Have you ever gone shopping in a Tallahassee shopping mall and slipped and fallen on the floor due to a wet spot? Or have you driven down Meridian Road, only to be hit by another driver who was busy texting and driving? While some accidents only result in minor bumps and bruises, others can result in catastrophic injuries that forever change your life.
If another person negligently injured you in a Tallahassee accident, you do not have to face a legal battle alone. With Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, on your side, you can take legal action to fight for the compensation and justice you deserve. Our Tallahassee personal injury lawyers can speak with you in person, virtually through our online contact form, or by phone at (866) 467-0943. If you decide to visit our offices, we have convenient locations all over Florida, making it easy to find an office that works for you.
Table of Contents
- Why Choose Dolman Law Group
- Common Types of Personal Injury Accidents
- Financial Damages You Can Pursue
- How To Protect Your Rights
- What To Say To The Insurance Company
- Contact a Tallahassee Personal Injury Lawyer
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why Choose Our Firm
Finding an experienced legal team ready to help you may be challenging after an accident where you suffered severe injuries. Fortunately, the legal team at Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, is skilled, knowledgable, and ready to offer the legal support you need.
Our legal team is known for getting results.
Since our founding, we have won millions of dollars on our clients’ behalf, including recent judgments of:
- $5 million for a car crash involving burn injuries
- $6.7 million for a wrongful death case
- $3.85 million for a semi-truck accident resulting in brain injuries
While we cannot promise these exact results in every case, when you work with us we will provide the personalized attention you need while fighting for every last dollar you deserve.
Common Types of Tallahassee Personal Injury Accidents
Although a personal injury claim could involve any accident caused by negligence, certain types of accidents occur more frequently in Tallahassee, including:
- Car crashes
- Trucking collisions
- Motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Drunk driving accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Premises liability accidents
- Wrongful death accidents
- Product liability incidents
- Work-related accidents
- Slip and fall accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Catastrophic injuries
- Child injuries
While the above accidents occur more frequently in Tallahassee, they are not the only accidents that can give rise to a personal injury claim. If you are unsure whether you have a viable case, reach out to Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA. Our legal team can review your accident and advise you of the legal options you can pursue.
Common Injuries Resulting from a Tallahassee Personal Injury Accident
Accidents can harm almost every part of the body.
Although the severity of these injuries depends on the circumstances of the accident, common injuries in Tallahassee include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Soft tissue injuries
- Facial scarring
- Disfigurement
- Limb loss
- Internal injuries
- Lacerations
- Neck and back trauma
Many of these injuries require life-long treatment and generate astronomical medical bills. Due to the high cost of medical treatment, having an experienced lawyer to calculate losses and estimate future costs is paramount. Our team can work with your doctor or hospital to clarify your needs now and in the future.
What to Watch out for in Tallahassee When It Comes to Personal Injury Accidents
Every year, individuals in Tallahassee negligently injure others. For instance, in just one year, 34 people were in fatal automobile accidents, drunk drivers caused three fatal car crashes, and seven pedestrians died.
While these accidents can occur anywhere, some intersections in Tallahassee that are more dangerous than others, including:
- Monroe Street and Orange Avenue
- Apalachee Parkway and Magnolia Drive
- Tennessee Street and Monroe Street
- Orange Avenue and Springhill Road
- White Drive and Pensacola Street
- Calhoun Street and Apalachee Parkway
Fortunately, our team of Tallahassee personal injury lawyers has the skills, resources, and local knowledge needed to take on your legal case and pursue the financial recovery you deserve.
The Statute of Limitations Following a Tallahassee Personal Injury Accident
Tallahassee accident victims should be aware of the time limitations for personal injury accident cases. The statute of limitations restricts the amount of time a person has to file a lawsuit. In Tallahassee, accident victims only have four years to file a lawsuit from the date a person negligently injured them. This limit might be even shorter, depending on the facts of the case. A judge will probably not allow your case into court if the deadline passes before you file your lawsuit.
Because of the strict deadlines, it is a good idea to reach out to a skilled Tallahassee personal injury lawyer, like those at Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA. Our team can verify how much time you have to file your case, prepare your legal motions and files, and submit everything to the correct court before time expires.
Tallahassee Personal Injury Lawyer Near Me 833-552-7274
For a free legal consultation with a personal injury lawyer serving Tallahassee, call 833-552-7274
Financial Damages You Can Pursue Following a Tallahassee Personal Injury Accident
If another person’s intentional, negligent, or reckless actions hurt you, you may be entitled to financial damages. In Florida, many accident victims seek:
Economic Damages
These damages refer to the measurable losses that occur following an accident.
They include:
- Past and current medical bills related to hospital and nursing care, doctor visits, assistive medical devices, prescription medications, emergency services such as ambulance rides, and other medical treatments
- Future medical care
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Costs related to domestic replacement services
- Personal property damage, including replacement costs or repair expenses
- Other out-of-pocket expenses
Non-Economic Damages
These damages refer to subjective losses that result from an accident. Due to the nature of these losses, they are often hard to prove
These losses include:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of reputation
- Inconvenience
- Scarring, disfigurement, or loss of a limb
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment and quality of life
- Loss of companionship
Punitive Damages
In addition, negligence victims may sometimes seek punitive damages. Unlike the other damages that compensate the victim for their losses, courts award punitive damages to penalize the wrongful party for their actions and deter others from committing similar acts. To receive punitive damages, the victim must use clear and convincing evidence to show that the wrongful party was guilty of gross negligence or intentional misconduct.
