Can You Sue After A Fender Bender In Bradenton?

Between tight streets and heavy traffic, fender benders happen regularly in Bradenton and are increasingly common over the winter holiday season. While drivers often brush off these collisions as minor, they can cause personal injuries that jeopardize your health and financial security long afterward.

Can you sue the other driver following a fender bender in Manatee County? It depends. Our experienced Bradenton car accident lawyer helps victims in these cases and explains your rights in filing a claim.

Seemingly Minor Bradenton Fender Benders Can Cause Serious Injuries

Fender benders in Bradenton can happen in local parking lots, while navigating busy intersections, or when driving on Cortez Road or other congested areas with frequent stop-and-go traffic. Under the Florida Statutes, motorists must report any crash or collision involving property damage or injuries.

However, as fender benders often result in no more than a few dents or dings, drivers may decide not to report them or notify insurers. This could impact both your health and your rights later in a claim.

Even though fender benders seem minor, they can cause serious injuries that include:

• Whiplash and other back or neck injuries;
• Sprained muscles and other soft-tissue damage;
• Concussions or mild brain injuries;
• Internal injuries due to airbag deployment.

While symptoms may appear subtle at first, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states even minor car accident injuries can leave victims with thousands of dollars in medical costs in the aftermath.

What You Can Do to Protect Yourself After a Bradenton Fender Bender

When car accidents in Bradenton happen, including fender benders, notify the police immediately. Make sure they complete an accident report, get contact and insurance information from the other driver, and seek prompt medical care, regardless of the severity of your symptoms.

Under Florida’s no-fault auto insurance laws, compensation for property damages, medical expenses, and other costs may be available through your insurer. If your injuries are more severe and go beyond what insurance covers, you may be able to take the other driver to court.

Follow these tips to protect your rights in an injury claim:

• Follow all your doctor’s instructions, including testing or treatment recommendations and work restrictions.
• Document lost wages and medical costs.
• Keep copies of medical records and the police report.
• Avoid posting on Facebook, Instagram, or other social media about your injuries, as it’s the first place investigators look for information they can use to dispute your injuries and deny your claim.

Contact Our Experienced Bradenton Car Accident Lawyer For Help In Filing A Claim

Fender bender car accidents in Bradenton are common, and while they often appear minor at first, they can result in serious harm. At the Law Office of Steven G. Lavely, we review what happened, advise you on your rights in filing a claim, and take the actions needed to get you compensation.

To avoid out-of-pocket costs, get the professional legal help you need to file a claim. Call or contact us online to request a consultation with our experienced Bradenton car accident lawyer today.

Sources:

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0600-0699/0627/Sections/0627.737.html

nhtsa.gov/press-releases/traffic-crashes-cost-america-billions-2019

flhsmv.gov/insurance/