If you were recently hit by a driver who fell asleep at the wheel in New Tampa, you may be wondering what your legal options are. Though no amount of money can undo the damage that’s been done, filing a personal injury lawsuit can help you recoup some of the costs associated with the accident, such as medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. In this blog post, we’ll briefly discuss some of the key things you should know about filing a personal injury lawsuit in with an auto accident attorney in New Tampa, FL.
1. You Have a Limited Time to File a Lawsuit.
Under Florida law, you have four years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver. If you don’t file your lawsuit within that time frame, you’ll likely be barred from doing so. We highly recommend consulting with an attorney in New Tampa, FL, who is familiar with auto accident laws and limitations.
2. You May Be Able to Settle Your Case Out of Court.
Though some personal injury cases do end up going to trial, many are actually settled out of court through negotiation between the two parties. If you’re able to reach an agreeable settlement with the other driver’s insurance company, you may be able to avoid the time and expense of a trial altogether. A New Tampa, FL attorney who is well-versed in this type of auto accident will be a crucial asset.
3. You May Be Entitled to More Than Just Medical Bills and Lost Wages.
In addition to economic damages like medical bills and lost wages, you may also be able recover noneconomic damages for things like pain and suffering and emotional distress. When determining how much noneconomic damages to award, Florida courts will consider factors like the severity of your injuries, whether you’ll need long-term medical care, and the impact the accident has had on your quality of life. Again, we stress the importance of working with an experienced attorney in New Tampa, FL, to assist you in recovering as much as possible.
If you’ve been involved in an auto accident caused by another driver’s negligence, it’s important that you understand your legal rights and options. Though taking legal action won’t undo what’s been done, it can help you get the financial compensation you need and deserve to move on with your life.