There are hundreds of thousands of car accidents in Florida on an annual basis. If you have been injured in a car accident in Polk County, FL, it is important for you to understand your legal rights and take the proper steps to ensure that you don’t lose out on compensation that may be available to you.
When it comes to choosing a personal injury firm, there is no shortage of options. What distinguishes Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney at Law is that we have decades of experience handling personal injury claims just like yours. Let us help you pursue the justice you deserve. Our knowledge and experience will prove invaluable in your case.
We understand how difficult it can be to recover from an accident. Whether you are suffering physically, mentally, or financially, we want to help you secure compensation and fight for your legal rights. Our legal team is equipped to untangle the complexities of your case and provide you with comprehensive legal representation.
Reach out to our Polk County car accident lawyers today to schedule a free consultation at (863) 999-9000.
How Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney at Law Can Help You After a Car Accident in Polk County
At Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney at Law, we work to secure the best possible outcomes for our clients. You can count on us to handle your personal injury case with care, attention, and diligence.
Our attorneys have decades of experience and have recovered millions of dollars for our clients in Polk County, Florida. When you hire our Polk County personal injury attorneys to represent you, we will:
- Gather all the relevant evidence to support your claim
- Aggressively advocate for your legal rights
- Keep an open line of communication with you throughout the entirety of the legal process
- Conduct legal research to find case law, statutes, and other information that might strengthen your case
- Prepare and file legal documents
- Calculate your damages and put a reasonable value on your case
- Hire expert witnesses to testify on your behalf
- Negotiate with the other party and their insurance company
- Take your case to trial if necessary
With Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney at Law on your side, you have a team that will put their experience to work for you. If you choose to hire us, we will work closely with you to devise an effective legal strategy. Call our Polk County car accident attorneys to schedule a free consultation today.
Why Should I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
Due to mounting expenses and other stressors, you may be considering pursuing a legal claim on your own, which is totally understandable. However, every legal claim presents its own set of challenges. If you want to maximize your compensation and increase your chances of getting the damages you want, you should strongly consider hiring an attorney.
The insurance company does not have your best interest in mind. They will likely try to put pressure on you to accept a settlement offer that is far below what your claim is worth. With all the bills you have to pay for your injuries and your potential lost wages, the last thing you want is to receive a settlement that doesn’t cover them. Hiring a car accident lawyer can ensure that you receive full compensation for your damages.
A knowledgeable car accident lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company and keep them from taking advantage of you. They can also assess the full extent of your losses, including future medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and other damages. Unlike the insurance company, a lawyer will have your best interest in mind, and they will use their resources and their expertise to your benefit.
An experienced lawyer will be able to counter the insurance company’s tactics, build a strong case, and represent you in court if necessary. By hiring a lawyer, you are more likely to get a fair settlement and make fewer mistakes along the way.
How Much Money Can I Get From a Car Accident Case?
No two car accidents are alike. The value of your case heavily depends upon the facts concerning your accident. There are numerous factors that will affect the amount you are entitled to recover from your accident, including:
- The severity of your injuries
- The extent of your medical bills
- Whether you are partially at fault
- The amount of insurance coverage available to you and the other party
- Legal precedents that could impact a settlement amount
- The willingness of the insurance company to settle
- The skillfulness of your lawyer in conducting settlement negotiations
- Property damage
- Whether your injuries have left you partially or permanently disabled
- Your pain and suffering
All these factors and others will be taken into consideration when valuating your claim. Whether you think that your claim is worth a lot or very little, you should talk to a lawyer, as they can tell you exactly how much they think you are entitled to recover for your injuries.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit for My Car Accident in Florida?
Every state has its own statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits. Generally, you have two years from the date of the accident. This statute recently changed; if your accident occurred on or before March 24, 2023, your personal injury lawsuit will be subject to a four-year statute of limitations.
If you miss the statute of limitations, you may be barred from recovery. It is crucial that you act quickly.
The experienced attorneys at Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney at Law can ensure that you file your lawsuit on time.
What type of Compensation Is Available After a Car Accident?
In Polk County, accident victims may be entitled to various compensatory damages for their losses. The two most common types are economic damages and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages cover tangible, calculable financial losses after your accident. Because these losses emerge directly from the accident, they are easier to quantify. Examples of these losses include:
- Lost wages
- Medical expenses
- Diminished earning capacity
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Property damage
Your lawyer can answer any questions you may have about your economic damages.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages cover intangible losses that are harder to quantify, as these damages are harder to trace back to the accident. These losses include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Diminished quality of life
- Disfigurement/scarring
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Loss of consortium
In rare circumstances, punitive damages are awarded. The purpose of these damages is to punish reckless or malicious conduct to deter others from acting in the same manner. At Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney at Law, you can trust us to seek compensation for the full extent of your damages.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
Everyone deserves access to competent legal representation. Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means that you will only have to pay your lawyer if they recover compensation for your case. If they lose your case, you will not owe them anything.
