Fort Pierce Car Accident Lawyers

Drivers in Fort Pierce may never have to contend with snow or ice on their daily commute, but Florida’s highways and byways are far from perfect. The salty air and heavy rains contribute to erosion, for example, which leads to crumbling concrete and massive potholes.

Of course, foul weather and poor road conditions are not the only hazards that Florida drivers face upon getting behind the wheel. Distracted, reckless, and impaired motorists also pose a serious risk to those in traffic around them.

If you were hurt in a collision with a negligent driver, contact Donaldson & Weston. Our Fort Pierce car accident attorneys will handle the logistics of your personal injury claim so you can focus on recovering.

As soon as you walk through our door, you can expect attentive and personalized service from every member of our legal team. Our injury lawyers will fight tenaciously on your behalf. Call 772-266-5555 to schedule a free consultation with an accident attorney in Fort Pierce.

During your first meeting with an injury lawyer, you will discuss the circumstances of the crash so the legal team can determine the best way to proceed. Bring any evidence of liability and any documentation of damages that you have gathered since the incident, including:

• Photographs of the scene;


• Dash cam footage;


• Police reports;


• Medical bills;


• Pharmacy receipts; and


• Paystubs or time off requests detailing any missed work.

It is also wise to prepare a few questions, especially if you have never needed legal counsel and do not know what to expect regarding the attorney/client relationship. For example, you may want to inquire about the firm’s fee structure, as well as the accessibility of your lawyer outside of standard office hours.

There is always a lot to do in the aftermath of a car accident. After seeking medical attention, though, you should focus on your personal injury claim. You only have a limited amount of time in which to file a formal lawsuit, and certain pieces of critical evidence may be time sensitive.

For these reasons, it is wise to call an accident attorney once your health has stabilized. The sooner you call a lawyer, the sooner you might be able to recover compensation for your damages. Hiring an attorney immediately will also help you avoid making critical mistakes as you recover such as providing the insurance adjuster with a recorded statement or accepting a low settlement.

In the state of Florida, car accident victims can seek compensation for any damages they incur as a result of the wreck. Such damages may include:

• Medical Expenses: All reasonable and necessary medical expenses associated with treating the injuries sustained in the collision may be recoverable. This includes everything from ambulance fees and hospital bills to prescription costs and physical therapy copays. If doctors expect you to need ongoing care or future surgeries, such expenses can also be included in your claim.


• Lost Income: Injured parties can pursue funds for all paychecks that they miss while recovering. If your injuries are so severe that you are unable to return to work at all, you may also be entitled to compensation for loss of future earning capacity and lost benefits.


• Property Damage: Whether you were struck by a motorist while riding a bicycle, operating a motorcycle, or driving a passenger vehicle, your claim can account for all costs associated with repairing or replacing your damaged property.


• Other Economic Damages: All expenses incurred due to your accident or injuries may be recoverable including home care, domestic help, alternative transportation, home/vehicle modifications, and child care.


• Pain and Suffering: These damages are intangible and psychological in nature, but they are every bit as real as the direct costs associated with serious injuries.


• Emotional Distress: Coping with the trauma of an accident and recovering from serious injuries are emotionally draining. It can be challenging to quantify emotional distress, but a seasoned personal injury attorney can help you determine a fair amount to pursue.


• Loss of Enjoyment in Life: If your injuries are debilitating—or caused significant scarring or disfigurement—you may be unable to enjoy the same quality of life that you had prior to getting hurt. Although compensation for loss of enjoyment in life will not undo the hardship you have experienced, it may at least relieve the financial burden on your family.


• Loss of Consortium: Loss of consortium refers to the damages that spouses of injured parties incur. It encompasses emotional support, companionship, social discourse, love, and affection.

Although the damages mentioned above may be recoverable, the potential value of your claim will depend on a variety of factors including:

• The severity and permanence of your injuries;


• The strength of any evidence of liability;


• The insurance adjuster’s willingness to cooperate;


• The total amount of insurance coverage available;


• Whether you were partially at fault for the accident;


• The total number of liable parties; and


• Whether you may be entitled to a punitive award.

Although a variety of economic and non-economic damages may be recoverable in a personal injury claim, you will only be able to receive compensation for damages you can prove and tie to your accident. For this reason, it is critical to start tracking your damages and gathering evidence from day one.

Evidence worth saving includes:

• Hospital bills;


• Diagnostic images;


• Photographs of any visible injuries;


• Pharmacy receipts;


• Income statements;


• Daily journal entries detailing your recovery;


• Receipts from the auto body shop; and


• Quotes from contractors for making any necessary home modifications.