SPRING CYCLING AVOID INJURIES
To begin with, Florida pretty much has good cycling weather year-round. However, the temperatures have risen. So, cyclists from all over North America are descending on Florida streets. Unfortunately, that means a rise in bike-car and bike-truck accidents. Typically, the cyclists are on the losing end.
Secondly, cyclists share the same rights and responsibilities as other motorists on the road. But, negligent motorists or careless drivers can cause serious injury to a cyclist. Granted, bicyclists can receive damages for medical bills, lost income and, property damage. As well as, for pain and suffering. Yet, if you are partially responsible the amount received in damages gets reduced.
Causes of Bike-Car Accidents
Notably, in 2019 the FLHSMV reported 6,628 bike-car accidents. In addition, 142 of these cycling crashes resulted in a fatality. Considering, how susceptible cyclists are to injury it is important to know some of the main causes of bike-car accidents. So, here are some dangers cyclists face.
- Failure to yield when entering the road – When entering a roadway, the law requires all motorists to yield to on-coming traffic. In fact, that includes yielding to bicyclists.
- Passing without safe distance – All motorists must leave 3 feet around a cyclist when passing. It’s the law.
- Right turn crashes – These collisions occur when a motorist fails to use their turn signal, or they make a sudden turn crossing the cyclists’ path.
- Road Hazards – Things like road debris, potholes, and cracks in the pavement pose a danger to bicyclists. Because they can cause a cyclist to lose control of the bike.
Avoid Injuries Cycling Safety
In all honesty, cyclists often suffer catastrophic injuries when involved in a collision with a car or truck. Therefore, to avoid a crash or injury cyclists can take certain precautions. So, here are some safety tips for cyclists to follow:
- Always wear a properly fitted helmet and securely fasten the strap.
- Stay visible. Wear bright colors when riding or wear something that reflects light (reflective shoes, reflective tape, etc.)
- Pay attention. Do not wear headphones so that you can hear the traffic and pedestrians around you. Never text and ride.
- Ride in the same direction as traffic and stay as far to the right as possible. Use bike lanes whenever you can.
- Obey all traffic laws, including signs, signals, and lane markings, when riding on the roadway. If crossing a roadway upon or along a crosswalk, abide by pedestrian crossing guidelines.
- If riding between the hours of sunset and sunrise, Florida Law requires the use of a headlight lamp which exhibits a white light visible for 500 feet. Also, it requires the rear of the bike equipped with a taillight lamp and reflector visible for 600 feet.
Motorists Safety Reminders
Although, bicycle safety is important for both the cyclist and motorist. FLHSMV (Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles) states motorists must pay special attention when driving around cyclists. So, here are some safety tips for motorists to follow:
- Drivers MUST give bicyclists a minimum of three feet of clearance when driving alongside or passing them. It’s the law.
- When turning, yield to any bicyclist in the bike lane and make your turn behind the cyclist.
- Avoid using high beam headlights when you see a bicyclist approaching.
- Before opening a car door, check for bicyclists who may be approaching from behind.
Liability in A Bike-Car Accident
Regarding, injuries from a bike-car or bike-truck accident, you can sue the responsible party for damages. Not to mention, as a victim Florida states you have 4 years from the date of the accident to file the claim. More importantly, you can recover damages from the at-fault party if you can prove liability.
At any rate, you as a cyclist have the same legal rights and duties as motorists in Florida. Yet, many drivers do not use care when sharing the road. For example, a distracted driver may not see you cycling and could collide with you.
Then, you can assert your personal injury claim under negligence. Due to the fact, they failed to use reasonable care. Thus, holding the at-fault party liable for injuries caused by the accident.
Damages and Compensation in a Cycling Accident
Furthermore, victims of a bike accident can recover damages. As a matter of fact, you can receive compensation for current medical bills and future medical bills. As well as, for loss of income, and property damage. Also, family members of a person that dies from the accident can recover damages through a wrongful death claim.
So, if you are in a bike-car or bike-truck accident, you could receive compensation. Hence, our Tampa auto accident lawyers will review your case. Then, we will work to protect your legal rights so you can get the outcome you deserve.
