Car Accident Cases in 2021

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 2021 saw over 10 percent more motor vehicle fatalities than 2020. However, if you suffered significant injuries or a loved one died in a car crash, you could have a legal claim and receive compensation. A settlement could cover medical bills, lost wages, car damage, and other expenses.

However, getting what you deserve can be tricky, especially if your car accident case is complex or you had some fault in the accident. Morgan & Morgan’s experienced car accident lawyers want to help. We can fight for the maximum potential compensation so you can rebuild your life and avert financial chaos. Contact us today for a free case evaluation to determine your next best steps.

Morgan & Morgan’s Biggest Wins in 2021 Car Accident Cases

Morgan & Morgan’s attorneys worked hard to get crash victims the settlement or verdict they deserved in 2021. Some of our many successful cases include:

• Morgan & Morgan secured a $120 million verdict against the City of Gainesville for a client who was left paralyzed after a severe motor vehicle accident.
• We recovered $7 million for a client who suffered significant injuries in a car accident in Jacksonville.
• Our car accident attorneys reached a $6.64 million verdict for a client who suffered back and head injuries in an Orlando car crash. The insurance carrier, National Specialty Insurance Company, had offered only $400,000 for our client’s extensive injuries and losses.
• We won a $5.3 million verdict against State Farm Insurance Company for a client who suffered severe back, neck, and arm injuries in a Florida car crash.
• Our client, who suffered debilitating back injuries in an Orlando accident, including herniated and ruptured discs, won a $4.35 million verdict thanks to our tenacious attorneys. The insurer had offered only $42,000.

This is just a small selection of the car crash claims Morgan & Morgan’s tenacious car accident lawyers won in 2021. In many cases, insurance carriers made initial lowball settlement offers, but our clients knew they deserved much more and trusted us to deliver. Morgan & Morgan stepped in and fought tooth and nail for adequate compensation.

If you were involved in a crash, do not let an insurance provider walk all over you. Contact us immediately when you are having trouble recovering what you truly deserve.

Do You Have a Car Accident Case?

If you experienced a crash and injuries, you may be looking to determine whether you have legal recourse and could recover damages from the party or parties responsible for the collision.

Another Driver Could Be Responsible for Your Injuries

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says that most car crashes occur due to driver negligence and errors, such as:  

• Speeding or driving too fast for weather and road conditions
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Distracted driving
• Driving a defective car
• Fatigued driving
• Violating traffic laws
• Ignoring traffic signals
• Driving generally recklessly

If you suffered injuries and financial losses due to a careless or reckless motorist, Morgan & Morgan could help you pursue compensation.

You Could Have a Case Against a Local Government Entity

State governments are usually responsible for inspecting and maintaining roads. If your accident happened due to a poorly designed or badly maintained road, you might have legal recourse against the local government. Other examples of when your government may be responsible include:

• Unsafe road tilts and slants
• Damaged or overgrown road signs
• Untreated roads in winter weather
• Faded road markings
• Cracks and potholes in the road
• Missing guardrails
• Debris on the road
• Unsafe traffic management in construction zones

Filing a claim against a local government agency can be challenging and involve various hurdles. If you suspect that a bad road caused or contributed to your accident, you should get a seasoned car accident lawyer on your side as soon as possible.

A Car Manufacturer Could Be Liable

A car or part manufacturer could be responsible for your damages if you experience an accident due to a defective car. Common car defects can include:

• Faulty seat belts and airbags
• Defective fuel systems
• Malfunctioning brakes
• Problems with steering components
• Defective tires

Unfortunately, drivers may not understand that their accident happened due to a car defect. As a result, they may not know they could qualify for damages from a manufacturer. However, you could be entitled to compensation even in a single-car accident. Our attorneys work with professional crash investigators who can get to the bottom of your accident and determine who or what caused your crash.  

Injuries in 2021 Car Accident Cases

Serious car accidents can cause catastrophic and lifelong injuries, potentially changing victims’ lives forever. As we have seen, fatalities increased markedly in 2021 compared to the previous year. Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that there were also more non-fatal crash injuries in 2021. Typical car injuries include:

• Whiplash and other neck injuries
• Head and brain injuries
• Dislocations and fractures
• Spinal cord injury and paralysis
• Internal organ damage and internal bleeding
• Burns
• Anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder

Injuries can come with astronomical medical and rehabilitation expenses. If someone else is responsible for your crash, you should not have to carry the financial burden alone. Seeking legal advice immediately after a car accident can give you the best chance of recovering adequate compensation for your injuries.

What to Do After a Car Accident?

