Whether it's a minor fender-bender or a more severe collision, a car accident in Spring Hill can leave you physically, emotionally, and financially burdened. In these trying times, having a knowledgeable and compassionate lawyer can make all the difference.
At Hancock Injury Attorneys, we are dedicated to helping those who were injured in car accidents. We understand the physical and financial strain such accidents can bring. Our experienced team of Spring Hill car accident lawyers takes on the burden of handling your injury claim, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
We handle various types of car accident cases, including head-on collisions, hit-and-run accidents, injuries caused by drunk, impaired, distracted, or drowsy driving, and more. We have successfully represented clients with a wide range of injuries, from fractures and concussions to paralysis and wrongful death.
If a car accident injured you, we step in from the moment you hire us. We handle everything from filing your claim to dealing with the insurance company and fighting for the maximum compensation possible for your injuries. We aim to help you get your life back on track so you don't have to worry about anything other than your well-being.
Call us at (813) 565-3318 to talk to a lawyer. There is no cost or obligation for this consultation.
Why Choose Hancock Injury Attorneys for Your Car Accident Claim?
We have insider insurance company knowledge and use it to your advantage. Our firm founder Mike Hancock spent the first eight years of his legal career at two insurance defense law firms focusing on insurance defense litigation.
For eight years, his job was to defend large auto insurance companies like GEICO, Allstate, Progressive, Travelers, and State Farm in personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits.
Very few personal injury lawyers have this kind of experience working for car insurance companies. Mike learned what motivates them to pay the largest settlements in the least amount of time. Our firm now uses that information to maximize the value of our clients' car accident claims. We have the insurance companies’ playbooks, putting us one step ahead.
We will do all the heavy lifting! Our team will handle all the legal work and all the preparation, make phone calls, take care of the paperwork, and fight for you so you can focus on getting better.
For an immediate, free, no-obligation consultation with one of our Spring Hill car accident attorneys, you can contact us at any time. We're here to help you navigate the complex world of car accident claims and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
What Car Accident Cases Do We Handle?
Since 1996, the lawyers at Hancock Injury Attorneys have represented thousands of clients injured in all sorts of motor vehicle accidents.
In addition to representing clients injured in collisions involving cars, SUVs, or pick-up trucks, we also have years of experience in representing clients injured in motorcycle accidents, accidents involving large 18-wheelers, bicycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, and ATV accidents.
The following is just a sample of the many types of claims we have handled:
- Head-on car collisions
- Hit-and-run collisions
- Drunk driving or impaired driving accidents
- Distracted driving accidents
- Drowsy driving accidents
- Right-of-way accidents
- Lyft, Uber, and other rideshare accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Multiple-vehicle accidents
- Rear-end collisions
- T-bone accidents
- Accidents involving teen drivers
- Texting while driving accidents
- Commercial truck accidents
- Uninsured motorist accidents
Typical Injuries Caused by Car Accidents in Spring Hill
Car accidents can result in a wide range of injuries. The severity of these injuries can vary depending on factors like the type of accident, the speed of impact, and whether the individuals involved were wearing seat belts.
Common injuries and losses from car accidents include:
- Whiplash: This is a soft tissue injury to the neck and upper back caused by sudden acceleration or deceleration, commonly occurring in rear-end collisions.
- Fractures: Broken bones are common in car accidents, especially in high-impact crashes, and can occur in various parts of the body.
- Head Injuries: These can range from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), often caused by impact with the steering wheel, dashboard, or windows. Keep in mind that no head injury should be considered minor. All require medical attention as soon as possible.
- Facial Injuries: Facial fractures, jaw injuries, and fractured and broken teeth are among these types of injuries.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: These can result in paralysis or partial loss of function and are typically caused by a severe impact on the spine.
- Internal Injuries: Blunt force trauma can lead to injuries to internal organs, such as the spleen, liver, or lungs, and may not always immediately appear.
- Cuts and Lacerations: Broken glass and sharp objects inside the vehicle can cause cuts and lacerations, sometimes severe.
- Burns: Car accidents can lead to fires or explosions, causing burns to the skin.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: This includes damage to muscles, tendons, and ligaments, resulting in sprains and strains.
- Emotional Distress: In addition to physical injuries, car accidents can also cause emotional trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or anxiety.
- Seat Belt Injuries: While seat belts save lives, they can also cause injuries like bruising or chest injuries during a collision.
- Airbag Injuries: While they can save lives, airbags can cause burns and abrasions.
- Wrongful Death: In the worst cases, a motorist may be killed in a traffic crash.
