“As a triple board-certified attorney specializing in Florida car accident cases, I have witnessed firsthand the complex challenges that opposing insurance companies use and nuances involved in securing fair compensation for my clients. Each case presents unique obstacles, but my extensive certification and experience equip me to navigate these with expertise. I am committed to fighting tirelessly for the rights of those injured in car accidents, ensuring they receive the full compensation they deserve. At Florin|Roebig, we believe in thorough, compassionate, and effective legal representation for every client.”
Understanding Car Accidents in Florida
Car accidents in Florida resulted in more than 390,000 injuries in 2023. Motor vehicle accidents are the second highest cause of injury in the state, and Florida injury statistics are approximately 3% higher than the national average.
While impaired driving accidents were one of the lowest numbers, hit-and-run accidents accounted for over 26,000 incidents in 2023. If you were one of the thousands hurt in a Florida car crash this year, contact Florin|Roebig car accident lawyers now for help with seeking compensation.
Why Legal Representation Matters
Short answer: A car accident lawyer can help you assess all the damages to list on your car accident claim or lawsuit — even damages you may not know you qualify for.
Car accident lawyers know the Florida laws and federal laws that apply to your case. Such laws include the statute of limitations, which tells you how long you have to file a claim. In addition, car accident lawyers are personal injury lawyers who specialize in car accident cases. That means they have extensive experience in car accident claims alone.
And when it comes to getting the most out of your claim, you want a lawyer who can easily navigate the claims process. Their experience will allow them to negotiate a fair settlement offer quickly. Finally, a Florida car accident attorney, such as ours at Florin|Roebig law offices can break down your legal options and help you understand your best course of action.
How Florin|Roebig Florida Car Accident Lawyers Can Help
Florin|Roebig will be there to assist you every step of the way, from offering legal advice to filing your claim to managing the negotiation process.
Here are the top ways working with a lawyer benefits your auto accident claim:
Conducting a thorough claim investigation to prove damages.
Your lawyer will leave no stone unturned in gathering evidence to support your claim. They may interview experts in case you go to trial. They can also ensure you show adequate proof of all damages to bring you a fair settlement offer.
Determining if the at-fault party was negligent.
Proving the driver or at-fault party’s negligence will be crucial to helping you get a settlement. Your attorney’s legal advice can help you through any conversations surrounding the incident and your actions.
Filing your claim on your behalf.
Without a lawyer, filing a personal injury claim can be confusing and often unsuccessful. The car accident lawyer will ensure your claim is filled out and submitted to the court system with proper documentation on time.
Fighting for your settlement.
Car insurance companies often try to get you to settle for a low amount. The best Florida car accident lawyers, like Florin|Roebig, will not back down until you get the settlement you deserve for your injuries. With our years of experience in personal injury cases, we know what compensation you’re owed.
Proving fault in the car accident.
What occurs in an accident and what can be proven creates one of the most important gaps in arguing your claim. A qualified, experienced lawyer bridges the gap with evidence and arguments that support your side.
This involves proving that the at-fault driver:
- Had a duty of care to you
- Breached that duty
- The breach led to the accident
- The accident led to your injuries
Defending your claim in court.
If your claim moves to court as a car accident lawsuit, your lawyer can represent you and explain why you deserve the amount you are asking for. Florin|Roebig personal injury attorneys are unafraid of tackling all litigation steps in your case.
Helping you understand the legal process.
The personal injury lawsuit and claims process can be complex, but a lawyer can uncomplicate it at every turn and explain your legal rights. Florin|Roebig takes extra care to ensure our clients understand the process and trust us to carry them through it.
What Types of Cases Do Florida Car Accident Lawyers Accept?
Short answer: Car accident lawyers in the state of Florida will generally accept any case that results in personal injury or damages and that was caused by negligence.
Car Accidents Caused by Negligence
Overview: Negligence is a legal term that means one party involved in a car crash breached their duty of care to other drivers on the road. When negligence occurs, the negligent party is usually liable or responsible for any damages that result from it.
If a car accident occurs, it usually means one party or more was negligent. That’s why most car accidents resulting in injuries or vehicle damage may lead to a settlement.
Some types of car accidents that lawyers may accept cases for include:
- T-bone accidents: These occur when one vehicle collides with the broad side of another vehicle, which is why they’re also called broadside collisions.
- Three-car accidents: A three-car accident is usually a rear-end collision in which the back driver crashes into the front driver, who then collides with the next driver.
- Rear-end collisions: When one vehicle crashes into the car in front, this is known as a rear-end vehicle collision.
- Sideswipe accidents: These often occur during lane changes, and may result from the driver losing control of the vehicle and veering into the lane next to them, swiping the other car.
