Stopping at a red light or traffic sign is a significant contributor to car accidents, and it is clear to see why. A red light is there for a reason, and ignoring one is reckless and puts lives at risk. Nevertheless, they are one of the most common types of accidents in Clearwater and often lead to serious damage and injuries.
There are many different factors that are involved in traffic accidents. But when it comes to failure to abide by strict traffic laws such as this, it is unjustifiable that someone’s reckless behavior should leave you with mounting bills to pay.
If you have been in an accident that wasn’t your fault in Clearwater, then do not hesitate to contact The Law Place for a free consultation. We will work to gather evidence, speak to insurance companies, and put together a strong case so that you can claim the compensation you deserve.
Call us now on (941) 444-4444.
Why a Driver Might Ignore a Stop Signal
There is never an excuse to ignore a stop signal. Stop signals often make way for oncoming traffic; therefore, by running a signal, the driver is endangering themselves and countless others by potentially causing a car accident. However, some reasons why it might happen in Clearwater include:
- Misjudgment of when a red light is due to change.
- Distracted driving, such as texting while driving.
- Speeding.
- Poor visibility, such as if there is heavy rain.
- Driving faculties are impaired because the driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Not Recognizing a Two-Way Stop Sign
Another common cause of stop signal car accidents is the failure to recognize a two-way stop sign at an intersection.
This kind of car accident involves drivers coming to a stop at an intersection and then continuing to move because they presume that the other car has stopped.
This type of car accident usually leads to a T-bone or side-impact collision, both of which can cause serious injuries. However, T-bone collisions are often particularly dangerous as the impact is absorbed almost entirely by the driver and their front passenger. Head trauma and spine injuries are common results.
It can be difficult to prove who was at fault in this type of situation, and we recommend that you seek help from a car accident lawyer as soon as possible.
We’re here to serve you. Our phones are open 24 hours a day. The Dangers of a Car Accident Caused by The Running of a Stop Sign
Running a stop signal, such as a road sign or a red light, often leads to a side-on collision. Side-on collisions are one of the most dangerous types of car accidents as there is little to protect people. Thankfully, newer cars come with side airbags, but this is not yet a universal feature in Clearwater.
Every year, driving ignoring traffic signals causes thousands of accidents. Some of the most common injuries that result are:
- Traumatic brain injuries.
- Physical disfigurement.
- Broken bones.
- Internal injuries.
- Death.
If you are suffering from serious injuries after a car accident in Clearwater, then your insurance company coverage may be insufficient to cover all o your expenses. That is why you need a personal injury lawyer who can help you to seek justice and compensation.
We’re Florida’s top litigation team with over 75 years of combined experience No-Fault Insurance Laws in Clearwater
In accordance with Florida Statute 627.7407, Florida is a no-fault state. In a no-fault state, drivers must first seek compensation from their own insurance company, regardless of who was at fault for the accident. In Florida, every driver must carry minimum insurance coverage of $10,000 for personal injury protection (PIP) and $10,000 for property damage. Insurance companies are then required to pay out 80% of PIP and 60% of property damage up to the limits of the driver’s policy.
However, following a Clearwater car accident, damages are likely to exceed that amount. A personal injury lawyer will work to seek the rest of your damages from the at-fault driver’s insurance company so that you are not left out of pocket.
Contact us today for a free consultation, and we will discuss your next steps.
From the initial call to updates on your case status, we are here to get you answers. Dealing with Insurance Firms in Clearwater
Following a Clearwater car accident, you need to take great care when dealing with insurance firms. They are big businesses, driven by profit. They hire insurance adjusters whose sole purpose is to devalue the claims of people who have suffered car accidents.
While you are legally required to inform your insurance that you have been in an auto accident promptly, you should keep the details vague. Tell them that you have had an accident and that you will discuss it further with them when you are able to. Following a car accident, your body will be filled with adrenaline, which might make it difficult to think clearly or to feel the true extent of any injuries.
The best thing you can do is contact a personal injury lawyer at The Law Place for a free case evaluation before you call your insurance firm. We will advise you on what to say. If you do decide to continue with representation from us, we will be by your side throughout the entire legal process.
