An auto accident can be a deeply traumatic event, causing physical injuries that may lead to long-term disability or chronic pain. Beyond the physical implications, it can also lead to significant emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress. Additionally, the financial burden of medical expenses, property damage, and lost wages can create substantial hardship. These only exacerbate the overall toll of the accident. After a car accident, hiring an experienced and compassionate personal injury attorney is crucial.
At Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia, we bring an unparalleled wealth of experience to every auto accident case. Our keen understanding of the unique needs and circumstances of auto accident victims and deep understanding of the insurance and legal process means we fight tooth and nail for our clients. From minor incidents to catastrophic collisions, our firm handles a wide range of auto accident cases. We strive relentlessly to secure the compensation you deserve.
CHOOSING AN AUTO ACCIDENT LAWYER
When selecting a lawyer, it’s essential to consider their ability to effectively represent your interests and navigate the complexities of auto accident claims. At Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia, our attorneys have the expertise to guide you through every step of the process.
WHAT KIND OF COMPENSATION AM I ENTITLED TO?
Victims of auto accidents may be entitled to several types of compensation. Some examples include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. At Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia, we stress that these compensations are not just about the monetary value. They’re also about restoring a sense of normalcy to your life.
WHAT IT MEANS TO WORK WITH A Car Accident Lawyer
Being a client of Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia means more than just having a lawyer. It also means being part of a supportive family dedicated to fighting for your rights. Our clients can expect an unwavering commitment to their case, a team who listens attentively and understands their unique situation, and a partnership that prioritizes their needs every step of the way. With WHG, you’re not just a case number. You’re an individual, deserving of respect, dignity, and the highest standard of legal representation available.
NAVIGATING THE AUTO ACCIDENT LawSuit PROCESS
Navigating the auto accident and insurance claims process can be daunting. There’s legal jargon, complex policies, and seemingly endless paperwork. At Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia, we take the burden off your shoulders.
Our experienced attorneys are adept at navigating these complexities. We ensure your claims are properly filed and negotiate with insurance companies to advocate for the compensation you deserve. Whether it’s managing communications, understanding policy coverage, or disputing undervalued claims, we strive to streamline the process. We’re proud to provide our clients with clarity and support at every stage.
Being a client of Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia means more than just having an attorney. It means having a team of advocates dedicated to your cause. We will fight tirelessly for your rights and support you at every stage of the process. We believe in putting our clients first, and this is reflected in our approach, our preparation, and our commitment to securing the justice you deserve.
WE REPRESENT YOU ON CONTINGENCY FEES
At Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia, we strongly believe that everyone should have access to high-quality legal representation, regardless of their financial circumstances. To make this possible, we operate on a contingency fee basis.
In other words, as our client, you do not have to pay any upfront costs or out-of-pocket expenses for our legal services. We only get paid if we win your case or achieve a settlement in your favor.
YOU’VE BEEN IN A CAR ACCIDENT. WHAT NOW?
Experiencing a car accident can leave you feeling disoriented and unsure of what to do next. The steps you take immediately following the accident can significantly impact your ability to file a successful insurance claim or legal case. At Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia, we guide you through these crucial steps.
ENSURE YOUR SAFETY
Make sure you and anyone involved in the accident are safe. Move out of the traffic if it's safe to do so.
CONTACT AUTHORITIES
Dial emergency services to report the accident. They'll send police, and, if necessary, medical services to your location.
SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION
If you or anyone else involved in the accident is injured, seek immediate medical attention. Even if you feel fine, it's still recommended to get checked out as some injuries may not manifest immediately.
DOCUMENT THE SCENE
Collect as much information as possible about the accident. If possible, take photographs, note down details of what happened, and gather contact information from any witnesses.
CONTACT WERNER, HOFFMAN, GREIG & GARCIA
As soon as it's feasible, reach out to an attorney. Your attorney will guide you through the legal and insurance complexities following your accident, and work to get you the compensation you deserve.
