Sarasota Car Accident Lawyer Dennis Hernandez
Sarasota, Florida, with its beautiful beaches and vibrant community, unfortunately also sees its share of traffic incidents. As the number of vehicles on the road increases, so does the likelihood of auto accidents. In Sarasota County, thousands of collisions occur annually, many resulting in injuries. Navigating the aftermath of a car crash can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with injuries, insurance claims, and legal complexities. If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Sarasota, understanding your rights and seeking the guidance of an experienced auto accident lawyer is crucial.
Victims of car accidents often face a multitude of challenges. Beyond the physical pain and emotional distress, there are financial burdens stemming from medical bills, lost income, and vehicle damage. Dealing with insurance companies can be confusing and frustrating as they may prioritize their interests over yours. This is where an auto accident lawyer in Sarasota can provide invaluable assistance, offering legal expertise and support to help you navigate this difficult time. Dennis Hernandez & Associates, PA, are dedicated Sarasota car accident attorneys committed to advocating for those injured due to another party’s negligence.
Common Causes of Auto Accidents in Sarasota
Understanding the common factors contributing to car accidents can highlight the importance of safe driving practices and help accident victims contextualize their experiences. While each accident is unique, certain factors frequently contribute to collisions in Sarasota:
- Distracted Driving: With the pervasive use of smartphones and other electronic devices, distracted driving has become a leading cause of accidents. Texting, talking on the phone, adjusting navigation systems, or even eating while driving can divert attention from the road, leading to errors and crashes.
- Speeding: Exceeding the speed limit or driving too fast for conditions is a consistent factor in a significant percentage of accidents. Speed reduces a driver’s reaction time and increases the severity of a crash.
- Impaired Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs severely impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction time. Impaired driving remains a major cause of serious and fatal car accidents.
- Reckless Driving: Aggressive driving behaviors such as tailgating, weaving through traffic, and running red lights demonstrate a disregard for safety and often lead to accidents.
- Fatigued Driving: Driving while drowsy or fatigued can be as dangerous as drunk driving. Lack of sleep impairs cognitive function and slows reaction times, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Hazardous Road Conditions: Weather conditions like rain, fog, and storms common in Florida can create hazardous road conditions. Failure to adjust driving behavior to these conditions can lead to loss of control and accidents.
- Construction Zones: Construction areas often involve lane changes, reduced speed limits, and unexpected obstacles, increasing the risk of accidents if drivers are not attentive and cautious.
Injuries Sustained in Sarasota Car Accidents
The types and severity of injuries resulting from car accidents can vary widely depending on the circumstances of the crash. From minor to life-altering, injuries can significantly impact a victim’s health, well-being, and financial stability. Common car accident injuries include:
- Whiplash and Neck Injuries: Sudden, forceful movements during a collision can cause whiplash, a neck injury resulting from the rapid back-and-forth motion of the head.
- Back and Spinal Cord Injuries: Impacts can cause herniated discs, spinal fractures, and more severe spinal cord injuries, potentially leading to paralysis.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Head trauma from a car accident can result in TBIs, ranging from concussions to severe brain damage with long-term cognitive and physical effects.
- Broken Bones and Fractures: Forces in a car accident can cause fractures in any bone in the body, with common sites including arms, legs, ribs, and hips.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Sprains, strains, and tears to muscles, ligaments, and tendons are common in car accidents and can cause significant pain and limited mobility.
- Burns: In accidents involving fire, victims can suffer severe burns requiring extensive medical treatment and potentially resulting in permanent scarring and disfigurement.
- Internal Injuries: Damage to internal organs can be life-threatening and may not be immediately apparent after an accident.
- Amputations: In severe crashes, limbs may be crushed or damaged beyond repair, requiring amputation.
- Psychological Trauma: Beyond physical injuries, car accidents can cause emotional distress, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other psychological issues.
Compensation Available to Sarasota Auto Accident Victims
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Sarasota due to someone else’s negligence, you have the right to seek compensation for your losses. The types of compensation you may be entitled to include:
- Medical Expenses: This covers all costs associated with your medical treatment, including hospital bills, doctor visits, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and ongoing care.
- Lost Wages: You can recover income lost due to being unable to work because of your injuries, both past and future lost earnings.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by your injuries and the accident itself.
- Property Damage: Reimbursement for the costs to repair or replace your damaged vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.
- Loss of Consortium: In cases of severe injury, a spouse may be able to claim compensation for the loss of companionship, support, and intimacy.
- Diminished Quality of Life: If your injuries have significantly impacted your ability to enjoy life and participate in activities you once did, you may be compensated for this loss.
- Punitive Damages: In cases of egregious negligence or intentional misconduct by the at-fault party, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.
- Wrongful Death Damages: If a car accident results in a fatality, the deceased’s family may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim to recover damages such as funeral expenses, loss of support, and loss of companionship.
Why You Need a Sarasota Auto Accident Lawyer
Navigating the legal and insurance processes after a car accident can be complex and challenging. An experienced Sarasota auto accident lawyer can provide crucial support and advocacy by:
- Investigating the Accident: Gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and reconstructing the accident to determine fault and liability.
- Dealing with Insurance Companies: Handling all communication and negotiations with insurance adjusters to protect your rights and maximize your claim.
- Assessing Your Damages: Accurately evaluating the full extent of your losses, including medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and future needs.
- Providing Legal Guidance: Explaining your rights and options, and guiding you through each step of the legal process.
- Negotiating a Settlement: Skillfully negotiating with the insurance company or at-fault party to reach a fair and just settlement.
- Litigating Your Case: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, preparing and presenting your case in court to fight for the compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Sarasota, don’t face the aftermath alone. Contact Dennis Hernandez & Associates, PA, for a free case evaluation. Their dedicated team of Sarasota auto accident attorneys is ready to fight for your rights and help you secure the compensation you need to recover and rebuild your life. Call 855.529.3366 or fill out the online form today to get started.
Sources:
AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. 2019 traffic safety culture index. https://aaafoundation.org/2019-traffic-safety-culture-index/
Florida Department of Transportation. (2019). FY 2019 highway safety plan. https://www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.dot.gov/files/documents/fl_fy2019_hspar.pdf
Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. (2020). Traffic crash reports. Crash dashboard. https://www.flhsmv.gov/traffic-crash-reports/crash-dashboard/
U.S. Department of Transportation. National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration. (2020, April). Traffic safety facts. https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/812932
