Rollover accidents can happen in the blink of an eye but often result in serious, life-changing injuries and even death. If you or a loved one have been involved in a rollover accident in Bradenton, FL., there are challenging times ahead, and it is important that you seek legal support.
The death of a loved one or the trauma sustaining a serious injury can affect all aspects of your life. You may have been left living with chronic pain and unable to work. You deserve to be compensated for your pain and suffering, as well as your financial losses.
The Bradenton car accident lawyers at The Law Place and support you during this difficult time and aggressively fight for the compensation that you are rightfully owed. Using our skills and experience, we can determine the full value of your claim and investigate your case to hold any negligent parties liable for your injuries.
Our team has over 75 years of combined experience in handling personal injury cases and can work to secure the best outcome for you. So call today at (941) 444-4444 to schedule a free consultation. Our phone lines are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
What Are Some Common Causes of Bradenton Rollover Accidents?
Rollover car accidents can happen for many reasons, but whatever the case, most survivors are left with catastrophic, life-changing personal injuries. Some common causes of rollover crashes in Bradenton, FL., include:
- Jerking the steering wheel to stay on the road, usually because of distracted driving.
- Tire failure.
- On over-correction, that causes the car to tumble.
- Hitting a curb or guardrail at high speeds.
- Hazardous roadways caused by bad weather or poor road maintenance.
- Improperly marked roads that fail to alert drivers of sharpness of sharp bends or steep roads.
- Unstable and top-heavy vehicles such as vans, trucks, and SUVs.
- Reckless driving.
- Distracted driving.
- Driving under the influence (DUI).
Whatever the circumstances of your Bradenton car accident were, it is possible that another party is liable for your injuries. For a free case evaluation, call The Law Place today.
Who Is Liable for My Injuries?
When car accidents happen in Bradenton, most people automatically assume that one of the drivers is at fault, when in fact, there a number of different parties who could be liable. For example, in the case of truck accidents, the trucking company could be held accountable for forcing the truck driver to work extended hours with no breaks, leading to driver fatigue. Some of the parties that could be considered negligent in your case include:
- The other driver.
- A trucking company.
- Car or truck manufacturer.
- Tire manufacturer.
- Highway maintenance.
If you are unsure about who may be liable for your car accident injuries, a personal injury lawyer can investigate your case and identify all of the negligent parties. Call us today to find out more.
What Are Some Common Injuries Sustained in Bradenton Car Accidents?
Rollover accidents in Bradenton are usually serious and result in devastating injuries, including:
- Spinal cord injuries, possibly leading to partial or full paralysis.
- Back injuries.
- Broken bones, such as arms, legs, and ribs.
- Organ damage such as punctured lungs.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
- Neck injuries.
- Loss of limbs.
- Death.
Whether your injuries were minor or very serious, the personal injury lawyers from The Law Place can explain all of your options and protect your rights. Call today to schedule a free consultation.
Florida’s No-Fault Policy
If you have been injured in any kind of car accident in Bradenton, Florida, you are probably wondering what options you have when it comes to getting compensated for your losses.
Florida is a no-fault car insurance state. Therefore, your first step following a car accident should be filing a claim with the car insurance company with which you have your personal injury protection (PIP). This coverage should pay for some medical bills and other financial losses, no matter who was responsible for the rollover crash.
However, under some circumstances, such as in the case of serious injury, you may need to step outside of no-fault and bring a claim directly against the at-fault driver or any other liable parties. The court will need detailed evidence of your injuries, evidence that establishes that another party is liable for them, and the monetary losses you have suffered as a direct result of the car accident. This is where an experienced personal injury attorney can step in.
How Do Personal Injury Claims Work in Florida?
Any person who is injured in a rollover accident in Bradenton, and files a personal injury lawsuit, will be required to establish beyond reasonable doubt that another person’s negligence, as per Florida Statute 768.81, caused their injuries. If they cannot provide evidence to prove this, they will not be awarded compensation.
