportunity for both sides to work toward a resolution with the mediator’s assistance. If unsuccessful, the case will proceed to trial.

Trial

Both sides present their arguments, evidence, and witnesses during the trial before a judge or jury. We will advocate on your behalf, explaining how the defendant’s negligence caused your injuries and the damages you have suffered. After hearing the evidence, the judge or jury will determine the outcome and award compensation if appropriate.

Contact Howell & Thornhill, P.A., to Schedule a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one is injured in an accident, do not hesitate to contact us. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you will not pay any upfront costs or fees. Call us today or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation. By partnering with our experienced attorneys, you can maximize your chances of securing the compensation you need to rebuild your life after an injury.