Hawthorne Car Accident Attorney

Let Our Firm Help You Secure Your Entitled Compensation

Car accidents can lead to both minor and catastrophic injuries, emotional trauma, and significant financial burdens. If you've been involved in a car accident in Hawthorne, Florida, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and losses. At Schackow & Mercadante, our experienced team of Hawthorne car accident lawyers is dedicated to helping accident victims maximize their compensation. We understand the complexities of Florida's car accident laws and are here to guide you from start to finish.

Call (352) 261-6767 or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Car accidents can occur for different reasons, but many are the result of negligent or reckless behavior by one or more drivers. Some of the most common causes of car accidents in Hawthorne include:

• Distracted Driving: One of the leading causes of car accidents is distracted driving. This includes texting, talking on the phone, eating, or using in-vehicle technologies while driving. Even a momentary distraction can lead to a serious accident.
• Speeding: Exceeding the posted speed limit or driving too fast for road conditions is another common cause of accidents. Speeding reduces a driver’s reaction time and increases the severity of crashes.
• Drunk Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly impairs a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. Drunk drivers are a major hazard on Florida roads, contributing to a significant number of serious and fatal accidents.
• Reckless Driving: Reckless driving includes aggressive behaviors such as tailgating, weaving through traffic, running red lights, and failing to yield the right of way. These actions can lead to dangerous collisions.
• Weather Conditions: Rain, fog, and other adverse weather conditions can make driving dangerous. Slippery roads reduce traction and visibility, often leading to accidents, particularly if drivers fail to adjust their speed accordingly.

Common Types of Car Accidents

Some of the most common types of car accidents include:

• Rear-End Collisions: These occur when one vehicle crashes into the back of another. Rear-end accidents are often caused by distracted driving or following too closely. They can result in injuries like whiplash, back injuries, and head trauma.
• T-Bone or Side-Impact Collisions: T-bone collisions happen when the front of one vehicle crashes into the side of another. These types of crashes often occur at intersections and can cause severe injuries, especially to passengers on the side of impact.
• Head-On Collisions: Head-on collisions are among the most dangerous types of accidents and often result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities. These accidents typically occur when a driver crosses the center line or drives the wrong way on a roadway.
• Rollover Accidents: Rollover accidents involve a vehicle flipping onto its side or roof. SUVs and trucks are more prone to rollovers, especially during sharp turns or collisions. These accidents can cause severe injuries or death.
• Multi-Vehicle Pileups: Multi-vehicle accidents involve three or more cars and are often caused by chain reactions following an initial collision. These accidents can be complex in terms of determining fault and can result in serious injuries to multiple parties.

Florida Car Accident Laws

Florida is a no-fault state when it comes to car accidents. This means that after an accident, each party's insurance company is responsible for covering their own medical bills and certain other expenses, regardless of who caused the accident. All drivers in Florida are required to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance, which covers up to $10,000 of medical expenses and lost wages.

While Florida’s no-fault law limits your ability to sue the at-fault driver for minor injuries, you can step outside the no-fault system and file a lawsuit if you meet the state’s "serious injury threshold." This threshold includes:

• Significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function
• Permanent injury within a reasonable degree of medical probability
• Significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement
• Death

If your injuries meet this threshold, you can file a personal injury lawsuit to recover damages for pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses not covered by PIP.

The state also follows a "pure comparative negligence" rule when determining fault in car accidents. This means that even if you are partially at fault for the accident, you can still recover compensation. However, your recovery will be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to you. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by 20%.

Why Choose Schackow & Mercadante?

At Schackow & Mercadante, we have years of experience representing clients in car accident claims throughout Florida, including Hawthorne. We are committed to providing personalized, compassionate legal representation to ensure our clients receive the compensation they need to recover. Our attorneys will handle every aspect of your case, from negotiating with insurance companies to litigating in court if necessary.

To request a free case review, contact us today at (352) 261-6767.