Articles Posted in Personal Injury

Recovering from an accident isn’t easy. While the physical pain may pass, the emotional strain may stay for a very long time. Thankfully, Florida offers extensive protections to help victims of DUI accidents, and the state wants to make it clear that drunk driving is simply unacceptable. Prosecutors have to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that a driver was under the influence while driving in order for any criminal charges to stick. In a civil case, however, a DUI accident lawyer only has to prove that the driver was likely drunk. But claiming compensation isn’t easy. A Personal injury lawyer in Fort Lauderdale can look over your case and let you know the relative strengths and weaknesses of same. Here are some other accident-related things they can help you with:

• Negotiating with the Insurance Companies:

Insurance companies want accident victims to settle for low amounts, and they do whatever they can to achieve this. Without professional help on your side, you will have a tough time dealing with the insurance companies. Since lawyers are seasoned negotiators, they can fight for you, ensuring you get maximum compensation for your claim.

Ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft attract passengers with their app-based ridesharing technology for providing quality service. They hire freelance drivers who can use their own vehicles to transport passengers. Uber and Lyft drivers are often susceptible to distracted driving, as many of them are part-time workers and have taken up the job to make some extra money. Lack of sleep, negligence, impaired driving, and use of phone apps for directions can result in accidents. If the driver gets into an accident, you may file a rideshare accident lawsuit to claim compensation. These companies have a $1 million insurance policy with $50,000 for personal injury.

Here’s what you should do if you’re experiencing a ride share accident.

1. Seek Medical Attention

Drowsy driving is a major issue in the US. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that it is responsible for around 2.5% of fatal car crashes in the country. In 2013 alone, drowsy driving caused around 72,000 car accidents!

Why is it so dangerous to fall asleep behind the wheel?

Florida car accident lawyer Jarrett Blakeley helps explain why:

You may not have your personal injury attorney on speed dial, but it will help to pick one before a crisis to avoid the consequences of a crash. But choosing a Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer isn’t easy. When it comes to walking the walk, only a few can be counted on. If you’re looking for a personal injury lawyer in Florida you can trust, use these tips:

Exclusivity:

Choose lawyers who deal exclusively in car accident related personal injury claims. This is because personal injury is a vast branch involving many specialized practices and rules. To understand these in detail, you need someone who has narrowed down his expertise to motor accidents. He or she is more likely to understand the nuances of your case and will know how to argue on your behalf.

If you have been hit by someone driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you’re probably eligible for some kind of compensation. But winning a claim against the insurance company of a DUI driver is anything but easy! It is important that you file the insurance claim properly. Here are three things to do, in order, if you’ve been injured by a drunk driver:

What you need to do immediately:

Immediately after the accident, your priority should be to protect yourself and ensure that you receive medical treatment. Call 911 and get help for yourself and others. Do not attempt to physically move yourself or anyone else unless it’s absolutely necessary, as it could cause further injury. Do not leave the accident site. If able, take photos until help arrives and collect other information, such as phone numbers of the other person, their workplace, driver’s license number, license plate number, insurance information, etc. Do not ask the driver if they are drunk, or attempt to scare them by telling them you’ve called the police. Keep conversation to a minimum.