When a person drives on the wrong side of the road, they are putting the lives of all road users in extreme danger. Reckless driving increases the risk of an auto accident happening substantially. In Port Charlotte, reckless driving, including driving on the wrong side of the road, accounts for a large percentage of road accidents. When these accidents happen, it is often the case that those involved are seriously injured and that there has been a lot of property damage.
At The Law Place, we have dealt with many personal injury cases involving another car driving the wrong way. In most of these cases, an experienced Port Charlotte car accident attorney will be able to find the other party at fault for the injuries you have suffered. Our law firm has over 75 years of combined experience in multiple practice areas, meaning you will benefit from a wide range of knowledge. Our law firm offers a free consultation where you can get honest legal advice from one of our car accident lawyers.
If you or a loved one has suffered a personal injury or sustained property damage as a result of a Port Charlotte car accident involving a wrong-way driver, contact The Law Place today.
Our number is (941) 444-4444, and our lines are open 24/7 for your convenience. Call today to schedule a free consultation in Florida.
Common Causes of Wrong-Way Accidents
There are a number of reasons a driver may end up on the wrong side of the road and cause an accident. It is often the case that these types of accidents happen at night time when visibility is poor, or drivers are suffering from fatigue. In these situations, drivers may be unaware that they are driving on the wrong side of the road and thus not react as quickly as necessary to prevent an accident.
Some other common causes of wrong-way car accidents in Port Charlotte include:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI).
- Eating or drinking while driving.
- Texting or using a phone while driving.
- Talking to passengers in the car.
- Changing radio stations or using a GPS while driving.
Dangers of a Car Accident Caused By Wrong-Way Driving in Port Charlotte, FL.
When a car accident involving a wrong-way driver happens in Port Charlotte, the risk of serious personal injury happening is high. This is because it is likely for a head-on collision to occur. These collisions are the most likely to result in wrongful death due to the speed the cars are driving at and the impact of the auto vehicles upon crashing.
Wrong-way crashes are a common occurrence on the roads in Port Charlotte and are responsible for some of the most serious car accident injuries. Some of the most frequent injuries seen include:
- Broken or fractured bones.
- Permanent disfigurement.
- Internal bruises and bleeding.
- Injuries to the brain and spinal cord.
- Death.
If you have been involved in a car accident involving a wrong-way driver in Port Charlotte, Florida, and have suffered personal injury as a result, it is important that you seek compensation. In many instances, compensation from an insurance company will not be enough to cover the extent of your injuries, particularly in these types of serious cases. This is why our law firm recommends speaking with an experienced personal injury lawyer who can help you get the damages you are owed.
What Damages Will an Attorney Help Me to Claim in Port Charlotte, FL?
As wrong-way car accidents often cause a lot of personal injuries and severe damage, it is likely that you will be entitled to compensation. An experienced personal injury lawyer will be able to assist you in getting justice against the reckless driver who caused the crash and in receiving the compensation you deserve.
Some of the damages that may be available to you could include:
- Loss of earnings – If you have lost wages as a result of the crash, an accident lawyer can claim for the money you have lost. This can include any potential future earnings you may have made.
- Medical bills – In the event that you have suffered a personal injury as a result of your Port Charlotte car accident, you can claim any medical expenses. This includes bills for hospital appointments, any future treatment you may need from life-altering injuries, and transport to and from any appointments.
- Pain and suffering – It is possible to claim for any emotional or physical distress you have suffered as a result of the crash. This can include being unable to partake in a hobby that you previously enjoyed before the accident.
- Wrongful death – Losing a loved one in an accident is an awful and traumatic experience. Our law firm can help you receive compensation for any funeral expenses and a loss of income to the family household.
Dealing With Insurance Companies in Port Charlotte, FL.
One of the main problems that drivers face following a car accident in Southwest Florida is having to deal with insurance companies. If you have been involved in an accident, you will know that often the main goal of an insurance company is to make a profit, and giving you the compensation you deserve is not their main priority.
