Car Accident Attorney in Bradenton

Florida is a no-fault state for car insurance. For this reason, drivers in Florida must purchase personal injury protection insurance, usually worth a minimum of $10,000. This insurance covers up to 80 percent of the injuries, including lost wages, regardless of fault.

In a no-fault state, your own car insurance provider pays your medical bills, lost wages, and other eligible expenses after a car accident. On the other hand, in an at-fault state, the other party's insurer is liable for your damages.

In Bradenton, you have up to four years from the date of the crash to file a claim with the insurance company. However, it is always advisable to file a claim as soon as possible. Filing a claim early comes with many benefits, as discussed below. 

When you file a claim early, chances are you'll be able to remember specific details about the accident. But on the other hand, when you take too long to file the claim, you may forget important details about the accident, making it much more difficult for the insurance company to believe your side of the story. 

In addition, filing a claim early gives your attorney enough time to investigate the accident and collect crucial evidence to strengthen your case. Obviously, the longer you delay, the more difficult it is to collect evidence from the accident scene.

It's even more challenging to interview witnesses if you take too long to file a claim with the insurer. Some witnesses may no longer have clear memories of the accident, some may have moved out of state, changed their contact information, etc. 

Most insurance companies also tend to doubt claims submitted at a later stage. In their defense, they'll most likely claim that the injuries were caused by a different accident. And when that happens, it will be your responsibility to prove that the insurance company is liable for your injuries.

Since Bradenton follows Florida's car accident laws, you can file a claim against the other driver's insurance company if your accident meets certain conditions. Firstly, you must file the initial claim with your own insurance company under your own policy, precisely the Personal Injury Protection insurance every Florida driver is required to have. 

Secondly, you can file a claim with the other party's insurer if the accident caused you permanent physical injuries or if you need ongoing treatment for your injuries. This option works if the cost of treatment exceeds the amount of coverage provided by your policy.

If you're injured in a car accident in Bradenton, or anywhere else in Florida for that matter, you have up to 10 days to inform your insurance company about the accident. If you fail to notify the insurer within 10 days, they will most likely dismiss your claim if you file it later. 

The claims process won't change that much if the other driver is not a resident of Florida. However, car accidents are never the same. Therefore, whether the other driver resides in Florida or outside the state, it's always advisable to contact a car accident attorney to evaluate the accident and advise you on the best way to proceed with your claim. 

When researching the value of a car accident claim, you've probably come across different estimates online. The truth is, car accident claims are never similar. The exact value of your claim largely depends on the specific details of the accident. 

Generally, when calculating the value of your claim, your attorney will consider both economic and non-economic damages. This further explains the importance of contacting experienced car accident attorneys in Bradenton to assess your claim.

However, it is never advisable to work with an attorney who promises a certain amount of monetary compensation even without evaluating the claim. Such an attorney will most likely settle for less than what you deserve. As a result, you may end up paying for your medical expenses and other bills out of pocket. Instead, you need an attorney who takes the time to review and investigate cases.

After a car accident, the most important thing to do is ensure that you're safe. Move to a safe area if possible and then call 911. When you call 911, you may request an ambulance if you or anyone else has suffered serious injuries due to the accident. 

Remember to gather information about the accident. Here are some questions to ask yourself when collecting information about the accident:

• What vehicle caused the accident?
• What is the other driver's name, phone number, address, and insurance provider?
• How many people were injured in the accident? 
• What is the last thing you remember after the accident?
• Was there any kind of damage to property?
• Did you take pictures of the accident scene and its surroundings?
• Did anyone else witness the accident? If so, have you taken their contact information?

When an insurance company contacts you about the accident, chances are they want to find ways to dispute your claim. Even though insurance companies may seem very understanding in their commercials, this is usually a marketing tactic. These companies make money by limiting the amount of money they need to pay accident victims as compensation. For this reason, they rarely skip an opportunity to undervalue a claim.

Don't discuss deeper details about the accident even with your own insurance company. Avoid sharing too much information even if they sound friendly, caring, and understanding during the initial phone call. Always bear in mind that insurance companies protect their own interests.  

When you get injured in such an accident, the insurance company will most likely send a claims adjuster to evaluate the value of your claim. The main goal of a claim adjuster is to ensure that your claim is consistent with the amount of damages caused by the accident. Unfortunately, they don't always play fair, especially if you've suffered significant damages due to the accident. 

