If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Lakeland, FL, call Catania and Catania Injury Lawyers at (813) 212-7614 for a free consultation. You may have the right to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and suffering. Since 1992, our experienced Lakeland car accident lawyers have recovered hundreds of millions in life-changing compensation for crash victims just like you.

Our Lakeland personal injury law firm offers a free case evaluation and since we work on contingency, there’s absolutely no risk in getting us in your corner. Contact our law office to schedule a time to discuss your legal options today. We’re standing by to take your call, 24/7/365.

How Catania and Catania Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Lakeland Car Accident

You may be entitled to compensation for your car accident injuries. Car insurance companies will fight tooth and nail to deny your claim or minimize how much you’re ultimately awarded. Hiring an experienced Lakeland personal injury lawyer is the best way to level the playing field and set yourself up for a win.

When you hire our car accident law firm, we’ll:

  • Coordinate an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding your car accident in Polk County
  • Gather and analyze evidence to establish the cause(s) and identify all liable parties
  • Work closely with leading accident specialists and experts as we build your case and determine what it’s worth
  • Handle all conversations with other parties and their insurance providers
  • Negotiate fiercely on your behalf, backing our demands with facts and evidence needed to get you the money you deserve
  • Have our accomplished trial attorneys argue your case in front of a judge and jury, if necessary.

You focus on getting better. Let our attorneys in Lakeland handle the fight to get you every cent you deserve for your car accident injuries. Call today to schedule a free consultation and learn more.

We Handle All Types of Auto Accidents in Lakeland, FL

In Lakeland, FL, the aftermath of an auto accident can be overwhelming for victims and their families. At our law firm, our Lakeland car accident lawyers are seasoned in managing a wide array of auto accident claims in the Polk County area.

Catania and Catania can help you after you’ve sustained injuries or were hurt in a:

  • Rear-end collision
  • Front-end or head-on collision accident
  • T-bone or sideswipe accident
  • Rollover accident
  • Single-vehicle wreck
  • Multi-vehicle crash
  • Hit-and-run accident
  • Intersection accident
  • Highway accident
  • Accident involving an uninsured or underinsured driver
  • Drunk driving accident
  • Distracted driving accident
  • Truck accident
  • Pedestrian accidents
  • Motorcycle accidents
  • Bicycle accidents

Whether you’re dealing with the repercussions of a head-on collision, a rear-end bump, a complex multi-vehicle pile-up, or a pedestrian-involved incident, we’re here to offer our expertise. Our comprehensive approach means we meticulously assess each case, ensuring every client receives personalized legal guidance tailored to their unique circumstances.

Lakeland, FL Car Accident Statistics [2023]

As part of the steadily growing Polk County, Lakeland sees a consistent influx of road traffic made up of visitors and residents alike. But interestingly, the annual number of Lakeland car accidents hasn’t increased dramatically in recent years, even as the population rises – and yet, a significant number of people become the victims of auto crashes each year.

In Polk County in 2023, the FLHSMV reported:

  • More than 13,600 crashes
  • Over 160 fatalities
  • More than 10,000 injuries caused by crashes
  • 3,000-plus hit-and-run incidents, a third of which resulted in injury or death

If you or a loved one was involved in a car accident in the area, you are so much more than just a statistic. At Catania & Catania, we are dedicated to fighting for your rights and securing fair compensation for your pain and suffering. 

Causes of Car Accidents in Lakeland, FL

Car accidents in Lakeland, FL, often stem from various factors, each contributing to the area’s complex landscape of road safety.

  • Distracted driving leads the charge as a primary cause, with motorists frequently taking their eyes off the road for mobile devices or other distractions.
  • Speeding and reckless driving are also significant contributors, as they drastically reduce reaction times and increase the severity of collisions.
  • Additionally, impaired driving due to alcohol or drugs remains a critical concern, endangering lives daily.

Navigating Lakeland’s roads demands vigilance from all drivers to mitigate these risks and enhance safety for everyone.

Can I Get Compensation For a Car Accident in Lakeland, FL?

