Over a Decade of Experience in Personal Injury
For more than 10 years, Owner and Founder of Dolezal Law, P.A., Bethany Dolezal, has had a substantial involvement in the area of personal injury law, which has included not only her role as an attorney but also six years of working in a fast-paced, high-pressured environment as a litigation paralegal, a position that has instilled unwavering attributes, such as commitment, vigilance, and determination, while laying a strong foundation crucial to understanding the meticulous, complex inner workings of a successful personal injury claim. Read More
Attorney Contact
From the very first phone call until your case is resolved, you will communicate directly with Attorney Bethany Dolezal.
Communication
Bethany carefully guides you through each stage of your case, including strategy and potential outcomes, enabling you make well-informed decisions.
Transparency
Each case is managed with a clear, honest, and straightforward approach, ensuring that there are no unexpected surprises.
Litigation
With an extensive background in litigation, Attorney Bethany Dolezal will file a lawsuit on your behalf and personally litigate your case, if necessary.
What Sets Dolezal
Law Apart
Fender bender or catastrophic accident, every client is a priority.
Choose the best accident lawyer for you.
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No Obligation / No Cost
Dolezal Law, P.A., practices exclusively in the area of personal injury. With a deep understanding of the complexities of personal injury law, Attorney Bethany Dolezal is committed to securing the maximum compensation for those who have suffered due to someone else's negligence.
PRACTICE AREAS
EXPLORE THE PRACTICE AREAS
What steps should I take after a car accident in Florida?
Navigating the aftermath of a car accident can be a daunting
and stressful experience, particularly in the immediate
moments following the incident. If you find yourself involved
in a car accident in Florida, knowing the proper steps to take
can make a significant difference in ensuring your safety,
protecting your legal rights, and facilitating a smoother
recovery process.
Call 911
Regardless of the severity of the accident, it is important to call
911 immediately. Inform the dispatcher of the accident's location,
the number of vehicles involved, and any potential injuries.
Emergency services will dispatch police, fire, and medical personnel as needed. Remember, having an official police report can be invaluable when filing insurance claims and dealing with potential legal issues.
Check for Injuries
Assess yourself for injuries. Even if you feel unharmed, it's essential to check yourself thoroughly, as adrenaline can sometimes mask pain. It is further important to inform the police, fire, and medical personnel of any potential injuries. If you are having neck pain, back pain, or any other discomfort in your body after the accident, ensure that those complaints are documented in some way, such as through the accident report prepared by the responding officer or EMS records.
Take Photos and Videos
One of the most immediate actions you should take is to capture clear and detailed photos and videos of the accident scene. If you're able to, use your smartphone or a camera to record various aspects of the car accident, including, but not limited to:
> Overall Scene
Take wide-angle shots of the entire car accident scene to provide context. Capture the positions of all vehicles involved, road conditions, traffic signs, and any other relevant surroundings.
> Vehicle Damage
Photograph all visible damage to your vehicle, as well as the other vehicles involved. Include close-up shots, as well as wider views to show the extent of the property damage.
> Other Damaged Property
Be sure to capture any dented guardrails, damaged fences, broken poles, and overturned street signs that were impacted by any of the vehicles involved.
> Skid Marks & Debris
Document any skid marks, broken glass, or vehicle parts scattered on the road.
> Weather Conditions
Weather sometimes plays a significant role in a car accident. It is important to capture photographs that illustrate conditions such as rain or fog, especially if the at-fault driver was speeding.
Exchange Driver Information
Because a car accident in Florida can be a stressful event, especially when they occur at busy intersections in cities like Tampa, Clearwater, and Orlando, victims often forget about exchanging important information with the other driver. This step, however, is crucial for insurance claims and potential legal matters. Before leaving the scene, ensure you gather the names, address, phone numbers, driver's licenses numbers, and auto insurance information of all drivers involved.
Report the Accident to Your Insurance
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident. Most insurance policies require prompt notification, and failing to do so can complicate your claim. When speaking with your insurance representative, provide them with all the necessary, basic details, such as the time, date, and location of the accident. Avoid admitting any fault.
Be sure to also inform them of any pain or potential injuries you have, as you will most likely be making a claim for your no-fault PIP benefits.
Visit a Doctor ASAP
Even if you feel fine immediately after the accident, it is essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible (within 14 days of the car accident). Some injuries, such as whiplash or internal bleeding, may not be immediately apparent but can have serious long-term effects. A medical professional can conduct a thorough examination to identify any hidden injuries and provide the necessary treatment. If you fail to receive medical attention in Florida within the 14-day window, you cannot file a PIP insurance claim.
Additionally, document your medical visits and keep copies of all medical reports, prescriptions, and bills. This documentation will be crucial if you need to file a personal injury claim or seek compensation for medical expenses.
Follow Up on Medical Treatment
Adhering to your doctor's recommendations and following up on all prescribed treatments is vital for your recovery and for any potential legal claims. Failing to follow medical advice can not only jeopardize your health but also weaken your case if you decide to seek compensation for your injuries. Be sure to attend all follow-up appointments, complete any physical therapy sessions, and take prescribed medications as directed.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
You may be asking yourself, "At what point do I contact a personal injury attorney for my car accident in Florida?" The answer is as soon as possible.