- Rollover accidents: Aptly named, these vehicle accidents happen when a car rolls over onto its side or completes a 360-degree turn.
- Hit-and-run accidents: Some of the most common crashes, these occur when a driver hits a person, animal, or object and leaves the scene without reporting it.
- Distracted driving accidents: These days, distracted driving is even more prevalent, with cell phone use causing many drivers to pay less attention to the road.
- Drunk driving accidents: While drunk driving is not a high cause of accidents in Florida, it is a common cause of accidents. And Florida is a particularly popular vacation destination.
- Pedestrian accidents: With ever-increasing traffic volumes, accidents involving pedestrians, packed roadways, and often confusing signals are happening even more.
Car Accidents That Lead to Injuries
Overview: Car accident lawyers often take cases for car accident injuries, especially if treatment for the injuries is not covered by your or the negligent driver’s insurance policy.
Injuries you may sustain in a motor vehicle accident that could lead to a claim:
- Burns
- Head trauma
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Joint or muscle injury/damage
- Neck or back damage
- Whiplash
- Disability
- Loss of limbs
- Damage to spinal cord
- Paralysis
Settlements can result from minor injuries as well as serious injuries. If you are unsure whether your injury or vehicle crash can lead to a claim, speak to a Florida auto accident lawyer to learn more.
What Factors Can Affect Your Auto Accident Claim in Florida?
Short answer: Many factors are involved in each automobile accident, making each personal injury claim related to that accident unique. Courts must consider all contributing factors and specific details.
Factors which may affect a car accident include:
- Poor road conditions or maintenance issues
- Lack of signs or traffic signals where crash occurred
- If drunk driving or distracted driving was involved
- If driver error was to blame
- Condition of vehicle and vehicle parts
- Whether negligence was involved
- Insurance coverage limits
- Date of the accident
- Pure comparative negligence applies before March 24, 2023
- Modified comparative negligence applies after March 24, 2023
- Statute of limitations (usually four or two years, depending on the accident date)
After looking at your claim, your attorney can tell you which factors may affect your situation. They will consider who is most likely at fault, what your insurance will reasonably cover, and whether your claim falls under the pure or modified comparative negligence laws in Florida.
Cost of Florida Car Accident Lawyers
Overview: Car accident attorneys may charge for your case hourly or on a contingency fee basis.
Lawyers who work on contingency charge no upfront fees and nothing unless they win the case. Florin|Roebig law firm always works on a contingency basis, so there’s no financial risk to you. Our fees will be a portion of your accident settlement.
Car accidents and injuries can be expensive, and you may be unprepared for the costs. Working with legal representation on a contingency fee basis means you don’t have to find the money to pay upfront for legal fees.
What Are the Types of Car Accident Claims You Can File in Florida?
Short answer: Depending on how the collision occurred, you may file a personal injury claim, a claim for manufacturing or design error, or a claim that calls out faulty road design. Regardless of the type of accident, it’s important that your Florida car accident lawyer provides a thorough investigation following the accident.
Personal Injury Claims
Overview: You have the best chance of winning your personal injury claim if your Florida auto accident attorney can prove negligence on the part of the defendant (the other driver/motorist).
Some examples of negligent drivers in personal injury cases include:
- Drunk driving
- Distracted driving
- Disobeying traffic laws, i.e. speeding, rolling through stops
- Failure to yield
- Reckless driving
- Leaving the scene of the accident
If the accident involved a death, the personal injury claim you will file is known as a wrongful death claim. Generally, personal injury claims are settled outside of court and result in settlements, or award amounts that you and the other party agree on. If you can’t both agree, the claim will move to court in the form of a car accident lawsuit.
Property Damage Claims
Overview: Sometimes, a vehicle is considered totaled in a car accident, even if the damage seems minor.
If your car is classified as totaled, you deserve fair compensation from your insurance company. It can be challenging to get a reasonable offer, and they may even send you a check hoping you’ll accept a lower sum. Cashing the check can count as accepting the offer, and you can hurt your claim in doing so.
Manufacturer Error Claims
Overview: If your car, or the defendant’s car, had a defective part prior to the accident, you may have a claim against the vehicle manufacturer.
Defective car parts or manufacturer errors can include faulty brakes, defective airbags, and faulty seat belt restraints, among others. To prove a defective car claim, the driver must not be at fault and your lawyer must prove the defective part caused the accident due to a manufacturing issue.
While this seems complex, it is possible to win a claim for such an accident. If the accident occurred due to faulty car parts, the car manufacturer can be considered at fault regardless of which driver caused it.
Road Conditions, Design, or Faulty Construction Claims
Overview: Though the state of Florida allocates large sums toward road maintenance each year, car accidents still occur due to faulty road design, conditions, and construction issues. When this happens, and no other factors were at play, the driver may not be considered responsible.