CONTACT A TAMPA BIKE-AUTO ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
In short, after a bike-car accident, you may not know your rights. Above all, don’t struggle through the process alone. Actually, our personal injury team is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding your accident.
Lastly, let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. So, get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.329.3491.
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TRUCK ROLLOVER ACCIDENT
Large truck rollover accidents are the worst kind of truck accidents. Considering, for these accidents to occur the large truck must flip over while moving. Unfortunately, this type of accident is all too common on the roadways.
In fact, large trucks are prone to rollover accidents. This is due to their high center of gravity making them top-heavy. But these accidents are preventable. Knowing the common causes will help you to be proactive and decrease the amount of truck rollover accidents.
Common Causes of Trucking Rollovers
Incidentally, truck rollover accidents can occur because of many factors. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), over 78% of them involve driver error. However, driver error is not the only cause. Some of the common causes of truck rollovers include:
- Speeding – Higher speeds while turning or going around a curve could cause the trailer load to shift. This gives the truck more potential for a rollover accident.
- Careless/Reckless Driving – This includes drivers who are sleep-deprived, under the influence, and inexperienced with driving large trucks.
- Improperly Loaded Trailer – Causes rollovers when the shifts in transit. Commonly, due to not properly securing the cargo or unevenly distributing the weight of the cargo.
- Wind – Large truck trailers are tall and long making them susceptible to high winds. Drivers should avoid driving during high wind advisories.
- Improper Maintenance – Not maintaining the proper tire pressure and damage to the suspension can cause the truck to tip. Especially, when driving around sharp curves, uneven road surfaces, and steep downhill grades.
TIPS to Avoid a Trucking Rollover Accident
Even though, you cannot prevent truck driver error or weather conditions. While sharing the roads and highways with large trucks you can take precautions to avoid a rollover crash with a large truck.
- Drive Slower – When driving do not zip around or try to get the truck driver to drive faster. The higher speeds can contribute to many different accidents including rollovers. So, slow down and try to be patient. Even if it means you add a few minutes to your drive.
- Avoid Truck Blind Spots – Remember in order for the truck driver to see you, you must be visible in the truck’s mirror. Staying out of the blind spot can prevent the truck driver from trying to change lanes into you or an overreaction when the driver notices you in the lane. Keeping you, the truck driver, and other motorists safer.
- Don’t Pass Next to a Sharp Drop – Always focus on passing safely. Avoid passing on the side a steep drop and make sure you stay in your lane.
- Allow Truck Drivers Room to Turn – When a driver truck does not have enough room to turn it increases factors that can lead to rollover accidents. So, don’t follow too closely and allow plenty of room for them to turn.
- Pay Attention to Truck Cargo – While you can’t see the cargo in an enclosed trailer, you can see cargo on a flatbed. They secured cargo on flatbeds with straps. Unfortunately, the straps can loosen during the drive causing the cargo to shift. If you notice the cargo moving around don’t drive beside the truck. Try to signal the driver to make them aware of the issue.
CONTACT A TAMPA ATTORNEY
After a trucking accident, you may not know your rights. Don’t struggle through the process alone. Our personal injury team is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding your accident.
Let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. Get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.329.3491.
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AUTO ACCIDENT NECK INJURY
Neck injuries are the most common injuries from auto accidents. Though an auto accident can affect your entire body, your neck is the most vulnerable. This is mostly due to the anatomy of the neck.
In fact, only the top seven vertebrae of the spin are part of the neck or cervical spine. These bones are small and thin. In addition, to bones, the neck has blood vessels, discs, and soft tissues like muscles, tendons, and nerves.
Consequently, thin bones and limited muscle support makes the neck susceptible to injury. Especially, from sudden movements.
Common Neck Injuries
If you injure your neck in a car accident you could feel the pain in other body parts. This could result from the part of the neck you injured in the accident. Here are the most common injuries to the neck:
- Muscle Spasms – Happen when muscles involuntary contract causing tightness and pain around the vertebrae.
- Lacerations or Abrasions – Also known as open wounds. These can cause infection, damage to tendons, or ligaments.
