Sarasota Car Accident Attorneys

Helping Victims Recover After Serious Vehicle Collisions in Sarasota, FL

Car accidents are one of the most common types of personal injury cases in the United States. While most are considered fender-benders, many result in injuries and even fatalities. If you were involved in a car accident in Sarasota, you may be eligible for compensation. At Burnetti, P.A., our attorneys have over two centuries of combined legal experience and have helped thousands of people recover the compensation they deserve after car crashes. We will fight to protect your rights and obtain the most favorable outcome in your case.

For a free consultation with one of our Sarasota car accident lawyers, call (941) 366-2838 or contact us online.

What to Do After a Car Accident

After a car accident, it is important to stay calm and take the proper steps to protect yourself and your rights.

Here are some steps you should take after a car accident:

• Check for injuries: If you or anyone else is injured, call 911 immediately and request an ambulance. Do not attempt to move anyone who is injured as you may cause further harm.
• Call the police: Even if no one is injured, you should still call the police and report the accident. They will create an official report that can be helpful if you need to file a claim.
• Exchange information: Get the other driver’s name, contact information, driver’s license number, and insurance information. If there are any witnesses, get their contact information as well.
• Take pictures: Use your phone to take pictures of the accident scene, including any damage to your vehicle, the other vehicle, and any property. If there are any visible injuries, such as bruises or cuts, take pictures of those as well.
• Seek medical attention: Even if you do not think you are injured, you should still see a doctor as soon as possible after a car accident. Some injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries and soft tissue injuries, may not have immediate symptoms.
• Report the accident to your insurance company: You should report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. However, you should not provide a recorded statement or sign any documents until you speak to an attorney.
• Contact a car accident lawyer: A car accident lawyer in Sarasota can help you understand your rights and what compensation you may be eligible for. They can also help you file a claim and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.

Do I Have To Report A Car Accident in Sarasota, FL?

Yes, you must report a car accident in Florida if:

• There is property damage exceeding $500.
• Someone is injured or killed.

If either of these conditions is met, you are legally required to notify law enforcement.

Even if the damage is less than $500 and there are no injuries, it's still a good idea to report the accident to the police, especially if the other driver is at fault or leaves the scene.

Common Types of Car Accidents

A car accident refers to a collision involving one or more vehicles, resulting in damage to the vehicles and potentially causing injuries or fatalities to the individuals involved. Car accidents can occur for various reasons, including human error, environmental factors, mechanical failures, or a combination of these.

Common types of car accidents include:

• Rear-end Collisions: These occur when one vehicle hits the back of another. They often happen in traffic jams or when a driver fails to maintain a safe following distance.
• Head-on Collisions: In these accidents, the front ends of two vehicles collide. Head-on collisions are often severe and can result in serious injuries or fatalities.
• Side-impact Collisions (T-bone): This type occurs when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another. Intersections are common locations for T-bone collisions.
• Single-vehicle Accidents: These involve only one vehicle and can result from factors such as running off the road, hitting a stationary object, or rolling over.
• Multi-vehicle Pileups: These accidents involve three or more vehicles and often occur on highways or freeways. Poor weather conditions, low visibility, or sudden stops can contribute to pileups.
• Sideswipe Collisions: This happens when the sides of two parallel-moving vehicles make contact. Sideswipes can occur during lane changes or merging.
• Hit-and-Run Accidents: In these incidents, a driver involved in an accident leaves the scene without stopping to identify themselves or provide necessary information.
• Collisions with Pedestrians or Bicyclists: Accidents involving pedestrians or cyclists and vehicles can lead to serious injuries or fatalities. They often occur at intersections or in areas with heavy foot or bicycle traffic.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Car accidents can result from various factors, often involving a combination of elements. Here are some common causes of car accidents:

• Distracted Driving: One of the leading causes, distracted driving includes activities like texting, talking on the phone, eating, or using in-car entertainment systems while driving.
• Speeding: Driving at speeds higher than the posted limits or too fast for road conditions reduces reaction time and increases the severity of accidents.
• Impaired Driving: Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly impairs a driver's coordination, reaction time, and judgment.
• Reckless Driving: Aggressive behaviors such as tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, and disregarding traffic rules contribute to accidents.
• Fatigue: Driving while tired or drowsy can impair concentration and reaction times, leading to an increased risk of accidents.
• Weather Conditions: Adverse weather conditions, such as rain, snow, ice, or fog, can make roads slippery and reduce visibility, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
• Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, uneven surfaces, and poorly maintained roads can contribute to accidents by causing loss of control or damage to vehicles.
• Running Red Lights/Stop Signs: Disregarding traffic signals and signs can lead to dangerous intersection collisions.
• Inexperienced Drivers: Lack of experience, particularly among younger drivers, can contribute to poor decision-making and increased vulnerability to accidents.
• Vehicle Defects: Mechanical failures, such as brake malfunctions or tire blowouts, can lead to accidents. Regular vehicle maintenance is crucial to preventing such issues.
• Tailgating: Following other vehicles too closely reduces the time available to react, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions.
• Failure to Yield: Not giving the right of way when required, such as at intersections or when merging, can result in accidents.
• Incorrect Lane Changes: Failing to signal, not checking blind spots, or making abrupt lane changes can lead to collisions.
• Poor Visibility: Driving at night without proper lighting, using high beams inappropriately, or having dirty or foggy windshields can contribute to accidents.

