6 Things to Know About Florida Personal Injury

You are probably well aware of all the different types of personal injury cases there are, and they are not just car accident-related. Let's test your knowledge and see what else you know about Florida personal injury cases.

Florida Negligence

If you or someone you know is suffering due to someone else's negligence, you may be considering consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney. While you can represent yourself in these types of cases, it may be in your best interest to hire an attorney. It can increase your chances of winning and receiving fair compensation for your injuries and damages following an accident.

Top Cause of Personal Injury Cases in Florida

Car-related accidents are actually listed as the top cause of most personal injury cases in Florida. There were more than 400,000 recorded crashes in the year 2018 alone. Florida has no-fault laws as well, so drivers must carry at least $10,000 worth of personal injury protection (PIP). So, regardless of who is actually at fault for an accident, the insurance company must pay hospitalization costs.

No-Fault and Liability

Florida's no-fault policies are only in place to ensure that people receive proper medical care after an accident. They do not absolve liability following an accident. It doesn't prevent you from proving someone else was at fault for the accident.

Florida defines serious bodily injury as something permanent, the presence of significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement, significant or permanent loss of bodily function, and caused death. If you or someone you know qualify under any of this, you should consult with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible.

Timing is also crucial because Florida has a statute of limitations regarding how long you have to file your claim following an accident.

Four Year Time Limit

Florida will recognize your personal injury claim for up to four years from the date of the accident. This means during this time, the courts will reasonably hear your case and examine the evidence, including physical documents and witness testimony or statements.

Value of Pain and Suffering

Pain and suffering are valued differently and are based on several factors. Damages from an accident often include economic damages such as medical costs and lost wages. These damages are easily assessed through medical bills.
However, other damage types aren't so easily valuated.

Non-economic damages include pain and suffering. They are not as easily quantifiable but are still valid under
Florida law.

The value of these claims is calculated based on the severity and type of injury, the required medical treatment, the recovery period, and the effects the injuries have had on your life overall. If serious or life-threatening conditions result in disabilities, this could affect the rest of your life.

Evidence Is Key

To prove any claim of pain and suffering, you will find having the right evidence is key. Suing for non-economic damages such as these can prove to be a much more complicated process because it is intangible and doesn't correlate to a monetary value, as we have already mentioned.

For this reason, a qualified and experienced personal injury attorney is just what you need. They can help file on your behalf and ensure that all the evidence and paperwork is turned in to improve your chances of injury compensation.