- Whiplash – Typically, occurs when the head is thrust back-and-forth suddenly.
- Soft Tissue Damage – Involves injuries to the muscles, tendons, or ligaments instead of the cervical spine.
- Vocal Cord Damage – An impact from a car accident could affect your larynx causing one or both of your vocal cords to not open properly.
- Brain Injuries – Caused when a neck injury damages the arteries. An injured artery could restrict the blood flow to your brain resulting in brain injury.
- Paresthesia – Is the pressure on the nerve from a slipped disc. As a result, it gives a prickling, burning, tingling, numb feeling (pins and needles feeling).
Consequently, it is possible to sustain more than one of these injuries in an auto accident. Therefore, it is important to have your injuries checked by a medical professional after an accident.
Long-Term Injury SYMPTOMS
Injuring your neck in a car accident is painful and can affect how you function in your daily life. However, left untreated the injury could escalate to a chronic health condition affecting your mental and emotional health. Here are some symptoms of long-term injuries to your neck.
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CONTACT A TAMPA AUTO ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
After a car accident, you may not know your rights. Don’t struggle through the process alone. Our personal injury team is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding your accident.
Let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. Get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.329.3491.
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MOTORCYCLE INSURANCE
Check your motorcycle insurance before riding this spring. With perfect riding weather on the way if you own a motorcycle you’ll want to ride. Incidentally, even a skilled motorcycle rider can succumb to the dangers of the road.
For a motorcyclist, road dangers are more than potholes, loose sand, and gravel. Additionally, they must contend with the actions of other motorists. Let alone, whether they have insurance or sufficient motorcycle coverage. Thus, checking your insurance policy is important.
Florida And Motorcycle Insurance
Florida motorcycle insurance laws baffle and mislead some people. Under the Florida no-fault law motorcycles are not considered motor vehicles. Because of this, motorcyclists are not required to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or Bodily Injury (BI) coverage.
However, Florida does require riders to wear helmets. Unless the rider is over the age of 21. Then they must have a Financial Responsibility Certificate, $10,000 in medical insurance, or liability insurance.
coverage options for Motorcyclists
Although, these are optional for motorcyclists. Having them would help protect you after a motorcycle accident. Considering, a night in the hospital could run well over $25,000. You don’t want to rely on the other motorist.
In some cases, an uninsured or underinsured driver is at-fault for the accident. That’s when your policy might pay for losses and injuries. Consider these standard insurance options.
- Collision – This coverage will pay for damages to your motorcycle.
- Comprehensive Coverage – will pay for damages to your motorcycle caused by something other than an accident. It will also pay for stolen bikes.
- MedPay – This is a provision that drivers can get on their own policy. It will pay for medical bills regardless of who is at fault or injured. So long as the accident involved the insured or their vehicle.
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP) – This works like MedPay. But it pays medical bills and other damages like pain and suffering and loss of wages. It also pays out regardless of the injured party or at-fault. So long as the accident involved the insured or their vehicle. Motorcycle PIP is not regulated by Florida law so you will need to review all terms of the contract.
- Uninsured/Underinsured (UM/UIM) – Most insurance policies have uninsured/underinsured provisions. These will cover all your personal injury damages from underinsured or uninsured drivers. Motorcyclists should stack UM coverage on their auto insurance. Because it will always cover injuries sustained while riding a motorcycle.
In Florida, the law doesn’t require that a driver have UM/UIM. Yet, many people carry that as protection against those with no or little insurance. If a driver has any of these provisions, then they can collect against their own insurance company for their losses.
CONTACT A TAMPA MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
After a motorcycle accident, you may not know your rights. Don’t struggle through the process alone. Our personal injury team is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding your accident.
Let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. Get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.329.3491.
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MOTORCYCLE SAFETY TIPS FOR SPRING
Think motorcycle safety this spring. Although motorcyclists can ride throughout the year in Florida, we still get an increase of motorcycles on the road in the spring. This is due to the beautiful weather and the influx of people visiting the state.
