If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Sarasota, FL, call Catania and Catania Injury Lawyers at (941) 241-2378 for a free consultation. You may have the right to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and suffering. Since 1992, our experienced Sarasota car accident lawyers have recovered hundreds of millions in life-changing compensation for crash victims just like you.
Our 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.
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How Catania and Catania Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Sarasota 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 Sarasota 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 Sarasota 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 personal injury attorneys in Sarasota handle the fight to get you every cent you deserve for your car accident injuries. Call today at (941) 241-2378 or submit our form to schedule a free consultation and learn more.
We Handle All Types of Auto Accidents in Sarasota, FL
Each car accident is unique, and the specific type of crash can greatly influence the outcome of any related legal case.
You deserve to work with a law firm with experience representing clients who’ve sustained injuries in all different types of auto accidents in Florida.
Catania and Catania can help you after you’re 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
- Motorcycle accident
- Bicyclist and pedestrian accident
Our Sarasota car accident lawyers offer support and guidance in the event of a fatal crash in Sarasota County. We can assist you in pursuing fair compensation for your loss through a wrongful death claim, allowing you to focus on grieving and healing.
We’re here to help, 24/7
Sarasota Car Accident Statistics for 2023
Sarasota, FL, is a beautiful place to live and visit, but it is not without its dangers, especially when it comes to car accidents. According to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Department Crash Dashboard (FLHSMV), there were a total of 6,820 car crashes in Sarasota County in 2023, resulting in 4,026 injuries and 58 fatalities.
Out of the thousands of accidents that occurred in 2023, about 2,820 were classified as “injury crashes.” Although these numbers may seem small when compared to the overall population of Sarasota County, they represent real people and real families whose car accidents have drastically impacted them.
How Serious Are Car Accidents in Sarasota?
The data surrounding motor vehicle accidents in the area is concerning for a number of reasons, and it highlights the importance of safe driving practices. Even a seemingly minor accident can result in serious injuries or fatalities, which can have lasting effects on those involved and their families.
Many people may not immediately think about contacting a legal professional in the aftermath of a car accident. However, regardless of the severity of the injuries sustained in the accident, it is crucial to have someone on your side who can help navigate the legal complexities that often come with these types of cases. A trusted legal professional can guide and support you throughout the process, from filing insurance claims to representing you in court if necessary.
With our expertise and knowledge, a Sarasota car accident lawyer from our legal team can help you receive the financial compensation you deserve and ensure your rights are protected at every step.
Sarasota County Car Accident Statistics
Sarasota County is a large county, covering over 725 square miles. It includes several cities and towns, including Sarasota, Venice, and North Port. Thankfully, compared to many other Florida counties, the rate of car accidents is relatively low in Sarasota County.
For example, while Sarasota County officials recorded 6,820 crashes in 2023, Miami-Dade County had over 63,800 accidents, and Broward County reported 40,189.
These statistics are important for residents and visitors of Sarasota County to be aware of, as they can help identify high-risk areas and encourage safe driving practices.
What Are the Leading Causes of Car Accidents in Sarasota?
Car accidents in Sarasota, FL, are often caused by various factors, and some of the most common causes include failure to yield, rear-end collisions, and improper lane changes.
- Failure to yield occurs when a driver does not give the right of way to another vehicle or pedestrian, often at intersections or when merging onto a highway.
- Rear-end collisions typically occur when a driver is following too closely or is distracted, and they can result in serious injuries, especially at higher speeds.
- Improper lane changes occur when a driver does not check their blind spot before changing lanes or does not use their turn signal.
In addition to these causes, distracted driving, speeding, and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol are also leading factors in car accidents in Sarasota. In the state of Florida, hundreds of fatalities occur every year due to impaired driving.
By being aware of these common causes and practicing safe driving habits, drivers can help prevent accidents and keep themselves and others on the road safe.
What Is My Case Worth If I’ve Been Injured In A Sarasota 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 Sarasota area. How? By making sure that our client’s cases are valued properly and being relentless in pursuing full compensation on their behalf. Our Sarasota auto accident attorneys are ready to fight for you, too. All you have to do is contact us to get started.