Following a car accident, insurance companies typically act quickly to limit their liability. They may try to rush you into providing a recorded statement or urge you to accept an early settlement that fails to fully compensate you for your losses. A knowledgeable and experienced Florida car accident lawyer serves as your advocate, safeguarding your rights and helping you avoid those insurance tactics.
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How much is my personal injury case worth in Florida?
Understanding the potential value of a personal injury case in Florida can be a complex and multifaceted process. Whether you're dealing with injuries from a car accident, slip and fall, or another unfortunate incident, knowing how much your case might be worth is important for setting realistic expectations and making informed decisions.
In Florida, the value of a personal injury claim hinges on numerous factors, ranging from the severity of your injuries to the specifics of local laws. While no two cases are exactly alike, common elements such as medical expenses, lost wages, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering play pivotal roles in determining the final settlement or compensation amount. Moreover, legal considerations such as comparative negligence, statute of limitations, and insurance policy limits can further complicate the valuation process.
An experienced personal injury attorney in Florida will look at the following factors when determining the value of your case:
Severity of Injuries
The severity of your injuries is one of the most crucial determinants of your case's value. More serious injuries that require extensive medical treatment, prolonged recovery periods, or result in permanent disability generally lead to higher compensation. For instance, a case involving minor cuts and bruises will likely be worth less than one involving spinal cord injuries or traumatic brain injuries. The extent of your injuries can affect not only your physical well-being but also your ability to work and perform daily activities, both of which are taken into account when calculating damages.
Medical Expenses
Medical expenses are another significant factor influencing the value of your personal injury case in Florida. These costs can include everything from emergency room visits and surgeries to long-term care and physical therapy. Accurate documentation of all medical expenses is essential for a comprehensive claim. This includes not just current medical bills but also anticipated future medical costs related to your injuries. The more significant and long-lasting your medical needs, the higher the potential value of your case.
Lost Wages or Income
Like medical expenses, lost wages fall under the category of economic damages. Lost wages due to an inability to work as a result of your injuries can substantially impact your case's value. This encompasses not only the immediate time you were unable to work but also any future earning capacity that may be affected. For example, if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or force you to take a lower-paying position, these lost earnings can be factored into your settlement. Proper documentation from your employer and medical professionals will be necessary to substantiate these claims.
By thoroughly examining these factors—severity of injuries, medical expenses, and lost wages—you can gain a more accurate understanding of the potential value of your personal injury case in Florida. These elements form the foundation upon which your claim will be evaluated, either in negotiations with insurance companies or in court.
Non-Economic Damages
When assessing the worth of a personal injury case in Florida, it's crucial to consider not only the direct financial losses but also the non-economic damages that can significantly impact the overall compensation. Non-economic damages refer to the intangible losses that an individual suffers as a result of an injury. Unlike medical expenses or lost wages, these damages don't come with specific dollar amounts but are nonetheless very real and impactful.
Non-economic damages include emotional distress, such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other mental health conditions that may develop as a result of the Florida accident, as well as loss of enjoyment of life. Loss of enjoyment of life refers to the diminished ability to enjoy the activities and pleasures that a person took part in before the injury.
Your Percentage of Fault
Florida operates under a modified comparative negligence system,
which can affect the amount of compensation you receive if you are
partially at fault for the accident. Under this system, your
compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed
to you. However, recovery would be barred if you were more than
50% at fault for the accident. Understanding this principle is
essential because it underscores the importance of presenting a
strong case to minimize your perceived fault and maximize your
compensation.
Insurance Policy Limits
Insurance policy limits can also significantly influence the value of your personal injury claim. These limits represent the maximum amount an insurance company will pay out for a claim. In many instances, even if your damages exceed the policy limits, you may only be able to recover up to the amount specified in the defendant's insurance policy. This is particularly important in cases involving severe injuries that result in substantial medical expenses and other damages. An experienced injury lawyer in Florida can help identify all potential sources of compensation, including underinsured motorist coverage or other applicable policies, to help you recover the full extent of your damages.
Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations is another critical legal consideration in Florida personal injury cases. This law sets a deadline for filing a lawsuit, typically four years from the date of the accident. Failing to file within this timeframe generally results in losing your right to pursue compensation, irrespective of the merits of your case. It's essential to act promptly and consult with a qualified personal injury attorney in Florida to ensure that you meet all necessary deadlines and preserve your legal rights.
Were you injured in Florida somewhere other than Pinellas County? That's OK!
Dolezal Law, P.A., accepts personal injury and car accident cases from ANY city in Florida, including Miami, Miami Beach, Orlando, Jacksonville, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, Naples, Daytona, Daytona Beach, Bradenton, Port St. Lucie, Cape Coral, Hialeah, Tallahassee, Gainesville, Hollywood, Clearwater, Pembroke Pines, Palm Bay, Spring Hill, Lakeland, West Palm Beach, Brandon, Riverview, Kissimmee, Homestead, St. Petersburg, The Villages, Ocala, St. Cloud, Delray Beach, Jupiter, North Miami, and more.
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Main Office Location: Pinellas County, FL