Why You Should Consult with an Attorney After an Accident
As Florida finishes another active hurricane season, many people wonder whether they can file a claim for weather-related injuries. To determine whether you have a valid claim, you need to consult with a knowledgeable attorney. An attorney can help you understand your rights, including whether you have the right to damages.
At Mase Mebane Seitz, our lawyers have extensive experience helping injured parties obtain compensation for their injuries. We will review your weather-related claim at no cost and explain your legal options. If you have been injured due to inclement weather in South Florida, contact our office at (305) 602-4824 to discuss your case with a member of our legal team.
Obtaining Compensation After a Weather-Related Injury
Unlike an accident that was directly caused by another person’s wrongdoing, weather-related accidents can be more complicated. It can be more challenging to determine if someone’s negligence caused your injuries or if it was purely weather-related.
Types of weather-related accidents:
- Boating accidents
- Electrocution
- Car accidents
- Slip and fall accidents
- Falling trees and branches
- Catastrophic flooding
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Fires
- Gas leaks
Because liability may be questioned in a weather-related accident, it is essential to contact an attorney if you are injured. Whether you are involved in a boating accident, car crash, or hurt in a slip and fall accident, an attorney can help you understand whether you should pursue a claim for damages and who can be held legally responsible.
Determining Who or What Caused the Accident
In order to obtain compensation for your weather-related injuries, it will have to be determined who or what caused the accident. An attorney can help conduct an independent investigation to see if a party was negligent resulting in your harm. For instance, if a boat captain decides to take passengers out during inclement weather and the vessel capsizes, there may be liability.
It is important to note that it is not your responsibility to determine who is legally responsible for your weather-related accident. Before making any statements, signing anything, or accepting a settlement, you need to speak with a lawyer to ensure you receive the maximum compensation allowed.
Safety Tips During Inclement Weather
While not all accidents are the result of someone else’s negligence, many are preventable. There are steps that you can take during bad weather to ensure the safety of you and your family.
How to stay safe during bad weather:
- Stay off the roads;
- Evacuate, if notified by law enforcement;
- Stay away from downed power lines;
- Do not touch anything electrical that has been submerged in water;
- Only use a generator outside;
- Turn off the gas;
- Do not leave stoves, candles, or fireplaces unattended;
- Never go out on the water if there are reports of bad weather.
If you live in an area known for natural disasters, heed all warnings. The more prepared you are, the better chance you have of remaining unscathed.
Never Settle. Get the Help You Need Now.
If you are injured in a weather-related accident, you might be entitled to compensation. Contact our office at (305) 602-4824 for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let our attorneys get you the recovery you deserve after an accident with injuries.