The benefits of this fee arrangement are that you won’t have to pay your lawyer any upfront fees or worry about paying them until your case is settled or resolved at trial. Even if your lawyer wins your case, you will have to pay them a percentage of your settlement or court award. Hence, under this fee arrangement, you can focus on your recovery without having to worry about your financial situation.
Call us today if you have any questions about our contingency fee arrangement.
Can I Get Money If I was Partly at Fault for My Car Accident?
Under Florida’s modified comparative fault statute, you can recover damages for your case as long as you are found to be 50% or less responsible for the accident. Your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of your fault.
For example, if you were found to be 25% at fault for a case that resulted in a $100,000 court award, you would receive $75,000 in compensation for your damages. However, if your fault were greater than 50%, you would not be entitled to any compensation.
At Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney at Law, we are fully capable of handling negotiations with the other party to make sure that you get the compensation you deserve even if you are partly at fault for your accident.
Will My Car Accident Case Go to Trial?
There are many factors that determine whether your case will go to trial, including the complexity of your case and the willingness of both parties to negotiate. The reality is that most civil cases (around 95%) are resolved by settlement negotiations outside of court.
Depending on the circumstances, a trial may be necessary if the other party is unwilling to offer a fair settlement or disputing their liability for your injuries. If there are multiple parties involved, negotiations can be even more difficult because there are more people to please.
We will prepare your case for settlement or trial, whichever is in your best interest. You can trust us to help you get a fair settlement or fight for a court award. Our goal will be to get the best outcome for you.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Polk County?
Car accident victims are usually shaken up and disoriented after a car accident. For the sake of your well-being and strengthening your legal claim, there are some steps you should after a Polk County car accident:
- Prioritize Your Safety: Move as far away from traffic as possible, and check yourself and other passengers for injuries.
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Whether you think you have sustained injuries or not, you should get medical assistance. Some injuries are unidentifiable by laypeople.
- Document the Accident Scene: Take pictures and videos of your vehicle and the other driver’s vehicle, your physical condition, and other damaged property.
- Tell Your Insurance Company: Insurance companies typically have deadlines for reporting car accidents. The sooner you report your car accident, the smoother the claims process may be.
- Exchange Information: Ask for the other driver’s insurance information, driver’s license number, and phone number. If there are any witnesses present at the scene, ask for their contact information as well.
- Don’t Admit Fault: Whether you are talking to a police officer or an insurance company, don’t apologize or admit fault. Doing so will only harm your case.
- Contact an Attorney: You should contact a Polk County car accident lawyer as soon as possible, for they can help you navigate the legal process and fight for your legal rights.
You should follow these steps to make your recovery process easier. Call Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney at Law to schedule your free consultation today.
Types of Car Accident Claims We Handle
At Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney at Law, we understand that a car accident can change your life. With decades of experience serving Polk County and surrounding areas, our legal team is here to support you through every step of your legal claim.
We handle a wide variety of car accident cases, including:
Distracted Driving Accidents in Polk County
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents in Polk County and across the country. When drivers take their eyes off the road to look at their phone, talk to a passenger, or change the radio station, they put themselves and other drivers at risk. Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney at Law is here to help you if you were in an accident caused by a distracted driver. We will make sure to hold them accountable.
Speeding Accidents in Polk County
When a driver speeds, they put other drivers at risk of a serious car accident. If you’re a victim of a speeding accident, Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney at Law offers personalized support. Our Polk County speeding accident lawyers are dedicated to holding negligent drivers accountable. We will thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your case, pursue justice, and ensure you receive compensation for damages.
DUI Accidents in Polk County
Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney at Law is committed to helping those affected by DUI accidents in Polk County. Our experienced lawyers understand the legal nuances involved in these cases and are passionate advocates for DUI victims’ rights. We will work hard to build a strong case that seeks fair compensation for your injuries and related losses.
Hit-and-Run Accidents in Polk County
After a hit-and-run incident, you deserve strong legal support. At Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney at Law, our Polk County car accident attorneys are dedicated to helping you through this challenging time. We will focus on gathering evidence, tracking down responsible parties, and ensuring you receive compensation for damages.
