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Bradenton Car Accident Lawyer

Car accidents can be a traumatic experience for anyone involved. Not only can they cause physical injuries, but they can also lead to emotional and financial stress. If you’ve been in a car accident in Bradenton, Florida, you may be wondering if you need a lawyer. The answer is yes.

Why You Should Hire a Bradenton Car Accident Lawyer

Bradenton Car Accident Lawyer

There are many benefits to hiring a Bradenton car accident lawyer from Heintz Law Firm, such as:

Expert Knowledge of the Law

A Bradenton car accident lawyer has expert knowledge of the law and can help you navigate the legal system. The personal injury team at Heintz Law can explain your rights and help you understand the steps needed to get the compensation you deserve.

Experience Handling Car Accident Cases

An experienced Bradenton car accident lawyer has likely handled many cases similar to yours. They know what evidence to gather, how to build a strong case, and how to present it in court. They also have a network of experts they can call upon to help support your cases, such as accident reconstruction specialists and medical experts.

Get The Most Compensation Possible

In Florida, if you can prove that someone else acted recklessly or negligently and that their actions caused the accident, you have the right to seek financial compensation for your injuries.

This includes a variety of behaviors such as:

  • drunk driving
  • texting while driving
  • speeding
  • or failing to maintain a vehicle for safe operation.

When you are injured due to someone else’s negligence or recklessness, you are entitled to receive compensation for:

  • medical bills
  • lost wages
  • pain and suffering
  • and other damages

Reduce Your Stress

Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident can be stressful and overwhelming. A Bradenton car accident lawyer can take the stress off your shoulders by handling your case's legal aspects. This lets you focus on your recovery and getting your life back on track.

How Much Does a Car Accident Lawyer Cost?

We work on a contingency fee basis for personal injury claims such as car accidents. A contingency fee basis means we do not charge you anything unless we win a settlement in or out of court. This fee structure ensures we work hard for your case and that you don't have even more out-of-pocket expenses during a stressful time. We also offer contingency fee schedules for other practice areas, such as:

Typical Causes of Car Crashes in Bradenton

When it comes to car accidents, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has identified three primary causes of these incidents:

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is responsible for more than 3,000 deaths yearly due to drivers taking their eyes off the road and hands off the wheel while texting or daydreaming.

Drowsy Driving

Drowsy driving is also a significant factor in car accidents, causing approximately 700 fatalities per year.

Speeding

Finally, speeding is one of the most common causes of car accidents and is responsible for almost 9,500 deaths annually.

Drunk Driving

When intoxicated drivers get behind the wheel, they are more likely to be involved in an accident due to:

  • reduced reaction time
  • impaired judgment
  • and difficulty maintaining vehicle control.

Car Accident Statistics in Florida

The Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles' Crash Dashboard reports an average of 400,000 car crashes annually in the state, leading to over 250,000 injuries and 3600 fatalities.

Studies show that driving under the influence of drugs, whether legal or illegal, is a significant factor in over 50% of severe injury accidents.

Contact Heinzt Law Firm

If you have been involved in a car accident caused by any of these risky behaviors in Bradenton, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. It’s essential to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.  A Bradenton car accident lawyer at Heintz Law can also help you understand your rights. Contact us today.

Bradenton Car Accident FAQs

Will PIP Help Cover My Damages?

In Florida, drivers must have PIP (Personal Injury Protection) insurance coverage which provides financial assistance if there is a car accident. However, PIP coverage only covers a fraction of the costs associated with an accident. It will cover 80% of medical costs, but only up to a certain amount. Additionally, it only provides a fraction of lost wages related to an injury. This means that even if you are not at fault for the accident, your finances can still be significantly impacted by the incident.

It is important to remember that filing a PIP claim is not enough to protect yourself financially after an accident. You may need to look into other options, such as filing a personal injury lawsuit or seeking compensation from the other driver’s insurance company.

What Kind of Bradenton Car Accident Settlement is Normal?

When it comes to determining a fair settlement offer, many factors come into play. Insurance companies often make lowball offers in the hopes of getting an immediate acceptance, but this can be detrimental to the injured party, who may not receive what they are owed. Factors such as:

  • lost wages due to time missed at work because of injuries
  • future estimated lost wages related to future problems with the injuries
  • and medical bills all have an impact on the settlement offer.

Should I Seek Legal Help for a Car Accident Lawsuit?

It is highly recommended to seek legal help for a car accident lawsuit. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the legal system, negotiate with insurance companies, and ensure you receive fair compensation for your damages and injuries. Additionally, a lawyer can provide valuable guidance and support throughout the process, helping you make informed decisions and protect your legal rights.

What Injuries Can I Sue For?

In Florida, serious injuries result in permanent damage, scarring or disfigurement, or the loss of important bodily functions. Such injuries include:

  • broken and fractured bones
  • neck and back injuries
  • soft tissue injuries
  • traumatic brain injuries
  • spinal cord injuries,
  • and amputations.

These types of injuries can cause significant pain and suffering for the victim and long-term medical complications. In addition to physical pain and suffering, victims may experience emotional distress.

How Do We Determine Liability?

Regarding who can be held liable for a Bradenton car accident injury, the answer is usually the person or persons who breached their duty of reasonable care. This means that if someone was driving recklessly or breaking traffic laws.

Furthermore, if a faulty component causes an automobile accident, responsibility can be attributed to the vehicle maker, part supplier, or mechanic who didn't correctly repair or replace it.