With so many people riding motorcycles the risk of accidents rises. In fact, the National Safety Council states 14% of all traffic deaths are motorcyclists. Consequently, this makes sense due to motorcyclists being less visible to other motorists and not having a steal chaise protecting them.
Yet, we can all help improve the safety of motorcyclists this spring by following some basic safety rules.
Tips for The Motorcyclist
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) recommend these safety tips:
- Safety Course – Whether your state requires a course or not to receive your license take it. Because all motorcyclists can benefit from a motorcycle safety course. At any rate, they will teach you important motorcycle traffic laws and how to handle emergencies.
- Wear a helmet – Considering, the leading cause of death in a motorcycle accident comes from head injuries. Wearing a DOT-approved helmet is one of the best ways to protect your head while riding.
- Other protective gear – Protecting your head is not the only thing you should worry about protecting. A motorcyclist should always wear protective clothing like a jacket, pants, gloves, and sturdy shoes. Wearing bright colors or clothing with reflective strips will also help improve your visibility to other motorists.
- Pre-ride maintenance check – Before you ride always give your motorcycle a once over. Check for fluid leaks, fluid levels, tire pressure, all lights, chain, and brakes.
- Road Awareness – As a motorcyclist, you should pay close attention to road conditions. Slippery roads can be very dangerous for motorcycle riders. Try to anticipate the actions of other drivers and watch for road hazards like potholes and loose sand.
Safety Tips for MOTORISTS
Motorcycle safety does not start and end with the motorcyclist. By the same token, all motorists can take precautions while sharing the road with motorcyclists. These safety tips could help keep our roads safe.
- Watch the road – Motorcycles are small and easily overlooked. Therefore, you should avoid distracted driving. Put your cell phone down so you are not talking or texting while driving. Because taking your hands and eyes off the road puts you at risk of an accident.
- Keep safe distance – It is important to always keep a safe distance between you and a motorcyclist on the road. Incidentally, motorcycle riders occasionally need to slow their speed or move within the lane to avoid hazards on the road. Maintaining a safe distance will help avert a rear-end collision with a motorcyclist.
- Yielding – Treat motorcycles the same as other vehicles on the road and yield to approaching motorcycles. Many motorcycle accidents occur when a car turns in front of them.
- Blindspot awareness – First of all, all cars have blind spots. Remembering to check your mirrors and look over your shoulder before changing lanes. It could be the difference between you hitting or not hitting a biker.
CONTACT A TAMPA MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
After a motorcycle accident, you may not know your rights. Don’t struggle through the process alone. Our personal injury team is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding your accident.
Let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. Get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.329.3491.
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CAR RENTAL INSURANCE: WHAT TO KNOW
What do you know about car rental insurance? If you have rented a car in the past you know it is an upcharge from the rental company. Yet, they require you to have insurance on your rental car and it’s important in case of an accident.
With spring around the corner, there will be more people traveling and renting cars. It is important to know your options when you get to the rental car counter.
Car Rental Insurance Options
First, every car rental company has insurance options available. Typically, you will have four types of coverage to choose from before you rent the car. These options include:
- Collision damage waiver (CDW) – Protects the renter from financial responsibility for damage from an accident, theft, and fees from loss of use.
- Liability protection – covers the renter for damages to other vehicles or property. Also, protects against lawsuits.
- Personal accident insurance – This insurance covers medical costs for you and your passengers if you are in an accident.
- Personal effects coverage – If someone breaks into the car it will reimburse you for items stolen from inside the rental car.
Alternate Coverage and Insurance
Incidentally, the coverage offered by the car rental companies can be costly. Especially, if you did not include this extra charge in your trip budget. Before purchasing all or some of these insurance options you should check into coverage may already have.
More specifically, you should review your auto insurance and coverage your credit card offers when renting a car.
- Personal Auto Insurance – You can start by checking your policy by calling your insurance company or you can check online. Most policies cover you when you rent a car. Provided that, you are not using it for business or traveling outside the US.
- Credit Card Coverage – A lot of major credits cards will cover damage to a rental car or even theft. However, coverages may vary so it is important to check with your credit card company to verify coverage.