Florida No-Fault Insurance Laws

Florida is one of a few states that has a no-fault insurance system. Under no-fault insurance, drivers are required to purchase a minimum of $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. If you are injured in a car accident, your PIP coverage will pay for your medical expenses, no matter who was at fault for the crash. If you were not at fault and your medical expenses exceed your PIP coverage, you may be able to file a claim against the at-fault party’s insurance for additional compensation.

PIP insurance covers the following:

• Your medical expenses, including hospital stays, surgeries, and follow-up visits
• Your prescription medications
• Up to 60% of your lost wages if you are unable to work
• Some of your non-medical expenses, such as transportation to and from doctor’s appointments and other essential errands
• Death benefits

PIP insurance does not cover property damage, such as damage to your vehicle. Additionally, if you are involved in a car accident and suffer a serious injury, you may be able to file a claim against the at-fault party’s insurance for additional compensation.

Florida law defines a “serious injury” as one that results in significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement, permanent injury within a reasonable degree of medical probability, or significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function. A Sarasota car accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and determine what compensation you may be eligible for.

Understanding Florida's Comparative Negligence Law

Florida operates under a pure comparative negligence system. This means that if you're found to be partially at fault for a car accident, your awarded damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault. Even if you're found to be 99% at fault, you can still recover 1% of your damages.

Key Factors in Determining Liability

To establish liability in a Florida car accident case, you generally need to prove the following:

• Duty of care: The other driver had a duty to operate their vehicle safely.
• Breach of duty: The other driver violated this duty by acting negligently.
• Causation: The other driver's negligence directly caused the accident and your injuries.
• Damages: You suffered actual losses as a result of the accident.

Evidence to Prove Liability

Several types of evidence can help determine liability:

• Police report: This document often includes details about the accident, including witness statements, diagrams, and citations.
• Photos of the accident scene: These can capture crucial details about the collision.
• Medical records: These documents prove the extent of your injuries and related expenses.
• Witness testimonies: Eyewitness accounts can corroborate your version of events.
• Expert testimony: In complex cases, experts like accident reconstructionists can analyze the evidence.

What is the Average Settlement for a Car Accident in Sarasota?

Many car accident victims want to know what their case is worth. However, it is impossible to determine the value of a case without first reviewing all the facts. The value of a car accident case will depend on a variety of factors.

Key Factors Affecting Settlement Value

• Severity of Injuries: The extent of your physical harm is a primary determinant. Severe injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or permanent disabilities, typically result in higher settlements.
• Property Damage: The cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle is a factor, but it's usually a smaller component of the overall settlement compared to injuries.
• Lost Wages: If you're unable to work due to your injuries, the income you've lost can significantly impact the settlement amount.
• Medical Expenses: The cost of treating your injuries, including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and therapy, is a significant component of most settlements.
• Pain and Suffering: This encompasses physical and emotional distress, and its value is often subjective and determined by factors like the impact on your quality of life.
• Punitive Damages: In rare cases where the at-fault driver's actions were particularly reckless or malicious, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer.

Why General Averages Are Misleading

Car accident cases involve complex legal and factual issues. General averages cannot account for the specific circumstances of your case. Factors like insurance policies, the strength of evidence, and the skill of your legal representation also influence the outcome.

Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims in Florida

In Florida, you generally have two years from the date of the car accident to file a lawsuit in Florida. This is known as the statute of limitations. If you don't file your claim within the two-year period, you will likely lose the right to pursue compensation. Gathering evidence, seeking medical treatment, and building your case takes time. It's crucial to start this process as soon as possible.

Need Help with Your Auto Accident Claim?

Don't let an overwhelming car accident dictate your future. Our experienced Sarasota car accident attorneys are here to help you navigate the complex legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve. From medical bills to lost wages, we'll handle the details while you focus on recovery. Let us maximize your entitled damages!

Contact our Sarasota car accident lawyers today at (941) 366-2838 to schedule a free consultation.