Personal Injury and Property Damage Liability In Bradenton Car Accidents
Bradenton car accidents can leave you suffering serious personal injuries and property damages. These costs may be covered by insurance but the amount you are entitled to is subject to policy limits. Depending on the situation, your best course of action may be to file a personal injury lawsuit. Find out more about personal injury and property damage liability in Bradenton car accidents and how to get the maximum amount you deserve.
Your Rights Regarding Personal Injury and Property Liability Insurance
Florida is a no-fault insurance state. This generally means that all drivers must maintain insurance to help offset costs associated with car accidents. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) advises that mandatory minimum requirements include:
- Personal injury protection (PIP): This provides up to $10,000 per person to cover medical expenses you or passengers suffer due to a car accident in Florida.
- Property damage liability (PDL): This provides up to $10,000 to cover the costs of damages to your vehicle.
- Bodily injury liability (PIL): This provides up to $10,000 per person and up to $20,000 per crash to cover injuries suffered by other drivers in accidents for which you are to blame.
In an insurance claim, the amount you are entitled to is limited by your terms of coverage. If your injuries are severe enough to require additional compensation and the other driver is responsible, your best course of action may be to file a personal injury lawsuit against them.
Compensation For Personal Injuries and Property Damages In A Lawsuit
Under the Florida Statutes, anyone whose negligent actions result in injuries to another can be held liable for the costs the victim incurs as a result. Examples of negligence in car accident claims include speeding, running red lights, tailgating, and driving distracted or while impaired.
A lawsuit is often the best option to ensure you get the maximum amount of compensation for your injuries. Referred to as damages, this may include:
- Economic damages, which cover tangible costs. This includes current and future medical expenses and lost wages, as well as the costs to repair your vehicle.
- Non-economic damages, which cover intangible costs. This includes pain, suffering, mental anguish, and any loss of enjoyment in life caused by your injuries.
- Punitive damages, an additional amount meant to punish the at-fault driver for gross negligence, such as having a high blood alcohol content (BAC) level.
As the name implies, you must have suffered actual injuries to file a personal injury lawsuit. You cannot file this type of claim if you suffered property damages only.
Let Us Help You Today
When a car accident happens, you only have one chance to get the compensation you need to recover. To discuss your options in filing a claim, reach out to the Law Office of Steven G. Lavely. We are dedicated to helping you get the maximum amount you deserve. Contact our Bradenton car accident attorney online or give us a call to request a consultation today.
