Following the speed limit can be inconvenient, but keeping you and other motorists safe is necessary. If another driver disregards traffic laws and causes damage to your health, independence, and life, you may be entitled to financial compensation.
When you need help pursuing a personal injury claim after a crash, a Tampa car accident lawyer from our law firm will go the extra mile. We want you to focus on getting better while we handle everything else. So give us a call or fill out the contact form to learn more during a free consultation.
Speeding Can Be Dangerous and Deadly
What is a safe driving speed? According to the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS), the maximum speed limit on Florida highways ranges from 65 to 70 miles per hour. However, that does not mean the posted speed limit is acceptable in all situations.
For example, drivers should reduce their speed below the speed limit to adapt to poor weather conditions, such as rain, ice, or fog. Drivers are responsible for paying attention to their surroundings and exercising sound judgment. When they don’t, serious injuries and fatalities can result.
Speeding Accident Injuries
Speeding is one of the most common causes of automobile accidents and can lead to devastating consequences for all involved. That’s because speeding increases the likelihood of a collision and the force of the impact when one does happen.
When a negligent driver causes a crash, they may be liable for the resulting injuries and damages. For example, speeding-related accidents can range from minor cuts and bruises to more serious issues, such as:
- Neck injuries: Injuries to the neck are some of the most common collision-related injuries, ranging from minor strains and sprains to severe spinal cord injuries, paralysis, and death.
- Broken bones: Breaks and fractures are likely to occur when the accident involves speeding. Broken bones can be painful and require extensive medical care. In many cases, broken bones require surgery or physical therapy to heal properly.
- Head trauma: Injuries to the head can range from mild to severe and have long-term physical, cognitive, and emotional effects. Signs of head trauma may include headaches, dizziness, confusion, nausea or vomiting, blurred vision, and ringing in the ears.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries: A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can happen when your head is violently jolted or hit during an accident. TBIs may cause temporary or permanent issues with brain functioning, issues that could affect understanding, mobility, communication, and behavior.
In some cases, the above injuries can be life-altering and require extensive medical care. Sadly, many car accident victims do not survive.
Speeding Accident Fatalities
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that, in 2018, speeding caused more than 9,000 deaths nationwide. This represented a small drop from the previous year, but far too many lives were lost to reckless and careless behavior on the road.
One of our personal injury lawyers can help you hold a speeding driver accountable for their actions and, in the process, help you fight for compensation. We can assess your case at no cost or obligation to you, and we don’t charge attorney’s fees unless you recover compensation.
This contingency-fee payment arrangement allows us to begin working on your case regardless of your current financial situation. You owe us nothing if we don’t get you an insurance settlement or court award.
How Do You File a Claim After a Car Accident in Tampa?
Filing a claim after a motor vehicle accident can be complicated; however, an experienced Tampa speeding accident lawyer can help you navigate the legal system to ensure you receive fair compensation.
The first step is to file an insurance claim with your no-fault insurance policy. Though if your case meets certain requirements, you may also be able to file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
For a successful claim, you or your attorney must prove negligence: specifically, that the other driver owed you a duty of care and breached that duty.
To prove the responsible driver was speeding, your personal injury attorney can help gather evidence, including police reports, witness statements, medical records, and accident scene photographs.
Then, after we submit your claim, we will negotiate and attempt to agree on the compensation amount you should be awarded. If the insurance company does not agree to a fair settlement, you may need to move forward with a personal injury lawsuit.
You Can Sue for Multiple Damages from a Speeding Accident
Following your speeding-related traffic accident, you will likely face medical bills, repair costs, and other expenses. In addition, if your injuries are severe, you could also be unable to work, increasing your inability to pay your bills.
You may pursue economic and non-economic damages to help you cover your expenses and financial setbacks.
Economic Damages
Common examples of economic damages include:
- Lost wages: As mentioned above, you could be unable to work for days, weeks, or longer, hampering your ability to support yourself and your family.
- Lost earning capacity: Your injuries may be serious enough to prevent you from earning the same income as you did before the crash.
