First Steps to Take After a Car Accident
Car accidents are more common than any of us would like to believe. 77% of […]
Palatka Car Accident Lawyers
FREE CONSULTATION – NO OBLIGATION
When you’ve been involved in a Palatka car accident, you owe it to yourself to get reliable information and guidance right away. When you hire the Palatka injury lawyers at Harrell & Harrell, you can count on us to put our extensive experience to work to get you the best settlement or jury verdict possible in your case. We’ve recovered tens of millions of dollars for Florida injury victims, and we’ll fight just as hard for you.
Palatka Motor Vehicle Accidents
Car accident cases are among the most common types of personal injury cases. Even in a small city like Palatka, serious accidents happen. In the most recent year reported, there were more than 1200 motor vehicle accidents in Putnam County. Those collisions resulted in nearly 800 injuries and more than 30 deaths.
What You Do Right After a Car Accident Matters
Your first priority after a Palatka car accident should always be your health. A motor vehicle crash can be traumatic and confusing, and you may not immediately know the extent of your injuries. Your first step should be to assess yourself as best you can and determine whether you’re able to safely move around and exit the vehicle. If you can, you can take some steps to protect your claim, such as taking photographs of the scene and getting contact information from any witnesses.
Next, you’ll want to seek medical attention. If you’re not sure whether or not you need to see a doctor, err on the side of caution. The most important reason to go to a doctor or emergency room right away is to protect your health. Some injuries can get worse if they’re not treated promptly. Getting treated right away can also help protect your car accident claim, since you’ll create a record tying your injuries to the crash.
Talk to a Car Accident Attorney Right Away
In most cases, you have two years to file a Palatka car accident lawsuit. That sounds like a long time, and leads some people to believe that they have plenty of time to contact a car crash lawyer. Unfortunately, a lot can go wrong in the days and weeks right after a motor vehicle accident. The other driver’s insurance company will probably contact you very soon after the accident. Talking to them can be risky. Though they may seem friendly and helpful, their goal is to protect their profits. The less they pay people like you in compensation, the better their bottom line.
Our injury attorneys have extensive experience dealing with auto insurance companies, and we know the tactics they use to try to avoid paying a fair settlement. When you hire a Harrell & Harrell auto accident lawyer, your attorney will take over interactions with the insurance company, protecting you from honest mistakes that can hurt your case.
It’s never too soon to get help. To schedule a free consultation with an accident lawyer, call 904-251-1111 right now, or fill out our contact form.
How is Liability Determined in a Car Accident Case?
Drivers in Florida have a duty to operate their vehicles with reasonable care to avoid harm to other people and their property. That includes a duty to follow traffic safety laws. When another driver fails to live up to that duty and someone gets hurt, they’re generally responsible for the injuries and property damage they cause. Some common types of negligence that lead to car accidents include:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Distracted driving, such as texting while driving
- Speeding or driving too fast for conditions
- Running a stoplight or stop sign
- Driving while too fatigued to operate the vehicle safely
- Driving a poorly maintained vehicle, such as one with bad brakes
The best way to get information about who may be responsible for your injuries and other losses is to talk to a Palatka car crash lawyer right away. In some cases, there may be third parties who share responsibility, and it’s important not to overlook anyone. If you leave someone out, you could lose out on compensation.
What Types of Damages are Available in a Florida Car Accident Case?
Every motor vehicle accident case is different. The amount of compensation you may be entitled to will depend on factors like how seriously you were injured, how much your medical care cost, and whether your injuries are temporary or permanent. When injuries are long-term or permanent, expert witnesses are often required to establish some types of damages, such as the cost of ongoing medical care or lost income over time.
Some of the most common types of damages awarded in car accident cases are:
- Reimbursement for or payment of accident-related medical expenses
- The anticipated cost of future medical care related to the accident
- Other associated costs, such as equipment, remodeling for accessibility, and the cost of assistance required because of your injuries
- Lost income while you were recovering
- Lost future earnings if the accident resulted in long-term or permanent limitations
- Intangible damages such as pain and suffering/loss of quality of life
Your car accident attorney can explain in more detail what types of damages may be available in your case.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Palatka Car Accident Lawyer Today
The time after a serious car accident or other motor vehicle accident can be challenging. You may be in pain, taking medications, going through medical procedures or physical therapy, and worrying about large medical bills and lost income. The last thing you need is to have to figure out how to protect yourself in negotiations with the other driver’s insurance carrier or move your claim forward.
When you hire a Harrell & Harrell accident attorney, we’ll take over the investigation, gathering evidence, managing deadlines, interacting with the insurance company, finding and hiring expert witnesses if needed, and preparing the strongest case possible. You can relax and focus on your recovery.
To learn more about how we can help, call us today at 904-251-1111 or fill out our contact form right now.
DON’T SETTLE FOR LESS THAN YOU DESERVE.®
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Testimonials
I had an auto accident but did not believe there was going to be a positive outcome, as the opposing insurance companies fought the process. However, Lauralee Rodriguez assured me that she would be persistent in the case, if I would be patient. Well, I was patient (as well as doubtful, lol), but SHE DID IT and SHE DID IT WELL!!! I am very satisfied with the service and the outcome of the case. GREAT FIRM!!! Thank you Harrell & Harrell for employing competent staff.