Lack of proper signs, faulty traffic signals, or problems with the design or maintenance of the roads are factors that can contribute to compensation for a resulting car wreck.
Top Tips from Our Florida Car Accident Lawyers
At Florin|Roebig, we want to ensure your well-being after a car accident, so we’ve put together this mini-guide of our attorneys’ best tips.
When you or a loved one is in a car accident, be sure to follow these top tips:
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- Always see a doctor after a car accident. Even if you received minor car accident injuries, it’s important that you seek medical attention. This one step could prove crucial to your case and hold the at-fault driver liable for your injuries.
- File a claim even if you’re unsure of your case. Too often, people believe they will not qualify for a settlement without speaking to a lawyer first. Bring all of your medical records and the crash report, and seek an initial consultation with a lawyer to learn where you stand.
- Get evidence from the crash scene. If you or a loved one are able to take photos, videos, or witness statements, be sure to do so. These items can be a starting point for your case.
- Don’t delay filing. Every state has a statute of limitations, or time limit, for personal injury claims and lawsuits. Waiting to file could mean you miss your chance to get a settlement.
- Talk to a lawyer before accepting a settlement offer. Insurance companies will try to lowball you with a small settlement amount and quickly close the claim. Be sure you consult with a Florida car accident attorney to ensure you are offered fair compensation.
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What Damages Can You Claim After a Car Accident in Florida?
Short answer: Compensation you may be entitled to after a Florida car crash can include economic and non-economic damages. These cover easy-to-prove damages, like medical bills, and more abstract damages, like pain and suffering. An excellent Florida personal injury attorney, such as ours at Florin|Roebig, can help you recover as much of these costs as possible.
Economic Damages
Overview: Economic damages are those which directly result from the vehicle collision and which have a specific value assigned to them.
Economic or compensatory damages may include:
- Medical expenses, current and future
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Payments for wrongful death (fatalities)
- Property damage to your vehicle
Non-Economic Damages
Overview: Non-economic damages are those which result from vehicle crashes yet have no specific value. This is because calculating the value of your loss is difficult, and no amount of money can truly replace certain losses.
Non-economic damages in car accident claims could include:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish related to the incident
- Loss of consortium (relationships)
- Punitive damages
Our Florida car accident lawyers are knowledgeable about personal injury settlement amounts. Based on previous settlements, we know what to advocate for in your case to get you maximum compensation.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Florida
Short answer: In addition to making sure you are safe and unharmed, there are a few steps you can take right away that can make filing a personal injury claim easier in the long run.
These include:
- Do not, under any circumstances, make any statements that can be construed as accepting fault. This can weaken your claim later, and there may be evidence that surfaces during an investigation that changes your understanding of the accident.
- Make sure your vehicle is not blocking the roadway. Then, help anyone in your vehicle or others who may be injured, but avoid apologizing to other drivers. This can be construed as accepting fault.
- If necessary, contact emergency personnel for medical treatment. Seeking medical care may be crucial to getting compensation. If first responders aren’t on the scene, make sure to see a doctor ASAP.
- Get the police on the phone right away. The state of Florida requires you to report all vehicle accidents that involve injuries. The police report may also serve as evidence if you file a claim.
- Exchange personal and insurance information with others in the accident. Be sure to get their car’s license plate number, name, and phone number.
- Take photos of the scene of the crash, your vehicle, and other cars. Damage, vehicle location, road conditions, signage, and traffic signals can factor into the strength of your case. Getting pictures and video of this preserves it as evidence.
- File an insurance claim right away. It’s important to start the claims process early so you don’t miss any important deadlines.
- Ignore offers of a personal payoff or requests to leave the police out of the accident. This can be of utmost importance to your case. Understand that minor damage may not warrant a police report, but it’s often best to contact law enforcement just in case.
- Report bad-faith tactics from your insurance adjuster. If your insurance company does not handle your claim as they should, you can report them to the state.
Interstate 4, which runs from Tampa to Daytona Beach, is considered one of the three most dangerous highways in the country. Along its 132 miles is Orlando, which is home to both Disney World and Universal Studios, attractions that draw millions each year.
Florida is in the top three hazardous states for drivers as well. Whether you’re in the northern part of the state near Jacksonville or Tallahassee, farther south, like Miami or Fort Myers, or anywhere in between, driving in Florida is perilous.
Florin|Roebig is proud to offer legal services to Florida residents and visitors alike, with the majority of our practice areas throughout the state. Though we hope for safety, we are there to help if you’re in a car accident and need legal assistance.
Filing a Personal Auto Injury Claim in Florida
As with many court-related tasks, filing a claim can be confusing. There’s a lot of paperwork, and knowing who gets which papers by what deadline with what fee is… well, you get the idea.