What Damages Will an Attorney Help Me to Claim in Clearwater, Florida?
The majority of accidents in Clearwater end with few damages. However, for the unfortunate few, injuries can be life-altering and can leave people with severe emotional trauma.
If you have been left with serious injuries and trauma because someone else has behaved negligently, then you deserve compensation. While no amount of money can make up for what you have endured, it can lighten the burden of bills, and perhaps pay for some rehabilitation adjustments you have had to make to your life.
Beyond that, it is important to hold reckless drivers accountable for their actions. There is never an excuse for ignoring a red light and endangering others.
- Medical bills – Even with the best health insurance, medical bills can mount up after a car accident, especially if your injuries require long term treatment. An experienced accident lawyer in Clearwater will fight for your right to compensation for both past and future medical expenses. They will also argue for your right to physical therapy and home adjustments if necessary.
- Loss of earnings – If you are left unable to work after a car accident, then this can have a huge impact on your and your family. Your lawyer will fight for your right to lost earnings as well as lost earning potential for the future.
- Property damage – If your car, phone, or anything else has been damaged in the car accident, then you should not be left with the bill.
- Pain and suffering- Not every loss is tangible following an auto accident. Sometimes certain losses do not have an easy calculation and will require professionals who can fight for your right to be compensated for them. Pain and suffering in Clearwater include things such as your emotional suffering and the ways in which you have had to change your life because of the auto accident.
- Wrongful death – If you have lost a family member in a car accident, then you also deserve compensation.
Florida’s Comparative Negligence Laws
In line with Florida Statute 768.81, Florida runs under comparative fault. That means that more than one party can be found to be at fault, but you can still claim if you are found to be less then 50% at fault, although your settlement will be reduced.
For example, if someone ran a red light, but you were speeding, then it could be argued that you share in the blame. If this is the case, then your accident attorneys will work to prove that your fault is minimal, and will ensure that you are not taken advantage of.
If you are found to be, for example, 10% at fault, then 10% of your settlement will be deducted. Without proper representation, the other party might look to prove that your proportion of fault was much higher. However, when someone runs a red light, it shows a clear disregard for the law and should be treated as such.
What Will A Law Firm Do for Me in Tampa?
Research shows that when victims of personal injury seek representation from a lawyer, 90% of them will receive a payout, and that payout is, on average, 60% higher than those with no representation depending on the case at hand.
When you contact us at The Law Place, you will speak to a Clearwater car accident lawyer who will provide a free case evaluation. We do not expect you to have all the details of your case at this stage, but we will make a quick assessment as to whether we believe you have a valid claim and will advise you on your first steps regardless.
If we believe you have a claim and you want to continue with representation with us, then we will arrange a more in-depth case review where we can offer some further legal advice. We will also explain our fee structure and give you the opportunity to ask any questions.
Following this, you can walk away, but if you do continue, then you will enlist the help of a team of dedicated car accident attorneys who are committed to justice. Unlike other law firms, we will review your case as a team so that it can benefit from our combined experience, spanning over 75 years.
You will then be assigned a car accident lawyer who is suited to your case. They will be by your side every step of the way, liaising with insurance firms, gathering evidence, and valuing your claim. That way, you can focus on your recovery.
We will not rest until you are offered a fair settlement amount. Most cases in Clearwater never go to court, but if it does, then we will be ready to stand up in the court of law and present our findings.
We work on a contingency basis, that is monitored by the State Bar Associations, that means that our fee will be deducted from your eventual settlement.
The Law Place
If a driver has ignored the rules of the road, then they need to be held accountable for their actions. If you have been in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, then it is unjustifiable for you to be left with bills to pay.
Clearwater is one of the most dangerous places to drive, and at The Law Place, we are committed to making a change.
Contact us today and seek a free consultation with a car accident lawyer committed to justice. Do not attempt to face the legal system alone; get the help you need to give yourself a fighting chance.
We are open 24/7, so call us now on (941) 444-4444.
