Car Accidents

Car Accident Attorney in St. Petersburg, FL

Car accidents can alter your life or the life of a loved one. No one gets behind the wheel of a vehicle expecting to get into a car crash. However, a driver's carelessness or lack of attention can turn a routine commute from work, or a trip to the store into a terrible, life-altering event. Those involved in car accidents can suffer serious, life-threatening injuries, requiring thousands of dollars for medical treatment If you've suffered an injury due to an auto accident, contact car accident attorneys in St. Petersburg, FL at The Walker Law Group online or by calling 727-865-5724.

Even where injuries are slight or completely absent, the mental suffering that accompanies accidents can require significant treatment. Added to the mental trauma, is the stress of dealing with insurance companies who want to minimize their liability.

At The Walker Law Group, our experienced St. Petersburg car accident attorneys understand that overwhelming feelings such as anger, frustration, and confusion can accompany a car accident. We can help you understand the claim and court process, work with the insurance companies, and formulate a working strategy, so that you get the compensation you're entitled to.

Call us at 727-865-5724 or schedule online now to set up a free consultation with an experienced accident attorney.

Causes of Car Accidents

Most car accidents are caused by a driver's negligence or carelessness. Anytime a driver does something that an ordinary, careful, and prudent driver would not do, that driver acts negligently. Examples of negligence include:

• Texting while driving or using a cell phone while driving;
• Driving aggressively or too fast for the road conditions;
• Ignoring or failing to obey the rules of the road;
• Failing to adhere to traffic signs;
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol;
• Taking his or her eyes off the road to talk with passengers, change the radio, etc.

If a driver acts negligently and causes a car accident, they may be held civilly liable for monetary damages. These damages would be paid to other parties seriously injured in the crash and would go to cover such things as medical bills, damage to property, and pain and suffering.

What You Should Do After An Auto Accident in St. Petersburg, FL

Many people are unsure of what to do after an auto accident. The rush of adrenaline or the pain of an injury can make it difficult to think clearly. The experienced car accident attorneys at The Walker Law Group focus on guiding clients through difficult situations that often arise after an accident. We let you know what you should do after an auto accident. After you have followed our steps, we can begin to handle every element of your personal injury case compassionately, skillfully, and effectively.

Together, with our personal injury legal team, our experienced car accident attorneys represent drivers and passengers who have been injured. We help with the immediate problems; like who will pay for your car, how you will be reimbursed for time missed from work, and how you will pay for the medical care you need. We will take all of your options into account when seeking a resolution of your injury case. We will look for evidence of drunk driving or dangerous road conditions, which can open up more recovery options.

A Step-By-Step Guide for Motor Vehicle Accident Victims

The staff at The Walker Law Group believes in preparation, so we have put together a guide that lists actions that you should take, following a crash:

1. Make sure you are safe in an auto accident. Your well-being is the most important thing. Survey the scene. Unless moving would cause further injury to yourself or someone in your vehicle, pull over to the side of the road and steer clear of traffic.
2. Call the police. They will survey the auto accident scene and complete an official accident report, which may be useful for insurance companies or litigation. Without an accident report, it is often difficult to settle an injury case.
3. If you are injured, make sure you call an ambulance. Because of the large adrenaline rush that often comes with an accident, you may not feel serious pain at the scene. It is important to get medical care, just in case. Many large injuries feel small at the beginning. For example, serious jaw injuries may often start as minor head and neck aches.
4. Exchange information. Make sure that you get the name, address, driver's license number, and insurance information of the other driver. This will be necessary to get compensation for property damage or personal injury.
5. Follow up with a healthcare provider. Seeking continuous care with a doctor can be critical to your health. It can also be essential to bringing a successful personal injury claim. Insurance companies will often use delays and gaps in treatment against you, arguing that your injuries are not as serious as they say, or that your injuries are not even related to the accident.
6. Do not cover up critical evidence. Don't be in a rush to get your vehicle fixed after a crash. You may lose critical evidence if you do that. Experts often inspect vehicle damage to estimate the rate of speed and the force of the impact among other things. Talk with a car accident attorney now at 727-865-5724, before you take action. Injury photos showing cuts and bruises are often helpful in demonstrating the severity of a case, too.
7. Get legal advice. The best way to protect your rights is to speak with our expeinced car accident attorneys before talking with the other driver's insurance company.

FAQs

Should You Call a Lawyer or Insurance First?

After a car accident, it’s advisable to call a lawyer before notifying your insurance company. A lawyer can guide you through the complex process of filing a claim, ensuring you don't accidentally say anything that could jeopardize your case.

Should You File a Claim Before or After Speaking With a Lawyer?

While it's tempting to report the incident to your insurance immediately, telling them you have legal representation should only be done after filing your claim. Having an attorney will help protect your rights and ensure you receive proper compensation for any injuries or damages sustained during the accident. The lawyer can also help negotiate with insurance companies.

How Long After an Accident Can You Call Insurance?

You should notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible, ideally within 24 to 48 hours. Prompt reporting allows your insurer to investigate the incident quickly and accurately. Failure to notify the insurance company in a timely manner could lead to complications, such as delays in your claim or even denial of coverage.

How Many Car Accident Cases Go to Court?

The majority of car accident cases are settled outside of court, often through negotiations between the parties involved or their insurance companies. Only a handful of car accident claims actually go to trial.

Can You Claim Anxiety After a Car Accident?

Yes, you can claim anxiety or emotional distress as part of a personal injury claim after a car accident. If the accident caused you significant psychological trauma, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), these conditions can be included in your claim for compensation. To successfully claim anxiety, you will need to provide medical documentation that proves the connection between the accident and your emotional distress. This may include therapy records, diagnoses from mental health professionals, or testimony that demonstrates the impact of the trauma on your life.

Does the IRS Tax Settlement Money?

Generally, settlement money from a car accident is not taxable by the IRS, as it is typically considered compensation for personal injury. However, if part of the settlement is for lost wages or punitive damages, that portion may be taxable. For example, if you receive compensation for medical expenses, emotional distress, or pain and suffering, these amounts are generally not taxed. If you have questions about the specifics of your settlement and whether it might be taxable, it’s wise to consult a tax professional to ensure you are in compliance with tax laws.

Contact a Car Accident Attorney in St. Petersburg, FL Today!

If you are involved in a car accident, it is important to protect your legal rights. If action is not taken quickly, critical evidence to show who was at fault may be lost, as photographs can disappear and memories can fade. Asides from this, statements made to the other driver or insurance company can limit the recovery you might otherwise receive. If you or a loved one were involved in a car accident,

Call us at 727-865-5724 or schedule online now to set up a free consultation with an experienced auto accident attorney in St. Petersburg, FL.