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Accidents and injuries law, also known as personal injury law, covers incidents of personal harm due to the negligence or misconduct of others. In St. Petersburg, Florida, personal injury laws allow injured parties to obtain compensation when harm is caused by someone else’s negligence. This includes cases involving car accidents, slip and fall accidents, medical malpractice, workplace accidents, and more.
In many cases, an accident or injury can result in significant medical bills, lost wages, and even disability. It can also cause pain and suffering. When these incidents occur due to someone else's negligence, a personal injury lawyer can help you craft a strong case to pursue rightful compensation. Personal injury lawyers understand the legal procedures, can navigate through insurance companies' tactics, and have the expertise to ensure a fair trial or settlement negotiation.
In Florida, one key aspect of accident & injury law to understand is comparative negligence, which could affect your compensation if you were partially at fault for your injuries. In addition, the state has set specific time limits, known as the Statute of limitations, for filing injury-related lawsuits. For most personal injury cases, this time limit is four years from the date of the accident. It's also important to understand Florida's 'no-fault' auto insurance laws if you're involved in a car accident. Under this system, drivers turn first to their own insurance policies for payment of medical expenses and lost income, regardless of who caused the accident.
The value of your case depends on numerous factors including the nature of your injuries, medical costs, lost wages and the degree of negligence of the other party. A qualified attorney can provide a more specific estimate.
The timeline of a personal injury case can range from a few months to several years, depending on the complexity and specific circumstances of the case.
The 'no-fault' law refers to Florida's motor vehicle insurance laws. Under these laws, after a car accident, your own insurance policy is responsible for paying your medical bills and lost wages, regardless of who was at fault for the accident.
Under Florida's comparative negligence rule, if you're found to be partially responsible for your injury, your compensation may be reduced by the percent you're found at fault.
Many personal injury attorneys work on a 'contingency fee' basis, which means that they're paid a percentage of your award or settlement. If there's no recovery, you typically don't owe any lawyer's fees.
The Sixth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida is a valuable resource for obtaining information on court procedures in Pinellas County, which includes St. Petersburg. The city's website and the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles' website are also informative resources for motor vehicle-related laws and accident reports.
If you need legal assistance with an accident or injury, first seek out a reputable personal injury attorney. Consultations are usually free and it allows you to assess whether you're comfortable with the attorney before proceeding. Gather all relevant documentation related to your case, such as medical reports and accident records. Then let the attorney guide you through the legal process.