It’s important to note that the actions you take following an auto accident can significantly influence the outcome of your claim. This is because the details gathered in the immediate aftermath of the incident form the foundation for your case. Factors that can play a crucial role in determining your compensation include:
- your recorded statements
- evidence collected at the scene
- medical attention you receive
- how you engage with insurance companies
That’s where the experienced professionals at Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia come in. Our team is well-versed in the nuances of auto accident claims. And we’re ready to guide you every step of the way. From ensuring proper documentation of your accident to negotiating with insurance adjusters on your behalf, we strive to simplify the process and maximize your recovery.
Common injuries from car accidents
No matter what the cause of your car accident, it can cause serious and sometimes devastating injuries. These injuries can resort in pain and suffering. And they can cause you to lose a ton of your time running around to appointments. Moreover, not knowing how you’re going to pay your bills adds additional stress.
Here are some of the most common injuries caused by car accidents.
- Neck and back injuries: The sudden acceleration and deceleration during a car accident can often cause a person’s neck and back to move unnaturally. This can lead to painful injuries like sprains, herniated discs, fractured vertebrae, and many other related injuries. This often leads patients to have chronic pain, mobility limitations, and other types of repercussions that can severely affect their lives.
- Brain injuries: Car accidents can cause concussions or other, more severe brain injuries. These injuries can be devastating, causing symptoms like loss of consciousness, memory problems, or even personality changes.
- Spinal cord injuries: Spinal cord injuries are almost always extremely serious. These injuries can lead to long-term or permanent disability. And recovery is often a long and difficult process.
- Whiplash: The back-and-forth movement of a car crash can often cause whiplash. This is a category of neck and upper spinal injuries. The effects of whiplash can include muscle strain, headaches, and dizziness.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Automobile accidents frequently cause strains, sprains, and tears in soft tissues like muscles, tendons, and ligaments. These injuries can cause pain and swelling and limit mobility.
- Burns: Burns can cause pain, scarring, and disfigurement. More severe burns can be excruciating.
- Broken Bones: The physical forces involved in a car crash can lead to fractures and broken bones.
- Arm Injuries: Car crashes can cause damage to the bones, joints, and nerves of the hands, arms, and shoulders. This can lead to problems with grip and fine motor control.
- Leg Injuries: Similar to arm injuries, car crashes can cause injuries to the legs that limit the ability to walk and move around.
- Shoulder Injuries: Car crashes can cause shoulder dislocation, rotator cuff tears, and other shoulder injuries. These types of injuries can limit your ability to function. Additionally, shoulder injuries often require painful physical therapy.
- Amputation: Some car crashes can lead to amputated limbs, which can cause severe emotional and physical pain and require a long and difficult adaptation process.
Learn more: Florida Car Accident Statistics
Common Causes of Car Accidents
Every car accident is unique, but there are some common patterns that emerge. Dangerous situations that can lead to car accidents include:
- Distracted driving tops the list of dangerous driving behaviors. Examples include texting, talking on the phone, or adjusting the radio.
- Speeding in excess of the speed limit can limit reaction times. Apart from increasing the likelihood of an accident, speeding can lead to greater severity in a crash.
- Driving under the influence affects reaction time and the decision-making process, making driving extremely dangerous.
- Reckless driving behaviors like tailgating, running red lights, or weaving in between lanes can increase risks for everyone on the road.
- Inclement weather, like rain or snow, can limit visibility and cause your car to lose traction.
Common Causes of Car Crashes
Car crashes can occur for a variety of reasons, many of which are preventable. Understanding the common causes of these accidents can help in developing strategies to reduce their frequency and severity.
- Distracted Driving: One of the leading causes of car accidents, distracted driving involves activities that take the driver’s attention away from the road, such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, or using in-car technologies.
- Speeding: Driving above the speed limit or too fast for road conditions is a major contributor to accidents. Speeding reduces the driver’s ability to react quickly to unexpected situations and increases the severity of collisions.
- Drunk Driving: Alcohol impairs a driver’s judgment, reaction times, and motor skills. Drunk driving remains a significant cause of fatal car accidents despite strict laws and awareness campaigns.
- Reckless Driving: Aggressive behaviors such as tailgating, weaving through traffic, and excessive speeding fall under reckless driving. These actions significantly increase the likelihood of accidents.
- Weather Conditions: Poor weather conditions like rain, snow, fog, or ice can make roads slippery and reduce visibility. Drivers may struggle to maintain control of their vehicles or may fail to see hazards in time.
