In an average year, there are about 400,000 motor vehicle accidents throughout the state of Florida. As a result, those crashes lead to an average of 250,000 injuries and 3,500 lost lives. Unfortunately, the number of accidents, injuries, and fatalities continues to climb as the state becomes more populous and drivers more dangerous.
If you were injured in a Tampa car accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Losing a loved one in a fatal crash may also give you that right. Tampa car accident lawyer Dennis Hernandez understands what victims face after a crash and is here to help. Many suffer emotional trauma on top of dealing with physical injuries, both of which contribute to financial hardship.
The team at Dennis Hernandez has the experience, resources, and determination to aggressively pursue the party or parties responsible for your injuries or loss. We will not stop until the negligent party (or parties) are held accountable and you are fully and fairly compensated. Contact the team today by calling 855-529-3366 or submitting the FREE CASE EVALUATION form on our website to find out how we can help.
What Are Some Common Types of Dangerous Drivers?
If it seems like more people are living in the Sunshine State than in years past, it’s because there are more people. After decades of rapid population increase, Florida now is the nation’s fastest-growing state for the first time since 1957, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Vintage 2022 population estimates. Florida’s population increased almost two percent from 2021-2022 to just over 22 million people.
The growing population is one key reason behind the rise in traffic accidents. In addition, risky driving behaviors have led to a surge in serious injuries and fatalities. Some of the most common dangerous driving behaviors that contribute to collisions include:
- Driving distracted. We often associate texting while driving with distracted driving; however, anything that takes your eyes off the road, your hands off the wheel, or your focus off the task of driving falls under the category of distracted driving. This dangerous driving behavior causes a death about every three hours nationwide.
- Speed. Excessive speed increases the risk of an accident because drivers have less time to react, and it requires a longer distance to stop or slow down. High-speed crashes also increase the risk of death to the vehicle occupants. Nevertheless, speed continues to play a role in one in three car accidents nationwide, according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA).
- Driving under the influence. We all know that driving under the influence is dangerous, yet someone is killed or seriously injured in an impaired driving crash every 79 seconds in the U.S.
- Aggressive driving.Aggressive driving contributes to half of all motor vehicle accidents nationwide. Moreover, as population density rises, these dangerous behaviors become more common, thereby making the streets more dangerous for everyone.
- Fatigued driving. Every 90 minutes, someone is killed in a drowsy driving collision in the United States. In fact, experts tell us that fatigued driving is every bit as dangerous as drunk driving.
Holding Negligent Drivers Accountable for the Harm They Cause
Fatigued, distracted, or aggressive drivers often cause serious accidents. If their negligence injured you, you have the right to seek compensation under Florida law. You can file a claim against the negligent driver or multiple responsible parties.
At Dennis Hernandez, our experienced Tampa car accident attorneys are ready to help you pursue the substantial compensation you deserve for your damages. To take the first step, call us today at 855-529-3366 or simply fill out the FREE CASE EVALUATION form on our website.
What Types of Injuries Are Caused by Dangerous Drivers in Tampa?
Car accident victims can suffer many types of injuries, ranging from minor to severe. However, dangerous drivers often cause serious harm, including:
- Back and neck injuries
- Paralysis and other spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Loss of limbs or digits
- Broken or fractured bones
- Internal organ damage or failure
- Sprained or strained ligaments, muscles, or tendons
- Cuts and lacerations
- Burns and abrasions
- Anxiety
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Death
A negligent driver may have caused a car accident that left you or a loved one seriously injured. As a result, you could be facing financial hardship, emotional pain, and a lower quality of life. During this difficult time, the experienced Tampa car accident lawyers at Dennis Hernandez are here to support you and your family.
How Does Florida’s No-Fault Insurance Impact My Tampa Car Accident?
The State of Florida has a no-fault insurance law that requires all drivers to carry a minimum of $10,000 of Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance coverage. When a driver is involved in an accident, the driver’s own PIP coverage kicks in and covers medical bills and lost wages, regardless of who caused the accident. The purpose of the no-fault insurance law is to make it simple for people with minor injuries to receive medical treatment and lost wage reimbursement. The downside to PIP insurance, however, is that it only covers 80 percent of your medical bills and 60 percent of your lost wages up to the $10,000 maximum. PIP insurance pays nothing for emotional trauma, scarring and disfigurement, and other non-economic damages.
To move out of the no-fault system and pursue additional compensation in a traditional personal injury lawsuit, your injuries must meet the “serious injury” threshold. The serious injury threshold requires you to suffer one or more of the following:
- Significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function
- Permanent injury within a reasonable degree of medical probability
- Significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Death
The experienced Dennis Hernandez Tampa car accident lawyer can assess the seriousness of your injuries and help you determine your best course of action. Your consultations with our experienced team and our expert advice and legal services are FREE until we win your case.
Am I Entitled to Compensation for My Tampa Car Accident Injuries?
A Tampa car accident can leave you or a loved one with serious harm or loss. However, if another driver caused or contributed to the crash, you have the right to pursue compensation. Specifically, this includes both economic and non-economic damages, such as:
- Medical and hospital bills
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Vehicle repairs
- Emotional trauma and mental distress
- Physical pain and suffering
- Scarring, disfigurement, and disability
- Your family’s loss of your companionship, guidance, and assistance
Did you lose a loved one in a fatal Tampa car accident? If so, as a surviving family member, you may qualify to seek compensation. Under Florida law, you have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the at-fault party.
How Can a Tampa Car Accident Lawyer Help?
A reckless driver may have caused the Tampa car accident that hurt you or took a loved one. As a result, you’re likely facing physical, emotional, and financial pain. Fortunately, the Tampa car accident lawyers at Dennis Hernandez are ready to fight for justice and hold the responsible party fully accountable.
Let us put our resources, experience, and dedication to work fighting to get you just for your injuries or loss.
To take the first step toward getting the compensation you need, call us today at 855- 529-3366 or fill in the FREE CASE EVALUATION form on this page. We will provide expert legal advice and services free of charge until you WIN your case.