Here’s how it works:
- Find the defendant to name in your claim. First, you will need to know if you are filing a claim against another party, a car manufacturer, parts manufacturer, or, due to road conditions, the county or state. A lawyer can help you determine who to name.
- Learn the Florida statute of limitations for personal injury claims, which is four years for accidents occurring prior to March 24, 2023, according to the Florida Legislature. Many factors can affect the statute, and accidents after March 24, 2023, have a two-year statute of limitations for most claims.
- Consult with a Florida car accident lawyer. Florin| Roebig Florida car accident attorneys have won hundreds of cases for Florida car accident victims to date, with over a billion dollars in settlements. We are standing by to offer you a free consultation for your case.
Choosing The Best Florida Car Accident Lawyers Near You
When seeking legal help for a personal injury claim related to a car accident, your first step may be researching a list of car accident attorneys near you who can offer a free case evaluation. You want to work with a firm that has the knowledge and experience to win but still provides excellent client service. Ideal candidates should specialize in your type of car accident.
For every year since the inception of the honor in 2010, Florin|Roebig has been selected as one of the “Best Law Firms in America” by US News and World Report and “Best Lawyers in America.”
“We prioritize being upfront with you at Florin|Roebig, so when we give you a number that’s considered fair,” states attorney John J. Hart, “ we’re going to everything we can to get you that amount.” With over 30 years of experience, triple board certification, and more than $1 billion in settlements, Florin|Roebig is one of the most distinguished litigation teams in the Tampa Bay area.
Our award-winning legal team includes the following attorneys:
- Wil H. Florin, B.C.S.
- Tommy D. Roebig, B.C.S.
- Chase P. Florin, B.C.S.
- Shaun M. Cummings
- Luca G. Esposito
- Chad K. Florin, M.B.A., LL.M.
- John J. Hart
- Parker Y. Florin, LL.M.
- Taylor D. Roebig
- Michael A. Ossi, O.C.
- Lawrence J. Najem, O.C.
- Andrew M. Leone, O.C.
- Nollys R. Solarte, O.C.
At Florin|Roebig, we service clients throughout the state of Florida, as well as in several other states.
We Are Nationally Awarded Lawyers
Contact the Florida Car Accident Attorneys of Florin|Roebig
When you contact our team of experienced, dedicated Florida attorneys, we will ensure the proper handling of your auto accident case. Car accident cases were some of the first handled by our legal team, which serves all of Florida and has now expanded to include Texas, Minnesota, and Colorado. We work on a contingency fee basis, so there’s no financial obligation unless we win your case.
A Brief Recap:
- A Florida car accident lawyer will help you seek compensation for all damages you incurred from the accident.
- Your car accident claim can benefit from hiring lawyers from start to finish, preventing you from making costly mistakes like acknowledging fault.
- Florida car accident lawyers accept cases for many types of car accidents and the resulting injuries.
- Top tips from a lawyer include seeing a doctor right after a car accident and not settling for a low offer from auto insurance companies.
Whether you are looking for legal aid following a Florida car accident, truck accident, or motorcycle accident, contact the law firm of Florin|Roebig for a confidential free consultation today — “It’s free, unless we win.” We’ll support and guide you through the whole legal process.
FAQs About Florida Car Accidents and Legal Representation
Should I get a lawyer after a car accident in Florida?
It depends. In Florida, law enforcement usually won’t file a report for damages less than $500.
If you have more significant damages or injuries, and you were less than 50% at fault for the accident, then consulting an attorney may be in your best interest.
Even for minor accidents, getting checked out at a medical facility is always a good idea. If injuries show up a little later, you’ve started a timeline to track those.
What is the average settlement for a car accident in Florida?
There’s not a good number for the average settlement because the many factors involved in settlements are individual to each case.
Factors that affect settlement numbers can include:
- How many people were injured
- How severe the injuries are
- How the injuries affect quality of life
- Fatalities
- Level and type of damages
- Fault ratios
We can help you determine what settlement best fits your damages.
Can you sue in Florida for a car accident?
Absolutely. While most car accident claims are settled outside of a lawsuit, it’s a viable option when we aren’t seeing the right numbers. Lawsuits for personal injury cases are also frequently settled outside of court, but filing a suit can let the responsible party know how serious we are.
What is the new accident law in Florida?
House Bill (HB) 837 sets the new guidelines for personal injury law. Signed on March 24, 2023, it changed several factors.
Some of the main changes to personal injury law include:
- Reducing the statute of limitations for most cases from four years to two years
- Limiting economic damages to numbers for which you have receipts
- Limiting how much an insurance company can be required to pay in damages
Don’t worry—at Florin|Roebig, we’re well-versed in these changes and can apply them to your specific case for any accidents following HB 837.
