Some of the most common traffic offenses are running a red light or a stop sign. They are also a massive cause of car accident and personal injury cases. These accidents can lead to some serious injuries, and it shouldn’t be down to you to pay for your losses if it wasn’t your fault.
There are a huge number of different factors that come into play when it comes to car accidents. Sometimes it is a genuine mistake, and sometimes the accident is caused by drivers being under the influence or texting while driving.
Running red lights can’t lead to some horrific injuries as people expect a driver to stop when they get to one. Every day in the Tampa area, reckless drivers run stop signs and put everyone on the road at risk of injury. According to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FHSMV), Florida is one of the most dangerous states to drive in, so it is important to hold those responsible accountable and prevent further accidents in the future.
When someone runs a stop signal, they are breaking the law, and if you have received injuries as a result of a reckless driver, you should contact us at The Law Place on 941-444-4444 for a free consultation. A personal injury lawyer will help you to fight for the compensation you deserve. Our law firm will gather evidence, speak to your insurance company, and put together a strong case in Tampa, FL.
Why a Driver Might Ignore a Stop Signal
A reckless driver might ignore the rules of the road for several reasons, but common ones include:
- Speeding.
- Misjudgment of how quickly a red light changes.
- Distracted driving, such as looking at a phone.
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Poor visibility, such as if there is heavy rain or a poorly lit road at night.
The Dangers of Car Accidents Caused by Running Stop Signs
Running a stop signal, such as red lights, can lead to serious accidents. Most commonly, this action leads to a side-on-collision, which is one of the most dangerous types of car accidents for causing serious injuries especially, if the car that is hit is an older model without side airbags installed.
Every single year, drivers running red lights contribute to thousands of motor vehicle accidents and pedestrian injuries in Florida.
Some of the common injuries seen in a car accident as a result of a driver ignoring red lights in Tampa are:
- Traumatic brain injuries.
- Internal injuries.
- Broken Bones.
- Physical disfigurement.
- Death.
If you have suffered a serious injury following a car accident in Florida, then it is likely that your insurance company coverage will not cover all of the expenses that will result. That is why you need an accident lawyer on your side to ensure that you are not left out of pocket for an accident that wasn’t your fault. Our practice areas cover Tampa Bay, Sarasota, and other areas across Florida. Contact us now for a free case evaluation.
We’re here to serve you. Our phones are open 24 hours a day. Florida No-Fault Insurance Laws
Florida is a no-fault state, according to Florida Statute 627.7407. This means that after you have been in an accident, you will seek compensation from your own insurance company first, regardless of who was at fault. Florida requires every driver to carry minimum insurance coverage of $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) and $10,000 in property damage. Insurance companies are required to pay out 80% of PIP and 60% of property damage.
However, following an accident in Tampa, it is not uncommon for damages to exceed this amount. That is why you need an experienced accident lawyer on your side to ensure that you are not left out of pocket. Contact our law firm today, and we will make an evaluation of your case and advise you on your next steps.
We’re Florida’s top litigation team with over 75 years of combined experience Dealing With a Tampa Car Insurance Firm
Following an accident in Tampa, you should be careful when speaking to insurance companies. They are big businesses, and like any other big business, their top priority is profit and not your welfare. They will do all they can to devalue your claim. You are required to inform your insurance for an accident, usually within 24 hours. However, you should keep details about the accident and your injuries brief. Remember, following an accident, you may not initially realize the extent of your damage as your body will have released a lot of adrenaline.
The best thing to do if you are able to be to contact an accident lawyer in Tampa first, who can advise you on what you should say to your insurance firm, or they may be able to speak to them on your behalf.
From the initial call to updates on your case status, we are here to get you answers. Florida’s Comparative Negligence Laws
Florida also runs under comparative negligence. This means that your settlement amount could be reduced by the amount that you were at fault. For example, if someone ran a red light, but you were speeding, you could share some of the blame. Let’s say, for example; you were found to be 20% at fault for the accident; you would receive 80% of the damages. You still have the right to seek compensation in court as long as you were less than 50% at fault for the accident in Tampa, FL.
What Will a Law Firm Do for Me in Tampa?
It’s common knowledge that having a lawyer on your side will greatly increase the chances of you getting the compensation you deserve. The amount and probability of winning compensation is dependent on your case, but according to research, on average, over 90% of personal injury claims represented by a lawyer, resulting in a settlement, and the payout is, on average, 60% more than those without any representation.
When you phone The Law Place, we will provide a free case evaluation. We do not expect that you will understand everything about your case at this stage, that’s what we’re here for. Your accident lawyer will advise you on what your next steps could be. If you decide to continue with representation, then we will arrange an in-depth case review. Following this, you are still under no obligation to continue with representation. You can decide on how you would like to proceed once you are confident that you have all of the information you need.
In your free consultation, we will explain what an accident lawyer can do for your case, such as speaking to insurance companies, gathering evidence, and valuing your claim. We will also tell you what our fees are, so you know exactly where you stand.
We work on a contingency basis, so if your claim in Tampa is unsuccessful, you will not pay anything. Although this rarely happens.
If you decide to continue working with The Law Place, we will take over the investigation of your case, including investigating the other driver and speaking to their insurance firm. That way, you can focus on your recovery.
Most car accidents in Florida result in a settlement, without the need to go to court. However, we will not accept less then what you deserve. When a driver ignores the rules of the road and put lives at risk, they must be held accountable, and you should never be left out of pocket for an accident that was not your fault. If your case does go to court, we will be ready to fight for the justice you deserve.
Get Help From The Law Place today!
When a driver ignores the rules of the road and leaves you with serious injuries, you deserve compensation, and you should not have to tackle Florida’s complicated legal system alone.
Here at The Law Place, we have been dealing with cases just like yours across Florida for over 75 years collectively. We are not afraid to stand up to insurance companies that want to devalue your claim, and we always put our clients at the heart of what we do.
With the right legal representation behind you, you have a greater chance of seeking successful compensation. From the free consultation phase all the way to the final settlement, you will be well looked after.
Phone The Law Place today on 941-444-4444. We are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
