Human beings were not meant to travel at high speeds. Technology has intervened and allowed us this momentous, yet dangerous, achievement. Although we have taken measures to increase the safety of individuals moving at high velocity, a collision at excessive speeds can still have devastating effects. Always consult a Fort Lauderdale high speed collision attorney in these events.
Accidents are sometimes impossible to avoid, but when the accident itself is the result of another’s negligence there must be consequences and repercussions for those actions. As the injured victim of a high-speed accident, you can take legal action against the offending party. With a qualified car accident injury lawyer at your side, the process of proving negligence and demanding compensation can be done in an effective and timely manner.
It is essential that you have legal counsel to defend your interests and stand up to the uncooperative offenders and profit driven insurance companies. Our Broward County auto accident attorneys have dedicated their lives to protecting the rights of victims. We are not intimidated by any opposition, and will stand with you every step of the way.
The Dangers of Speeding in Florida
A common mistake made by many drivers is thinking that speeding will get them to their destination in much less time. Based on simple logic, this may be partly true, but from a perspective that takes into account all of the factors involved while driving, this additional speed become negligible, and in turn, unnecessarily dangerous.
The math of a high-speed collision can offer a different perspective on the risks involved. A simple equation that you can link to the severity of an auto accident can be viewed as follows:
MASS x SPEED = FORCE
This formula shows that the weight and speed are directly related to the force exerted on impact. In this case, an input of a 2,000-pound vehicle and a top speed of 20 mph will translate into 40,000 lbs of stopping force. The faster you are moving, the greater the stopping force is increased, adding to the risk for injury or death. This energy of movement is sometimes referred to as kinetic energy, and tends to multiply exponentially.
Understanding the number and math involved will show you just how dangerous high speeds can be. Although a low-speed accident can result in worse injuries depending on the factors, a high-speed collision brings with it a much higher risk factor.
What Types of Damages Can I Recover in an Auto Accident?
Economic Damages – Economic damages compensate the victim for any actual loss or financial loss that resulted from the injury – like hospital bills, damage to your car or lost wages.
Non-Economic Damages – Non-monetary damages are handed down for the purpose to compensate the victim for any physical pain or suffering, mental or emotional pain or anguish, loss of companionship, loss of enjoyment of life, physical impairment or disfigurement, or any other non-financial loss they may have suffered.
Exemplary Damages – Exemplary damages are also known as punitive damages. They are awarded to the plaintiff if the defendant acted with such gross negligence they should be punished for their actions. In order to receive these types of damages, the plaintiff is required to show that the defendant acted with malice by intentionally causing the injury, or because the defendant knew his conduct created an extreme risk of severe injury and consciously disregarded that risk.
Injury Victim
What Can I Do to Be Prepared in Case of an Accident?
You always hear about what to do after an accident: be safe, check for injuries, call 911, exchange information and talk to your attorney. But what about before an accident occurs? Being prepared can prevent a great deal of stress after an accident. Some of the items that should always be at hand in your motor vehicle include:
- Phone
- Disposable camera
- Pen and paper
- First aid kit
- Medical information
- Emergency contact numbers
- Road cones, emergency flares
Also, keep in mind that objects inside your car could end up being the direct cause of injury. Not many think about this possibility, but if you have books or other objects that could be dangerous if enough force is placed behind them, it is important to secure them. This will prevent them from flying up and hitting someone. Heavy items in the boot (trunk) should be tethered or tied down, particularly if you have folding rear seats.
As a Broward County law firm, we offer our services to individuals and families throughout Southeastern Florida, including the areas of Weston, Fort Lauderdale, Sunrise, Plantation, Lauderhill, Deerfield Beach, Coconut Creek, and surrounding communities. To get the ball rolling, we offer free initial consultations where you can discuss your personal injury case in detail with a qualified Fort Lauderdale high speed collision attorney. Please call (954) 256-1820 or send an online message to schedule your appointment today.
What Is the Role of an Auto Accident Attorney?
Our roles as attorneys are consistent throughout most personal injury cases. The primary areas of our focus during the legal process include:
Consultation – We offer free and confidential initial consultation for anyone who believes they have a strong personal injury claim. This is done in a relaxed manner where you can detail the specifics of the accident directly to an attorney, who will then provide possible legal options.
Investigation – Our legal team will proactively search out the important details and information of the case. We will gather evidence, interview witnesses and medical professionals, deal with insurance companies and evaluate the damages and injuries. We can start the litigation process even before you are finished with medical treatment.
Mediation – Although we are trial lawyers and ready to take the claim to court, if the defendant offers a satisfactory settlement amount the issue could be solved early. Mediation is accomplished through a structured meeting lead by a trained mediator, and involves the defendant and his or her insurance representative or attorney.. We will never a settle a case without your consent. You get the final word.
Litigation – This is the avenue to proceed down when settlement attempts have failed. Our attorneys will file a complaint and begin the preparations for trial. The claim could still be settled at this point. However, if a trial is necessary to protect our clients’ interests, we have the skill, experience and perseverance to present the case aggressively in court.
Resources for Broward County Auto Accident Victims
Broward County Civil Court – On the Broward County Clerk of the Courts website, you can look up case results, addresses and phone numbers, along with court services, forms, online services and frequently asked questions.
Florida Department of Transportation – The Florida DOT site contains information on the department itself, the safety office, various statistics, travel information and FDOT facilities.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration – The NHTSA website has links and resources concerning driving safety, vehicle safety, research, data and laws & regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions About High Speed Collision Claims in Florida
How Long Do I Have To File A Claim After a High Speed Collision Accident in Broward County?
The time limit in which a personal injury claim can be filed varies from state to state. In Florida, those injured in car accidents — including high speed collisions — have 4 years from the date of the injury in which to file a claim.
How Much Compensation Can I Recover After a Florida High Speed Accident?
The amount of compensation that can be recovered by the victim of a high speed accident varies depending on the individual circumstances of your case. There are many factors that are involved in determining the value of a case, including the severity of injuries; the amount of medical bills; and whether or not there is permanency of injuries.
Find out more about compensation in Florida personal injury claims
What Mistakes Should I Avoid After a Fort Lauderdale Car Accident?
There are many potential mistakes that accident victim can make without realizing it. One of the biggest is: Do not admit fault. Even something as simple as saying “I’m sorry” can be used by the other party to argue that you were at fault.
Using a Fort Lauderdale High Speed Collision Attorney After an Accident
If you or a loved one has been injured in a high-speed collision auto accident, our firm is here to help you prove negligence and recover damages. All of the costs related to the injury, including medical bills and loss of wages, are the responsibility of those who caused the accident. We will use our extensive legal and courtroom experience to prove that you were the victim and deserve compensation.
Our Fort Lauderdale high speed collision Attorney is a proactive legal professional who is wholly committed to the clients we serve. We focus on analyzing every element of the accident and taking a fact-based approach to representation, allowing us to provide objective legal counsel while proving through a preponderance of evidence that the defendant caused your injuries.
To schedule a free initial consultation to go over your case in detail with one of our attorneys, please call (954) 256-1820 or send an online message today. Our area of representation extends throughout Southeastern Florida, including the cities of Weston, Fort Lauderdale, Pembroke Pines, Hollywood, Miramar, Pompano Beach, and Coral Springs, among many others.