Do not make statements that could jeopardize your claim. For example, if you say that you feel fine after the accident, the insurance provider could use this statement against you if you need medical treatment later. Injuries such as whiplash take time to show and that's why it's never advisable to tell the insurance company that you feel fine unless you've been checked by a professional doctor. 

Additionally, don't ever admit fault for the accident, even if you feel you were responsible. Instead, talk to your attorney about the accident. Remember, you can always trust your attorney because their job is to fight for you. On the other hand, the insurance company will always put their interest first when handling such cases. 

Don't forget to call 911 after the accident. You'll need a police officer to record a report about the accident. This statement comes in handy when the insurance company disputes your claim. In addition, it establishes the existence of the accident and provides crucial information such as witnesses' names and their contact information. As a result, your attorney can always obtain this report when investigating your claim. The insurance company will also refer to the police report if they need to verify some aspects of your claim.

Getting injured in a car accident caused by an uninsured driver often seems like the end of the road for most victims as far as their pursuit of compensation is concerned. However, an experienced car accident attorney can help explore alternative ways of securing compensation. 

When you have PIP insurance, it should cover your damages up to a certain limit. In Bradenton and the rest of Florida, the minimum coverage for PIP insurance is $10,000. But if your losses exceed $10,000 or the provided coverage limit, you may be able to recover the rest of the amount by filing a claim with the other driver's insurer.

If the other driver is uninsured, your attorney will determine whether you have uninsured or underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage in addition to your PIP insurance. If you don't have this type of coverage, that's not the end of the road. You may still be able to recover compensation for your damages.

A seasoned car accident attorney will determine whether other parties were responsible for the accident. For instance, if you suffered severe injuries because your brakes failed or your airbags failed to deploy properly, this could be a case of a defective product. The attorney will then identify the party responsible and file a claim against them. 

The same applies if a hazardous condition contributed to the accident. Examples of such conditions include potholes, lack of proper signage, bling curves, etc. in that case, the local highway authority or city council might be liable for part of your injuries.

It's never advisable to accept a settlement offer from an insurance company, especially without consulting a car accident attorney. Here's why:

When an insurance company realizes that they may be liable for your losses, they'll most likely contact you within 24 hours or a few days after the accident. During the initial conversation, they will sound caring, sympathetic, and understanding. However, do not fall for this trick - always remember that insurance companies will always prioritize their interests over their clients'. 

So if they offer a settlement that early, they probably want to close the case fast enough before you can hire an attorney. They also know that the first few days or hours after the accident are crucial. Around that time, you may not be able to make the correct decisions due to shock or extreme pain. 

If you need medical attention, you are probably concerned about the costs. In such a situation, you will most likely be in desperate need of money to settle your medical expenses and other bills caused by the accident. 

That's the vulnerability insurance providers take advantage of to close such cases, especially those involving significant damages. But unfortunately, when you sign the Release of Settlement Agreement, it means you waive your right to take legal action against the insurance company regarding that particular accident. As a result, you cannot file a new claim even if you later discover that you were entitled to more compensation than what you settled for.

That's not something you should be worried about when you have an experienced car accident attorney fighting for you. However, you should be concerned if you don't have an attorney. Here's a quick look at both scenarios:

When the insurance company refuses to settle your claim, and you don't have an attorney fighting for you, you'll find yourself in a take-it-or-leave-it situation. The insurer will most likely offer less than what you deserve as compensation, and you'll have no other choice but to accept what's on the table.

However, when you have an attorney, and the insurance company refuses to settle the claim, your attorney will most likely file a lawsuit against the company.

The cost of hiring a car accident attorney varies from one attorney or law firm to the other. Some attorneys charge upfront fees, others charge hourly, while some provide a contingency fee structure. For example, at Morgan & Morgan, we provide our services on a contingency basis, meaning you don't pay us anything unless we win.

But how is this possible given that we're the country's biggest personal injury law firm, boasting of some of the best injury lawyers? The answer is simple - we are a law firm for the people. We focus on fighting for the rights of individuals whose lives have taken a dramatic twist due to accidents. 

But thanks to the contingency payment system, they have nothing to lose but so much to gain when they file a claim. In addition, we also offer free consultation and confidential case evaluation. When we win the case, we'll deduct our pre-agreed percentage from the settlement amount.