Many of these catastrophic injuries can become life-threatening if they are not treated immediately. Even if you feel fine, it is always best to seek medical attention after a traffic accident.
Medical professionals are better equipped to identify a severe injury. A medical record forms an essential part of your personal injury claim or wrongful death lawsuit, linking the injuries to the accident.
Who May You Hold at Fault for a Spring Hill Car Accident?
Determining liability in a Spring Hill car accident typically involves investigating the collision.
The fault may lie with:
- Driver Negligence: The most common cause of car accidents is driver negligence. This includes actions like speeding, running red lights or stop signs, distracted driving (e.g., texting or using a phone), impaired driving (due to alcohol or drugs), and reckless driving.
- Other Drivers: Multiple vehicles are often involved in accidents, and the negligence of one or more drivers can contribute to the collision. Determining each driver's level of fault is essential.
- Vehicle Defects: Sometimes, accidents are caused by mechanical failures or defects in the vehicle, such as faulty brakes, steering issues, or tire blowouts. In such cases, the vehicle manufacturer or mechanic could be held responsible.
- Road Conditions: Poor road conditions, such as potholes, lack of proper signage, or inadequate road maintenance, can contribute to accidents. Liability may fall on the government agency responsible for maintaining the road.
Liability can be complex and often requires a thorough investigation, witness statements, police reports, and sometimes expert analysis. Florida follows a comparative negligence system, which means multiple parties can share fault and must pay compensation accordingly.
If you're in a car accident in Spring Hill, consult an experienced attorney who can help determine liability and guide you through the legal process to recover damages.
Florida Law and Liability
The state of Florida is considered a no-fault insurance state. No-fault laws were designed to give accident victims easy access to benefits without waiting for the insurance company’s determination of fault.
All registered drivers in Florida are required to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance coverage. After an accident, the victim’s first resource for benefits is through their own PIP coverage. In Florida, insurance laws dictate that you have 14 days from the date of the accident to seek medical care to qualify to use your PIP coverage.
If your costs exceed your PIP limits, you may seek the balance through the at-fault driver’s liability insurance or your own uninsured motorist coverage. Unfortunately, the for-profit business model often results in lowball settlement offers to victims.
Insurance companies rarely offer accident victims what they deserve without extensive negotiations or lawsuits. They will often delay paying a valid settlement, deny a valid settlement, blame the victim, or claim your injuries are not as extensive as they are or are pre-existing conditions.
At Hancock Injury Attorneys, our experienced Spring Hill car accident lawyers know these insurance tactics. We aggressively advocate for our clients, ensuring they get the fair compensation they deserve.
What Compensation Can I Recover After Being Injured in a Spring Hill Car Accident?
We aim to settle your personal injury claim for the most money you can recover. This is your only opportunity to recover money for the injuries and losses you suffered in your car accident. Once you settle your claim, by law, you can never come back for additional compensation.
That is why we make sure your settlement will include compensation for past and future medical bills, past and future lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain, suffering, mental anguish, inconvenience, the loss of capacity to enjoy life, disability, and scarring.
When you hire us as your attorneys, our job is to recover all the damages you deserve, including:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical expenses as needed for your injuries
- Lost income
- Future lost earning capacity if you cannot return to your line of work because of your injuries
- Mental and emotional anguish
- Disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment
- Physical impairment
- Inconvenience
- Personal property damage
How Can a Lawyer Help Me?
The Insurance Research Council (a non-profit group funded by national insurance companies) published a study titled Paying for Auto Injuries: A Consumer Panel Survey of Auto Accident Victims.
The study found that the average settlement for car accident victims was 40% higher with the help of an attorney.
Another study from the Insurance Research Council revealed that 85 percent of all money paid by insurance companies for car accident injury claims is paid to those who have hired an attorney.
Engaging a lawyer for your car accident claim can be invaluable in various ways, as they can handle critical aspects of your case.
Here are some important things a lawyer can manage for you:
- Investigation: Lawyers can initiate a thorough investigation into the accident. This includes gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and analyzing the accident scene to establish the facts and determine liability.
- Document Gathering: Attorneys can obtain essential documents related to the accident, such as police reports, medical records, and insurance policies, to build a strong case.
- Communication with Insurance Companies: As mentioned, dealing with insurance companies can be complex. Lawyers can handle all communications with insurers, ensuring you don't make statements that may harm your claim.
- Negotiations: Lawyers are skilled negotiators who can advocate on your behalf to secure a fair settlement. They have experience in valuing claims and can work to maximize your compensation.
