Car Accident Lawyers in Fort Walton Beach
If you or someone you care about has been in a car crash in Fort Walton Beach, it is highly recommended that you get help from an experienced accident attorney. At Whibbs, Stone, Barnett, Attorneys at Law, we aggressively defend the rights of accident victims and will fight for the compensation you deserve from the responsible parties.
Car accidents are a common occurrence in Fort Walton Beach – largely due to the high volume of traffic on the roadways and the negligent attitude of motorists. The most accident-prone roads in Fort Walton Beach include:
- Highway 98
- Highway 85
- Interstate 10
The intersections at Highway 98 and Brooks Bridge and Mary Esther Cut Off in particular tend to be heavily congested and can be dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists.
What You Need to Know about Filing a Car Accident Injury Claim in Fort Walton Beach, FL
Florida is a no-fault state, which means if you are injured in an automobile accident, you can file a claim and receive compensation from your own insurance provider. The personal injury protection (PIP) compensation paid by your insurance company is meant to cover up to 80% of your medical expenses and 60% of lost wages (depending on your policy limits).
You have the right to file a claim against the party that caused your injuries only if the injuries you suffered meet what is called the ‘permanent injury threshold’.
According to Section 627.737 of the Florida Statutes, a permanent injury is one that results in:
- Significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function
- Permanent injury within a reasonable degree of medical probability
- Significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Death
On the other hand, if you are injured in a slip and fall accident, dog bite attack, or due to a defective product, you can file a claim against the at-fault party straight away and seek compensation for your injuries.
Damages Recoverable in a Fort Walton Beach, FL Car Accident Claim
Depending on the nature and severity of the injuries you suffered, you might be able to recover the following damages.
- Medical expenses
- Estimated cost of medical treatment and care you might require in the future
- Rehabilitation and therapy
- Lost earnings
- Estimated value of lost earning capacity
- Cost of nursing care (in the event of a serious or permanent disability)
- Property damage
Apart from this, you can also recover general damages (also referred to as intangible or non-economic damages) from the at-fault party. These might include:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Permanent disfigurement
- Permanent disability
- Diminished quality of life
If you are physically or cognitively disabled as a result of your injuries and unable to perform your duties as a spouse and as a parent, your spouse or children can bring what is called a loss of consortium claim against the at-fault party. The claim is meant to compensate your family members (primarily your spouse) for the loss of intimacy, companionship, love, guidance, and care caused by your disability.
Car Accident Injury Statute of Limitations in Fort Walton Beach, FL
The deadline for filing a personal injury claim in Fort Walton Beach, FL is set at four years – starting from the date on which the accident happened. On the other hand, if you intend to bring a medical malpractice claim against a medical professional or a hospital, you need to do so within a period of two years.
The deadline for filing a wrongful death claim in Fort Walton Beach, FL is set at two years – starting from the date on which the injury victim died.
It should be noted that the aforementioned deadlines are only applicable to private individuals, businesses, and organizations. The deadline for filing a personal injury claim against government agencies is set at three years.
Recovering Damages When You Are at Fault for the Accident
Florida’s pure comparative negligence law allows you to recover compensation from the other party even if you were partially at fault for the accident. Stemming from this, the amount of compensation you are awarded will be reduced proportionately – depending on the extent or degree to which you were at fault.
For instance, if you are awarded a sum of $100,000, and if it is determined that you were 20% at fault for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by 20% and you will be paid a sum of $80,000. In any case, you will need a competent personal injury lawyer who can minimize your share of the fault and establish the true worth of your claim.
Injured in a Car Accident? Legal Help Is Available from the Most Trusted and Experienced Personal Injury Attorneys in Fort Walton Beach, FL
Choosing the right attorney to handle your injury claim is the single most important thing you can do to improve your chances of recovering the compensation you deserve. At Whibbs Stone Barnett, we have over six decades of experience in handling injury claims and have earned a reputation for resolving complex claims that many other firms might think twice about taking on.
We have a team of highly skilled and proven personal injury lawyers who have extensive courtroom experience and have earned the highest honors and recognitions in the industry – from Super Lawyers to Avvo Superb rating, Martindale-Hubbell’s AV Preeminent Peer Review rating, and many more.
To discuss your case with an accomplished Fort Walton Beach, FL personal injury lawyer, call us today at 850-493-7819 or get in touch with us online and schedule a free consultation.