Yes, victims of car accidents in Lakeland, FL, are entitled to seek compensation under Florida law, encompassing two types of damages including economic and non-economic.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are designed to cover tangible losses such as medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and property damage, aiming to restore your financial state to pre-accident conditions. Documented evidence is crucial to support claims for these losses.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages address the more subjective aftermath of an accident, including emotional distress, PTSD, disfigurement, loss of consortium, loss of enjoyment of life, and chronic pain. While more challenging to quantify, these “pain and suffering” damages are equally critical. They acknowledge auto accidents’ profound, often lasting impact on victims’ lives.

Punitive damages may also be pursued in instances of egregious negligence, requiring a compelling demonstration of intentional misconduct or gross negligence.

    If you’re grappling with the aftermath of a car accident in Lakeland, FL, let our experienced team support you through this challenging time. Contact us to talk with a dedicated attorney who will advocate and fight for your rights every step of the way.

    What Is My Case Worth If I’ve Been Injured In A Lakeland Crash?

    It depends. The most telling factor is the seriousness of the injuries you’ve sustained.

    The more serious the trauma suffered in a collision, the higher a related personal injury case is typically worth.

    According to the National Safety Council, the average economic cost of a crash in 2019 ranged anywhere from $12,500 (no injury observed) to $28,500 (evident injury) to $1,704,000 (fatal wreck).

    Those amounts do not, however, even take things like pain and suffering or disfigurement into account. When you add in the non-economic consequences of a collision – regardless of the physical injuries a victim sustains – the true value of a motor vehicle accident case can be much, much greater.

    Catania and Catania have won compensation totaling more than $500 Million for crash victims near the Lakeland area. How? By making sure that our client’s cases are valued properly and being relentless in pursuing full compensation on their behalf. Our Lake

    Can I Get Compensation If I Share Fault For a Crash?

    Can I Get Compensation If I Share Fault For a Crash?

    Yes. Florida’s pure comparative negligence rule allows for compensation even if you share fault in the accident. However, your compensation will be adjusted according to your degree of fault.

    For example, your financial award will be reduced by however much fault you’re assigned. If you’re allocated 30% of the blame for the auto accident, your damages will be reduced by 30%.

    It’s not uncommon for opposing parties and insurance companies to attempt to skew this balance to minimize their liability. That’s where the strategic acumen of a car accident lawyer in Lakeland, FL, becomes indispensable.

    Our Lakeland car accident attorneys are adept at navigating these complex dynamics, advocating fiercely to ensure our clients are not unjustly burdened with blame and that they receive the maximum compensation possible.

    When Should I Consult a Lakeland Car Accident Lawyer?

    You should consult with a Lakeland car accident lawyer as soon as you can after the accident occurs. Of course, receiving medical attention and alerting the authorities are your first priorities after an incident. But beyond that, reaching out to an attorney early on in the process is highly beneficial.

    The immediate aftermath of a car accident could be critical to the ultimate success of your claim. You should be careful not to accept blame for the accident or make statements that could hurt your case down the line. Sometimes the right and wrong things to say and do after an accident are not easy to determine.

    That’s where consulting with an attorney early on becomes important. Your attorney will be able to advise you on how to proceed – with an eye toward maximizing your compensation from the at-fault party. Catania and Catania Injury Lawyers offer a free initial consultation as well; so contact us about your case today.

    What Are My Options For Recovering Compensation After a Car Accident in Lakeland?

    There are two primary courses of action after getting hurt in an accident: pursuing insurance benefits and filing a lawsuit.

    Submitting an Insurance Claim After an Auto Accident

    Submitting an Insurance Claim After an Auto Accident

    Florida currently operates under a “no fault” car insurance system where drivers are required to carry minimum amounts of PIP (Personal Injury Protection) coverage in the event of an injury. You’re required to turn to your own provider for benefits if you’re injured in an accident, regardless of fault.

    That might soon be changing – the legislature has passed a law to make Florida a fault-based state. That would mean pursuing insurance benefits from the provider of whoever is responsible.

    Filing a Lawsuit in Lakeland

    Insurance is the primary source of compensation for victims of automobile accidents in Lakeland. However, sometimes insurance providers find ways to deny claims or limit their liability.

    Other times, at-fault parties have no insurance, or the costs of a victim’s injuries exceed policy limits. In these (and other) situations, injured victims have the option of filing an injury lawsuit against those responsible for a wreck.