As you can see, obtaining damages following a Tallahassee personal injury accident is no easy feat and requires detailed evidence showing fault and the extent of your harm. The personal injury lawyers at Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, can determine which damages apply to your claim. Then, they can start building a strong legal case to pursue compensation.
Protect Your Rights Following a Tallahassee Personal Injury Accident
After an accident, you may not want to talk to witnesses or gather evidence. However, taking these steps after an accident can help keep you safe and protect your legal rights:
Call the Authorities
If someone injures you in an accident, call 911 to alert the authorities and ask for immediate medical attention. After the medics and police arrive and investigate your accident, the police will write down their findings in a police report, which your lawyer can use in your legal case if you decide to pursue legal action.
Visit a Doctor Immediately
Even if medics do not take you to the emergency room after your accident, you should still see a doctor right away. Medical professionals can ensure you do not have a hidden injury, such as a brain injury, spinal cord damage, or internal bleeding.
Once you see a doctor, they can also provide a medical report that explains the severity of your injuries and the direct connection between the accident and your trauma. This evidence is crucial to a personal injury claim.
Gather Evidence
If you can safely do so after an accident, try to gather evidence from the scene.
You can take photos and videos of:
- The vehicles involved and their placement on the road
- The damage to these vehicles
- The weather conditions at the time of the accident
- Hazardous conditions that contributed to the accident
- Visible injuries
- Traffic signals and signs
However, if you cannot collect this evidence because of your injuries, do not worry. Once you retain an experienced personal injury lawyer, they can gather evidence for you.
Collect Witness Information
If other people saw the accident, try to get their names and phone numbers. These individuals can often provide valuable evidence regarding what happened and testimony that substantiates your claim.
Provide All the Information to Our Personal Injury Lawyers
Once you receive the medical treatment you require, make sure you share the evidence you gathered with your lawyer. Give them photos of the accident, the police and medical report, and bills related to the accident. Your lawyer will use this evidence to prepare legal arguments proving fault and damages in your case.
Watch What You Say to the Insurance Company
Matthew Dolman, Tallahassee Personal Injury Lawyer
In addition to gathering evidence, you should avoid talking with the insurance company without speaking to your lawyer first. Although you may think you can rely on the insurance company to get you the money you need after an accident, this is not how insurance companies work. These companies want to make a profit; they will do everything they can to get you to admit fault for the accident or do something that reduces the amount of money you can receive.
Your lawyer will help you understand what to expect from the insurance company and warn you about the deceitful practices they may try on you. Your lawyer can also communicate with the insurance company on your behalf, ensuring you do not accidentally say something to hurt your case.
Contact Our Tallahassee Personal Injury Lawyers Today
Contact Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, online or by phone at (866) 467-0943. With offices across Florida, our Tallahassee team is prepared to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Do not take on a legal battle alone if a Tallahassee personal injury accident hurt you or a loved one. Instead, contact Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, online or at (866) 467-0943 for a free case evaluation. Find out how our legal professionals can help you seek the money you need and the justice you deserve.
Tallahassee Office
2707 Killarney Way, Suite 205
Tallahassee, FL 32309
(866) 467-0943
What Our Clients Have to Say:
“Chad Robinson always responded immediately whenever I had questions or concerns. He worked hard to make sure I received what I deserved.”
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December 19
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“AMAZING and understanding attorneys! Did great on my case and I highly recommend Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA for anyone that has been injured in an accident!”
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Jan 2020
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How Do I Know If I Can Pursue Legal Action Following a Tallahassee Personal Injury Accident?
Several factors influence whether your accident gives rise to a viable personal injury claim.
To decide whether you can file a claim, a lawyer will ask:
- Did you sustain injuries in the personal injury accident?
- How severe were your injuries?
- Is there insurance money available to help compensate you for your injuries?
- Is there still time to file a personal injury lawsuit following the Tallahassee personal injury accident?
To determine whether you have legal options following your Tallahassee personal injury accident, reach out to our firm, Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA. Our team can review your accident, analyze these factors, and help you figure out your next steps.
How Much Is a Tallahassee Personal Injury Case Worth?
Although a lawyer can help you figure out what financial damages you can pursue, no legal professional can tell you exactly how much money you can get after a personal injury accident.
Too many factors can affect your case’s worth, such as:
- The types of injuries you suffered and their severity
- The extent of the medical treatment you need now and in the future
- Your ability to work following the accident
- Whether the injury resulted in a permanent disability
- The wrongdoer’s culpability
- The credibility of the evidence and witnesses presented
Even though a lawyer cannot guarantee that you will receive a specific amount of money following your accident, an experienced personal injury lawyer can estimate how much your claim is worth. They will identify which of these factors affect your case and act accordingly.