A key element of negligence is that the defendant had a legal duty to protect you and others from harm. This is referred to as the “duty of care,” which is the same as legal responsibility or liability.
What Is Reasonable Care?
According to Florida law, every person has a duty to others and should always act in a reasonably safe manner to prevent them from harm. This legal requirement does not mean that every person must intervene to prevent harm, but they are required to act in a way that means they do not cause harm themselves.
This applies to car accidents because when a driver is behind the wheel, they have a legal duty to act as a reasonable person would in a similar situation and drive safely. Or when a mechanic is fixing a car, they should not send it back out onto the road until they are certain that it is safe to do so.
Establishing Negligence
The duty of care plays a key role in determining if someone was negligent and therefore liable for your injuries. You must establish that the defendant acted carelessly or recklessly because their actions or inactions put you at risk. This is known as the “foreseeable zone of risk.” The court will look at this to decide if the defendant should have known someone else would be harmed or damage would be caused because of their actions. The harm must have been foreseeable for a successful case.
It is impossible for any victim to establish negligence in court alone. Therefore, it is important that any person who is injured in a rollover car accident contacts an experienced car accident attorney straight away. An experienced lawyer can conduct an investigation into the car accident case and look at the police accident report, eyewitness accounts, photographs, and/or video footage from the accident scene, and consult with expert witnesses. They can negotiate a settlement on your behalf and take your trial to court if a settlement cannot be agreed upon. Call The Law Place to find out more.
What Damage Can I Recover Following Rollover Accident?
Not only will you be grieving the loss of a loved one or recovering from your own personal injuries, but you will probably also be worrying about how you will pay for all of your expenses related to the rollover car accident. An experienced personal injury lawyer can fight for compensation for the following damages:
- Medical expenses.
- Lost wages.
- Loss of future earnings.
- Vehicle repairs.
- Medical equipment.
- The cost of household services that the injured party can no longer perform.
- Travel costs for medical appointments or therapy sessions.
- Future or long-term medical care
As well as these economic damages, your personal injury lawyer can also make a claim for the following non-economic damages:
- Pain and suffering.
- Mental anguish (for example, PTSD, depression, stress, and anxiety).
- Loss of enjoyment of life.
- Inconvenience.
- Disability or disfigurement.
- Loss of consortium (compensation for the spouse of the injured victim for loss of affection, support, comfort, sexual relations, and companionship).
Our accident attorneys will investigate your case to determine the full value of your claim so you are fairly compensated. To discuss what personal injury damages you could claim following a rollover accident in Bradenton, call The Law Place to schedule a free consultation with one of our accident attorneys.
What Is a Florida Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
According to Florida law, wrongful death happens when an individual person or entity directly causes the death of another person via a “wrongful act, negligence, default, or breach of contract or warranty,” as per Florida Statute 768.19. To put it more simply, it occurs when one person loses their life as a result of the legal fault of another party.
In all states, a victim’s loved one can file a wrongful death lawsuit, but each state has its own set of rules. In Florida, the personal representative or “executor” of the victim’s estate must file the wrongful death claim, as per Florida Statute 768. 20, and act on behalf of any surviving family members.
If the wrongful death case is successful, the court will order the at-fault party to pay “damages” for the family’s claimed losses and compensate them for the death. Damages paid to the family will compensate them for:
- The loss of the services and support the accident victim previously provided to family members.
- The loss of protection and companionship.
- Emotional pain and suffering.
- The loss of parental instruction, and guidance, and companionship.
- Any medical bills and funeral expenses a surviving family member has had to pay for.
The victim’s estate may also recover:
- Any wages, benefits, and other earnings that were lost from the date of the car accident to the date of their death.
- The estimated value of any earnings and benefits the victim could reasonably have been expected to add to the estate if they had lived.