- Medical care: You likely incurred medical expenses, including anything from prescriptions to medical equipment (e.g., wheelchairs).
- Property damage: You’ll likely need to repair or replace your car and other personal property damaged in the accident.
- Funeral bills: If your loved one passes away due to a speeding-related crash, you will need money for funeral and burial expenses.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages include less tangible things like emotional trauma from your injuries or losing a loved one.
Common examples include:
- Pain and suffering: You likely suffered physical and emotional distress from the accident and your injuries.
- Diminished quality of life: Your injuries may have impacted your ability to live independently, engage in your favorite activities, and socialize with your family and friends.
- Disability: Your injuries could have led to partial or total physical or mental impairment. You may be unable to perform basic functions and need 24-hour care.
- Loss of consortium: Your injuries may have negatively affected your relationship with your spouse.
- Loss of society or companionship: If your loved one passes away, they are no longer available to provide comfort, support, and guidance.
How Long Do I Have To Take Legal Action After a Florida Accident?
In Florida, Tampa car accident victims can file a personal injury lawsuit if they have suffered injuries due to another driver’s negligence or recklessness. This applies to situations where the other driver sped and caused an accident.
It is important to note that there are time limits on filing a lawsuit after an accident. Florida has a two-year statute of limitations for negligence-related personal injury claims. An experienced lawyer will ensure you meet this and other deadlines in your case.
Your attorney will also help you understand the legal process and what to expect as your case progresses. In addition, they can answer all your questions about paying for medical treatment and other concerns you may have.
Recovering Damages Through Comparative Negligence
Even if you are partially at fault for an accident, you may still be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Florida follows a comparative negligence or comparative fault, rule, which means you can still recover damages even if you were partially responsible for the collision.
Your attorney will explain how this applies to your case and help determine the damages you may be entitled to.
If you or someone you love has been injured in an auto accident, it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible to protect your rights.
The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine Can Help with Your Case
Trying to decide if you should file a lawsuit can be stressful. You may be unsure if it is worth the time and effort. You may also wonder whether you have a strong case that qualifies you for compensation.
Our personal injury law firm is here to help. First, we can evaluate your case without cost or obligation. Then the real work begins, but only for us.
Once your case is in the hands of our Tampa speeding accident lawyer, you don’t have to worry about anything but getting better. We can handle the hard work of:
- Figuring out who is liable: Our investigation could substantiate your account of the accident and prove that you qualify for the damages you seek. It may also reveal who is legally liable for your damages.
- Filing your lawsuit: Once you know who to sue, we can notify all liable parties that you are seeking compensation. The case will often settle before or soon after you file the civil suit.
- Communicating: The at-fault driver, their lawyer, and the insurance company may only communicate with you through us. We will keep you in the loop by updating you about your case and answering all your questions.
- Negotiating: Armed with evidence from our investigation, we can meet with the liable party’s insurance adjuster and negotiate for a settlement on your behalf. We don’t want them to get away with underpaying any more than you do.
We always fight our hardest during negotiations. However, tough negotiations and strong evidence may not be enough to persuade an insurance company to pay. In that case, we could schedule a trial.
At trial, we can present your case to a jury and do our best to persuade them that you are entitled to compensation.
What Makes Us Different From Other Law Offices in Tampa
What distinguishes us from other firms is that we truly care about our clients. We put in the extra effort to make their lives easier by handling even the smallest details.
If you become a client, we will regularly update you on your case, answer your questions, and help arrange your medical appointments. First and foremost, we want you to prioritize your health.
Finally, we provide you with your lawyer’s phone number so you can get your questions answered promptly.
Contact a Tampa Speeding Accident Lawyer Today
Speeding accidents are preventable but are still too common in the Tampa Bay area. If someone’s reckless actions caused your injuries and financial losses, the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine are here to fight for your rights and the necessary damages.
Don’t accept a lowball settlement offer before talking to a lawyer. A skilled attorney can help you understand your legal options and ensure you receive the compensation you are owed. After your initial consultation, a speeding accident lawyer in Tampa can begin working on your case immediately.
Give us a call or contact us online for a free case evaluation.
We Can Help.
