It’s safe to say no one ever plans to be involved in a car accident. Unfortunately, countless people find themselves to be car crash victims every year. In Alafaya, Florida, the story is no different.
The aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming, stressful, and even traumatic with injuries, medical bills, dealing with insurance companies, and the emotional toll. On top of that, if you find yourself involved in a car accident that was the result of another driver’s negligence, you may be left to deal with the process of filing a lawsuit.
One of the best ways to lessen this stress is to talk to a reputable and knowledgeable lawyer, like the personal injury attorneys at Florin|Roebig. Our lawyers can help you understand the filling process, offer guidance surrounding your claim, and advocate for what is right throughout your journey of filing a claim.
Common Causes Of Car Accidents In Alafaya
Unfortunately, there are many causes of car accidents. Understanding some of the common causes can help you avoid future accidents and identify if your accident was the result of negligence.
Some of the possible causes of motor vehicle accidents in Alafaya include:
- Driving under the influence — Drivers who operate a vehicle whilst under the influence of drugs or alcohol are likely to cause car accidents. This is a common cause of auto accidents in Alafaya due to the close proximity of the University of Central Florida (UCF). In a DUI case, it is common for the victim to file a claim and collect compensation.
- Distracted driving — Many accidents are the result of distracted driving. Whether a driver is texting, talking on the phone, eating, or messing with their radio, anything that diverts a driver’s attention from the road can result in a crash.
- Disobeying traffic laws — Another common cause is disobeying traffic laws. Many drivers speed, run red lights or disregard the law in Alafaya. Doing so often results in an accident.
- Vehicle malfunctions — Sometimes, car accidents occur as a result of vehicle malfunctions. If a driver’s vehicle stops working properly, they may end up in a car accident. In this situation, the manufacturer of the vehicle is often held responsible, though it depends on the circumstances.
- Poorly maintained roads — Poorly maintained roads, such as those with potholes, cracked asphalt, or faded paint can lead to accidents as well. In some cases, the government or responsible organization can be held liable.
The best way to find out if your case qualifies for a personal injury claim is to speak with a car accident attorney as soon as possible. Attorney Shaun M. Cummings says,
“Speaking with an expert personal injury can not only help you determine your eligibility to file a claim but also ensure you have a qualified professional advocating for you in the courtroom. It’s the one step you should not skip after an accident.”
Reasons To File A Car Accident Claim
There are several different reasons that a car accident victim may choose to file a lawsuit. Read on to learn a bit about the most common reasons.
The most common reasons cited by car accident victims include:
- Compensation for losses — Most car accident victims report losses and expenses related to their crash. Whether these losses are injury, finances, property, or even life, it is likely you may be eligible for compensation. This is a common reason to file a claim as many people become overwhelmed with medical bills, therapy costs, or the mental toll the experience has had on them.
- Holding the negligent party responsible — Another reason for filing is holding the negligent party responsible. If your life has been greatly impacted by an accident, ensuring the responsible party is held accountable via a car accident claim can be a huge relief.
- Avoiding future incidents — Filing a car accident claim may help to prevent future incidents. The negligent party in a car accident case is often less likely to be involved in future accidents after going through a settlement. Additionally, high-profile cases can bring awareness to the general public, which can help prevent incidents.
It’s always a good idea to review the details of your case with a qualified personal injury attorney at Florin|Roebig to determine how to file your claim. Your lawyer can help you identify reasons to file a lawsuit and help you understand what damages you are eligible for.
The Car Accident Claim Filing Process
It’s important to know the steps of the claim filing process when it comes to car accidents.
1. Contact an attorney
As soon as you’re involved in a car accident that may have been the result of negligence, contact a lawyer like the ones at Florin|Roebig to review your case and determine whether you should file a lawsuit.
2. Gather evidence
Make sure to gather evidence related to your accident that can help prove negligence.
Evidence you may find useful in your claim can include:
- Medical records and bills
- Images and videos of the accident
- Witness statements
- Police records
Having hard evidence of the costs and damages you’ve incurred due to the accident can make your case all the much stronger.