The question of whether you may be able to afford an attorney shouldn't be the reason you can't pursue your claim. Insurance companies know that paying an attorney upfront or by the hour is expensive. For this reason, they'll frustrate you and even dare you to go to court because they know you can't afford the expenses involved in pursuing such claims. 

But when you have an established and respected law firm like Morgan & Morgan fighting for you, you don't have to worry about the legal costs involved. We'll take care of all that and deduct a certain percentage from the final settlement. And if we don't win the case, you won't owe us anything. 

There is no law in Florida requiring victims of car accidents to hire an attorney when filing a claim. However, the benefits of working with an attorney are impossible to ignore. 

Although working with an attorney does not necessarily guarantee that you'll win the claim, it significantly increases your chances of winning. To put things into perspective, here are different ways an attorney might be able to help:

• Reviewing the case to determine whether you have a valid claim
• Investigating the claim to establish the party responsible for your injuries
• Gathering crucial evidence to strengthen your claim
• Evaluating the value and extent of your injuries 
• Filing a claim with the insurance company on your behalf
• Negotiating a suitable settlement with the insurers
• Filing a car accident lawsuit if the other party refuses to settle out of court
• Preparing you for court proceedings and other sessions you may be required to attend
• Representing you in court to prove your case to the jury
• Appealing the court's decision if they rule against you
• Providing crucial legal advice in each step of the claims process
• Handling all the complex paperwork involved
• Communicating with the insurance company, court, witnesses, and other parties involved on your behalf

The amount you may be able to recover as compensation for your injuries depends on several factors. But in most cases, the more severe the injuries, the higher the compensation. So, for example, if you require surgery after the injury, you'll most likely receive higher compensation than when you don't need such a medical procedure.

Your attorney will also consider the impact the injury has had on your life. Here's an example:

Suppose you're a professional football player who depends on football to support yourself and your family. If you suffer career-ending injuries, you'll most likely not be able to take care of your family like you used to. Your attorney will consider this factor when negotiating a settlement with the insurance company. 

Another example is if you suffered a few scratches and minor injuries such as whiplash. You'll require a few weeks to recover from such injuries. So if you're a professional football player, you'll most likely be able to resume playing after a few weeks or months, per the doctor's instructions. Although you may be able to recover a significant amount of money as settlement for the injuries sustained, the amount will most likely not be higher than what you would have recovered had you suffered career-ending injuries. 

In some cases, your spouse or family members may be able to file a loss of consortium claim against the insurer. This claim seeks compensation for the injury's long-term impact on your relationship. For example, if you and your spouse can no longer have sexual intercourse due to the injury, your spouse may be able to file a loss of consortium claim against the insurer. 

It's important to note that this claim is only filed by the victim's spouse or family. In addition, they mostly recover non-economic damages. 

Depending on the level of negligence that led to the accident, the court might also award punitive damages. The primary goal of punitive damages is to warn others about the consequences of negligence that could cause similar accidents. Although punitive damages are not always guaranteed, they are part of the many things you might be able to recover when you file a claim.

If you’re involved in a car accident of any caliber, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. You may have sustained internal damage hidden beneath your adrenaline that can affect you later on in life. By visiting a medical professional, you’re making an investment in your future and potentially saving yourself from future pain and suffering, so make sure to do so sooner rather than later.

There are millions of different outcomes from a car accident, but if it wasn’t your fault, be sure to document as much of the accident as you can. Take pictures and videos and accurately disclose the situation to law enforcement once they’re on the scene. Most importantly, never admit that you were at fault in any capacity. This includes minor or passive instances of admittance as well, such as saying “my bad” or anything similar. Language about fault is for later on in the legal process, and you’ll have a chance to say your part after you team up with an experienced car accident lawyer.

Your legal jurisdiction will determine your next steps. In Florida, every motorist is required to hold a minimum amount ($10,000) of Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance. You’ll file a claim through your provider after any car accident to recover economic damages, but if the total value exceeds your coverage, the process gets more complicated. You’ll have to file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance provider and recover your remaining damages through settlement negotiation or a car accident lawsuit.

This is where having an attorney by your side is important, and there are no better car accident lawyers in Bradenton, Florida, than those from Morgan and Morgan. Our team has decades of experience advocating for car accident victims who have found themselves in the same situation as you, making us uniquely capable of helping you recover the fullest extent of what you’re entitled to after an accident you didn’t cause.

