If you were hurt in St. Petersburg after someone disregarded your right-of-way, a red light accident lawyer can thoroughly investigate the collision and help weigh your legal options.
What Happens if You File a Lawsuit for a Car Accident?
Following a car crash, you would normally file a claim through your insurance. Per Florida’s no-fault car insurance system, certain motorists will need to present proof of Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Property Damage Liability (PDL) auto insurance, outlined here by the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).
Thus, you can expect your PIP to cover a significant amount of your medical bills up to $10,000, regardless of who caused the accident. However, serious injuries arising from a red light accident may justify your filing a lawsuit in addition to an insurance claim. Keep in mind that your PIP might not be enough to pay for all the damages you suffered.
You could secure full compensation for your suffering and other losses if you bring a case to court. Talk to a St. Petersburg red light accident lawyer to understand more about your rights.
How Driver Negligence Plays a Role in Your Case
Negligence is the cause of many automotive crashes. A motorist’s irresponsible decisions can threaten everyone’s safety on the road. Disobeying basic traffic rules like stopping at red lights can fall under negligent driving. Other actions like speeding, distracted driving, and drunk driving may also be categorized as negligent driving.
You may be entitled to sue the at-fault driver for injuries and damages you suffered in these situations. To win your lawsuit, you need to prove the negligence of the other driver. This involves establishing a breach of duty of care that the driver owed you, which then led to the accident that resulted in compensatory damages. In your situation, the other party breached the duty to stop at a red light, causing the collision and your injury.
As much as you may want to take legal action if you witnessed someone breaking traffic rules and nearly crashing into you, there is little chance you can sue without a personal injury or property damage. We can evaluate your case and determine whether a traffic law violation can be a basis for negligence and legal action.
Compensation for Red Light Accident Victims in St. Petersburg
As an auto accident victim, you have the right to recover damages for injuries resulting from another driver’s negligent actions. Since the law limits the amount of compensation you can receive from your PIP policy, you may be able to take your claim to court in St. Petersburg and collect additional damages. A personal injury lawyer can review your case and calculate financial losses that may stem from the following:
- Present and future medical costs
- Permanent damage or disability
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earnings
- Loss of employment
- Pain and suffering
It can be difficult to handle the necessary paperwork and other legal details as you recover. This is where one of our lawyers can be a valuable ally who will take care of legal matters while you focus on healing. Be aware that Florida’s comparative negligence system designates liability and may affect the amount of compensation you can recover.
Your attorney can fight for your rights if the other party tries to shift the blame on you or denies liability altogether. Fighting for adequate compensation is vital to your recovery, and you should not have to worry about another driver’s irresponsibility.
What a St. Petersburg Personal Injury Lawyer Can do for You
You might think you have a straightforward case if you know the other party who brought about your accident and injuries drove through a red light. However, the court may not see things as clearly as you do, so you need critical evidence that proves the at-fault party’s negligence.
With us on your side, you have a legal professional who can carefully investigate the scene and gather the essential information demonstrating the specific negligent act.
Your attorney will also explain laws that may impact your case. For instance, you have limited time to file your suit in Florida. You must act within four years per Florida Statutes §95.11(3)(a) if you do not want the court to bar your right to sue. Rare exceptions can extend or shorten the window for filing, and your lawyer will make sure you are always updated on these matters.
Taking Legal Action After a Motorist Runs a Red Light
Florida is clear about laws that apply to drivers and pedestrians alike for traffic signal compliance. Running a red light is a traffic offense that can have substantial penalties and tragic consequences.
While this violation may seem like grounds for a cut and dried legal case, things are not always simple. Sometimes, motorists who failed to stop at red lights believe they had valid reasons for doing so. Regardless of their reasons, a judge or jury will ultimately be the one to decide whether their actions were reasonable given the circumstances.
Get Legal Advice for Your St. Petersburg Accident With an Attorney Today
The time following an auto accident can be extremely stressful and confusing. The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine offers strong legal representation to help you file an insurance claim or car accident lawsuit.
A dedicated St. Petersburg red light accident lawyer from our firm is ready to discuss your legal options and offer support every step of the way. Call our office at 1-800-747-3733 for a free consultation at your convenience.
We Can Help.