    You might be able to file a lawsuit against:

    • Other motorists on the road
    • Truck drivers or trucking companies
    • Bicyclists or pedestrians
    • Employers of negligent parties
    • Government entities, or
    • Companies responsible for designing, manufacturing, or selling defective products.

    Anyone who was negligent – or strictly liable for your injuries under the law – can potentially be named as a defendant in your car accident lawsuit. Most auto accident cases begin with an insurance company. Whether it’s your provider or someone else’s, it’s best to have an experienced attorney representing you throughout the car accident claims process. Your lawyer can make sure that adjusters play by the rules and offer you a fair car accident settlement – knowing that the threat of litigation in a courtroom is very real if they don’t.

    Dealing With Insurance Companies in Lakeland

    Dealing with an insurance company is more complicated than it seems on its face. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize the value of your claim and they will go to great lengths in order to do so. Keep in mind that insurance companies exist to make money first and foremost.

    After an accident occurs and you contact the insurance company, the insurance adjuster will likely send you an early settlement offer. It is almost always a good idea to turn this offer down. The initial settlement offer from the insurance company will almost certainly be for less than your claim is worth.

    Having an experienced Lakeland car accident attorney at your side is crucial when dealing with the insurance company. The attorneys at Catania & Catania Injury Lawyers know the tactics and strategies employed by insurance adjusters all too well; we’ll make sure that they don’t take advantage of you and get you the settlement offer you deserve.

    What Does PIP Insurance Cover?

    What Does PIP Insurance Cover?

    Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance is mandatory in the State of Florida. This insurance is known as “no-fault” insurance. It covers 80 percent of all necessary and reasonable medical expenses up to $10,000 resulting from a covered injury, regardless of who was at fault.

    This coverage must be purchased from an insurance company licensed in Florida or from a company that qualifies for a self-insurance certificate issued by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).

    Types of Injuries You Can Suffer in a Car Accident

    An accident can inflict a wide range of injuries, from minor scrapes and bruises to trauma victims who aren’t able to survive.

    At Catania and Catania Injury Lawyers, our car accident attorneys represent clients who have suffered any of the following injuries:

    If you or a loved one has suffered injuries caused by an auto wreck, seek medical attention as soon as you can. Then, reach out to our Lakeland car accident lawyers to discuss your legal options and see how we might be able to help you pursue compensation from those responsible.

    What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Lakeland?

    The following steps can help to keep you safe and help you maximize your financial recovery after a car accident in Lakeland:

    • Remain at the scene
    • Call to report the accident and have police sent to the scene
    • Document the scene and your injuries, if possible
    • Seek medical care as soon as you can – regardless of whether or not you think you’ve been injured
    • Refuse to provide a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster or answer anything other than very basic questions
    • Direct all communications from an insurance company and other parties to your attorney.

    The things you do – and the decisions you make – in the days and weeks after a wreck are crucial. In fact, they can have a big impact on your ability to recover insurance benefits or damages in a third-party claim.

    When should you contact an attorney if you’ve been in a car accident? As soon as you can. The sooner you secure legal representation, the sooner you can begin to focus on getting better and have the peace of mind that your pursuit of compensation is in good hands.

    How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Lakeland, FL?

    How much it will ultimately cost you to hire a Lakeland car accident lawyer will depend on the facts of your case as well as the exact outcome. However, at Catania and Catania Injury Lawyers we operate on a contingency fee basis.

    What this means is that you pay nothing to us upfront and you pay nothing unless we win. Our payment will be taken as a portion of your ultimate winnings from the settlement. The exact terms of this contingency fee arrangement depend on the facts of your case.

    Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Lakeland Car Accident Lawyers

    Catania and Catania Injury Lawyers have been fighting for auto accident victims for more than 28 years. Collectively, our Lakeland car accident attorneys have more than 120 years of experience that can directly benefit you after a wreck. We’ve recovered more than $500 Million in compensation, and we’re ready to help you and your family fight for every last dollar you deserve.

    Contact expert Lakeland car accident lawyers at Catania & Catania today, to learn more about how we can help. Your first case evaluation with our team is always free, so call (813) 212-7614 now.

    Additional Car Accident Resources & Information

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