According to the National Safety Counsel, recent statistics show that last year alone 40,000 people died as a result of being victims of car crashes. 2016 has the unfortunate distinction of being the deadliest year on the nation's roads since 2007. In addition, nearly 5 million victims suffered injuries serious enough to require medical treatment.
Unfortunately, due to the volume of traffic on our roadways, safe drivers place themselves at risk every time they get behind the wheel. Though injured victims of car crashes have recourse under Florida law, there are many requirements that must be followed in order to obtain full compensation for harms and losses. For instance, there are strict time deadlines within which a crash victim must seek medical attention in order to obtain reimbursement for medical expenses and lost wages, and failure to follow these time limits will jeopardize the ability to obtain compensation and reimbursement for which victims are entitled under Florida law. Some of the time deadlines imposed on crash victims are as soon as 14 days after the crash, and there are time limitations that if not followed prohibit victims of crashes involving serious injury or death from ever bringing claims for compensation.
Between the State Legislature and Florida appellate courts, these requirements are constantly changing, and it is therefore imperative attorneys representing crash victims keep abreast of the changes. Equally as important, in order for crash victims to protect their rights, victims must consult with an attorney specializing in the ever changing laws affecting automobile crash victims.
Crash victims injured by rental vehicles has become a significant problem in Florida. Federal laws enacted during the last several years protect the rental car companies rather than seriously injured victims. Attorneys who are experts on these laws can maximize crash victims’ chances of success in rental car crashes as well as maximize the victims’ recovery for their injuries.