- Running Red Lights and Stop Signs: Ignoring traffic signals and stop signs can lead to severe intersection collisions. These accidents often result from drivers being in a hurry or not paying attention.
- Fatigue: Driving while fatigued can be as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol. Tired drivers have slower reaction times, impaired judgment, and are more likely to fall asleep at the wheel.
- Mechanical Failures: Vehicle malfunctions, such as brake failures, tire blowouts, or engine problems, can lead to accidents. Regular maintenance and timely repairs are essential to prevent these issues.
- Road Conditions: Poorly maintained roads, potholes, lack of signage, and road construction can contribute to accidents. Drivers must be cautious and adjust their driving to account for these hazards.
- Inexperienced Drivers: New and inexperienced drivers may lack the skills and judgment necessary to navigate complex traffic situations, making them more prone to accidents.
How is Liability Determined in Car Accident Lawsuits?
It can be difficult to tell who is at fault in a car accident lawsuit. An attorney experienced in personal injury law for auto accidents would be a critical ally for determining liability and proving it for your claim. Responsibility for a car accident can involve considering the following factors:
- Did anyone break any traffic laws?
- Did any driver breach their duty of care by driving recklessly?
- Was any driver’s vehicle in an unsafe condition to drive?
Types of Evidence Commonly Used in Car Accident Cases
Evidence is essential when it comes to preparing a strong case. Specifically, it can be tricky to find useful evidence for car accident cases, which is another reason that hiring a car accident attorney will benefit your case. Some of the most common types of evidence considered in car accidents include:
- Medical records. The observations of medical personnel and records of your treatment can testify to the severity of your injuries, how you most likely received them, and the costs of your treatment.
- Police reports. These often include detailed evidence of what happened.
- Eyewitness accounts. People who witnessed the accident or the aftermath can corroborate your side of the story.
- Expert testimony. Experts like accident re-constructionists can provide a clearer picture of what took place. By constructing the sequence of your car accident and communicating it clearly, re-constructionists help everyone understand complicated evidence.
- Photos and videos. Pictures or videos of the scene of the accident or the automobiles involved can help tell a story.
TYPES OF COMPENSATION YOU CAN RECOVER AFTER A CAR Crash Injury
Victims of car accidents can suffer significant financial hardship on top of the physical and emotional pain. Fortunately, you can seek compensation for various car accident damages through a personal injury claim. Here’s a breakdown of what you might be owed:
- Medical expenses: This includes past, present, and future medical bills associated with your injuries, including doctor visits, hospital stays, surgery, medication, rehabilitation, and any future medical needs arising from the auto accident.
- Lost wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can recover compensation for lost wages. This includes salary, bonuses, commissions, and any other forms of income you miss due to your injuries.
- Loss of earning capacity: In severe injury cases, your ability to earn a living in the future might be impacted. Compensation can be recovered for this loss of future earning potential, often in one large payment.
- Pain and suffering: This compensates you for the physical and emotional pain caused by the accident. This includes physical discomfort, emotional distress, scarring, and any mental health issues stemming from the car accident.
- Property damage: You can recover the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle or any other property damaged in the motor vehicle accident.
- Loss of consortium: If you’re married and your spouse’s injuries significantly impact your marital relationship, you may be able to recover compensation for this loss.
- Wrongful death: If a loved one dies in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit to recover damages such as funeral expenses, lost income of the deceased, and loss of companionship.
Our team of experienced attorneys can evaluate your case and help you determine the level of compensation to seek.
how long does a lawsuit take for a car accident
Dealing with the legal system can seem daunting, but our skilled team at Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia will guide you through every step. Here’s a general overview of what to expect:
- Initial consultation: You can contact us for a free consultation to discuss your case. We will review the details of your accident, assess your injuries, and explain your legal options.
- Investigation: We will gather evidence to support your claim, including police reports, medical records, witness testimonies, and accident scene photos.
- Negotiation: Insurance companies are often reluctant to pay out what they owe, and may try to get away with a lowball settlement offer. We will handle communication with the at-fault party’s insurance company and negotiate a fair settlement that reflects the full extent of your damages.
- Litigation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, we will prepare your case for court and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Remember, it’s crucial to act quickly after a car accident. Evidence can disappear over time, and Florida has a statute of limitations that restricts the timeframe to file a personal injury lawsuit.