Liability IN RENTAL CAR ACCIDENT
How does liability work if you have an accident in your rental car? Luckily, liability is the same as an accident in your own personal car. Basically, you are liable for damages if you cause an accident with another driver. This is where your personal coverage or coverage purchased through the car rental company comes into play.
Typically, if you are not at-fault for the accident then the negligent party will be liable. However, with most rental car agreements you are still responsible for damages to the vehicle. In this case, an auto accident attorney like RHINO Lawyers can help with your claim.
CONTACT TAMPA AUTO ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
After a car accident, you may not know your rights. Don’t struggle through the process alone. Our personal injury team is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding your accident.
Let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. Get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.329.3491.
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DROWSY DRIVING
There are countless causes for car accidents but the cause that usually flies under the radar is drowsy driving. Driving while drowsy or fatigued can be very dangerous with deadly consequences. Yet, a poll conducted by the National Sleep Foundation found 60% of drivers admitted to driving drowsy.
Florida has designated the first week of September as “Drowsy Driving Prevention Week.” Though, it is always good to get reminders throughout the year of its dangers. Here are things you may not know about driving while drowsy.
Effects of Drowsiness
Driving when you’re tired produces effects similar to the effects of alcohol. In fact, the National Sleep Foundation found driving after being awake for 18 straight hours has effects equal to a .05 BAC. Considering, the BAC limit in Florida is .08% or more you want to avoid driving without sleep.
Here are a few effects of tiredness fatigue.
- Your reaction time is slowed
- Vision and judgment
- Impaired senses
- Nodding off or falling asleep
drowsy driving Warning Signs
Everyone should know when they feel tired and need rest. However, we sometimes ignore the signs of fatigue and drowsiness. These are some signs your body needs to rest:
- Your eyes get heavy or you have a hard time focusing
- Mind-wandering or daydreaming
- can’t remember the last few miles or you miss exits
- Yawning
- Drifting in your lane or hitting a shoulder rumble strip
Drowsy Driving Prevention Tips
While getting a complete night’s rest is the best way to prevent driving drowsy, there are other steps you can take. We put together some tips to help you avoid driving drowsy.
- Do not drive after taking medication that causes drowsiness. Check the label of the medicine so you do not drive impaired.
- Take breaks every few hours on long trips and alternate drivers.
- Coffee or caffeine can help with alertness for short periods.
- Try not to drive during the hours you normally sleep.
- On long road trips use rest areas. These are perfect for taking a break from the road.
- Before starting your trip rest up. Especially, if you have been up for an extended period of time like 24 hours.
CONTACT TAMPA AUTO ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
After a car accident, you may not know your rights. Don’t struggle through the process alone. Our personal injury team is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding your accident.
Let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. Get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.329.3491.
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HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY
Happy Valentine’s Day and thank you for choosing us! Even though we are not part of your family, we want you to know that you are part of our family at RHINO Lawyers, and we are grateful for your business. Hopefully, this note finds you well on this special day. Enjoy your time with your loved ones.
Here is a delicious cupcake recipe to enjoy with the ones you love. As always, let us know if there is anything, we can do for you, and we’ll be happy to help.
valentine’s day red velvet cupcakes
by pinkspoonula | Courtesy: Allrecipes
READY IN: 50mins SERVES: 20
INGREDIENTS
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 fluid ounce red food coloring
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
DIRECTIONS
- First, preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Then, grease two 12 cup muffin pans or line with 20 paper baking cups.
- Secondly, in a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Mix in the eggs, buttermilk, red food coloring, and vanilla. After, stir in the baking soda and vinegar. Combine the flour, cocoa powder, and salt; stir into the batter just until blended.
- Thirdly, spoon the batter into the prepared cups, dividing evenly.
- Next, bake in the preheated oven until the tops spring back when lightly pressed, 20 to 25 minutes. Then, cool in the pan set over a wire rack. Finally, when cool, arrange the cupcakes on a serving platter and frost with white or cream cheese frosting.
CONTACT
After a car accident, you may not know your rights. Don’t struggle through the process alone. Our personal injury team is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding your accident.