If you have lost a loved one in a Bradenton car accident, the accident lawyers from The Law Place can file a wrongful death lawsuit on your behalf. Call today for a free consultation.
Steps to Take Following a Bradenton Car Accident
Your actions at the scene of a Bradenton car accident could affect your future ability to secure a compensation settlement. Try not to panic and follow these key steps:
Remain at the Scene
You should never leave the scene of an accident – especially if anyone has been injured. You could face criminal charges as per Florida Statute 316.061.
Check for Injuries and Seek Medical Attention
Florida’s personal injury protection legislation requires all drivers to carry insurance to cover car accident damages. To claim any PIP benefits, your property damage and injuries must be reported within 14 days of the accident. Therefore, it is important that you seek medical treatment as soon as possible, even if you think that you have only sustained minor injuries.
Report the Accident to the Police
In Florida, any crash involving serious injuries or property damage should be reported to the police. The attending officer can file a report on your behalf, and this could include vital information which could prove vital later on. They can also help you to gather contact information from other drivers and any witnesses.
Exchange Contact Information With the Other Driver
If you are able, exchange any relevant information with the other driver, such as phone numbers, names, and addresses. All other interactions should be kept to a minimum, don’t say anything that could be interpreted as an admission of guilt.
Ask for Contact Information From Witnesses
After you have exchanged contact information with the other driver, it is a good idea to speak to anyone else who witnessed the crash. This could be a pedestrian, another driver who was not involved in the crash, and passengers in either vehicle. Make a note of their names, phone numbers, and addresses so that your attorney can contact them at a later date. Eyewitnesses can provide valuable insight into the circumstances of the rollover crash.
Take Pictures
Photos can prove vital when it comes to establishing liability in a car accident case. Use your smartphone to take pictures of the damage to both vehicles, any marks on the road, and anything else at the car accident scene that you think could be important. It is also a good idea to take pictures of your injuries and any injuries your passengers incurred.
Speak to Your Insurance Company
Unfortunately, you cannot avoid your insurance company following a car accident. Try not to worry about these interactions too much and try to give an honest account of the accident without minimizing its impact or apologizing. We recommend that you consult with a trusted attorney before you make any formal statements.
Keep Quiet on Your Social Media Accounts
Remember that anything you say on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram can be used against you in court. Don’t share pictures or any other information from the rollover crash until your case has been settled.
Contact an Attorney
You are going to need someone with legal experience on your side to guide you through the claims process, so get in touch with a trusted attorney as soon as possible.
Car Accident Statute of Limitations in Florida
A “statute of limitations” is a legal time limit on your right to file a lawsuit. You cannot file a claim if the time limit set by this law passes. If you try to do so, the Florida court system will dismiss your case unless a rare exception applies to you.
In accordance with recent updates to Florida law the statute of limitations is now just two years. Before 2023 victims had four years to claim, but that time has now been cut in half. This makes it even more important to contact an attorney as quickly as possible.
How The Law Place Can Help
At The Law Place, our team of highly skilled attorneys has over 75 years of combined experience helping individuals navigate the complexities of filing a personal injury claim. With a deep understanding of the legal system, we are committed to providing our clients with the support and guidance necessary to achieve the best possible outcome for their case.
From the moment you reach out to us, we begin by offering a comprehensive evaluation of your case, taking the time to listen to your story, understand the details of your situation, and assess the extent of your injuries and losses. This initial step is crucial for building a strong foundation for your claim and for setting a clear path forward.
Understanding that the aftermath of an accident can be a challenging and overwhelming time, we prioritize clear and open communication, ensuring that you are kept informed and involved throughout the entire legal process. Our attorneys are dedicated to demystifying the legal jargon and procedures, providing you with the knowledge and confidence needed to make informed decisions about your case.
