Negligence is the main cause of car accidents across the country. Drivers have a duty to drive responsibly, not cause injuries to others, and obey all traffic laws and rules. This is what’s known as a “duty of reasonable care.” When a driver breaches their duty of care, he or she can be found negligent.
This means that a driver who causes a car accident did not act in the way that another reasonable driver would have in a similar situation. One example is a driver who fails to stop at a red light and strikes a vehicle that has the right of way.
Examples of Negligence Behind the Wheel
With millions of drivers on the road each and every day, it may feel like getting into a collision at some point is an unavoidable risk. The truth is that most Florida car “accidents” are anything but accidents. In fact, nearly every car crash is preventable with the proper care and caution.
Some common examples of actions that lead to Pensacola car accidents include:
- Speeding
- Failure to adjust driving in bad weather
- Fatigue and drowsy driving
- Drunk driving
- Impaired driving (driving under the influence of illicit or prescription drugs)
- Distracted driving
- Aggressive driving
- Road rage
- Tailgating
- Running red lights and stop signs
- Improper turns
All of these distractions and more can lead to injury accidents, and in some instances, they can lead to fatalities. However, there are some instances when a driver’s actions are not the primary cause of the auto accident. Outside factors, like obstructed or missing road signs, bad weather, defective auto parts, etc., may be the primary cause of the accident.
Common Car Accident Injuries
Car accident victims often suffer a wide range of injuries, from minor to life-altering injuries. Understanding these injuries can help you recognize their severity and ensure they’re properly documented in your personal injury claim.
Some of injuries most commonly associated with motor vehicle accidents include:
- Whiplash: A neck injury caused by the rapid back-and-forth movement of the head, often resulting in pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Head injuries ranging from mild concussions to severe brain damage, which can have long-term cognitive, emotional, and physical effects.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord that can lead to partial or complete paralysis, requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
- Broken Bones: Fractures are common in high-impact crashes, particularly to the arms, legs, ribs, and collarbone.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons, often resulting in pain, swelling, and limited mobility.
- Internal Injuries: Damage to internal organs, such as the liver, spleen, or lungs, caused by blunt-force trauma during the crash.
- Burns: Severe burns from vehicle fires or contact with hot surfaces, which may require skin grafts and long-term treatment.
- Cuts and Lacerations: Injuries caused by broken glass or debris, which can range from minor to severe and may leave permanent scars.
- Emotional Injuries: Psychological trauma, including anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), often develops after a car crash.
Steps to Take After an Auto Accident
Protecting your rights and strengthening your car accident claim starts with the steps you take after the accident. By being proactive and organized, you can help safeguard your rights and position yourself to recover full and fair compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
- Keep Track of Medical Expenses
- As you receive medical attention for your car crash injuries, collect every bill, receipt, and record related to your medical care. Create a file for your medical bills, prescriptions, therapy costs, and any other medical expenses.
- Keep a detailed log of your symptoms, treatments, and doctor’s appointments. This record can provide crucial evidence in personal injury cases.
- Notify Your Insurance Company
- Report the accident promptly to your own insurance company while avoiding any admission of fault. Be factual but concise in your statement.
- Consult a Pensacola Car Accident Lawyer
- An experienced personal injury attorney will handle the insurance claims process and advocate for you. Emmanuel Sheppard & Condon will take care of your legal matters so you can focus on your recovery.
- Avoid Posting About the Accident on Social Media
- Do not post details, photos, or updates about the car accident on social media. Insurance companies and opposing legal teams may scrutinize your posts for any inconsistencies or statements that could be used to undermine your car accident claim.
- Avoid Early Settlement Offers
- Be cautious of any offer from the other driver’s insurance company right after the accident occurred. Early settlements undervalue the true cost of your injuries and vehicle repair costs.
- Kindly refer insurance companies that contact you to your personal injury lawyer.
- Collect and Preserve Evidence
- If you’re able, take photos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, and traffic signals.
- Gather contact information from witnesses and other involved parties. These materials may play a critical role in your Pensacola car accident case.
- Follow All Medical Advice
- Adhere to your doctor’s recommendations for treatment, including follow-ups or rehabilitation. Failure to do so could harm your personal injury claim by giving the impression that your injuries aren’t as severe as reported.
- Track Lost Wages and Out-of-Pocket Expenses
- Record any lost wages from missed work and other out-of-pocket expenses, such as transportation to medical appointments. These costs should be included in your auto accident claim.
The aftermath of a car crash can quickly drain your time, energy, and resources, especially if you’re coping with a serious injury, but you don’t have to face it alone. A dedicated Pensacola personal injury lawyer with Emmanuel Sheppard & Condon can review your case, discuss your legal options, and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Car Accidents with Uninsured Motorists
In some accidents, people with legitimate uninsured/underinsured motorist claims count on this coverage to pay for their vehicle repairs, medical care, and more. Unfortunately, insurance companies avoid paying claims whenever possible, and uninsured/underinsured claims are no exception. If you are faced with this situation, contact Emmanuel Sheppard & Condon’s auto accident lawyers for legal assistance.
Our experienced Pensacola personal injury lawyers have helped many Florida and Alabama clients build effective car accident cases against insurance companies. We understand insurance law. Just as importantly, we understand how aggressively insurance companies work to minimize or even deny your claim.
When an accident occurs, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage should protect you and your family beyond your vehicle. This means the insurance company will cover your injury claims whether you or your family members are riding in your vehicle, in someone else’s vehicle, riding a bicycle, or simply walking down the road. However, if you are not able to obtain the full and fair compensation you deserve, our Pensacola car accident attorneys can help.
Were You Hit by a Drunk Driver?
What can you do if you’re a victim of a drunk driver? Of course, a lawsuit against the driver is the first course of action. We find, however, that many of these drivers are not insured and, therefore, cannot provide the compensation necessary to meet your loss. In these cases, it may be possible to pursue recovery against the persons who provided the alcohol to the driver.
In the state of Florida, establishments that serve alcoholic beverages may be liable for damages resulting from the consumption of these beverages in certain cases. Our Pensacola car accident attorneys can identify all liable parties and hold them accountable for your injuries and other damages.
Florida PIP and Your Insurance Company
Many people mistakenly believe that an insurance company will do the right thing and provide adequate compensation should they be forced to file a claim. Never rely on an insurance company. Big corporate insurance giants are looking out for their interests, not yours. They will likely offer you an initial settlement, but it will not be enough to compensate you fully for all your damages and losses, such as medical bills you incur in the future to treat your injuries. Should you accept a low settlement offer, your case is effectively over and you can’t go back seeking additional compensation.
Florida and nine other states in the nation require that drivers carry personal injury protection (PIP). The intent is to reduce the delay of payment to victims who need money to pay medical bills immediately following an accident. Unfortunately, the $10,000 payment may not be what you need. While helpful, depending on your injuries, the payment could barely make a dent in your total financial obligation.
Contact a Pensacola Car Accident Attorney
You and your family deserve to be compensated for your losses. When you are injured through no fault of your own, our team is here to help you. At Emmanuel Sheppard & Condon, we don’t believe that any victim should be forced to make difficult decisions regarding their health care and the support of their families. We also believe that those who are negligent must be held accountable for their decisions.
If you have been injured in an auto accident in the Pensacola or Gulf Coast area, we would like to speak with you. We will review the details of your accident at no cost to you and advise you of your legal rights. Call us at (850) 518-7117 or through our online contact form to schedule your free consultation.