In 2018, there were more than 403,000 reported car accidents in Florida. When you have been injured in a Florida car accident, it may seem as though your world is crashing down. You may suddenly be facing an onslaught of medical bills combined with tremendous physical pain and a recovery period that seems longer than you prefer. In addition, you may be unable to support yourself and your family as you suffer financial losses due tot he inability to work.

For these reasons, it is important to know your legal rights following a car accident in our state. Specifically, you should be aware of the different categories of compensation that can be awarded. Florida law recognizes several areas of potential recoveries for crash victims.

Damages in Florida Car Accidents 

Damages is simply a legal term for the amount of money awarded to a victim in a car accident or other legal case. A skilled Florida car accident lawyer can help you accurately evaluate your damages and thus the value of your claim. The specific types of damages for Florida car accident victims are as follows:

Medical Care and Treatment: When you receive medical care as a result of injuries suffered in the accident, this amount may be reimbursed. Medical care can also include the cost of medical supplies and prescription expenses incurred to help treat your injuries. Generally, the amount that can be recovered will be offset by any payments which are made by your health insurance company.

Lost Wages: If you are forced to miss time from work due to the accident, you could receive compensation. The inability to work due to your injuries or your need to seek medical care during your work hours can result in lost income. This lost income can become a part of your total damages resulting from the crash.

Pain and Suffering: There is no doubt that injuries caused by a crash are often painful and can cause both physical and emotional difficulties. While it is difficult to put an exact dollar value on pain and suffering from a crash, the severity of your injuries and the impact of the injuries on your lifestyle can play a role in the damages you are awarded for pain and suffering. It is important to document how the crash has altered your normal lifestyle in order to substantiate your claim for pain and suffering.

Punitive Damages: Punitive damages are meant to punish a third party when their actions are extremely reckless or malicious. These are special types of damages that are awarded in cases of egregious behavior. For example, a drunk driver who hits and seriously injures a child may face a punitive damages claim.

Property Damage: In addition to bodily injury, most car accidents also involve property damage. Your vehicle could need costly repairs. In a typical property damage claim, many insurers fail to offer a fair repair or replacement value for your car. Accepting an insufficient offer can result in tremendous out of pocket expenses if you have to replace the car with a new one.

Contact a Skilled Florida Car Accident Attorney

Only an experienced Florida car accident lawyer can advise you on the damages that can be recovered in your specific case. Every personal injury claim has its own set of facts and you should always receive legal advice that is personal to your specific situation. At Sheftall & Associates, we are here to help when you have been hurt in a car accident in Jacksonville and surrounding communities.

For your free consultation, please give us a call at (904) 569-6025.