Leveraging our extensive legal experience, we meticulously gather and analyze evidence, consult with medical professionals, and employ expert witnesses when necessary to build a compelling case on your behalf. We are relentless in our pursuit of justice, negotiating aggressively with insurance companies and other parties involved to ensure that you receive the full financial compensation you are entitled to. This includes compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other losses incurred as a result of your injury.
Recognizing that each personal injury case is unique, we tailor our approach to suit the specific circumstances and needs of each client. Whether your case requires skilled negotiation or vigorous representation in court, our team is prepared to advocate passionately on your behalf.
At The Law Place, we operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning that you will not pay any attorney’s fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you. This policy underscores our commitment to providing accessible and risk-free legal representation to those in need.
In the challenging journey towards recovery and justice, having The Law Place by your side means having a team of dedicated attorneys who are not only equipped with the legal knowledgerequired to win your case but who also genuinely care about your well-being and future. Let us take on the legal burden so you can focus on your recovery, knowing that your personal injury claim is in capable hands.
Bradenton Rollover Car Accident Lawyer FAQ
What should I do immediately after a rollover car crash in Bradenton?
After a rollover car crash, your priority should be safety and health. Call 911 to report the accident and receive medical attention, even if you believe you are not seriously injured, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Then, if possible, document the scene with photos and gather contact information from witnesses. Contacting a Bradenton car accident lawyer as soon as you can is also crucial to protect your rights and begin the process of filing a car accident claim.
How can a Bradenton car accident attorney help me with my rollover accident claim?
A Bradenton car accident attorney can provide invaluable assistance by guiding you through the car accident claims process, ensuring that all necessary documentation is accurately and timely filed. They have the experience needed to negotiate with insurance companies and can represent you in a car accident lawsuit if necessary to secure the financial compensation you deserve for your injuries, damages, and losses.
What types of compensation can I recover in a Bradenton car accident claim?
Victims of rollover car crashes in Bradenton can seek various types of financial compensation, including medical expenses for immediate and future care, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and property damage. An experienced Bradenton car accident lawyer can help you accurately assess the full extent of your damages to ensure you receive comprehensive compensation.
How do Bradenton car accident lawyers determine who is at fault in a rollover accident?
Bradenton car accident lawyers will thoroughly investigate the accident by reviewing police reports, eyewitness statements, and, if necessary, hiring accident reconstruction experts. Determining fault involves understanding the actions of all parties involved and how the laws regarding motor vehicles apply to the specific circumstances of the crash. This detailed investigation helps in building a strong case for Bradenton car accident victims.
Are rollover car accident claims more complex than other types of car accident claims?
Rollover car accidents can be more complex due to the severe injuries they often cause and the investigation required to determine the dynamics of the crash. These cases may involve multiple parties, including other drivers and vehicle manufacturers. An experienced Bradenton car accident attorney is well-equipped to handle these complexities, ensuring that all factors contributing to the accident are considered in your car accident lawsuit.
Can I still receive compensation if I was partially at fault for the rollover accident?
Yes, Florida follows a comparative negligence rule, which means that you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault and if you are found to be more the 50% at faulty, you will not be able to claim anything. An experienced Bradenton car accident attorney can help navigate these issues and work to maximize the compensation you can recover.
What makes Bradenton car accident injury cases unique?
Bradenton car accident injury cases, especially those involving rollovers, are unique due to the severe and often life-altering injuries they can cause, such as traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries. These cases require a deep understanding of both the legal and medical aspects of the injuries, as well as a compassionate approach to supporting Bradenton car accident victims through their recovery and the legal process.
Speak to the Bradenton Car Accident Attorneys at The Law Place Today
Because rollover crashes are usually caused by another person’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and other damages. We will pursue every responsible individual, whether it be another driver, a tire manufacturer, car manufacturer, or highway maintenance company. Our law firm has successfully represented car accident victims for decades and will fight tirelessly for you and your loved ones.
So call The Law Place today at (941) 444-4444 to schedule a free consultation. Our experienced car accident attorneys are available day and night.