can i lose my house due to at-fault car accident

Can I Lose My House Due to an At-fault Car Accident?

RRBHLAWZENVehicle Accidents

Car accidents can be financially and emotionally draining experiences, especially when you’re deemed at fault. Beyond the immediate aftermath of the collision, there’s a lingering question for many people: can I lose my house due to an at-fault car accident? Let’s delve into this scenario and understand the complexities involved. What is Liability in a Car Accident? Liability insurance is a fundamental component of auto insurance coverage. It’s designed to cover the costs of the other party’s injuries and property damage if you’re responsible for an accident. However, there’s a crucial point to understand here: every insurance policy comes with a liability coverage limit. This limit represents the maximum amount your insurance company will pay for a single accident. Now, consider a situation where the damages from an accident far exceed your liability coverage. For instance, if your policy has a $70,000 limit and the total damages amount to $120,000, you could be liable for the remaining $50,000. If you lack the financial means to cover this shortfall, the injured party may pursue legal action, potentially targeting your home as an asset for compensation. Legal Consequences of At-fault Car Accidents Car accident litigation is one of the most common types …

injured in a car accident

Injured in a Car Accident with an Out-of-State Driver? What to Do

RRBHLAWZENVehicle Accidents

Car accidents are inherently stressful events, and if you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident involving an out-of-state driver, the situation can become even more complex. In such cases, it’s crucial to understand your rights and the legal avenues available to you. If you or a loved one finds themselves in this unfortunate scenario, this guide will provide you with essential information on what steps to take. Out-of-State Drivers Can Be Compelled to Appear in Court One key concern for individuals involved in car accidents with out-of-state drivers is whether the responsible party can be compelled to appear in a local court. Fortunately, Florida’s legal framework addresses this issue. According to Florida’s Long-Arm Statute (48.193), out-of-state drivers automatically consent to appear in a Florida court if they are involved in a car accident within the state’s borders. This legal provision is a powerful tool for accident victims seeking justice. It ensures that geographical boundaries are manageable in pursuing a rightful legal resolution. Victims are advised to gather as much information as possible at the accident scene to make the most of this statute. This includes the out-of-state driver’s name, address, vehicle make and model, license …

florida car accident injury claim

Florida Car Accident Injury Claim: 5 Things You Might Not Know

RRBHLAWZENVehicle Accidents

If you are caught in the aftermath of a Florida car accident injury claim, it’s essential to be well-informed about the legal intricacies that can significantly impact your case. Car accidents can be overwhelming and traumatic experiences, and when they happen in Florida, there are some important facts you should be aware of, especially if you’re considering filing a car accident injury claim.  From legal obligations to insurance requirements and the complexities of comparative fault, this blog will delve into five crucial aspects of Florida car accident injury claims that you might not know. Florida Law Requires You to Stop If Anyone Is Injured In the aftermath of a car accident, it’s essential to understand your legal obligations as a driver in Florida. Florida law mandates that all drivers involved in an accident must stop at the scene to assist anyone who’s injured. Moreover, if the accident results in injuries or property damage exceeding $500, it must be reported to local law enforcement, including the police, sheriff, or highway patrol. If injuries are sustained in the accident, you’re not only obligated to stay at the scene but also to exchange information with all parties involved. This information typically includes names, …

florida car accident

What Should I Photograph After a Florida Car Accident?

RRBHLAWZENAccident, Vehicle Accidents

Photographs are not just images; they are your voice in the aftermath of a Florida car accident.  In the aftermath of such an incident, gathering as much evidence as possible to protect your rights and ensure fair compensation for any injuries or damages you’ve suffered is essential. Photographs, in particular, can be powerful tools in telling your story and supporting your claims, especially in Florida, a no-fault auto insurance state.  In this blog, we’ll explore the four crucial types of photos you should take after a Florida car accident to strengthen your case and maximize your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve. 4 Types of Photos to Take After a Florida Car Accident Damage to the Vehicles When the dust settles after a car crash and you have ensured everyone involved does not need medical attention, your first instinct should be to document the damage done to the vehicles. These images serve as a visual testament to the collision’s severity and can provide critical information about the dynamics of the accident. In a no-fault insurance state like Florida, where you typically file a claim with your own insurer first, these photos can make a substantial difference in your case. …

can you claim car accident without police report

Can You File a Car Accident Claim Without a Police Report in Florida?

