Car Accident Lawyer in Fort Myers
If you’ve ever been in a car accident, you know how much it can change your life. The injuries, emotional effects, and financial consequences can leave your life in shambles. Although many car accident victims struggle for years after their collision, this doesn’t have to be the case.
By working with a car accident lawyer in Fort Myers, you can learn about the ways in which you can recover from your accident. The Chappell Law Group wants to take on your case.
What Causes Car Accidents in Fort Myers?
Fort Myers roads can be extremely dangerous. Almost every rush hour, there are multiple accidents that keep the streets at a standstill. Many of those accidents end with devastating injuries or death. In 2017, there were 116 traffic fatalities in Lee County. There are thousands of people injured in collisions on an annual basis.
There are several reasons for the prevalence of car accidents in the city. First, there’s the issue of distracted driving. This is one of the leading accident causes throughout the country, and Fort Myers is no exception.
Usually, distracted driving involves texting. Although Florida just passed a texting and driving ban, drivers still commit the infraction. They spend too much time on their phones and too little time on watching the road. In fact, even two seconds on your phone is too much. Taking your eyes off the road for a short time is enough to cause an accident.
In Southwest Florida, distracted driving also includes looking at GPS directions. Because the area has a high population of seasonal inhabitants and tourists, many drivers rely on their GPS to get around. But this can take their focus away from the road.
Other Causes of Accidents
There are many other causes of accidents in the city. One serious issue is aggressive driving. Although the city is known for its high population of elderly drivers who don’t always travel the speed limit, there’s another problem. Reacting to the slow drivers, some people tailgate, speed, and drive with anger. Others make erratic lane changes, which can cause a collision.
Drunk driving is another issue that plagues the area. On weekends, the chance of encountering a drunk driver is particularly high. But this puts you in danger. Drunk drivers are notorious for their poor judgment, compromised vision, and slow reaction time. They can cause some of the most deadly types of accidents.
What Can You Do About Your Accident?
After your accident, you should speak with a car accident attorney in Fort Myers. This is because many accident victims don’t realize their options for compensation. An attorney knows the various ways in which you can get compensation. They can advise you on the processes and give you the guidance you need.
Your first option is to go through your insurance company. Because Florida is a no-fault state, you may need to turn to your own insurance to resolve the claim. However, this isn’t always the case. If the other driver caused the accident, you may be able to go through their insurance.
An insurance claim should get you money for your car repairs, medical bills, and lost wages. But the compensation isn’t guaranteed, nor is it automatic. Most insurance companies fight claims and fail to make fair settlement offers. If you work an attorney who is knowledgeable of car accident law in Fort Myers, you can get assistance with the claims process. Your lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company and seek a fair settlement.
The other option is to file a personal injury claim. However, this is only possible if someone’s negligence caused the collision. You can file a personal injury claim against the negligent party. Then, you may be able to recover compensation for your lost wages, medical bills, car repairs, and pain and suffering.
What are the Requirements of a Personal Injury Claim?
The first requirement of a personal injury claim is negligence. In addition to showing that negligence was a part of the accident, you also need to show that the negligence caused your accident.
It’s important to realize that you can be partially responsible for the incident and still file a claim. In Florida, the comparative negligence law allows you to seek compensation whether or not you are partially to blame for the accident. You won’t be able to receive the full compensation amount, but you can receive some of it.
Another crucial requirement involves the timing of your claim. If you wait too long to file, you won’t be able to file a claim. The state has a statute of limitation on all personal injury claims, including car accidents.
Your attorney can make sure your claim is strong. They collect the evidence you need and handle all of the paperwork. Then, they can negotiate with the other party’s attorney. In most cases, this brings the lawsuit to an end. The other party could make a fair offer and give you the compensation you deserve. However, the case could go to court. The court would decide the outcome of your case.
Do You Need a Car Accident Lawyer in Fort Myers?
After an accident, your injuries can be a constant source of stress. You might not have the energy to fight for a fair payout. Fortunately, that’s your attorney’s job. While you rest and recover, your attorney can do all of the work.
An experienced auto accident attorney in Fort Myers can take on your case and fight for your rights as an accident victim. If you’re a victim, contact the Chappell Law Group. They have spent years fighting for justice and are eager to represent you. Mr. Chappell works on a contingency basis, so there’s no fee unless you win. After visiting our office, you’ll feel more informed about the next steps of your case. If you’re not able to travel, we can even come to your location.
Contact us today to find out what we can do for you!