For many of us, driving is an everyday occurrence. But, car accidents are more common than many of us realize. The leading cause of car accidents in the United States is texting and driving. In fact, texting and driving accidents have surpassed drunk driving accidents. Read on to learn more about texting and driving accidents in Florida.
Fulfilling the Burden of Proof?
If you are injured in a car accident due to another party’s negligence, you may be entitled to recover compensation. But, in order to recover the compensation you deserve, you will have to prove that this negligence occurred to cause your accident. To do so, you should:
- Call 911. The police can file an accident report which should detail who was driving, the cause of the accident, and more. The police can also conduct chemical tests and interview witnesses.
- Document the scene. Each person involved in the accident should take their own photos and videos of the damage done to any cars/property that has been involved in the accident.
- Obtain witness contacts. Often, those involved in an accident have differing accounts of what happened. Someone who saw the accident occur may be able to corroborate your version of events.
- Seek medical attention. It is important to go to the hospital, your doctor, or an urgent care facility. This will allow you to ensure that your injuries are treated properly while also providing you with proof of the origin and extent of your injuries.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?
If you are recovering from a serious accident, taking legal action may be the last thing on your mind. But, it is important that you do not wait too long. In Florida, the statute of limitations for a personal injury accident is four years. This means that if you fail to file your claim within four years from the date of the accident, you will most likely lose your opportunity to recover compensation. This may seem like a long time, but it is easy to miss important dates and deadlines while you are struggling with an injury. To avoid missing any important deadlines, you should reach out to an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
If you have been injured in a car accident due to another party’s negligence, contact our firm today.
Contact our experienced Florida firm
Here at Manuel & Thompson, P.A., we understand the potentially devastating effect that an injury can have on an individual and his or her family, which is why we are dedicated to helping all those who’ve been injured due to no fault of their own. Our firm also proudly handles insurance disputes, hurricane claims, fire loss claims, commercial litigation, and construction law matters. To discuss your case with our experienced Panama City personal injury attorneys, contact Manuel & Thompson, P.A. today for your free consultation.