RRBHLAWZENAccident

Can you claim a car accident without a police report in Florida? This is the pressing question that arises when you find yourself in the aftermath of a Sunshine State collision. Initially, the situation may seem minor, and you and the other driver may have chosen to exchange information without involving law enforcement, given the absence of apparent injury or significant property damage. However, as time passes, you may begin to experience unforeseen pain, revealing more serious injuries than initially anticipated. Moreover, a closer inspection of your vehicle may uncover significant damage. Now, faced with the full extent of your injuries and the startling car damage, the query still lingers: Can you file a car accident claim in Florida without a police report? In this blog, we’ll embark on an enlightening journey, delving deep into the intricacies of this scenario. We’ll explore the possibilities, the challenges, and the critical role a police report plays in shaping the outcome of your case. So, let’s hit the road and navigate the ins and outs of filing a car accident claim in the Sunshine State. Can You File a Car Accident Claim Without a Police Report in Florida? Yes, it’s possible to file …

why is my car accident settlement taking so long

Why Is My Car Accident Settlement Taking So Long? When You’re Hurt, It Helps to Know What to Expect

RRBHLAWZENAccident

“Why is my car accident settlement taking so long?” This is a common lament heard among car accident victims. After experiencing a traumatic crash, the last thing you want is for your settlement to drag on for months or even years. But why does the process take so long?  In this blog, we’ll delve into why car accident settlements can be a slow and drawn-out process and provide some helpful insights into what you can expect if you find yourself in this situation in Florida.  Why Is My Car Accident Settlement Taking So Long? Determining the settlement demand amount is a crucial early step in the process, and your attorney will need to consider several factors. First, they will consult with your doctor to determine if you’ve reached maximum medical improvement, which means your health will remain the same despite additional treatment. Once maximum medical improvement has been reached, your attorney will assess the extent and type of injuries sustained in the accident, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The attorney will also take into account the insurance policy limits of the liable party to determine the maximum amount of compensation that can be obtained. In Florida, …

rear-end accident

In A Rear-End Accident? Here’s How An Attorney Can Help

RRBHLAWZENPersonal Injury Lawyer Florida, Vehicle Accidents

Your day has shifted from normal to disastrous in the blink of an eye. One minute you’re sitting at a stoplight, enjoying the quiet of your own thoughts, and the next minute you’re in a rear-end accident by a careless driver. The force of the impact sends your head whipping back and then snapping forward, resulting in excruciating neck pain. In addition, your vehicle is damaged, and you’re not sure how you’ll get to work or take care of your errands for the day. You may be tempted to exchange insurance information with the other driver and be on your way; however, it’s important to take a few moments to assess the rear-end accident and make sure you are protected. What to do After a Rear-end Collision Injury? According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), river mistakes cause approximately 94% of traffic accidents. After being involved in a rear-end collision, it is important to take the following steps: Take photos of the damage: Taking pictures of the damage from an accident is important because you could not know that there’s much more damage than a scraped bumper or cracked taillight. This can include damage to the alignment, frame, …

car crash internal injuries

Car Crash Internal Injuries Can Be Devastating To Your Health And Finances

RRBHLAWZENPersonal Injury Lawyer Florida, Vehicle Accidents

Many people who have been in a car wreck can feel that the trauma was not the end of their challenges. Managing the pain and injuries of your internal organs, skin, ligaments, and bones can be very difficult. You might be out of the hospital and back at work in a few days, but you may still be dealing with the aftermath of a car crash. In this article, we’ll look at some common car crash internal injuries, what they mean for you, and how you can best prepare for them. Types of Internal Injuries Injuries in car crashes can be devastating both to your health and finances. Here are three of the most common types of internal injuries: head, torso, and extremities. Head Injuries If you’re injured in a car crash with a head injury, you may experience nausea, vomiting, confusion, loss of consciousness, seizures, or even brain damage. If you’re pregnant, your unborn baby can also be affected by a head injury. Torso Injuries If you’re injured in a car crash with a torso injury, you may experience intense pain throughout your body and difficulty breathing. In addition, damage to internal organs like the lungs and heart can …

