What Should I Do After a Car Wreck Death in Big Pine Key, Florida?
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Car Wreck Death in Big Pine Key, FL
Florida is a popular place to both live and visit. People come for the beaches, the theme parks, the sunshine, and more. But with so many tourists and locals milling about, the busy roads are sometimes a dangerous place to be.
Unfortunately, Florida has one of the highest rates of traffic deaths in the nation. In total, around 3,000 people die on the state’s roads each year. Knowing this, you may begin to ask yourself, “What should I do after a car wreck death in Big Pine Key, Florida?”
The answer to this question will depend upon a variety of factors. But you should always consider your own safety, the safety of your passengers, and the safety of other injured persons above all else. Keep reading to learn more about how you should handle the aftermath of a fatal car accident.
If you have specific questions for the Morgan & Morgan team, fill out the online form to schedule a free case evaluation. We would love to learn more about your situation and inform you of your options.
How Fatal Accidents Occur
The purpose of this article is to answer the question, “What should I do after a car wreck death in Big Pine Key, Florida?” But before we do, we want to go over how fatal accidents occur in the first place. We know that thousands of people die on Florida roads each year, but why?
Unfortunately, there are a plethora of conditions that can lead to a car wreck death. Odds are, you learn about a new one every time you turn on the news. Here are some of the most common causes:
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving has always been a problem on American roads. But as cell phones, text messaging, and social media become more dominant fixtures in society, we can expect this trend to only grow worse.
As a good rule of thumb, it is best to always keep both hands on the steering wheel when driving. And try to avoid getting behind the wheel if you are feeling emotional or preoccupied.
Aggressive Driving
We’ve all seen reckless and aggressive drivers on the road. Of course, it’s always annoying to get cut off by someone who seems bent on getting to their destination as soon as possible. But more than an annoyance, aggressive driving is dangerous as well.
The next time you encounter a driver like this, move to another lane and call 911 if the behavior appears dangerous.
Bad Weather
Florida residents are no strangers to inclement weather. The state gets nearly 60” of rain each year! But that doesn’t mean these drivers are well enough adjusted to avoid the normal pitfalls of driving in bad weather. Slick roads and hydroplaning are just as risky to old-timers as they are to newcomers.
Of course, these are just a few of the conditions that can lead to a car wreck death. There’s also driving under the influence, drowsy driving, speeding, and more.
Serious Injuries That Lead to Car Accident Fatalities
Drivers or passengers can die in car accidents as a result of serious injuries. But what types of injuries are most likely to lead to a fatal outcome? Here are a few to be aware of:
- Traumatic brain injuries that occur because of a blow or penetration to the head
- Spinal cord injuries that result from the severe jarring of the body
- Internal bleeding and injuries that are sometimes hard to diagnose and repair
- Broken bones that go on to penetrate vital organs
Of course, these types of injuries are a risk in any type of vehicle accident. But they are more likely to occur in the event of a rollover, head-on, or t-bone collision. They are also more likely when an accident involves a pedestrian or a bike rider.
After an accident, you should always seek immediate medical care to ensure serious injuries are treated promptly.
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What to Do in the Immediate Aftermath of a Serious Accident
Serious accidents are scary, traumatizing, and difficult to overcome. In the immediate aftermath, you may feel totally at a loss for what to do next. Of course, no one would blame you for being a little unsteady on your feet. But it may help to have an early understanding of what your next steps should be. We recommend that you:
- Stop your car and remain at the scene
- Put your flashers on and do whatever else you can to protect the scene
- Call the police, even if you’re not sure whether anyone is injured
- Make an accurate record of the accident by relaying your experience to police officers and taking photos of the damage
- Exchange information with any other drivers or witnesses
- Seek medical attention, even if you believe your injuries to be minor
These are the steps that can ensure you get the care you need. They also ensure that you have everything you need should a wrongful death or personal injury lawsuit become necessary.
What can You Do in the Days, Weeks, and Months Following a Fatal Accident?
Once you have taken care of your immediate concerns, primarily your health and wellness, you will be able to look back and consider the bigger picture. A fatal accident can leave you with feelings of shock, grief, and post-traumatic stress.
As you move forward, it’s a good idea to reach out to an attorney who specializes in wrongful death law. This will help you determine whether the accident could have and should have been avoided. From there, it will become more clear what your next legal steps should be.
How Can You Determine Who Was at Fault in an Accident?
Now, we have a little bit better grasp on the answer to, “What should I do after a car wreck death in Big Pine Key, Florida?” But there’s more to consider. Naturally, if you think you might want to pursue a lawsuit, the very next step is to determine who was at fault for the fatal accident.
Proving fault is not always easy. It helps if there is a third-party witness who can give a neutral description of the accident. But if the cause of the accident remains unclear, you should call an attorney for help investigating the situation further.
Gathering evidence and speaking to witnesses is a crucial part of the process. That’s why it is so important for you to gather the contact information of every person involved from the onset. Even though Florida is a no-fault state, if the damages exceed what PIP insurance will cover, you could be eligible for a wrongful death or personal injury lawsuit.
When Should You Hire an Attorney After a Fatal Car Accident?
If you are still wondering, “What should I do after a car wreck death in Big Pine Key, Florida?”, it’s time to hire an attorney. After an accident, an attorney can prove invaluable, especially if you are overwhelmed or unclear about your rights.
No one understands wrongful death law the way a wrongful death lawyer does. So if you are wondering about how you should proceed, hiring a lawyer is the obvious next step. These professionals can even help you with the insurance claim process, so don’t assume you can only hire a lawyer if you want to sue.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Wrongful Death Lawsuits?
As you might imagine, car accidents are one of the leading causes of wrongful death in the United States. However, wrongful death can occur in virtually any scenario involving recklessness or negligence. This can include cases of medical malpractice, nursing home deaths, workplace accidents, defective products, and more.
Is a Wrongful Death Settlement Taxable in Florida?
As a resident of Florida, you probably know that the state is free of income tax. So this leads to the question of whether a wrongful death settlement is similarly free from taxation?
The answer can, unfortunately, be a little complicated. Generally speaking, you shouldn’t expect taxes on your wrongful death settlement. However, any amount allocated to lost wages could be subjected to tax. The best way to find out is to speak with your attorney.
How Long Does a Wrongful Death Case Take?
Ideally, your wrongful death lawsuit will be settled in under a year. But several details can stretch out the expected time frame. At the most, the process could take up to four years from start to finish.
Who Can Sue for Wrongful Death in Florida?
Florida law limits who can be considered to be a “survivor” in a wrongful death lawsuit. The list of people who can reasonably sue for wrongful death includes:
- Parents
- Children
- Spouse
- Dependents who are blood relatives
- Dependents who are adopted siblings
- Children who were born out of wedlock to the victim
- If you are unsure whether you qualify, call a wrongful death lawyer who can advise you further about your options.
How Much Will I Owe an Attorney?
Great question! At Morgan & Morgan, and at any trustworthy law firm, you won’t owe anything unless you are rewarded a settlement or payout. We don’t want you to worry about anything other than building your case and defending your rights. That’s why we like to say that “The Fee Is Always Free.”
Schedule Your Free Case Evaluation to Learn More
What should I do after a car wreck death in Big Pine Key, Florida? For now, we have answered this question as best we can. If you would like more detailed and personalized information, it’s time to speak to a wrongful death lawyer at Morgan & Morgan directly. To do so, fill out this online form to schedule a free case evaluation.
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