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    If you have been injured in a St. Lucie County car accident, you might be entitled to compensation for the harm you suffered. However, recovering compensation under Florida’s insurance rules can be challenging.

    Fortunately, our car accident lawyers can help you determine what compensation could be available in your case. Florida law has undergone some important changes in the last few months that will significantly impact car accident victims’ ability to recover damages. One critical change in the law is that you now only have two years to file a lawsuit after being injured in a car accident.

    Contact the Law Offices of David I. Fuchs, Injury & Accident Lawyer, P.A. today at (954) 751-4258 for a free case assessment with our car accident attorneys.

    Common Causes of Car Accidents in St. Lucie County

    Drivers have a legal obligation to drive safely and obey road rules. When they fail to do so, the people around them are put at risk of injury or death. The following are some common causes of car accident lawsuits:

    Speeding

    Driving too fast for the conditions is one of the most common causes of car accidents in St. Lucie County. It is also one of the most preventable. Speeding increases the chances of a negligent driver losing control of their vehicle and hitting another driver or pedestrian.

    Traffic Violations

    Traffic violations are another common cause of car accident injuries. Common traffic violations include running red lights and stop signs, driving on the wrong side of the road, and passing on the shoulder or in a no-passing zone.

    Distracted Driving

    Distracted driving has become an epidemic on our roads, with many drivers paying more attention to their phones than their surroundings. Some examples of distracted driving include texting or talking on a cell while driving, eating and drinking, and reading or writing notes while driving.

    How to Recover Damages for a Car Accident in St. Lucie County

    In Florida, drivers are subject to “no-fault” insurance rules in accordance with Florida Statute § 627.736(1). This law requires that all drivers in St. Lucie County and throughout Florida must have personal injury protection (PIP) insurance to cover injuries to themselves or their passengers. This system is referred to as “no-fault” because regardless of who caused the accident, victims file for damages with their own insurance and are compensated from their PIP coverage. However, evidence must be provided to your insurance company to recover compensation. It is worth noting that other states have “at-fault” insurance rules, where victims must file a claim with the insurance company of the negligent driver.

    Florida’s No-Fault Insurance Rules

    Florida’s no-fault regulations aim to provide compensation to victims without the need for a legal battle in court. However, no-fault insurance has several limitations that our car accident attorneys can help determine if you can overcome. The most important limitation is that PIP insurance will not cover all of your damages but only 80% of medical bills and 60% of lost wages. Additionally, benefits are only provided up to the policy limit. $10,000 is the minimum coverage limit in Florida, which many drivers have. This means that the percentages of your financial losses will only be covered up to policy limits. If you have minimum coverage, you could be responsible for damages that go beyond $10,000, which is a very low amount when considering the cost of healthcare today.

    However, no-fault insurance is not designed to cover non-economic losses, also known as “pain and suffering.” These damages are based on your subjective experiences and the psychological impact of your car accident and resulting injuries. Unlike financial losses that can be easily added up, it is much more challenging assigning a value to your pain and suffering. Because this is often a place of great contention among injured parties and insurance companies, Florida law only allows recovery of non-economic damages in a car accident lawsuit.

    The Insurance Company’s Right of Subrogation

    When seeking compensation after a car accident in St. Lucie County, it is crucial to take note of your insurance company’s subrogation rights. “Subrogation” is the practice by which insurance providers must be reimbursed for coverage that was paid out for your injuries in the event you recover more in damages in a lawsuit than what was given. This means that if you are awarded $50,000 at trial, but your PIP covered $25,000 in damages, you must pay back the $25,000 to your insurance company, leaving you with the remaining $25,000. This rule is intended to bar victims from receiving double compensation for the same incident.

    When You Can Recover Compensation in a St. Lucie County Car Accident Lawsuit

    To file a lawsuit in St. Lucie County for pain and suffering damages, you must show that your injuries meet Florida’s “serious injury” threshold. The intent behind this regulation is to prevent the courts from being overwhelmed with car accident lawsuits that involve minor injuries. Sometimes it is clear an injury is serious, and the threshold will not be too difficult to overcome. In other cases, however, it might not be clear that an injury is serious with corroborating evidence to show the injury’s impact on the victim’s life.