When to call a lawyer after a car accident

When to Call a Lawyer After a Car Accident

RRBHLAWZENPersonal Injury Lawyer Florida, Vehicle Accidents

Car accidents are a common occurrence, and it can be difficult to know when you need assistance from a car accident lawyer. It may depend on the circumstances, but this blog will explore potential situations where hiring a lawyer could make sense. We’re often asked when you should call a lawyer after a car accident. It can be confusing to decide whether to get a lawyer involved in your case from the very beginning or wait until later. After all, insurance companies love to take advantage of those who don’t know their legal rights. The good news is that we’ve created this blog post for those questions and issues so that you can have an easier time making that decision and knowing what your options are.   When to Call a Lawyer After A Car Accident Having a lawyer after an accident can be a huge help. A skilled lawyer will be able to prove your case and make sure you’re compensated for your losses. If you have any injuries, a lawyer can also help you recover the cost of your medical bills. If you find yourself in any of the following situations, you should absolutely consider contacting an attorney. …

4 Types of Catastrophic Car Accident Injuries That Should Be Compensated

4 Types of Catastrophic Car Accident Injuries That Should Be Compensated

RRBHLAWZENInsurance Litigation, Personal Injury Lawyer Florida, Vehicle Accidents

Catastrophic car accident injuries require serious medical attention. This article discusses a few situations in which you should seek compensation. Not all car accident injuries require the same amount of medical attention. Not all of them cause the same amount of pain and suffering, either. A catastrophic injury can change your life forever, leaving you with piles of medical bills and unable to work. On top of it all, your injury could leave you in constant pain and require years of rehabilitation to overcome—and that is often a best-case scenario. When your life is so irretrievably shattered, you deserve to be compensated. If you or a loved one suffer any of the following catastrophic injuries, you should speak to an attorney about what you need to do to get a fair settlement. Catastrophic Car Accident Injuries That Should Be Compensated Spinal Cord Injuries Spinal cord injuries can cause a wide range of issues, from diminished sensation to complete paralysis. Paraplegia and quadriplegia—the loss of function of the legs or all limbs respectively—can mean a life spent in a wheelchair. Aside from the lifelong cost of care following a spinal cord injury, there are also damages like loss of enjoyment and …

Your Whiplash Injury Claim Amount Could Hinge on This

Your Whiplash Injury Claim Amount Could Hinge on This

RRBHLAWZENPersonal Injury Lawyer Florida, Vehicle Accidents

Interested in learning how to protect your whiplash injury claim amount? This article discusses one critical aspect you may not have considered. Thousands of car accidents happen every day, and a large portion of those accidents result in some sort of neck injury. Since they see them so frequently, insurance companies are all too familiar with whiplash injuries—and how to avoid paying out for them. You should do everything you can to keep your claim free of any mistakes that might help your insurance company deny your claim. And that includes one seemingly simple choice you make following an accident. The Doctor You Choose Could Make or Break Your Case When you visit a doctor for treatment after your accident, you should be careful to choose someone who is reputable and qualified to treat your injuries. While you may not have a choice about the doctor who treats you first if you are in need of emergency medical services, you can choose where you go once you are no longer in immediate danger. This choice could prove to be one of the most important in the insurance claim process. The size of your whiplash injury claim amount could be impacted …

Should I Try to Handle My Accident Claim without a Car Insurance Attorney?

