In Clearwater, you would expect that drivers would travel in the right direction. Drivers owe you a duty of care to follow the rules of the road and take reasonable measures to keep those around them safe. But unfortunately, car accidents are common occurrences across Florida, and when drivers travel the wrong way, it can cause a head-on collision.
Any Clearwater car accident is traumatic, but head-on collisions are particularly damaging. They often lead to severe injury, and the impact is strong because usually, both cars are moving towards each other, sometimes at speed.
If you were hit by a negligent driver going against traffic, then you are entitled to claim for your medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and other damages. Or, if you have lost a family member in a car accident, then you may be able to seek compensation. At The Law Place, we will fight for your right to proper compensation and support you through the entire process.
Call us today for a free consultation on (941) 444-4444.
Wrong-Way Drivers Statistics
According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the following statistics apply to wrong-way car accidents.
- 69% involved alcohol.
- 57% were on weekends.
- 31% occurred between 12:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m.
Luckily, a wrong-way car accident is a rare occurrence in Clearwater and across the country. There are only around 260 every year. However, they cause a disproportionate amount of deaths, around 360 per year. The nature of wrong-way collisions means that they are particularly dangerous.
Clearwater Car Accident Damages
Following a car accident in Clearwater, damages quickly mount up. Despite this, insurance companies will be looking to pay out as little as possible in order to maximize their profits. A personal injury lawyer will make sure that you are not taken advantage of, and will not rest until you are given what you deserve.
Here are the most common types of damages that a personal injury lawyer will support you to claim, in Clearwater, FL.
- Medical bills – Medical bills, especially those resulting from head-on collisions, are likely to reach a huge sum. Our law firm will fight for your right to compensation for past and future medical bills, as well as rehabilitation costs, home-adjustments, carers, and transport to and from appointments.
- Loss of wages – If you have lost income, then this could be reimbursed, and if you are unable to return to the same job, then you can claim for a loss of earning capability.
- Pain and suffering – You also deserve compensation for your emotional suffering and the ways in which you have lost enjoyment in your life. This can be difficult to put a number on, but a skilled personal injury lawyer will help you to claim for a fair amount.
- Property damage – It is likely that following a car accident, your vehicle will be damaged, and perhaps, your belongings. Any repair or replacement costs should be included in your settlement.
- Wrongful death – If you have lost a family member in a car accident, then you could file a wrongful death lawsuit in accordance with Florida Statute 768.21. This settlement will cover the loss of income and any funeral expenses.
We’re here to serve you. Our phones are open 24 hours a day. The Causes of Wrong-Way Collisions in Clearwater, FL
Most of the time, a wrong-way collision occurs because a driver enters an exit ramp from a highway. When this happens, the driver will likely come into contact with oncoming traffic moving at high speed.
However, these types of car accidents also occur when a vehicle makes an improper U-turn, tries to make a short cut by going the wrong way down a wrong way road, or uses an emergency turnaround improperly.
All of these types of accidents can lead to head-on collisions, which are in their very nature, incredibly dangerous, and traumatic for those involved.
We’re Florida’s top litigation team with over 75 years of combined experience Results of Head-On Collisions in Clearwater, FL
Head-on collisions can be deadly, and those who do survive are usually left with serious injuries that require long term medical care and rehabilitation. Common injuries include:
- Whiplash and spinal cord injuries.
- Broken bones in the face.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
- Blunt force trauma to the chest.
From the initial call to updates on your case status, we are here to get you answers. There Is a Time Limit on Your Accident Case
If you have been involved in a car accident in Florida, then it is important to act quickly. First of all, evidence can be better obtained, the quicker you act, which will give you a higher chance at a fair settlement. As time goes on, witness memories fade, CCTV gets erased, and the property gets repaired.
Additionally, it is also essential that you seek immediate medical attention. When you seek medical care quickly, it is simple to prove that the car accident caused your injuries, but f you wait, then it could be argued otherwise. Note that you should always be checked out by a medical professional following an accident, as adrenaline may be masking your injuries. Furthermore, in accordance with Florida Statute 627.736, you must seek medical care within two weeks of the accident in order to make a personal injury claim.
Contact The Law Place for a free consultation as soon as you can, and we will offer initial advice. Those first steps of keeping evidence and how you speak to insurance companies can make all the difference.
There is also the statute of limitations to consider, in Florida, you have four years to make a personal injury claim from the date of the accident, per Florida Statute 95.11. Although, there can sometimes be exceptions in exceptional circumstances such as if you have been in a coma or suffered a long stint in hospital.
If you have suffered the loss of a loved one, then the statute of limitations for a wrongful death lawsuit is just two years.
What Will a Car Accident Lawyer Do for You?
We understand how traumatic car accidents are, and we want to be there to offer support and guidance so that you and your family can focus on your recovery without the pressure of a legal battle on your own.
Not only will an accident lawyer support you emotionally, but research also shows that 90% of cases supported by a lawyer result in a payout, which is, on average, 60% higher than those with no representation.
When you first contact us at The Law Place, we offer a free consultation. We will give some initial advice and ask some questions regarding your case. If we believe you have a valid claim, we will invite you to a more in-depth consultation.
Here, we will go into the details of your case, explain our fee structure, and give you the opportunity to ask any questions. Our law firm works on a contingency basis, monitored by the State Bar Associations, which means that our fee will be deducted from your end settlement. You pay nothing upfront.
After this, you can decide whether to commit to representation from us. If you decide to walk away, then that’s ok! However, if you do sign the dotted line, then we will get right to work on your case. Unlike other law firms, our team will review your case so that it can benefit from our combined experience, spanning over 75 years. Armed with our combined knowledge, we will look for the best ways to seek maximum compensation.
Following this, you will be assigned a dedicated accident lawyer who will become your advocate. They will fight by your side and will not rest until you get what you deserve. They will gather evidence, value your claim, and deal with insurance companies.
We will keep fighting until you are offered a fair settlement amount. Most cases in Clearwater never see a courtroom; however, if it does, we will be ready to present our findings.
The Law Place
If you have suffered the loss of a loved one, or have yourself suffered injuries in a car accident in Florida, then contact The Law Place today.
An accident lawyer will be available to answer your call 24/7 so that we can offer to advise when you really need it. No one should have to suffer mounting bills for an accident that wasn’t their fault. Not only that, but reckless drivers need to be held accountable for their actions so that we can make Florida’s roads a safer place to drive.
Our practice areas are situated throughout Florida, including Tampa, Sarasota, and Clearwater.
Call us now for a free consultation on (941) 444-4444.