    Florida’s Serious Injury Threshold

    In order to file a car accident lawsuit in St. Lucie County, it is necessary to demonstrate that your injuries fall under one of the categories of “serious injuries” listed in Florida Statute § 627.737(2). As per this statute, you are eligible to file a lawsuit if you have experienced considerable and long-lasting loss of bodily functions or have suffered a permanent injury. In addition, death, significant scarring, and disfigurement can qualify as serious injuries for the purposes of filing a lawsuit. Keep in mind, though, that insurance companies will try to argue that your injuries are not that serious and that your case should be dismissed.

    New Deadline to File a Lawsuit

    Earlier in 2023, Florida’s governor signed a new law that went into immediate effect, which made critical changes to Florida’s personal injury process. One of the major changes was to Florida’s “statute of limitations,” which is the time limit to file a lawsuit. Before this new law was passed, car accident victims had up to four years to file a lawsuit. That time limit has now been halved, allowing only two years for car accident victims to file their lawsuits in St. Lucie County.

    This means that time is of the essence, and you should not delay in initiating your car accident case. You might not need to file a lawsuit for your injuries, but if you do, two years is not much time to gather the necessary evidence and track down witnesses before filing your lawsuit. If your lawsuit has not been filed within two years, the defense attorney will motion for the court to dismiss your case, which it will grant.

    Our St. Lucie County Car Accident Lawyers Can Help

    For a free case assessment with our skilled car accident attorneys, contact the Law Offices of David I. Fuchs, Injury & Accident Lawyer, P.A. at (954) 751-4258 today.

    Client Testimonials

    “…the settlement I received was much higher than anticipated”

    Fuchs was my car accident attorney and was very responsive from the first call. I had medical care the next day and the whole process was smooth. They handled everything with the insurance companies and coordinated all of the necessary medical information. It was a long process and in the end the settlement I received was much higher than anticipated I am more than happy and grateful for the outcome.

    Sean O.
    Google Review
    “Not only did I get the medical attention I needed but I was compensated handsomely.”

    It’s been a long bumpy road to recovery but with David and his office’s help, we finally got it done! Through a great network of professionals, David Fuchs makes a good experience out of what could’ve been quite a headache. Not only did I get the medical attention I needed but I was compensated handsomely. Thank you!

    Giovanni G.
    Google Review
    “…they didn’t settle for anything and my boyfriend and I got what we deserved.”

    I got in an accident in December 2021 when everyone was short staffed and insurance companies was not responsive. My boyfriend reached out to David F. and what a life changing experience. We had the pleasure of having all our worries handed to professional help. They worked diligently on our case, answered questions when asked and kept us updated on changes. More importantly they didn’t settle for anything and my boyfriend and I got what we deserved. I have dealt with others in the past but David got me the most according to the facts presented and never backed down when the insurance companies tried to make us settle for less. Thank you David, Jessica and the team for all your effort and hard work. I will recommend them to family and friends. [They’re] the best in town!

    Sheila N.
    Google Review
    “Best lawyer in Broward County”
    Evans P.
    Google Review
    “Mr. Fuchs and his staff were very helpful.”

    I highly recommend Law offices of David Fuchs. Mr. Fuchs and his staff were very helpful. The case was handled in a timely manner and I was always informed if there were any changes or updates with my case.

    Velouse G.
    Google Review
    “Mr. Fuchs is one of the hardest working attorneys that I know.”

    Mr. Fuchs is one of the hardest working attorneys that I know. He is really good at what he does and puts 110% in you case. I have been using him for 19 years now and refer all my friends to him. I can leave him alone with my case and not call him all the time. I know he is working hard in my case. When he has any information he calls me and we go from there. There are not a lot of attorneys I can do that with! If you have any Personal Injuries please do call him. You won’t be disappointed!!

