Have you been injured in an accident in Largo that was somebody else’s fault? You probably know that Florida state law allows you to seek compensation for the damages caused by your accident-related injuries. What you may not know is how to go about collecting this compensation. Largo personal injury lawyer Tania Rivas and the Rivas Law Group are here to help.
Common Causes of Injury Accidents in Largo
Rivas Law Group has handled a wide range of Florida personal injury claims. Some of the most common causes of personal injury in Largo include:
- Automobile accidents
- Big truck and commercial vehicle accidents
- Premises liability (including slips and falls, food or waterborne illnesses, inadequate security, etc.)
- Motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Nursing home neglect
- Construction site accidents
- Animal attacks
- Rideshare accidents
Some of the most common injuries that can stem from an accident include:
- Bone fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Whiplash
- Burns
- Deep cuts
- Internal organ injuries
- Nerve and soft tissue injuries
- Disfigurement
- Amputations
The severity of these injuries can range from superficial to catastrophic to fatal. Victims may require long-term medical care and be unable to return to work or engage in the activities they enjoyed before the accident.
Understanding the Basics of Florida’s Personal Injury Laws
Under state law, we all have a legal obligation to show others a basic level of care to protect them from unnecessary harm. When a person or business fails in this duty and someone becomes injured as a result, the at-fault party can be held financially responsible for the losses (called damages) resulting from those injuries. To collect payment for these damages, the injured party files a personal injury claim or lawsuit with the at-fault party and their insurance company.
Accident injury damages can include current and anticipated medical expenses, lost wages, loss of employment, loss of income, pain, suffering, mental anguish, property damage, and more.
How Can a Largo Personal Injury Lawyer Help You After an Accident?
You don’t have to hire an attorney to represent you in a personal injury case. However, it’s a good idea to do so. Accident victims who hire lawyers almost always experience a better outcome than those who don’t.
Here’s how Largo personal injury lawyer Tania Rivas can help you after an accident:
The Initial Consultation.
During the initial consultation, we’ll be able to determine if you have a valid personal injury claim against the party you claim to be responsible for your injuries. If we decide to go forward with your claim, Tania can provide valuable advice on what to do and what not to do to ensure you get the total compensation you deserve for your accident injuries.
Collecting Evidence to Support Your Claim.
Next, we’ll collect the evidence needed to support your personal injury claim. In order to be successful, you’ll have to be able to show that:
- An accident took place;
- The accident happened primarily due to the negligent actions of another;
- You were injured as a result of this accident; and
- You suffered damages as a result of your accident injuries.
Evidence can include police reports, medical reports, accident scene photos, eyewitness accounts, and expert testimony. The more evidence you have supporting your claim, the more compensation you’ll be able to demand.
Assigning a Dollar Value to Your Damages.
When determining how much money to ask for, it’s important to not only consider your present accident-related damages, but any anticipated future damages as well. For instance, if your injuries are so severe that you’ll require long-term medical treatment and care, or you are unable to return to your job, you’ll want to be sure to include them in your settlement amount. (Once you agree to a settlement, you’ll be unable to seek additional compensation for your injuries.)
The dollar losses for some damages, such as medical expenses and lost wages, are easy to compile. For other types of damages, such as pain and suffering, not so much. Tania can help you assign a dollar value to these damages based on what others in similar cases have asked for.
Negotiating with the Insurance Company.
Tania will use the evidence in your case to negotiate with the liable party’s insurance company. Again, the more evidence you have supporting your case, the easier our job will be.
The overwhelming majority of personal injury claims are settled out of court. Settling out of court often provides benefits for both sides. However, if the insurance company is unwilling to pay a fair settlement for your case, Tania has the experience and skill needed to successfully argue your case in front of a judge and jury.
Frequently Asked Questions About Largo Personal Injury Claims
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Largo?
There are statutes of limitation that apply to personal injury claims. In most cases, you only have two years from the date of your accident or two years from the date you became aware of your accident injuries in which to file a claim.
To get the total compensation you deserve for your injuries, it’s important to speak with a Largo personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after your accident. The sooner a lawyer begins collecting the evidence to support your claim, the more likely you are to collect the full compensation you are owed for your injuries.
Can I represent myself in a personal injury case?
There is no law saying that you have to hire an attorney to file a personal injury claim. However, hiring a lawyer offers many advantages. They have the knowledge, experience, and resources to fully investigate your case. They can help you determine the true value of your accident-related losses.
In addition, most personal injury attorneys — including Tania Rivas — accept their cases on a contingency basis. This means there are no upfront retainers or other expenses for clients; the attorney collects their fees as a predetermined percentage of the final cash settlement amount.
What if the person responsible for my injury doesn’t have insurance?
Seeking damages from the at-fault party when they have no insurance can be a challenge. However, depending on the circumstances of your case, there may be other avenues for seeking compensation, such as if a third party, such as the manufacturer of a defective product, shares some liability for your accident injuries. There may also be coverages afforded under your own automobile policy to compensate you in this situation.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Largo Personal Injury Lawyer Today
Have you been hurt in an accident that was caused by the negligent acts of another person or business entity? Feeling lost about what to do next? We understand what you’re going through. At Rivas Law Group, we help people in Largo, Florida, and nearby areas who have been injured in a wide range of accidents. We know the laws, we care about our clients, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
For nearly 20 years, Rivas Law Group has stood by countless individuals, guiding them through the legal maze and towards the justice they deserve. We believe that everyone should have the chance to exercise their rights and options under Florida state law without the burden of upfront legal fees.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident in Largo, don’t wait to take action to protect your rights. Every moment counts. Reach out to us today for a free consultation. Let our experienced team help you navigate the path ahead. With Rivas Law Group, you have a partner who genuinely cares and is ready to fight for you.
Contact the Rivas Law Group online or call us at (877) 299-5539 to schedule a free consultation with Largo personal injury lawyer Tania Rivas.