RRBHLAWZENInsurance Litigation, Personal Injury Lawyer Florida, Vehicle Accidents

For many car accident insurance claims, you should be able to go through the filing process without a problem, even if you do not consult with or hire a car insurance attorney, as long as the car insurance company acts in good faith. However, if you sustained injuries or someone close to you died as a result of an accident, your best course of action is to find an attorney you can trust to get you the justice you deserve. Here are four other reasons you should hire an attorney to take care of your claim. Your Policy Limits Might Not Be Enough to Cover Your Injuries In Florida, we operate as a no-fault insurance state, which means that each driver first must file a claim with their own insurance. While being a no-fault state makes accidents that do not result in injury or significant damage easier to handle, it also has drawbacks. For instance, when the cost of damages exceeds your insurance policy’s limits, things can get complicated. With multiple insurance policies in play and several parties trying to protect their interests, it is best to let a professional who knows how to navigate such a complex situation handle …

In a Rear End Collision, Can I Be Held Liable for Damages If I Was Hit from Behind?

In a Rear End Collision, Can I Be Held Liable for Damages If I Was Hit from Behind?

RRBHLAWZENblogVehicle Accidents

When you get rear ended while driving, you might think that you can’t be held liable for the accident. In most rear end collision cases in Florida, that’s true—the rear driver is usually found to be at fault. The reason rear end accidents usually favor the driver who is struck from behind is that Florida courts use a rebuttable presumption—an assumption that stands unless another party contests it—in such car accidents. What you might not realize, though, is that in certain situations you can be held liable as the front driver. You never know when someone will hit you from behind. Here’s what you should know. When the Front Vehicle Can Be Held Responsible in a Rear End Collision In Florida, the law follows what is known as “comparative negligence” to assign liability in auto accidents. For instance, the jury in the case could find you 20% liable and the other driver 80% liable, which would reduce the compensation you would receive in a settlement. In a rear end collision, you could be assigned some or even all of the responsibility for the accident in certain situations. For example, if the evidence were to show that you were driving erratically …

distracted driving in florida

Distracted Driving in Florida: 5 Tips to Keep You Safe on the Road

RRBHLAWZENblogInsurance Litigation, Personal Injury Lawyer Florida, Vehicle Accidents

According to the CDC, 3,450 people were killed in 2016 because of distracted driving in the United States. If that number doesn’t make you stop, then let’s consider the impact of distracted driving in Florida. Gov. Ron DeSantis recently said that in 2016, 50,000 accidents happened because of distractions behind the wheel. In those accidents, 233 people died. Many others were injured. Perhaps numbers such as these are part the reason that the Florida legislature passed and DeSantis signed into law a bill that took effect July 1. The new law treats texting while driving as a primary offense, which means that law enforcement can now pull over drivers simply for texting or messing with their phone while their car is in motion. The point behind this law is to keep people safe. That’s also the point behind this blog post. What Is Distracted Driving? There are three types of distracted driving: Visual – taking your eyes off the road Manual – taking your hands off the wheel Cognitive – concentrating on things other than driving Want to avoid distracted driving and make the road a safer place for everyone? Put these simple tips into practice to help reduce distracted …

auto accident attorney

Advice from an Auto Accident Attorney: Settling a Claim

RRBHLAWZENblogInsurance Litigation, Vehicle Accidents

If you’ve been involved in a car accident that was not your fault, you’re probably wondering about getting the compensation that you need. Hiring an auto accident attorney that can help you through the negotiation or even litigation process might not be at the top of your list of worries if you’re still trying to recover your losses, but we still want you to have the information that you need so that you can settle your claim and get back to your life. With that in mind, here’s what you need to know about settling your claim. What You Need to Understand about Getting Compensation We’ve written about gathering the evidence you need to get the most from your settlement before, so we won’t reiterate that here. You can read more about that in this post and this post. Suffice it to say that you need to gather as much evidence from the scene as you can. The other driver’s insurance company wants to make as much money as possible, so if they say that you haven’t given them enough evidence to prove your claim, you could be paid less than you should be paid, or you might be denied …