The aftermath of a car accident can be extremely stressful. While your health and recovery should be the biggest concern, there are some other steps you can take to protect your rights and smooth out the process of compensation recovery. Your best next steps after a crash include the following:

Stay at the Accident Scene and Dial 911 for Assistance

In most states, leaving the scene of an accident is a crime. Therefore, stay and assist any injured drivers or car occupants if you can. Dial 911 and wait for law enforcement and emergency medical assistance if required. A police officer will make notes of all the vital details of the accident, issue traffic citations, and may determine who is at fault. The police report will be a critical document that can help you when seeking compensation.

See a Doctor

Unless you were transported to a hospital after the accident, you should get a check-up by a doctor as soon as possible, even if you believe your injuries or symptoms are minor. A medical professional can diagnose and treat any conditions promptly, which can help to safeguard your health and speed up your recovery. Moreover, the medical report will establish a link between the accident and your injuries. If you do not seek timely medical advice, the other side may refuse you a settlement and allege that your injuries are unrelated to the crash.

Gather Information

Gathering relevant information and evidence that could help to prove a car accident claim is a crucial step after a crash. The following information can be vital if you are planning to file an insurance claim or lawsuit:

• The contact details and insurance information of all involved drivers
• The make, model, and license plate information of the vehicles involved
• Photos or videos of the accident scene
• Police report
• Medical reports
• Evidence (receipts) of your out-of-pocket expenses

File an Insurance Claim

Depending on your state’s laws, you could file a claim with your car insurer or the at-fault party’s insurance company. One of the best first steps after a car accident is contacting your insurance company and informing them that you have been involved in an accident.

Contact a Car Accident Lawyer

First consultations with personal injury attorneys are usually free, allowing you to get legal advice without having to commit to hiring an attorney or law firm. Learning about your legal rights can be particularly helpful if you have extensive damages. An attorney can walk you through your options and start the legal process. The sooner you contact a lawyer, the sooner you could receive damages and put the accident behind you.

How Much Compensation Did Victims of Car Accident Cases in 2021 Receive?

Injured car accident victims in 2021 typically recovered the following damages, depending on their injuries and accident circumstances:

Medical Expenses

Victims hurt in an avoidable collision could qualify for all their medical costs, including but not limited to:  

• Hospital stays
• Physical therapy
• Wheelchairs, crutches, and other medical devices
• Medications
• Future expected medical expenses

Income Loss

If unable to work, car accident victims are generally entitled to damages for their wage losses and potential future loss of earnings.

Car Damage or Loss

If your car was damaged or is a total write-off after a crash, you could be entitled to repair or replacement costs. The same rings true for any other property destroyed or damaged in the collision, such as a computer, cellphone, tablet, eyeglasses, and other items.

Pain and Anguish

Victims who suffered extensive physical injuries likely also had to endure extensive pain and suffering. In a car accident claim, you could recover compensation for non-economic damages, such as the following:

• Physical pain
• Emotional trauma
• Disability
• Inconvenience
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Loss of a limb

Can a Car Accident Lawyer Help Me Win My Claim? 

While results are not guaranteed in any lawsuit or insurance claim, having a seasoned lawyer by your side can be essential for recovering a fair settlement. While you may be able to settle a minor claim successfully with an insurance company, consider hiring a car accident lawyer if:

• You or a loved one suffer severe injuries in a car crash
• Healthcare costs and other losses are high
• You may not be able to return to work for weeks, months, or ever
• You are permanently disabled as a result of the accident
• Someone died in the car crash
• Your insurance claim was denied or minimized
• You have some responsibility for the accident

You Don’t Have to Go It Alone

Car accidents can be painful, traumatizing, and overwhelming. The last thing you need at this challenging time is trying to fight a complex legal case. Working with a Morgan & Morgan car accident lawyer, who is familiar with local laws and the legal process, can take some of the burdens off your shoulders.

A lawyer can potentially help you win a complex and contested claim, especially when your insurance company is digging in its heels and refuses you a fair settlement. We can handle your car accident claim from beginning to end and:

• Help you understand your rights and options
• Analyze your crash with professional investigators
• Identify all liable parties in your claim
• Collect evidence to strengthen and prove your case
• Determine your damages and the value of your case
• Negotiate with the responsible insurance company
• File a lawsuit if the insurer refuses you fair compensation
• Powerfully present your case at trial, fighting for the maximum compensation

If an accident severely affects you and turns your life upside down, seeking legal advice and protection can help you get your life back on track.

We Never Settle for Less – And Neither Should You

Morgan & Morgan wants to help you recover the compensation you need to pay your bills and move forward with your life after getting hurt through no fault of your own. We have helped countless individuals prevail in car accident cases in 2021 and understand the needs and worries of the injured and their families. Having recovered more than $20 billion in damages and helped families since 1988, we know how to get results.

You won’t have to worry about legal expenses and attorney’s fees when we take your case. You pay us only if and when we recover compensation for you. Our dedicated car accident lawyers are waiting to hear from you. Get started now and contact us for a free and confidential consultation.