Effective Florida Auto Accident Lawyers
Attorneys at The McLeod Firm, in St. Augustine, Florida, have the skill, the experience and the resources needed to effectively handle even the most complex car, truck and motorcycle accident cases. We strive to settle cases whenever possible, but we are also realistic and begin preparing for trial as soon as we accept cases. This sends a strong message to defendants and their insurance companies: settle for a reasonable amount now or risk facing our lawyers in court.
If you or a family member of yours has been seriously injured in a Florida car accident, we can help. Call or contact The McLeod Firm today.
Motor Vehicle Accidents – An Overview
Motor vehicle accidents cause the loss of time, property, health and even life. Such accidents occur because of elements including driver error, negligence, manufacturing defects and dangerous weather. No matter what the specific cause or result, a crash can turn a normal day into a prolonged struggle. Speaking with a lawyer can help you sort out your rights, your options and your future. Contact an attorney from The McLeod Firm in Saint Augustine, Florida, to find out more.
When you have been in an auto accident, you may have a sense of who caused it. Issues of fault, however, can be complicated by who acted when and which laws governed the situation. If the other driver was negligent, you may have to prove that the driver breached a duty of care to you and that the breach caused your damages. The assistance of an attorney can be immensely valuable at this time, whether you are battling an insurance company, seeking compensation for your injuries or defending yourself in court.
Auto Accident Injuries and Compensation
An individual who has been injured in an automobile accident may be able to seek monetary compensation for injuries and damages. Cases are fact specific, typically with complex issues of proof and fault in dispute. Working with an experienced attorney will help you sort out your legal options.
Insurance Claim Dos and Don’ts
When you need to make an auto insurance claim, you should proceed with care. Your actions may have a significant influence on the amount of compensation you receive.
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorists
When a driver refuses or is unable to carry proper motor vehicle insurance, that driver puts more than just him- or herself at risk. If the driver injures another person, the insurance may be inadequate to cover the damages. Injured parties, however, may be covered by their own insurance policies; uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage helps protect accident victims in these cases.
No-Fault Insurance
When a driver has been in an accident, no-fault auto insurance allows the driver to collect from his or her insurance company no matter who was at fault. Not every state has a no-fault insurance structure, but those that do have very specific laws governing when, how much and for how long the injured party may collect. In Florida, we call no fault insurance, “Personal Injury Protection”, or PIP. PIP generally covers up to$10,000 of medical expenses, lost wages, or both.
What to Do If You Are in an Accident
When you are in an accident, you have immediate, important decisions to make. For the crucial decisions you have to make later on, consult with an attorney.
Motor Vehicle Accidents Resource Links
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
The NHTSA is a government agency dedicated to making American roads safer for travelers.
National Safety Council
The National Safety Council, a nonprofit organization, provides links and articles on topics like seat belt use, safe driving for teenagers and reducing motor vehicle crashes.
U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
The Department of Transportation is a federal agency focusing on policy and lawmaking to ensure safer US travel.
MedlinePlus: Motor Vehicle Safety
This website, from the National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health, offers information on preventing motor vehicle crashes, stating that about every 12 minutes, someone in America dies from a motor vehicle accident.