Broken ribs are a common injury you could suffer in a car accident. This painful medical condition can be life-threatening in specific circumstances; for example, when a broken rib pierces an internal organ. When someone else is responsible for your injuries, a Tampa broken ribs attorney could help.
You can rely on our experienced broken-bone lawyers to handle your legal matters while you focus on your physical and emotional recovery. We will guide you through every step of the accident claims process and work to get compensation for your injuries. Call us to learn more about what our accident attorneys can offer.
Getting Compensation for Your Broken Ribs and Other Injuries
Being injured in a car accident or another type of traumatic event can be an incredibly stressful experience. Broken ribs are severe injuries that may leave you with permanent internal damage. Even in less severe cases, you may need significant time to rest and recover before you can return to work.
Given the large medical bills and regular daily expenses that most people experience in this situation, you may be concerned about your financial status. Fortunately, you may be able to secure compensation for your injuries. Our lawyers can help you explore all potential revenues for financial aid.
For the best chance of securing damages, it is critical to consult an experienced attorney specializing in personal injury cases. Also, make sure that all necessary evidence is properly documented. This can help ensure that you receive the maximum amount of compensation.
File a Claim With Your Insurance Provider
Following an accident where you may have suffered broken ribs or other car accident injuries, you may look to different sources for compensation. Florida is a no-fault insurance state, so you must first look at your insurance policy to cover your medical expenses.
All Florida drivers must carry a minimum amount of personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. To qualify for coverage, you must seek medical attention within 14 days of your accident date. You can continue to receive medical care after that date, but state law requires you to seek initial treatment within this time frame.
The compensation you receive from your PIP policy will also vary according to your injuries’ severity and resulting costs. Whether they are emergency or non-emergency, injuries will also factor into the final decision. A broken ribs lawyer can help you fight for maximum compensation.
File a Claim Against the At-Fault Party
If you have severe injuries, you can also file a claim against the driver or other parties responsible for causing the accident leading to your broken ribs. Your attorney can help identify all the at-fault parties and build a strong case against them.
According to Florida Statutes § 627.737(2), car accident victims can seek compensation for their injuries and damages. Eligible injuries include the following:
- Significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function
- Significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Permanent injury other than scarring or disfigurement
When you suffer a severe injury, your medical bills, lost income, and other expenses will likely exceed any coverage available through your PIP policy. Depending on the situation, you might also be eligible to collect damages for pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and permanent loss of earning capacity.
Holding Other Parties Accountable for Your Injuries
If you can file a claim against the other driver for the accident leading to your injuries, your claim will likely rest on the legal theory of negligence. In other words, your claim is based on allegations that the other driver was careless, neglectful, or reckless in driving to the extent of causing the collision.
This negligence often involves traffic violations, such as disregarding traffic signals or failing to yield the right-of-way. However, negligence may also stem from criminal activity, such as driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The law imposes a duty on all drivers to drive responsibly, considering the safety of everyone on the road. When drivers do not live up to this expectation, they can face liability or financial responsibility for any resulting accidents, property damage, and injuries.
How To Document Your Injuries
Being involved in a car accident can be a traumatic experience. At the moment of impact, the occupants of a vehicle are thrown forward, and their chest may come in direct contact with the dashboard or steering wheel, leading to serious injuries. Wearing a seat belt can significantly reduce the risk of severe and fatal injuries.
Besides broken ribs, common injuries experienced by survivors include:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Head injuries
- Internal injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
The victims must document their injury-related expenses to support their compensation claims. This includes medical bills, lost wages, and other costs associated with the accident. Your attorney will use these documents to prove the extent of your losses.
A personal injury lawyer from our team can help you understand your legal rights and options for seeking compensation. We can also help document your injuries and related expenses to support your claim.
Deadlines for Filing Car Crash Claims
When you or a loved one suffers broken ribs due to another person’s negligence, you do not have unlimited time to file legal claims against them. Awareness of the legal deadlines that apply to your claim can be critical.
If you fail to file your claim within the appropriate time frame, you could lose your chance to hold others accountable for their actions. You may also be unable to claim compensation for your injuries.
Under Florida Statutes § 95.11(3)(a), all car crash victims who wish to file legal claims against the at-fault parties must generally file their claims within four years after the accident date. While this applies to most cases, several factors influence your deadline.
Exceptions to the Florida Statute of Limitations for Car Accidents
State law provides a few exceptions to this rule, such as minor children who suffer injuries in collisions. Furthermore, if you want to file a claim against a government employee or entity, you could be subject to additional steps within a much tighter time frame following the car crash.
Discuss your case with a broken ribs attorney to learn more about the statute of limitations that applies to your situation. After carefully reviewing your case, we can help you determine the best course of action for your case.
Reach Out to Us To Get Legal Advice Today
You do not have to suffer alone when you are injured in a collision. You may be eligible to pursue compensation from the responsible party or parties. This compensation can assist you with medical bills and other living expenses, especially if you cannot work due to accident injuries.
We understand the challenges you are facing in the aftermath of a severe collision in which you have suffered broken ribs or other injuries. You can rely on the accident lawyers at Anidjar & Levine to work for your interests throughout the claims process.
Contact us today and get started on your claim for compensation.
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