Every day, we see reported news of car accidents that resulted in serious injuries or even fatalities. But what about the accidents that don’t make the headlines? The fender benders, the rear-end collisions? Even if you walk away from an auto accident without any visible injuries, you could still be at risk for long-term health problems. If you’ve been in a minor accident in Plant City, FL, here’s what you need to know about your legal options surrounding a potential personal injury claim, and how an attorney can help you obtain compensation for your injuries.
What Are Personal Injury Claims?
In general, personal injury claims are civil cases that allow accident victims to seek financial compensation from the party considered responsible for the accident. Although most personal injury claims are settled out of court, some may go to trial. It’s important to get an attorney involved as early as possible to represent your best interests in your claim.
There are many different types of personal injury claims, but they all have one thing in common: they are based on the idea of negligence. Negligence is a legal term that refers to the failure to take reasonable care to prevent harm. In order for a personal injury claim to be successful, the victim must be able to prove that the defendant’s negligence was a direct cause of the victim’s injuries. Satisfying this burden of proof is how an attorney can help you.
Auto Accidents as Personal Injury Claims
Car accidents are by far the most common type of personal injury claim. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are six million car accidents in the United States every year. And those six million car accidents result in three million injuries and 40,000 fatalities.
In Plant City, FL, auto accident victims have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. If you wait longer than two years, you will be barred from seeking compensation for your injuries, no matter how serious they may be.
Even if you’re not sure whether or not you have a case, it’s always best to consult with an experienced Plant City, FL, auto accident attorney as soon as possible after your accident. An attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options and can help you build a strong case for compensation. Don’t wait – if you have any questions, please feel free to contact us for a free initial consultation today.