Distracted Driving Accident Lawyers in New Port Richey, FL

Every time someone gets behind the wheel of a car, they are making a silent agreement to adhere to the rules of the road and keep their fellow drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists safe. This means no driving while intoxicated, speeding, or using any sort of device like a cell phone to distract you. Driving takes a certain level of concentration and skill, which is why there are so many rules and regulations surrounding who can operate a vehicle and under what conditions. 

If you are in an accident with a distracted driver, you are owed compensation for your damages. Depending on the severity of the distraction, your injuries can range from mild to severe, all of which can cost a significant amount of money in hospital bills and other necessities. The aftermath of an accident you did not cause can be confusing, and it’s natural not to know where to begin. To ensure you are on the right track, reach out to a qualified New Port Richey distracted driving accident lawyer from McPherson & Thomas, P.A. We are here to help guide you toward a brighter and healthier future. 

Common Mistakes Made by Victims of Distracted Driving Accidents in New Port Richey, Florida

To help you overcome the common questions and concerns plaguing most victims of distracted driving accidents, the team at McPherson & Thomas, P.A. has put together a guide detailing the most frequently made mistakes after your accident:

Not Filing on Time

Florida recently changed their statute of limitations to two years. This means you have two years from the date of your distracted driving accident to file a claim with the liable party’s insurance company. This may seem like an adequate amount of time, but ensuring you are including all of the correct paperwork, establishing liability, and doing so while injured can be more overwhelming than you may have thought. 

Filing on your own also risks a low settlement offer. The most frequent reason for a low settlement offer is not including detailed medical records or enough evidence of the full extent of the cost of your injuries. 

Not Collecting Evidence

When it is safe to do so, it is advised you attempt to collect as much evidence as you can from the scene of your accident. For example, if your injuries and circumstances allow you to, you should try taking a couple of photos or videos using your phone. At the very least, you should get the name, number, and insurance information of the involved parties. 

For parties who are too overwhelmed or too injured to collect any evidence, it is encouraged that you reach out to a knowledgeable attorney as soon as you can. Using their resources and experience, your attorney will quickly begin to collect and assess any potentially relevant evidence, such as traffic camera footage, police reports, detailed medical records, car diagnostics, BAC reports, and even expert testimony. 

Not Hiring a Dedicated Distracted Driving Attorney

At the end of the day, any mistake made can be remedied by hiring a dedicated distracted accident attorney in New Port Richey, Florida. We have found that clients who do not hire an attorney as soon as possible run the risk of low settlement offers or even dismissed claims due to missed deadlines. With an attorney by your side, you are giving yourself access to someone who will handle the hard parts of your case while you focus on resting and recovering from your accident. 

This means having someone to file your claim for you, handle all scheduling, negotiate with the insurance company, and even take your case to court if need be. 

What Type of Compensation Are You Entitled to After Your Accident?

Florida currently allows victims of personal injury claims to recover three types of damages after their accident: economic, non-economic, and punitive. Economic and non-economic are the two most commonly awarded damages and are based on your losses as a direct result of the accident. Economic damages cover the tangible losses, such as medical bills, lost wages, and the cost of prescription medications. Non-economic damages are there to help with the emotional or intangible losses, such as pain and suffering. 

If your accident is a result of gross negligence, your distracted driving accident lawyer in New Port Richey, FL can explain punitive damages and how they are awarded. These are not based on your losses but act as a penalty fine to the party exhibiting wanton negligence. 

Consult With Our Distracted Driving Accident Attorneys in New Port Richey, FL

Don’t face your personal injury claim without the guidance and protective knowledge of a compassionate attorney from McPherson & Thomas, P.A. For over 25 years, Scott McPherson has diligently served his community and ensured they have access to comprehensive and people-first services. From the very first consultation to the final settlement, you will have a dedicated attorney by your side to answer any questions or address any concerns you may have. 

We don’t see a single penny unless you do, too. For a free consultation to discuss the best possible route of legal action for your specific case today, please call our New Port Richey car accident lawyers today at (727) 848-8892 or fill out our contact form.