palmetto car Accident Lawyers |Southshore injury attorneys
Nobody plans to be in a car accident but, unfortunately, they happen all too often. This is especially true in a growing city like
Palmetto, where a Palmetto car accident lawyer may be necessary to navigate the complexities that arise. Located in
Manatee County, which has been listed as one of the
fastest growing counties in Florida, you will often encounter heavy traffic. With this increase in traffic, there has also been a corresponding increase in car accidents.
Each year, Manatee County sees approximately
6,000 car accidents, with many occurring in Palmetto and the surrounding areas. As a result, it is not uncommon to see a car accident when you are out and about, especially in the City’s more hazardous locations, such as:
- S. 301 and 15th Street East
- Riverside Drive
Common causes of car accidents in palmetto, Florida
While there are many reasons that a car accident can happen, they almost always include some form of negligence on the part of one or more of the drivers. Understanding the common causes of car accidents in Palmetto can help you stay alert and take preventative measures to prevent one from happening to you. Some of the common causes of car accidents include:
- Distracted driving: Texting, talking on the phone, adjusting the radio, eating, and drinking are just a few of the ways that a driver can become distracted while driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 3,275 people were killed in 2023 alone due to distracted driving.
- Speeding: Driving at an excessive speed can reduce reaction time and lead to more serious and life-threatening injuries.
- Impaired driving: Alcohol or drugs contribute to many late night and weekend collisions, particularly near Palmetto’s entertainment districts. The NHTSA estimates that one person is killed every 39 minutes from a drunk driving accident.
- Aggressive driving: Tailgating, improper lane changes, and road rage are common on highways like I-75 and U.S 301.
- Poor road conditions: Inadequate lighting, uneven pavement, potholes, unclear lane markings, and lack of signage increase the risk of a car accident occurring, especially in the rural areas surrounding Palmetto in Manatee County.
Educational programs, endorsed by the
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, that focus on the dangers of distracted driving, speeding, and aggressive driving are helping to play a role in combating the rise in the number of car accidents. However, more is needed, and a simple awareness of the causes can help reduce accidents.
COMMON INJURIES FROM CAR ACCIDENTS IN PALMETTO, FLORIDA
Injuries from a car accident can often be life-long and devastating. Given all of the different types of injuries that can occur, it’s important that you have an
experienced car accident lawyer that understands your injuries, and can assist you in getting the proper care, and securing the resources you need to achieve a full recovery. Some of the more common injuries we see include:
- Whiplash and soft tissue injuries: Common in rear-end collisions. Symptoms of these injuries may not arise for some time following a crash.
- Spinal cord injuries: Can often require long-term care and include injuries such as paralysis and herniated discs.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): From concussions to severe brain damage, these injuries affect almost every aspect of a person’s life and can occur in a matter of seconds.
- Broken bones: Collisions with airbags, doors, or shattered glass frequently result in fractures, which may require surgery.
IMPORTANT STEPS TO TAKE AFTER A PALMETTO CAR ACCIDENT
Because car accident injuries can often be life altering, even when you may initially think they are minor, it is important that you take steps to protect your legal rights starting right after the accident occurs. If you were involved in a car accident in Palmetto, here are some important steps that you should take right away:
- Call the Police: getting a crash report after a car accident is extremely important, even if the crash appears minor. The crash report is your opportunity to officially document what happened – in case there is any dispute later on – and it is also your first opportunity to document any physical complaints that you may have right after the crash occurred. This will be important for the insurance company to see when evaluating your claim.
- Document the scene: If you are able, take as many photos as you can. Be sure to take photos of the damage to all of the cars, as well as the roadway and the surrounding area.
- Exchange information: Even if you call the Police, you should always try to get the other driver’s information and plate number.
- Seek medical care: The sooner you get to a doctor the better. This will avoid any argument of a “gap” in treatment and will ensure that you are in compliance with Florida law.
- Contact SouthShore Injury Attorneys: Prevent costly mistakes and protect your rights before speaking to an insurance adjuster.
PALMETTO, FLORIDA ACCIDENT COMPENSATION
The size of your car accident injury settlement depends on the specific facts of your case, as all cases are different. During your free consultation, your Palmetto car accident attorney will discuss with you the various categories of damages that you can recover and come up with a game plan to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries. Damages that are recoverable after a car accident include:
Economic Damages Recoverable after a Palmetto Car Accident
These are the tangible financial losses that can be calculated and include:
- Past Medical bills
- Future medical bills
- Past lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Property damage
Non-Economic Damages Recoverable after a Palmetto Car Accident
In Florida, if you have suffered a permanent injury after a car accident, you would also be entitled to recover the following damages for what are considered to be the human losses, which include such things as:
- Past pain and suffering
- Future pain and suffering
- Emotion distress
- Inconvenience
- Disability
- Loss of enjoyment of life
To ensure that you qualify for these types of damages, and to maximize your recovery, it is important that you choose a
qualified and skilled car accident attorney to handle your case. Your attorney will gather all of the necessary evidence to obtain the maximum recovery of these damages.
SOUTHSHORE INJURY ATTORNEYS
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you don’t have fight the insurance company alone. We can help you navigate what can often be a complex and confusing insurance claim process. Our attorneys are ready and available to answer all of your
questions.
At SouthShore Injury Attorneys, we have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for residents of Palmetto and the surrounding areas. For a free consultation, you can contact us today
online or by phone at
(941) 415-6938.