- Legal Guidance: Attorneys can provide expert legal advice, explaining your rights and options. They can help you make informed decisions throughout the process.
- Proving Liability: Lawyers use evidence and legal arguments to prove the responsible parties’ liability.
- Calculating Damages: Lawyers can calculate and present the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost income, property damage, pain, and suffering, accurately.
- Filing a Lawsuit: If the insurance company refuses a fair settlement, lawyers can file a lawsuit and represent you in court, ensuring your case is presented effectively.
- Legal Timelines: Attorneys know the legal deadlines and statutes of limitations for filing a claim. They can meet these deadlines and preserve your legal rights. In Florida, the statute of limitations for a personal injury or wrongful death claim is typically two years. If you don’t file your claim within the required timeframe, you may lose your right to seek compensation.
- Dealing with Complex Cases: In cases involving multiple parties, government entities, or commercial vehicles, lawyers have the expertise to navigate the complexity of the legal system and claims process.
- Peace of Mind: Having a lawyer handle your case allows you to focus on your recovery while they manage the legal aspects, reducing stress during a challenging time.
How Long Will It Take to Settle My Car Accident Case?
One of the most common questions clients ask us is, “How long will it take to settle my personal injury claim?”
Although the question seems simple enough, the truth is “it depends.”
Every case is truly different. The time it will take to settle your personal injury claim caused by a motor vehicle accident will be based on many factors unique to each case.
If Your Injuries Heal Within 30 Days
Hopefully, within 30 days after a car accident, all your aches and pains have gone away, and you return to your normal state of health. If that occurs, and your doctors tell you there is no need for continuing medical treatment, we can prepare a demand to the insurance company to settle your personal injury claim within 30 to 60 days.
If Your Injuries Don’t Heal Within 30 Days
If your aches and pains do not disappear within 30 days, your injuries will hopefully improve and heal within four to six months. If you are done with all your medical treatment within four to six months, your car accident injury claim should settle at that time.
During those four to six months, our team at Hancock Injury Attorneys will have already obtained your medical records and bills, spoken with your doctors to obtain their opinions regarding your diagnosis and prognosis, and investigated your car accident injury claim.
Your lawyer at Hancock Injury Attorneys will then prepare a demand to be sent to the insurance company to settle your personal injury claim, giving the insurance adjuster 30 days to respond.
If the insurance adjuster responds with an unacceptable offer, we will begin negotiations. These negotiations take, on average, two to four weeks before we know whether we can settle your case or whether we will need to file a lawsuit on your behalf to obtain a result that fully compensates you for your injuries.
If Your Injuries Don’t Heal Within Four to Six Months
If, at the end of four to six months, you are still suffering from the injuries caused by the car accident, we will prepare your settlement demand as soon as your doctor believes you have reached maximum medical improvement.
Your doctor can provide us with a report that details all the injuries you sustained in the motor vehicle accident and sets forth your prognosis.
The detailed prognosis will include a description of the symptoms you are expected to have in the future, a description of all the future medical treatment you will need, and the anticipated cost of that future medical treatment. This will all factor into the value of your claim.
For a more in-depth look at how long it takes for a car accident case to settle, watch the video below. There, attorney Mike Hancock discusses the factors determining how long it will take to settle your car accident injury claim.
How Much Does a Car Accident Lawyer Cost?
We operate on a contingency fee basis. With this fee structure, clients don't have to pay upfront legal fees. Instead, the attorney's fees are contingent on the case's outcome.
If the attorney doesn't win the case and secure compensation for the client, there are no legal fees. We also guarantee that the amount you receive for your settlement will always exceed your attorney’s fees.
Most personal injury attorneys charge the same basic contingency fee to their clients for their services, but what you get for that can be significantly different from attorney to attorney.
Contact Hancock Injury Attorneys for Your Spring Hill Car Accident Claim
Having the Spring Hill car accident lawyers at Hancock Injury Attorneys on your side can make a big difference in the size of your settlement, and the time it takes to resolve.
Better outcomes. Faster results. This is what we offer our clients.
With our vast insurance defense experience, we know the value of never backing down or accepting unreasonable offers. Insurance companies know that we diligently pursue fair compensation for our clients and will take a claim to court to ensure their best outcome.
Our case consultation is always free and at your convenience, including any time on weekdays, evenings, or weekends, in person, by phone, Zoom, or Facetime. Your free case consultation will always take place with one of our attorneys, not with a non-lawyer call center representative.
Call Hancock Injury Lawyers at (813) 565-3318 or fill out the contact form on this website.