HIGH SPRINGS CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEY

If you were traveling to the Grady House Bed and Breakfast located just off of 420 NW First Ave. when a car crashed into your vehicle, you may be facing medical bills, property damage, and lost income that cause significant financial hardship for you and your family. Where can you turn for help during this unexpected and challenging time?

If you were hurt in a car accident in High Springs, you can turn to the experienced legal team at Fine, Farkash & Parlapiano, P.A. We understand the difficulties you’re facing and want to alleviate them for you by pursuing the compensation you deserve. Our attorneys combine more than 100 years of collective experience with a compassionate, client-first approach, which helps us advocate for the best possible outcome, given your unique needs and concerns.

If you’ve been hurt in a car accident and someone else is to blame, contact us today to discuss the details of your case with a High Springs car accident attorney. The initial consultation is free and confidential, and we won’t charge you any fees unless we win money for you.

What Are Common Causes of Car Accidents in High Springs, FL?

The most common cause of car accidents in High Springs is driver error or negligence. A driver who drives aggressively, drives carelessly, or diverts their attention away from the safe operation of their vehicle for even an instant can cause a chain reaction of devastating events. The most common ways negligence contributes to car crashes in High Springs include:

Distracted driving – High Springs has many scenic and entertaining locations for locals and tourists alike to visit, including Ichetucknee Springs State Park, Ginnie Springs, and High Springs Community Playhouse. When drivers are more focused on their plans than the road in front of them, they may hit other motorists.
Drunk driving – Some people take Rum Island Spring literally and enjoy drinking while paddling down the river or spending a night out on the town. Irresponsible drinking behaviors sometimes lead to motor vehicle crashes.
Drowsy driving – With so much to see and do around town, some drivers may not be getting enough rest and can mimic signs of drunk driving.
Speeding – Some drivers are in a hurry to beat the lines at the River Ranch Water Park or other destinations and put other motorists at risk by speeding.
Tailgating – In crowded areas or those with high pedestrian traffic like the antique shops in Downtown High Springs, accidents often happen when drivers follow too closely. If a vehicle suddenly stops in front of them, they may not have enough time to stop before crashing into the vehicle in front of them.
Unsafe lane-changing or failing to yield – Drivers who are not familiar with the roads or do not drive defensively may dart in front of other drivers when they make unsafe lane changes or fail to yield the right-of-way of other motorists.
Unsafe passing – Drivers may attempt to pass in unsafe conditions or illegally on a double line, especially around slow traffic on Poe Springs Road or Main Street. Failing to stop for school buses can also cause tragic and preventable accidents.

Other common causes of accidents on Florida roadways include defective auto parts or mechanical defects, poor weather conditions, and road construction hazards. If these factors contributed to your accident, our High Springs, Florida car accident attorneys can investigate who may be responsible for the harm you have suffered.

What Are Common Injuries from Car Accidents?

Even at low speeds, a car accident can result in serious injuries. Some of the most common car accident injuries include:

Traumatic brain injuries
Neck and spinal injuries
Whiplash
Paralysis
Facial injuries
Broken bones
Soft tissue damage
Internal bleeding
Organ damage
Burns
Lacerations
Contusions

Is Florida a No-Fault State?

Florida is one of a dozen states that subscribes to a no-fault car insurance model. In a no-fault system, you turn to your own auto insurance provider for compensation, not the other driver’s, no matter who is to blame for causing the collision. Your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage will generally pay your medical expenses and a portion of your lost wages, up to the limits of your policy. Property damage is covered by the at-fault driver’s property damage liability (PDL) insurance.

In some cases, it may be possible to file a personal injury claim against an at-fault driver, but only if you suffer what Florida deems a “serious injury.” Serious injuries are categorized as:

An injury that causes significant and permanent loss of a vital bodily function
A permanent injury
An injury that causes scarring or disfigurement
Death

To learn more about your legal options under Florida’s no-fault system, reach out to a car accident lawyer in High Springs.

What Compensation Is Available After a Car Accident?

After a car accident, you may be inundated with medical bills and repair costs. These sudden expenses can make you feel financially unstable and unprepared for what comes next. Naturally, you want to know the value of your claim as soon as possible. At Fine, Farkash & Parlapiano, P.A., we know you may be feeling considerable financial pressure, but we never quote the value of a car accident claim until we get to know you and the circumstances of your accident.

While we can’t estimate the value of your case until we meet with you and review the situation, we can give you a general idea of what compensation you may be able to recover. In many cases, car accident victims who have suffered a serious injury can pursue compensation for:

Medical costs
Lost income
Loss of earning capacity
Property damage
Pain and suffering
Diminished quality of life

While you might receive a settlement offer from the insurance company soon after the accident, the insurance company does not have your best interests in mind. Unfortunately, insurers are motivated to resolve car accident claims as quickly and cheaply as possible to keep their costs down and profits up. Before you accept a settlement offer, talk to a skilled High Springs car accident lawyer about the value of your claim.

How Is Fault Proven in a Car Accident?

A complete investigation into the circumstances of the accident can determine who is at fault in the car accident. Attorneys and insurance adjusters will consider a wide range of evidence as they conduct their investigations. They will then meet at the negotiating table and argue their respective points. If they cannot arrive at an agreement and an acceptable settlement figure for the injured parties, the case may proceed to court, where a judge or jury will decide after hearing the parties’ respective arguments.

What Evidence Is Needed in a Car Accident Case?

Proving liability is a matter of using the right evidence to build a strong argument. Some of the evidence that may be needed to substantiate your car accident claim can include:

Medical records
Photographs of the crash
Video surveillance of the crash
Cell phone records
Police report
Witness statements

Car accidents take place in a split second, but it can take weeks of investigation to unravel the facts. Evidence is instrumental in this process.

How Long Do You Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Florida?

Florida law generally gives accident victims two years from the date of an accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. While that certainly seems like ample time to sue, consider what can be lost in that time. As the years go by, people’s memories become less reliable, records can be lost or destroyed, and all the valuable evidence that could be used to prove your case can fade away.

How do you know a lawsuit is the right path for you? Contact a knowledgeable High Springs car accident attorney. An attorney can start pursuing compensation by filing an insurance claim with the relevant insurance provider(s). If the insurer is unwilling to offer a fair settlement, your attorney can begin filing a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf.

Failing to manage deadlines and file a suit within the four-year time frame can have serious repercussions. Cases brought to court after the statute of limitations expires are generally dismissed. If this happens, you will lose your negotiating leverage with the insurer and be left with few options for recovering the compensation you need.

Contact an Experienced Florida Car Accident Attorney

Injured in a car accident in High Springs? Since 1980, the knowledgeable attorneys with Fine, Farkash & Parlapiano, P.A. have been fighting to get accident victims the compensation they deserve. We are committed to helping you recover the money you need and move forward with your life.