Uber & Lyft Accidents in Polk County
If you’ve been injured while using a rideshare service, we are ready to assist you. Our Polk County car accident lawyers understand the unique complexities surrounding rideshare cases. We are here to advocate for your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you need for your recovery and peace of mind.
Beyond these types of car accidents, we also have experience handling cases involving:
- Motorcycle accidents
- Truck accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Multi-vehicle accidents
- Intersection accidents
- And more
Regardless of the circumstances of your accident, Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney at Law is here to support you and provide excellent legal representation. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. We can discuss your legal options, answer your questions, and begin developing a winning legal strategy.
Who Could Be Liable for My Injuries Resulting From a Car Accident?
You may be wondering who can be held liable for your car accident injuries. Under Florida law, you can seek compensation from anyone whose negligence contributed to the collision. Liable parties could include:
- The other driver
- An employer
- A government entity
- A vehicle manufacturer
If someone was negligent, it means that they failed to uphold a reasonable standard of care, resulting in your injuries. We can help you identify all the responsible parties and hold them responsible for their negligence.
Common Types of Car Accident Injuries
Car accidents in Polk County cause many different kinds of injuries, which vary in degree. At Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney at Law, we understand the physical and emotional toll that your accident has taken upon you and your family. We will try our hardest to get full compensation for your injuries.
Common injuries from car accidents include:
- Broken bones
- Whiplash
- Back injuries
- Lacerations and bruises
- Amputations
- Brain injuries
- Burns
- Internal organ damage
- Soft tissue injuries
- Wrongful death
If you were injured in a car accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney at Law today. We will take care of your legal claim while you focus on your recovery.
Most Common Causes of Car Accidents
Car accidents in Polk County have a number of causes, most of which are preventable. Knowing the common causes of car accidents can keep you safe and ensure that you make smart decisions while you are driving.
Common causes of car accidents in Polk County include:
- Hit and runs
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence
- Poor road conditions
- Speeding
- Inclement weather conditions
By being aware of these common causes and others, you can reduce your chances of getting in a car wreck. If you have been injured in a crash caused by someone else’s negligence, remember that you have legal options. Call a Polk County car accident attorney to see whether you might have a legal claim.
Polk County Car Accident Stats
If you were in a car accident, you are not alone. Hundreds of thousands of drivers get in car accidents every year in Florida. In 2023, there were 394,975 crashes in Florida alone. Of this number, 13,628 crashes occurred in Polk County, resulting in 10,087 injuries and 159 fatalities.
These statistics show that Florida drivers ought to drive carefully and responsibly on the roads. Whether you suffered injuries or a loved one lost their life in a car accident, we are here for you. Together, we can pursue justice and seek the compensation you are entitled to. Call Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney at Law to schedule a free consultation.
The Most Dangerous Intersections and Roadways in Polk County
Navigating Polk County’s roads can be difficult, as some have a reputation for being more dangerous than others. Whether you’re a native Floridian or from out of state, it’s important for you to be aware of high-risk areas.
High-risk roadways and intersections in Polk County to be aware of include:
- Interstate 4 and US 27: This intersection is a hotbed for accidents because cars have to merge from US 27 onto I4 at high speeds.
- Memorial Blvd. and Massachusetts Ave.: These two major roadways are close to Bryant Stadium. Oftentimes, there is a bottleneck around this intersection, as traffic gets quite congested.
- US-98/N. Florida Ave. and US-92/Memorial Blvd.: This is another intersection very close to Bryan Stadium. Traffic can slow to a standstill, especially during stadium events. Overeager drivers can cause accidents under these conditions.
- Florida Ave. and Beacon Rd.: This area has a number of retail stores and restaurants, which can make it difficult for drivers to avoid pedestrians while keeping other drivers safe.
- Crystal Lake Dr. and US-98/Bartow Rd.: Due to the transition of the slower traffic on Crystal Lake Dr. to the faster traffic on US-98, drivers can have trouble reaching a safe minimum speed at such a quick rate.
To mitigate the risk of causing an accident in Polk County, always be aware of your surroundings and proceed carefully, especially at one of these intersections or roadways.
Call Our Polk County Car Accident Lawyers Today for Help
If you or a loved one has been in an accident in Polk County, Florida, you don’t have to suffer alone. The Polk County car accident lawyers at Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney at Law can handle the legal complexities of your case and provide you with the legal support and guidance you need.
We are committed to helping you seek the compensation you need to get back on your feet. Call us today to schedule a free consultation.