Although the law in the State of Florida requires that you contact your insurance company immediately following a car accident, we recommend speaking with one of our car accident lawyers prior to contacting them. This is because they will often try to use the information you give them about the accident to devalue your claim. If you speak with a lawyer beforehand, they can advise you on what best to say to them in order to maximize the amount you receive for your car accident in Port Charlotte.
Here at The Law Place, we offer a free consultation where you can speak with one of our Port Charlotte personal injury attorneys prior to contacting your insurance company. We will give you guidance on how to best deal with these companies, and if you decide to continue with us as your legal representative, we can continue to do all the communicating with them on your behalf.
No-Fault Insurance Laws in Port Charlotte
Florida Statute 627.7407 provides that Florida is a no-fault insurance state. This statute provides that you must seek compensation from your own insurance company first, regardless of who was at fault for the car accident. It is required by law that all drivers in Port Charlotte have insurance for their vehicle and for personal injury protection (PIP). The minimum coverage that drivers are required to have for both personal injury and property damage is $10,000. When an accident happens, insurance policies must pay up to 60% in property damage and 80% for personal injury protection.
When a wrong-way collision happens, however, it is often the case that the damage sustained goes well beyond what is covered under both party’s insurance policies. If you are in this situation and your insurance does not cover the damage and injury you have suffered, you should contact one of our car accident lawyers today. We can make a claim for compensation on your behalf to ensure that you receive the right amount of compensation for your Port Charlotte car accident.
Comparative Negligence Laws in Port Charlotte, FL.
It is important to note that throughout the State of Florida, more than one party can be found liable for a car accident. This is called comparative negligence and is covered under Florida Statute 768.81. If it can be shown that you were less than 50% responsible for the accident, you will still be able to make a claim for compensation. However, the amount you receive will be affected by your percentage of fault.
In some instances, a driver may have been speeding when another motor vehicle driving on the wrong side of the road crashed into them. The other party can then argue that you were partially at fault for the accident, which can result in your claim being reduced. If the other party demonstrates that you were 30% responsible for the crash, then the amount of compensation you receive will be reduced by 30%.
This is why having the assistance of an experienced car accident attorney in Port Charlotte is essential. An experienced lawyer will be able to use their knowledge and skills to prevent the other party from finding you at fault for the crash and thus maximize the amount of compensation you receive.
What Will a Car Accident Attorney in Port Charlotte, FL., Do For You?
It has been proven that having the assistance of a car accident lawyer will increase your chances of receiving compensation greatly. Additionally, research shows that your payout will be on average 60% higher with legal representation. In these types of serious car accident cases, which often result in a lot of damage, it is important that you receive the highest amount of compensation you deserve.
Here at The Law Place, we will do everything in our power to ensure that you are duly compensated. Once you contact us for your free consultation, one of our car accident attorneys will advise you on what your best options are. We will give you honest advice on whether you are entitled to damages and whether we can establish fault on the other party.
If you decide to proceed with us as your legal representative, a lawyer from our law firm will conduct an in-depth investigation into the crash. They will speak with any witnesses, examine the police reports and collect all the evidence. We will take over all communication with your insurance on your behalf to ensure that they don’t devalue your claim or try and establish fault on your part.
Dealing with insurance companies can be a stressful experience following car accidents as they will normally have experienced legal teams attempting to reduce their liability. Our personal injury lawyers will fight tooth and nail to ensure that they do not take advantage of you and that you are adequately compensated for your wrong-way collision in Port Charlotte, Florida.
Call The Law Place in Florida Today
If you or a loved one have been involved in a wrong-way crash in Port Charlotte, Florida, and have been injured as a result, you should call The Law Place Today. We know that collisions are extremely stressful and traumatic, particularly when you have suffered serious injuries or when there has been a wrongful death. This is why we are here to help you.
Our law firm has over 75 years of experience in multiple practice areas, including cases involving motor vehicle accidents. We offer a free consultation where you can receive honest, unbiased legal advice from an attorney from our team. We are here to help you with your personal injury claim and want to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Don’t waste any time calling us. The sooner you do, the better chance your vehicle accident claim has. Call today at (941) 444-4444 for a free consultation. Our lines are open 24/7 for your convenience.