What If I Was Partially Responsible for the Bradenton Car Crash?

It is important to note that even if you were partially responsible for an accident due to your negligence, such as speeding or texting while driving, you can still sue for compensation as long as the other party's negligence contributed more to the accident than yours.

What Damages Can I Claim in a Bradenton Car Accident Lawsuit?

If you have been injured in a car accident in Bradenton, Florida, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages. Depending on the severity of your injuries and their impact on your life, you may be able to seek compensation for both economic and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages

Economic damages can be quantified a dollar amount, such as:

  • medical expenses
  • lost wages
  • and property damage.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are more subjective and include:

  • physical pain and suffering
  • mental anguish
  • physical impairment or disfigurement
  • loss of consortium or companionship
  • and emotional distress.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages from a car accident could be awarded to the plaintiff if the negligent driver's conduct was sufficiently negligent or reckless. These damages are intended to punish the wrongdoer and to deter them from committing such negligence or recklessness in the future.

What Type of Car Accident Claim Should I File?

Depending on the cause and outcome of your Bradenton car accident, we can file a few different types of lawsuits.

Personal Injury Claims

A personal injury claim is a legal process in which an individual can seek financial compensation for injuries and damages caused by another’s negligence or intentional act. After a car accident, a personal injury claim helps recoup monetary losses due to medical bills, vehicle damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

Product Liability Claim

A product liability claim after a car accident is a legal action to claim damages due to injuries or property damage caused by a defective automobile part. This legal claim holds the manufacturer or supplier of the faulty part accountable for any harm they may have caused.

Wrongful Death Claim

In cases where a person dies due to another's negligence or wrongful act, the surviving family members may file a wrongful death claim. This kind of lawsuit seeks to compensate the family members for their:

  • pain and suffering
  • loss of consortium
  • economic damages
  • medical and funeral expenses
  • lost wages
  • compensation for future earnings
  • loss of companionship, guidance, care, and protection

If you or someone you know has been in a car accident due to someone else's negligence, it is essential to consult an experienced Florida car accident lawyer. We can provide expert advice about your rights and how to obtain compensation for pain and suffering.

Is Florida a No-Fault State for Car Insurance?

Yes, this means that regardless of who is at fault in an accident, each driver’s insurance company will pay for their medical expenses and lost wages up to the policy's limits. All drivers must purchase a minimum of $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. This amount may not cover all your injuries and lost wages if you are seriously injured in an accident.

I Was in a Car Accident, What Should I Do?

After being in a car accident, it is vital to talk with the police, exchange details with the other motorist, and maintain documentation of anything you can. These steps will go a long way in helping you get the compensation you deserve. Collecting the contact information of any witnesses at the crash site is essential. You can get it later if you're too injured to obtain this information immediately.

The Other Drivers Insurance is Calling, Should I Talk to Them?

If an at-fault individual’s insurance company adjuster calls you, do not give a recorded statement or sign anything without consulting an experienced car accident lawyer. Adjusters are experienced in getting claimants to admit fault. After speaking with an attorney, you can decide how much information to disclose to the adjuster.

What Are My Property Damage Rights?

Generally, a person who has caused property damage is legally obligated to repair or replace the damaged item. Your rights as a property damage victim depend on your state’s laws, so you should speak with an attorney to understand exactly what you can do. You may be able to sue for an equitable settlement or seek criminal compensation if a crime was involved. Additionally, depending on the situation, your insurance company may cover some of the costs of repairing your property.

Do I Have to Use The Repair Shop Recommended by my Insurance?

Taking your car to an insurance company-approved repair shop is unnecessary. However, some insurance companies offer direct repair programs where they have chosen certain body shops with the guarantee that any repairs made will be by the insurance company’s standards. If you are covered by one of these insurers, it may be best to go to one of their approved shops. Check with your insurer’s terms and conditions to determine the specifications.

What If The At-Fault Driver Doesn't Have Insurance?

If the at-fault driver lacks insurance, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against their assets. However, this could take months or years to resolve, and the amount awarded may not cover all of your damages. In addition, the at-fault driver may not have the resources to pay what you are owed in full.

Who Pays My Medical Bills While the Case is Pending?

An auto insurance policy with PIP coverage will cover the first $10,000 of medical expenses resulting from being injured in a car crash. Additional coverage can be included for more protection. Once you use up your PIP benefits, your health insurance usually pays for any additional expenses.

Your personal injury lawyer will help you and your health insurer get reimbursed for the medical expenses relating to the incident. Your lawyer may be able to suggest medical professionals who will accept payment on a lien. Find out what you might be able to get for injuries with our guide to personal injury damages.

What If An Uber or Lyft Injured Me?

If the vehicle that caused your accident injuries was an Uber or Lyft, you may be able to recover compensation for your damages. You can do this by pursuing a claim against Uber or Lyft.

Contact Heintz Law Today

If you or a loved one have been involved in an accident, you need an experienced accident lawyer from Heintz Law Firm. Contact us today for a FREE consultation.

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905 6th Avenue West
Bradenton, FL 34205

Phone: 941-748-2916
Fax: 941-746-4281
Map & Directions

By Appointment Only

2033 Main St, Ste 406
Sarasota, FL 34237

Phone: 941-238-0093
Fax: 941-746-4281
Map & Directions

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