What Compensation Is Available For a Sarasota Car Accident Victim?
Florida law explains that two types of damages – economic and non-economic – are typically available in personal injury cases.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are awarded to make you financially whole after an auto accident, including:
- Current medical bills
- Future medical expenses
- Rehabilitation
- Nursing care
- Disability
- Lost income and lost wages
- Property damage
- Funeral costs, if an accident is fatal
You have to be able to prove you lost money to get these types of awards.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are awarded to compensate for consequences that don’t have a set financial value, such as:
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional distress
- PTSD
- Disfigurement
- Chronic pain
Often referred to as “pain and suffering” damages, these are highly subjective and difficult to value in terms of dollars and cents. It’s critical to have solid evidence and expert testimony to support any demands for these awards. In some situations, punitive damages might also be available. However, there has to be clear and convincing evidence of intentional or grossly negligent conduct for punitive awards to apply.
When Should I Consult a Sarasota Car Accident Lawyer?
You should consult with a Sarasota car accident lawyer as soon as you can after the accident occurs. Of course, receiving medical attention and alerting the authorities is your top priority 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 – to receive maximum 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?
After being injured in an accident, individuals typically have two main options: seeking insurance coverage benefits and filing a lawsuit.
Submitting an Insurance Claim After an Auto Accident
Florida’s car insurance system follows a “no-fault” policy, mandating drivers to maintain minimum PIP (Personal Injury Protection) coverage for potential injuries. In case of an accident, drivers are required to claim benefits from their insurance provider, regardless of fault.
Florida has implemented a new law that may change the state’s insurance system to a fault-based system, potentially requiring insurance benefits to be sought from the provider of the at-fault party.
Filing a Lawsuit in Sarasota
Insurance is the main form of compensation for victims of car accidents in Sarasota. However, insurance providers may find ways to deny claims or try to limit their liability.
In cases where at-fault parties lack insurance or the victim’s injuries surpass policy limits, injured individuals may choose to pursue an injury lawsuit against the responsible parties.
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.
In a car accident lawsuit, potential defendants may include those who were negligent or strictly liable for your injuries under the law. Most auto accident cases start with an insurance company.
It is recommended to have a skilled attorney assist you with your car accident claim, whether it involves your insurance provider or another party, to ensure that adjusters follow the proper guidelines and provide a just settlement. Proceeding to litigation in court may be necessary if these standards are not met.
How Long Do I Have To File A Car Accident Lawsuit in Sarasota, FL?
A Sarasota car accident lawsuit must be filed within two years of the accident occurring or when injuries are discovered, whichever comes later. This time limit is known as the statute of limitations.
Failing to file your lawsuit before the statute of limitations expires will result in the loss of your ability to seek compensation.
If you have been injured in a car accident in Sarasota, it is important to contact a knowledgeable lawyer promptly to ensure your claim is filed on time. Catania and Catania can assist you in seeking the compensation you are entitled to.
What Kind of Injuries Do Victims Suffer in Sarasota Car Accidents?
Accidents can result in various injuries, ranging from minor cuts and bruises to severe trauma that may be fatal.
Catania and Catania Injury Lawyers provide legal representation for clients who have experienced various injuries from automobile accidents, including:
- Broken bones
- Soft tissue injuries
- Eye injuries
- Head injury
- Concussion
- Traumatic brain injury
- Neck and back injury
- Whiplash
- Chest injury
- Crushing injury
- Burns
- Spinal cord injury
- Paralysis
- Amputation
- And more
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 experienced 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 Sarasota, FL?
The following steps can help to keep you safe and help you maximize your financial recovery after a car accident in Sarasota:
- 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 Sarasota, FL?
How much it will ultimately cost you to hire a Sarasota 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 Sarasota Car Accident Lawyers
Catania and Catania Injury Lawyers have been fighting for auto accident victims for more than 28 years. Collectively, our Sarasota 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 Sarasota 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 (941) 241-2378 now.
Our Sarasota, FL Location
Address: 1990 Main St Suite #750, Sarasota, FL 34236
Phone: (941) 241-2378
