What Is the Average Payout for a T-Bone Accident in Florida?
If you’ve been involved in a T-bone accident in Florida, you’re probably trying to understand how much your claim might be worth. T-bone accidents, also known as side impact collisions, often cause serious and sometimes life-changing injuries or death. While having a rough figure can be helpful, the truth is that there isn’t an average payout for a T-bone accident in Florida. Every case is different. Even two people hurt in the same collision can receive different compensation amounts.
The value of your settlements depends on the injuries you sustained, the evidence available and how the crash impacted your day-to-day life. In this article, you’ll understand what influences a T-bone accident settlement in Florida and what you can do to position your claim for the best possible compensation.
Factors That Affect T-Bone Accident Settlements
The following are some of the factors that may affect your T-bone settlement amount.
- Severity of Injuries
T-bone accidents often involve serious injuries to the head, torso, or spine because the side of the car offers little protection. Injuries can range from whiplash to traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord injuries.
The more severe the injury, the higher the medical costs and possible long-term disruption to your daily life. Therefore, the compensation could increase.
- Liability and Fault
Another factor that may dictate the payout of a T-bone accident is the degree of liability. Now, Florida follows a no-fault insurance system, which means your own PIP coverage covers your medical bills and lost wages, up to $10,000, irrespective of who caused the crash. However, if your injuries qualify as serious under Florida law, you can pursue a claim against the at-fault driver.
When it comes to determining fault, you must provide solid evidence to strengthen your case and increase your chance of higher compensation. This is because Florida applies modified comparative negligence laws. If you are found to be more than 50% at fault for the collision, you may be barred from receiving any compensation.
- Lost Income
If the accident led to you being out of work, the settlement may include the lost income, whether from a full-time job, part-time jobs or freelance work. Ensure you have your pay stubs, tax returns and bank statements to support your claim.
- Property Damage
If your vehicle was damaged or totaled, you can recover the cost of repairs, including diminished value, which naturally increases the payout amount.
- Intangible Losses
These can include pain and suffering, emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life. While challenging to calculate, these losses can make up a significant portion of the overall settlement.
How Can You Maximize Your T-Bone Accident Settlement?
To maximize the value of your payout for a T-bone accident, consider the following essential steps:
- Seek medical care immediately
- Gather strong evidence to put you in a stronger negotiating position
- Don’t accept the first offer. Understand the total value of your case to avoid a lowball offer.
- Work with a T-bone accident lawyer who can fight for a fair payout.
Contact an Orlando Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you’ve been involved in a side-impact accident, contact our Orlando car accident lawyer at The Pendas Law Firm today to fight for the compensation you deserve.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Ocala, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, West Palm Beach, Fort Myers, Jacksonville, Bradenton, Daytona Beach, Miami, Naples, and Melbourne areas.
Source:
leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0300-0399/0316/Sections/0316.027.html