St. Augustine Car Accident Lawyers
Car Accidents & Auto Accident Injuries in Florida
When you are injured in a car accident, it can be extremely difficult to get back on your feet. Suddenly, you find yourself facing mounting medical bills while simultaneously trying to keep up with everyday expenses while you are out of work due to your injuries. In many cases, physical pain and emotional suffering compound these serious financial hardships, making the recovery process that much more difficult.
At Canan Law, we provide compassionate, personalized, and aggressive legal representation for auto accident injury victims in St. Augustine and throughout Northeast Florida. With more than 60 years of collective experience, our St. Augustine car accident attorneys understand the many nuances involved in these types of cases, particularly when you have sustained serious injuries. We can help you understand your legal options and help you fight for fair compensation in the wake of your auto accident.
If you were injured in a car crash or another type of motor vehicle accident, contact Canan Law at (904) 849-2266for a free consultation.
Common Car Accident Injuries
Due to the large size and weight of most motor vehicles, as well as the immense speeds at which they travel, cars often cause extensive damage when they collide with other automobiles, bicyclists, pedestrians, and fixed objects. Unfortunately, this means that auto accident victims often sustain severe, life-threatening injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Is Liable for Car Accidents in Florida?
The precise cause of a car accident is not always immediately evident. Sometimes, it is the fault of one or both drivers. It could be the manufacturer of the car or maker of the safety equipment. It could even be the entity responsible for designing or constructing a defective roadway.
In Florida, fault does not always play a role in car accident claims. In fact, because Florida is a no-fault state, you could be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses and lost wages even if you were to blame for the accident. The no-fault system allows you to recover compensation after a car accident through your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, which is a mandatory form of insurance in Florida.
However, to be eligible for PIP, you must seek medical attention for your injuries no more than 14 days after the accident. Additionally, it’s important to note that PIP does not cover all damages after an accident. In fact, it only covers up to 80% of your medical expenses and 60% of your lost wages—and it does not cover non-economic losses, such as pain and suffering, at all.
What Are “Serious Injuries” in Florida?
To go outside the no-fault system and bring a car accident claim or lawsuit directly against the at-fault party, you will need to meet the state’s “serious injury” threshold.
In Florida, “serious injuries” are defined as those that result in:
- Permanent and/or significant disfigurement or scarring
- Permanent and/or significant impairment of an “important” bodily function
- Death
If your injuries are deemed “serious,” you could have grounds to file a personal injury claim against the driver who caused the accident. If your loved one died in a motor vehicle crash, you would be eligible to bring a wrongful death lawsuit (if all other conditions are met) under the “serious injury” threshold.