WHY CHOOSE WERNER, HOFFMAN, GREIG & GARCIA As your Car Crash Lawyer?
When you select Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia, you’re opting for a team that embodies the very spirit of client service and dedication. Here’s how:
AUTO ACCIDENT EXPERIENCE
We’ve handled numerous auto accident cases just like yours. We use our legal experience to devise the best strategies for your case. We know the ins and outs of auto accident law. And we’re here to support you every step of the way.
IN-DEPTH KNOWLEDGE OF THE AUTO ACCIDENT CLAIMS PROCESS
Our legal team possesses comprehensive expertise in navigating the auto accident claims process. We're not only well-versed in the law, but we also understand the complexities of dealing with insurance companies. Our lawyers are up-to-date with the latest changes and updates in auto accident policies. We use this knowledge to ensure your claims process is effectively managed. By doing so, we are able to robustly defend your rights.
COMMITMENT TO SERVING NATIONWIDE
Our passion for helping auto accident victims extends beyond state lines. We are committed to advocating for clients from coast to coast, regardless of your location. We believe that every auto accident victim deserves high-quality legal representation. And we strive to provide that at Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia, helping you secure the compensation you rightfully deserve.
PROVEN TRACK RECORD
We pride ourselves on our successful track record of securing compensation for auto accident victims. Our legal strategies are informed by a history of favorable outcomes. And we are continually refining our approach to ensure that we're providing the most effective representation possible. When you choose Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia, you can trust that you're in capable hands that have a history of success.
Car Accident FAQs
Why Should I Choose Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia Aa An Auto Accident lawyer After A Car Accident?
At Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia, we bring decades of experience in handling auto accident cases. We understand the unique challenges and complexities of such incidents and are dedicated to providing comprehensive, empathetic legal assistance. Our lawyers will navigate the convoluted insurance claims process and fight for your rights, ensuring you get the compensation you deserve.
How Quickly Should I Contact A Lawyer After An Auto Accident?
What Kind Of Compensation Am I Entitled To?
Compensation after a car accident can help with different losses, including medical expenses, property damage, and lost wages. Depending on the situation, it can also cover pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Medical Expenses
– Emergency room visits and ambulance fees
– Surgery and hospital stays
– Physical therapy and rehabilitation
– Prescription medication
– Medical devices and prosthetics
– Ongoing care and treatment for chronic injuries
Property Damage
– Repair or replacement of your vehicle
– Damage to personal property inside the vehicle (e.g., laptops, cell phones)
– Depreciation of vehicle value due to the accident
– Rental car costs while your vehicle is being repaired
Lost Wages
– Income lost from being unable to work due to injuries
– Loss of earning capacity if you cannot return to your previous job or work the same number of hours
– Compensation for missed career opportunities, such as a promotion or job offer you had to decline
– Benefits and bonuses you would have earned if not for the accident
Pain and Suffering
– Physical pain and discomfort during the recovery process
– Chronic pain that may persist after physical injuries have healed
– Emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD
– Loss of enjoyment of life, such as being unable to participate in hobbies or activities you once enjoyed
– Loss of consortium, affecting the relationships with your spouse or family members due to the trauma or lasting effects of the accident, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Each case is different, and at Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia, we are committed to securing the maximum compensation that applies to your specific circumstances.
Will My Case Go To Trial?
The majority of auto accident cases are settled out of court. However, if a satisfactory settlement cannot be reached, our skilled trial attorneys are prepared to take your case to court. At Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia, we strive to achieve the best possible outcome for your case, whether through negotiation or in a courtroom.
How Does Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia Handle Fees?
At Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia, we operate on a contingency fee basis. This means you owe us nothing unless we win your case. Our priority is to get you the compensation you deserve, not to add to your financial burden.
What Makes Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia Stand Out From Other Law Firms?
Remember, every auto accident case is unique. If you have questions about your specific situation, don’t hesitate to reach out to Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia for a free consultation.
OUR Car Accident Attorney ARE READY TO HELP YOU
- Dedicated to standing up for those who won’t be knocked down
- Over 40 years of combined legal experience
- Over 10,000 individuals and families helped