3. Submit your claim
Once you have contacted Florin|Roebig and discussed your case with your attorney, you can submit your claim. Your experienced lawyer will help you follow all necessary procedures and support you through each step of the filing process.
Factors That Affect Car Accident Claims
A number of factors can play a role in both the outcome and settlement amount of your claim. It’s vital to become familiar with factors that can affect your claim. The personal injury lawyers at Florin|Roebig can help you understand factors in your case that may play a role in your settlement.
Some of the factors that may affect your car accident claim include:
- The severity of the injuries you sustained.
- The amount of time you missed at work. Some people have to take weeks or months off from work. In severe accidents, victims may even have to quit their jobs.
- The degree of ongoing pain or disability you experience. Some people are permanently injured from car accidents while others need an extended period of time to recover.
- The financial impact of the accident (medical treatment bills, job loss, property damage, etc.)
- The impact of the accident on your personal life (loss of a loved one, loss of independence, etc.)
- Whether the accident caused psychological trauma and to what extent
Another important factor when it comes to Florida personal injury claims is comparative negligence. Essentially, comparative negligence allows the court to determine the proportion of fault for each party involved in the accident.
It’s important to note that being found partly at fault can affect the maximum compensation you are eligible for, but it does not make you unqualified to collect damages.
Another Florida-specific factor to keep in mind is the statute of limitations. This refers to the period of time following the accident that you are eligible to file a claim. The typical statute of limitations for an auto accident is four years. That being said, if you wait too long to file, you’ll lose your right to a settlement.
As a result, it is highly recommended to contact one of the personal injury attorneys at Florin|Roebig as soon as possible after you have been victimized by a car accident.
Ways a Car Accident Can Affect Your Life
Auto accidents can impact your life in countless ways. This impact can be short-term or even long-term in many cases.
There are many possibilities for injury in a car accident. Serious injuries can require immediate medical care.
Common injuries can include:
- Broken bones
- Concussions
- Spinal cord injuries
- Sprains and strains
- Organ injury
- Brain injuries
- Whiplash
- Paralysis
- Wrongful death
Other long-term consequences can include:
- Financial struggles due to medical bills, lost wages, property damage, therapy costs, and more
- Loss of loved ones
- Loss of companionship
- Emotional trauma
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What To Do After a Car Accident
You may be in shock if you find yourself in a car accident. It’s important to remain as calm as possible in this situation. A great way to do so is to keep the following steps in mind.
- First and foremost, check yourself and your passengers for any injuries
- Seek medical attention for any injuries that may require immediate care
- Move your car out of the way of danger, if possible
- Exchange contact information with the other driver and any witnesses
- Contact law enforcement if necessary
- Document any evidence via picture and video
- Contact your insurance company to review your insurance policies
- Contact Florin|Roebig for help reviewing your case
If you follow these steps, you’ll be in the best position to file a claim. Additionally, with the help of an experienced attorney, you’ll be able to determine what kind of compensation you are eligible for.
How Much Compensation Can You Win?
There are many different factors that can affect the amount of compensation you collect in your car accident settlement. An experienced attorney can help you determine how much compensation you are eligible for based on the details of your case.
Factors that may affect the value of your settlement include:
- The type of injury you sustained
- The impact of the injury on your life
- The extent of property damage you experienced
- The effect the accident had on your financial health
- The impact of the accident on your personal life
Receiving a detailed assessment of your case is of the utmost importance to determine its potential value. Contact Florin|Roebig today to discuss your personal injury case with an experienced auto accident lawyer.
Types Of Damages Awarded In Car Accident Claims
There are several types of damages you may be awarded in a car accident claim. Being familiar with the types of damages can help you understand your case better.
Some examples of damages awarded in car accident settlements include:
- Medical expenses
- Replacement of lost wages
- Benefits for pain and suffering
- Compensation for loss of enjoyment or other impacts on your personal life
- Property damage payments
Typically the damages awarded in a car accident claim are considered compensatory damages. Compensatory damages are those that pay your documented expenses or compensate for specific losses.
