Auto Accidents Attorney in Clearwater, Florida
Auto accidents have become a common occurrence in our daily lives. Each day, individuals suffer injuries or lose their lives in accidents involving cars, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, and rideshares. Often, we tend to overlook these incidents unless we or someone we care about is directly affected. Being involved in a car crash is a traumatic event that you should not have to face alone, proper legal representation can make all of the difference in the world when navigating the intricacies of insurance policies and governing laws.
However, there is a common thread that binds all these vehicular mishaps: when someone's negligence leads to harm, accountability must be established. At the Law Office of Alex Hernandez, we are dedicated to representing clients who have suffered injuries or lost loved ones, as a result of the negligence and/or carelessness of others, regardless of the type of vehicles involved.
I am fluent in Spanish and English and proudly serve clients who only speak Spanish as well as those who speak English primarily and provide my legal services to clients in Clearwater, Saint Petersburg, Sarasota, and Bradenton, Florida, covering the Tampa Bay Area and the Tri-County Area, encompassing Pasco County, Pinellas County, and Hillsborough County.
Have You Been in an Accident?
Reach Out NowWhat Kinds of Auto Accidents Are There?
My clients typically face five types of auto accidents that result in damages:
Car Accidents: Car crashes are the most frequent, with millions occurring on Florida's roads daily. Regardless of where drivers are licensed, if someone is injured in a car accident in Florida, they are subject to Florida laws. Passengers in cars involved in crashes also have valid claims.
Bicycle Accidents: Surprisingly, bicycles fall under the category of auto accidents because they share the road and must adhere to the same rules as other vehicles. Florida's weather promotes cycling as a means of transportation, but negligent car or truck drivers often endanger cyclists.
Motorcycle Accidents: The popularity of motorcycles in Florida, driven by favorable weather and relaxed helmet laws for riders 21 and older, results in a significant number of motorcycle accidents. Unfortunately, most accidents involving motorcycles are caused by other motorists.
Truck-Related Accidents: Accidents involving commercial trucks are often the most devastating due to their size and weight. Commercial trucks are subject to strict safety regulations under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Act. Victims of truck accidents often suffer severe injuries or fatalities, leading to high liability insurance policies. However, insurance companies representing trucks may attempt to minimize payouts.
Rideshare Accidents: The proliferation of rideshare services like Uber and Lyft has contributed to an increase in accidents involving rideshare vehicles. Determining liability insurance coverage can be complex, with rideshare corporations carrying higher liability limits than individual rideshare drivers.
In all these accidents, the same Florida statute of limitations applies: four years for personal injury claims and two years for wrongful death claims. Navigating this legal landscape can be overwhelming, which is why retaining an experienced auto accident attorney is crucial.
Comparative Negligence
Florida's pure comparative negligence rule also applies, meaning fault can be assigned to multiple parties. If you are less than 50% at fault, you can pursue a personal injury or wrongful death claim, but your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of negligence.
For instance, if you are found 20% at fault for an accident and a jury awards you $100,000 in damages, your recovery will be $80,000 after accounting for your share of negligence.
Why Should You Hire an Auto Accident Attorney?
Auto accident attorneys go by various titles such as truck accident attorney, car accident attorney, or motorcycle accident attorney. However, our primary role is to represent you in personal injury or wrongful death claims, and here are several compelling reasons why you should hire us:
Legal Knowledge: Understanding auto accident insurance claims can be complex if you are unfamiliar with Florida law and have never filed a claim before. Without a personal injury attorney's guidance, you may inadvertently waive your rights. I am dedicated to safeguarding your rights.
Dealing with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often attempt to undervalue or deny claims, especially if they can shift at least 50% of the blame onto you. I possess the knowledge and negotiation skills required to handle insurance companies effectively, ensuring a level playing field.
Thorough Investigation: Auto accident attorneys excel in conducting comprehensive crash investigations and preserving crucial evidence. This is especially critical in truck accidents, where factors like crash reconstruction, expert inspections, medical testimony, and in-depth discovery during a lawsuit can significantly impact the outcome of your claim.
Auto Accidents Attorney & Certified Mediator in Clearwater, Florida
Choosing a professional attorney with a track record of successfully representing clients in cases similar to yours can make all the difference in your case. If you have experienced any form of auto accident in Florida, or if a loved one has suffered incapacitating injuries or loss of life, time is of the essence. I offer my extensive experience to every client I serve. Contact the Law Office of Alex Hernandez in Clearwater, Florida today to schedule a free case consultation. Don't delay—reach out now.