Lastly, let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. Get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.329.3491.
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HANDLING AN ACCIDENT WITH UNINSURED DRIVER
Car accidents occur on our roadways every day in Tampa. But, do you know what to do when an uninsured driver causes the accident? Yes, that’s correct we share the road with uninsured drivers. Even though, almost every state requires minimum liability insurance for your car.
As a matter of fact, the Insurance Research Council says 1 in 8 drivers in this country do not have auto insurance. That is the one person you do not want to have an accident with. Just in case, we put together some basic tips in case it happens.
Tips for after being hit by an Uninsured Driver
Imagine, you’re driving to work and you stop at a red light. You hear screeching tires and then you feel yourself thrown forward. Unfortunately, another driver just rear-ended you.
Once you have moved your cars to a safe area, you exit the car to assess the damages and talk to the other driver. Incidentally, your car is badly damaged and the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance. However, you know to follow these tips:
- Call the Police – Always call the police when in an auto accident. They will file an accident report. More importantly, you will need this report when you file your claim.
- Never Except Money – An uninsured driver knows they are facing substantial fines. Therefore, they may offer you money to avoid having the law involved. Don’t accept. It is too early to know how much your injuries will cost.
- Exchange Information – Even though they do not have insurance, you will need their contact and vehicle details. Furthermore, you should get the contact information from any witnesses.
- Document the Details – You will need to write down the other driver’s vehicle information, time and location of the accident, and the officer’s name with a badge number. Also, try to document any details that may help when you file your claim.
- Take Pictures – You should take pictures of the accident scene. Include photos of the damage to each car, the license plate of the other driver, and traffic signs.
UNINSURED MOTORIST CLAIM IN NO-FAULT STATE
In a “no-fault” state your insurance company will cover things like medical bills and lost wages regardless of fault. However, they will only cover up to the limits of your coverage. As for your auto repairs, you would need separate collision coverage.
In this situation, you could use your health insurance for your medical bills. Then you could use your collision coverage for repairs needed for your vehicle. However, you will be responsible for the deductibles and you can forget about any lost wages.
As a result, it would be beneficial for all drivers to carry uninsured/underinsured (UM/UIM) motorist insurance. It’s a good way to counter an otherwise terrible situation. So, if a driver that doesn’t have insurance hits you, your UM insurance will cover you. It’s relatively inexpensive, so buy as much as you reasonably can.
CONTACT
After a car accident, you may not know your rights. Don’t struggle through the process alone. Our personal injury team is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding your accident.
Let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. Get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.329.3491.
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WHAT COMPENSATORY DAMAGES COVER
After being injured in an accident, there are basically two forms of compensatory damages: economic and non-economic. Furthermore, these damages provide auto accident victims with compensation to help them recoup losses from the accident. So, for additional info on what compensation you’ll eligible for, contact a Tampa auto accident attorney.
Understanding Compensatory Damages
First, when seeking compensation for an auto accident, compensatory damages are commonly awarded to the injured person. Thus, this compensation helps the individual make up for losses suffered from the accident. The most common compensation for damages are:
- Current and projected medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Lost wages, both current and projected
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Damaged relationships
- Property damage
Punitive Damages vs Compensatory Damages
Secondly, though compensatory damages are more common, you could receive punitive damages in a personal injury case. However, not all auto injury settlements will include punitive damages. Additionally, judges award punitive damages to punish the gross negligence of the defendant. Some punitive damages awarded are:
- Court reporter fees
- Costs of exhibits
- Reproduction fee
- Fees charged by legal professionals
- Miscellaneous expenses
Compensation Limitations
Currently, the state of Florida does not limit compensatory damages. However, there are limits to punitive damages to keep damages from becoming excessive. Punitive damages may not exceed:
- Three times the amount of compensatory damages awarded.
- Or $500,000
CONTACT
After an automobile accident, you may not know what to do or who to call. Don’t struggle through the process alone. Lastly, our personal injury team is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding your car, motorcycle, or trucking accident.
Let the Tampa auto accident attorneys at RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. Get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.329.3491.
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