Pensacola Car Accident Lawyer

Resources for Car Accident Victims in Pensacola, Florida

Types of Compensation You Can Recover

The compensation or damages you can recover in a car accident claim or lawsuit in Pensacola primarily depends on the losses you have incurred. The purpose of these damages is to reimburse you for your expenses and financial losses, as well as to compensate for non-financial losses. Potential recoverable damages include reimbursement for medical expenses, lost wages, and any out-of-pocket costs. Additionally, you may be eligible for damages related to loss of earning capacity, mental anguish, and pain and suffering.

If you were married at the time of the accident, your spouse may be eligible to claim damages for loss of consortium. This refers to the loss of services, support, companionship, and assistance that you would have provided to your spouse if the accident had not occurred.

How Much Your Car Accident Case Is Worth

Determining the worth of a car accident claim in Pensacola can be challenging. This is due to the various factors involved in the claims process—and potentially a trial—that can influence the value of your case. Generally, the value of a claim primarily depends on the specific circumstances of the incident and the losses you have experienced. Some of these factors include:

• The extent of your injuries: Claims involving serious injuries, such as spinal fractures, traumatic brain injuries, or fatalities, often settle for significant amounts.
• The potential for permanent disability, long-term temporary disability, or scarring.
• The duration required for your full recovery and return to work.
• The total cost of your medical bills, including any future treatment.
• Pain, suffering, and emotional distress experienced as a result of the accident.
• The severity of the other party’s actions that led to the accident. Recklessness, intentional harm, and negligence can increase the value of a claim.

You might be tempted to accept a low settlement offer from the other driver’s insurance company just to get through this challenging period. The insurance company aims to have you accept the lowest settlement possible to resolve the case as quickly as they can.

These settlement offers often fall short of covering all your medical bills, vehicle repair costs, and lost wages resulting from the accident. If you’ve been pressured to accept a low settlement by an aggressive insurance adjuster, reach out to our experienced Pensacola car accident attorneys today. We will take a firm stance against the other driver’s insurance company to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve for your injuries.

How Long You Have to File Your Claim

In Pensacola car accident claims, timely action is crucial. Delaying contact with a car accident lawyer in Pensacola can negatively impact your claim. Florida's statute of limitations mandates that victims file a claim within a specific timeframe. For car accidents, this period is two years from the date of the accident.

If you fail to file your claim within this timeframe, you will be barred from filing a lawsuit. This means your case will be considered time-barred and cannot be brought to court. Consequently, no insurance company will consider a time-barred claim, let alone provide compensation.

Steps to Take After The Car Accident

If you or someone around you is capable, you should also try to take the following steps:

• Collect the details of the other drivers involved in the accident. Get their name, contact information, insurance number, as well as the name and contact information of all passengers in their vehicle.
• Write down the details of all other vehicles involved in the accident. Useful information includes make, model, year and license tag number.
• Be sure to note anything the other driver and passengers say. This may help indicate where the fault lies for the accident. For example, record comments like “I’m so sorry”, “I didn’t see you”, “I was in a hurry” etc.
• Get the names and contact information of witnesses to the accident. They will be vital to help establish the circumstances of the accident. If you can, take photos and video of the accident scene as well, and all vehicles involved.
• After you visit the doctor, make a list of all your personal injuries. Also keep a list of all your doctor and hospital visits, and other medical expenses. They will be useful to show what the accident has cost you.
• Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident. Ideally, you should call once your health and that of those around you are secure.

In the aftermath of a car accident, it is normal to feel confused, angry or frustrated. You should understand however, that your actions in the aftermath of the accident could make or break your case. The first thing you should do after the accident is to get help, especially if you or anyone else has sustained an injury. Call 911 to get law enforcement and emergency services to the scene. Your health and safety are of primary importance.