In California, Hollywood may be the place that's rife with the rich and famous, but in Florida, Hollywood is a haven for car accidents. In 2013, there were 3,409 car accidents in Hollywood, FL alone, decorating this coastal city with debris and devastation. If you've been in a car accident and don't know what you should do next, start by calling a Hollywood car accident lawyer today.
Most Common Car Accident Injuries
While not all car accidents result in injuries, many of them do. Some car accident injuries are minor. However, other injuries are much more severe, costing hundreds of thousands of dollars to remedy, and often causing permanent impairment. Some of the most common car accident injuries include:
- Head injuries and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Neck strain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bone and fracture injuries
- Crush injuries
- Amputation injuries
- Ligament and muscle strains/sprains
- Internal injuries
- Facial injuries
- Bruises
- Cuts and lacerations
Seeking Compensation for Injuries
When a victim sustains injuries, there are often a number of associated costs. Depending upon the severity, a victim may incur costs such as: emergency medical costs (ambulance transfer, immediate surgeries, etc.), hospital stay and healthcare costs, rehabilitation and treatment costs, future medical costs (follow-ups, at-home care, etc.), and lost wages or benefits from missed time from work. These costs can wreak financial havoc on the affected individual, leaving him or her worried about how she or he will pay their bills and support his or her family.
However, there is a way to recover damages if you've been the victim of a car accident that was caused by someone else's negligence. When a car accident causes serious injuries (as defined by 2015 Florida Statutes Section 627.736 (2)), the victim can file a personal injury claim directly against the at-fault driver. A claim can be filed to recover damages for:
- All medical expenses related to the accident, past, present and future
- All financial losses and future financial losses related to the accident
- Emotional anguish
- Physical pain and suffering
A car accident attorney serving Hollywood can help you explore your recovery options.
How to File a Personal Injury Claim for a Car Accident
To file a personal injury claim for a car accident, you'll need to prove the negligence and liability of the at-fault party. To do this, you'll need to gather evidence that substantiates your claim. Types of evidence may include physical evidence from the crash, video footage, photo evidence, medical reports, police reports, and witness testimony. A car accident attorney can help you to gather and use the right type of evidence.
You'll also need to make sure that you file your claim within Florida's statute of limitations. In Florida, the time limit for filing a claim is four years from the date that your car accident occurred. If you do not file within this time frame, you lose your right to recover compensation.
Contact a Hollywood Car Accident Lawyer Today
A car accident lawyer can work with you to help you understand the legal system following a car accident. At Blakeley Law Firm, P.A., attorney Jarrett Blakeley is ready to get to work on your case today. For a free, no-obligation consultation, call now at 954-253-9445.