How Do I Prove Fault Following a Tallahassee Personal Injury Accident?
Most personal injury claims arise because another person or entity acted negligently, harming someone. Negligence is a failure to behave with the same level of care that another person with ordinary prudence would have exercised under the same circumstances.
To prove negligence after a personal injury accident, you must establish:
- The wrongful party owed you a legal duty of care
- The wrongful party breached this duty
- This breach caused your injury
- You suffered losses due to the injury
A victim of this accident can also prove liability in a few other ways, including:
Intentional Conduct
If a person harms another individual on purpose, they can be held responsible for the consequences. The most common personal injury cases that arise from this conduct include battery and assault.
Negligence per Se
The negligence per se doctrine in Florida allows a victim to obtain recovery without proving negligence.
However, to prove negligence per se, you need to prove:
- The wrongful party violated an ordinance or statute that enacted for public safety
- The victim was a member of a protected class under the statute or ordinance
- The victim suffered harm because the at-fault party violated the statute or ordinance, and
- The victim’s injury resulted from the wrongful party violating the ordinance or statute
The most common type of negligence per se in Florida includes driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs since this behavior is illegal. As a result, accidents caused by a person driving while intoxicated can lead to financial recovery and even criminal charges.
Strict Liability
In strict liability cases, a victim does not have to establish that the defendant’s negligence caused their injuries to recover compensation. Instead, under this theory, the at-fault party is legally responsible for their actions, regardless of their fault or intent. For instance, common strict liability cases in Tallahassee involve dog bites, where a dog’s owner is strictly liable for damages resulting from the dog biting another person.
Proving liability following a personal injury accident can be complicated. Therefore, working with an experienced Tallahassee personal injury attorney, like those at Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, can make things easier. Our team can thoroughly investigate your case, determine who was at fault for your losses, and prepare a case to help you pursue the financial damages you deserve.
How Long Will It Take to Settle a Tallahassee Personal Injury Accident Claim?
No regulations dictate how long parties have to settle a personal injury case. Sometimes, cases resolve within a few weeks, while others continue for years.
Many factors affect the timeline of a claim, including:
- The Injuries Involved: The more severe the injuries, the higher the claim’s value may be. As a result, the insurer may take more time investigating the accident or make it more complicated to collect all the money you need.
- Maximum Medical Improvement: Lawyers often recommend waiting to settle a case until accident victims reach maximum medical improvement (MMI). MMI occurs when a doctor states that the victim will not continue improving, even with ongoing treatment. Reaching MMI helps your lawyer know what treatment you will need in the future, so they can secure compensation to help with these treatments.
- Insurance Company Issues: If the insurer refuses to work with you during settlement negotiations, the process may take even longer, especially if your lawyer decides to take your case to trial. The claim can take a few months or years to resolve if this happens.
Should I Accept a Settlement Offer From the Insurance Company After a Tallahassee Personal Injury Accident?
Insurance companies commonly offer accident victims a small settlement when they are most vulnerable shortly after their accident. The insurer hopes that victims will accept this money, no questions asked, and not verify whether the settlement covers their losses.
However, when victims accept this amount, they quickly learn that it barely pays for their current expenses, much less future bills. Unfortunately, once they accept an offer, they cannot request more money, even if they have further expenses arising from the original accident.
If you receive any offers from the insurance company, speak with a law firm, like the team at Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, before accepting. Our team can tell you whether an offer is fair. We can take an unreasonable offer back to the insurance company and fight for one that covers your injuries.
Do I Have Any Legal Options if a Loved One Dies in a Tallahassee Personal Injury Accident?
If your loved one dies in a Tallahassee personal injury accident due to the wrongful actions of another, you may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim. You can seek damages resulting from your family member’s death.
Compensation for a wrongful death claim falls into two categories: the damages awarded to the decedent’s family and damages awarded to the estate.
In Florida, damages paid to the family typically include money for:
- The loss of the decedent’s protection and companionship
- Pain and suffering
- The loss of the support and services the decedent provided to family members
- Medical and funeral expenses paid by the decedent’s family members
- The loss of parental companionship and guidance
The estate may also recover:
- Lost benefits, wages, and other earnings the decedent lost out on from the date of their injury to their death
- Medical and funeral expenses paid by the estate
To ensure you can pursue a wrongful death claim following the passing of your loved one, you should discuss the situation with an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. They can verify whether you have a viable claim and help you pursue the damages your family deserves.
How Can Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA Help You Following a Tallahassee Personal Injury Accident?
At Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, we know that following a horrifying personal injury accident, no amount of compensation can erase the stress and devastating consequences of the accident. However, we also know that obtaining compensation for your losses can help you rebuild your life and get the medical treatments you need.
Once you retain our legal team, we can help you determine whether you have a viable legal case and advise you of your legal options.
From there, we can also:
- Answer your questions regarding your case and legal proceedings
- Analyze the details of your accident and secure all the evidence needed to prove fault and damages
- Take on the settlement negotiations to go after a fair offer
- Bring in experts, including medical professionals, financial specialists, and accident reconstructionists, to substantiate your claim
- Take your case to trial if the insurance company refuses to settle
Call or text 833-552-7274 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form