There are also punitive damages, which are those awarded in cases of extreme negligence or malicious intent. Be sure to talk to one of Florin|Roebig’s highly qualified lawyers for more details on damages.
Alafaya Car Accident Rates
Alafaya, Florida is a popular town in Orange County, and much like other Florida cities, it is no stranger to auto accidents.
With nearby Orlando attractions and the UCF campus, it’s no surprise the influx of drivers on the road leads to car crashes daily.
In 2023, Alafaya experienced the following:
- There was a total of 26,226 auto accidents in Orange County
- 19,600 people sustained injuries from these accidents
- There were 163 fatal accidents
- 6,492 accidents were hit-and-runs
Alafaya Worst Intersections
Any road or intersection is subject to the possibility of a car accident. However, some roadways in Alafaya, Florida are known for their dangerous conditions and high accident rates. If you find yourself at these intersections, make sure to drive with extra caution.
Alafaya’s worst interactions include:
- University Boulevard and SR 434: This intersection sees a high volume of traffic and pedestrians, making it more likely to get in a crash.
- Alafaya Trail and Tuskawilla: Known for long wait times at the light, this intersection is notorious for accidents. People tend to make riskier choices after waiting at the intersection for so long.
- Alafaya Trail and State Road 417: The heavy traffic and large number of pedestrians at this intersection makes it especially susceptible to crashes. In fact, it’s one of the busiest intersections in the area.
- Alafaya Trail and Innovation Way: This dangerous intersection is made busier due to its close proximity to UFC and the high volume of college students crossing the street.
- University Boulevard and Rouse Road: With a nearby shopping center and apartment complexes, this intersection tends to be dangerous due to the busy roads, cyclists, and pedestrians.
List Of Top-Rated Car Accident Attorneys Serving Alafaya
Seeking legal help for a personal injury claim related to a car accident can be overwhelming and stressful. The first step is researching a list of attorneys nearby who can offer a free consultation to review your case.
At Florin|Roebig, our lawyers offer free consultations to go over your case and discuss whether it’s in your best interest to file a lawsuit.
For every year since 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.”
Some of our highly esteemed car accident attorneys who can work with clients in Alafaya include:
- Wil H. Florin, B.C.S.
- Tommy D. Roebig, B.C.S.
- Michael L. Walker, B.C.S.
- Shaun M. Cummings
- Chad K. Florin, M.B.A., LL.M.
Having the right attorney on your side during your claim is essential for the success of your car accident case. At Florin|Roebig, we employ personal injury lawyers who serve clients across the United States.
We Are Nationally Awarded Lawyers
Find Help Filing A Car Accident Claim
Filing a car accident claim in Alafaya requires careful planning and legal representation from the right attorney. The law offices of Florin|Roebig have extensive experience with these cases. With over 30 years of experience and $1 billion in settlements, the Florin|Roebig law firm is one of the most distinguished litigation teams in all of Florida.
Regardless of your situation, we will take the time to learn about the details of your crash and provide you with customized advice. Contact Florin|Roebig today for a confidential free case evaluation. Call today for guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Florida a no-fault state for car accidents?
Yes, Florida is a no-fault state for car accidents. This means that regardless of who is determined at fault, insurance companies are required to cover medical costs.
How much does an attorney charge for a car accident in Florida?
At Florin|Roebig, our lawyers work on a contingency fee. This means your attorney won’t get paid unless they win your case.
How much compensation can you win in a car accident claim?
The amount of compensation you can win in an auto accident claim is dependent on many factors. The type of accident you were in, the injuries you sustained, and the costs of damage can all affect your maximum compensation amount.
What is the 14-day accident law in Florida?
The 14-day accident law is a Florida law that requires car accident victims to receive a medical evaluation within 14 days of their crash. This allows you to remain eligible to file a personal injury claim and receive personal injury protection (PIP).