    Libby E.
    Google Review
    “I would definitely refer to this firm as the go-to Florida personal injury gurus.”

    At first I was afraid…I was petrified! I truly was! But the extensive knowledge, patience and professionalism I received brought me not only such peace and assurance that I was in good hands, but we got through my case like shining stars! David made sure I understood exactly what, when, where, why and [answered] whatever question I had. I would definitely refer to this firm as the go-to Florida personal injury gurus.

    Donna M.
    Google Review
    “They have a wonderful team.”

    …took care of my well-being [and were] very informative about my situation. [T]hey were on the ball when it came down to settling…I highly recommend David.

    Nicholas G.
    Google Review
    “My experience with David Fuchs was awesome.”

    I got a really good return… thank you David Fuchs and staff for being so helpful and working so hard to help us, you are appreciated.

    Yvette W.
    Google Review
    “This is a great law office.”

    The David I Fuchs law office is a group of excellent people that helped to their fullest potential. They treated me with respect and I really appreciate that. This is a great law office.

    Jonathan Z.
    Google Review
    “Never did I imagine myself getting into an accident.”

    It has been an unexpected journey since stepping foot in Florida. Never did I imagine myself getting into an accident. I just want to thank the staff and all the support. The Therapy the doctors; you guys were awesome and made me feel better in my situation. This the first time I ever experience such a thing but I’m blessed , thankful and behind it all DAVID FUCHS who made it happen for me.

    Sade P.
    Google Review
    “They helped tremendously!”

    I would totally recommend David to everyone. They’re extremely professional and work in a timely manner. They helped tremendously!

    A Boone
    Google Review
    “I highly recommend this man.”

    A good man knows, his law 35 years experience. Will get the job done and help you and your family get compensated for you pain and damages. I highly recommend this man. I want to revisit my review and say that Mr. Fuchs always picks up his phone and answer any questions that may pertain to my case. Thank you, David.

    N. Hit
    Google Review
    “He was able to settle my case with little to no trouble and did so in a very professional manner.”

    David Fuchs was my car accident attorney. He was able to settle my case with little to no trouble and did so in a very professional manner. I would highly recommend him to others.

    Samantha D.
    Google Review
    “…all went good and successful. thank you so much for all your help.”

    I got into an accident for the first time and I didn’t know what do or how things works, but I was lucky to find a professional and helpful people to guide through this experience.
    They did take care of my case all went good and successful thank you so much for all your help.

    Karen G.
    Google Review
    “Very professional. Had no problems with communication”
    Zuberi L.
    Google Review
    “He was there every time I called and got me a great settlement.”

    I was in a car accident and looking for a professional, caring attorney.I was fortunate to find Mr. Fuchs, who helped me through the whole process. He was there every time I called and got me a great settlement.

    Joan K.
    Google Review
    “My settlement was fast, fair and professionally handled.”

    Had a car accident and needed an advocate to communicate my concerns through my insurance provider. The law office of David Fuchs, was efficient and thorough. My settlement was fast, fair and professionally handled. Would highly recommend giving this office a call if you need legal assistance.

    Willie M.
    Google Review
    “A+++++ recommended.”

    I want to thank the office of David Fuch’s. A+++++ recommended.

    J. Hernandez
    Google Review
    “I could not have asked for a better team by my side.”

    They were very helpful. I could not have asked for a better team by my side.

    S. Rodriguez
    Google Review
    “They got me my settlement pretty quickly and worked hard on my case for me.”

    I was in an accident mid last year and Mr. Fuchs handled my case and his case manager[s] Yessi and Jessica were very informative as to the process. They got me my settlement pretty quickly and worked hard on my case for me. Mr. Fuchs was extremely knowledgeable and informed me of everything that would happen in my case. I will recommend this firm to my family and friends and i will be using their services in future if need be.

    Pastor D.
    Google Review