One last thing: Remember to keep receipts from all your expenses stemming from the accident, including your repair costs, medical expenses, and the price of any ongoing treatment you’re receiving.

You’re never required to retain a lawyer after an accident. People have taken on the legal side of their car accidents on their own and reached successful outcomes, but Florida’s “no-fault” law adds a degree of challenge to the situation. Handling the situation on your own is essentially a gamble, and why would you want to gamble with something as important as rightful compensation after an accident you didn’t cause?

With a car accident lawyer in Bradenton by your side, you have a much higher chance of recovering every penny you deserve. They’ll leverage their experience to help you meet deadlines, advocate fault, and ensure that all the proper legal proceedings are followed to ensure that you can walk away with the resources to get your life back on track. Not only that, but they also handle the majority of the legal proceedings and give you a chance to focus on your physical recovery, which can be a priceless benefit after an already stressful situation.

Car accidents can leave victims with significant bodily, emotional, and financial harm, even in seemingly minor cases. Medical expenses alone can leave you with a six-figure receipt. The total cost of your accident can become more overwhelming than the accident itself in some situations, but if it wasn’t your fault, you shouldn’t have to foot the bill.

You can expect to recover economic damages, non-economic damages, and punitive damages. Here are a few examples of each.

Economic Damages: Compensation for verifiable monetary loss, including

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Vehicle repair costs
• Treatment and ongoing therapies
• Property damage
• Lost wages
• Diminished earning capacity

Non-Economic Damages: Compensation for subjective, non-monetary loss, including:

• Emotional damage
• Mental anguish
• Disfigurement and impairment
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of quality of life

Punitive Damages: Compensation awarded by the court to the victim as punishment to the at-fault party, which applies when the at-fault party:

• Was intoxicated or under the influence at the time of the accident
• Was texting, on their phone, or distracted in another manner
• Was driving intentionally recklessly
• Was acting negligently, carelessly, or maliciously

Punitive damages are only awarded in certain situations, so make sure to ask the car accident lawyer in Bradenton you’ve chosen to represent you about this if you feel it applies to your case.

The term “best” is subjective. Everyone will have a different opinion on what’s best for them, but there are a few distinct characteristics that determine everyone’s choice of a law firm after an accident. First, is the price—plain and simple. After all, it’s what most people will consider first, especially after a financially constricting accident. Some law firms come with expensive upfront retainer fees for their service. While it’s an effective business model for the law firm, it diminishes the number of people they can help because, simply, not everyone can afford an upfront cost of that caliber.

Next, you’ll need to choose between a smaller firm or a larger one, which often comes as a result of the previous decision. A car accident lawyer in Bradenton from a larger firm won’t treat you the same as one from a smaller operation. The choice comes down to attention vs. resources, and you’ll need to think about this thoroughly before you come to a final decision.

Lastly, you’ll have to consider the experience level of the firm. More specifically, their track record of success. A firm that hasn’t reached many successful outcomes before may not be able to help you cross the finish line. They could have had bad luck, of course, but there are thousands of better options out there.

Now that you’ve gone through your review process, you’ve likely come across a few contenders. One of them is likely Morgan and Morgan, as our approach to helping those wronged by negligence checks all the boxes above. We operate on a contingency, meaning that you pay nothing to hire us, and we’re only paid if we win your case. We’ve fought For the People for over three decades and recovered more than $20 billion on behalf of our clients, earning us an established track record of settlements and verdicts. There might be no “best” car accident lawyer in Bradenton, but if there was, we’re sure they’re on our team, and we can help you advocate for what you deserve with no upfront costs.

In the most difficult moments of your life, Morgan and Morgan has your back. Car accidents are difficult to recover from in themselves, but the lingering expenses can cause you stress for years after the initial wreck. By teaming up with a car accident lawyer in Bradenton, you gain an ally in your corner who knows the rules already, one who can leverage their experience to ensure you’re able to return to the life you lived before.

There might be thousands of law firms out there, but there’s only one Morgan and Morgan. If you’re searching for a car accident lawyer after a wreck you didn’t cause, a Morgan and Morgan car accident lawyer in Bradenton is ready to help you take the next steps.

Complete our free, no-obligation case evaluation to get started.