It happens in an instant, but a rear-end collision can impact your life for years to come. Serious injuries can lead to excessive medical bills, lost time at work, and even permanent disabilities.
If you were in a rear-end Port St. Lucie car accident, you might have a right to seek compensation for your injuries. Consulting a rear-end collision accident and injury lawyer in Port St. Lucie, Florida, right away can help you receive justice. Request your free consultation from the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine by calling 1-800-747-3733 now.
Recoverable Damages in Rear-End Accidents
You may be able to recover many different types of damages, provided that they are related to your injuries from the accident. Any of the following damages may be compensable:
- Hospital costs
- Equipment, such as a wheelchair
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity if you cannot return to your job
- Cost of physical therapy
- Property damage
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental and emotional pain and suffering
- Emergency transportation
- Prescription drug costs
You will need proof of these costs, so it is crucial to track all of your expenses carefully.
Non-economic Damages
Emotional pain and suffering can vary widely depending on the facts of the claim. In some cases, a jury will decide these amounts. Other times, an insurance company may offer you a settlement that you can choose to accept or decline.
Determining Fault in Rear-End Collisions
Florida is a “no-fault” insurance state. However, there are exceptions to this rule that may allow you to file a lawsuit against a negligent driver.
While Florida law requires drivers to carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance, these policy limits can be quite low. If you have a PIP policy with a $10,000 limit, but suffer injuries that total over $50,000, you may be able to sue the other driver for the damages not covered by your PIP policy.
There are also exceptions to the no-fault rule if any of the following damages occur as a result of your accident, per Florida Law Statute 627.737:
- Significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function
- Permanent injury within a reasonable degree of medical probability, other than scarring or disfigurement
- Significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Death
In most cases, the driver who hits your vehicle from behind is at fault for the accident. But there are extenuating circumstances that could cause the driver who was rear-ended to be at fault. However, you may still recover damages if you partially responsible for the accident.
If you are not sure whether Florida’s no-fault rule covers your injuries, consult with a car accident attorney to discuss your case. Attorneys at the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine can explain how your insurance policy and Florida’s negligence laws can apply to your situation. Contact us by calling 1-800-747-3733 for a free consultation.
Florida Statute of Limitations for Rear-End Collisions
You have four years to bring a claim for negligence under Florida Law Statute 95.11. You may not feel an urgency to figure out your legal options, but there are many other good reasons for bringing a car accident lawsuit sooner rather than later.
First, your memory of the incident will deteriorate over time. If there are witnesses, they may also forget critical details or become harder to locate as time passes.
It can also look a bit suspicious to the other driver’s insurance company if you wait months or years before bringing a personal injury claim. They may view your case more critically, even if your claims are legitimate. If you are not sure if you want to file a lawsuit against the negligent driver, you should at least be aware of your legal options.
Contact a Rear-End Collision Lawyer in Port St. Lucie, Florida
The personal injury attorneys at The Law Offices of Anidjar and Levine help injured clients like you pursue compensation for their injuries. We have several office locations throughout Florida and represent car accident victims on a contingency basis. That means we do not get paid for our legal services unless you receive compensation.
Call 1-800-747-3733 to schedule your free case evaluation with one of our car accident attorneys. You are under no obligation, and if you have a case, we can help you seek compensation for your injuries.
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