After a car accident, medical bills often pile up. Some people may be so severely injured that they have to find in-home help for simple activities. Other effects may include being unable to work, mounting living expenses, and emotional pain and suffering.
The car accident attorneys at Florin|Roebig can provide legal advice and help you file a car accident claim in Crystal River to compensate you for your losses and work toward making you and your family whole again.
What To Know About Crystal River Car Accident Claims
The state of Florida is a comparative negligence state. This means that when an injury, death, or other loss occurs, the courts don’t just consider one person at fault and the other an innocent victim. Instead, the court looks at negligence in terms of degrees and percentages.
For example, one party may be given 65 percent of the fault (negligence), and the injured party is assigned 35 percent fault. If the courts decide to award damages to the injured person, they will subtract an amount to represent the percent of negligence the injured person has.
One important role of your personal injury attorney in Crystal River is to establish that the other party’s negligence was much higher than that of the injured person. This is important because the higher that percentage, the higher the potential damages awarded.
Car accident attorneys will also counsel clients about quickly filing their car accident claims in Crystal River. In Florida, the statute of limitations for negligence cases is only four years.
If you experience delays because of claim-filing issues and wait until the statute of limitations is almost up, you could run out of time. To avoid missing out, contact Florin|Roebig accident attorneys as soon as possible to advise you on filing a car accident claim.
2023 Car Accident Statistics for Citrus County, Florida
The following are crash statistics for Citrus County, where Crystal River is located.
- In 2023, Citrus County reported 1,756 accidents.
- Of those accidents, 25 were fatal, and caused 27 deaths
- 1,281 injuries occurred due to an accident.
- 96 of the reported accidents were motorcycle-related.
- 337 accidents were hit-and-runs.
- Pedestrians were involved in 50 accidents in 2023.
The Car Accident Claim-Filing Process
Once the immediate aftermath of the car accident has passed, you need to contact your insurance provider immediately to begin your claim.
Once you are ready to start a claim, the following are the primary steps you should take:
- Collect evidence for your claim: Gather the photos and videos of the accident that you took while you were at the scene.
- Review your insurance policy: Familiarize yourself with it, as most people are not entirely sure what their policy covers.
- Hire a Florin|Roebig accident attorney: Even if your case is fairly straightforward, it always benefits you to have someone well-versed in Florida’s accident laws on your side.
- Collect the police report. This document will help your insurance provider determine who was at fault for the wreck and how much compensation is acceptable for the accident.
- Contact your insurance agent. They can begin your claim and send you the necessary paperwork.
After filing your insurance claim, do not be surprised if an insurance adjuster is sent to investigate the accident in person on behalf of your insurance company. Their job is to decide how much your insurance company should compensate you for the accident.
“In most cases, insurance adjusters want to find the lowest possible compensation for car accident victims. They may make you feel like they are on your side, but residents of Crystal River should hire a personal injury attorney to ensure that they are acting in good faith,”
–Chad K. Florin, one of the leading attorneys of Florin|Roebig.
Crystal River, Florida Laws For Car Accident Cases
Residents of Crystal River should know that different state laws can affect their car accident cases. While it can be difficult to know and understand all the laws regarding car accidents in your state, seeking the guidance of a Florin|Roebig attorney can provide peace of mind.
Two of the most significant laws you need to know about are the statute of limitations for car accident claims and the laws related to determining fault in an auto accident.
The statute of limitations refers to the time you have to bring your claim against the at-fault driver. In some states, this is as little as two years, while in others, it is much longer. Hiring a Florin|Roebig auto accident lawyer can help you file before the statute of limitations expires.
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Fault In Car Accidents
Fault may be determined based on many factors, but generally, the party at fault for an accident is the party who was negligent. When a motorist does something that results in an accident, this concept is legally known as negligence.
In many cases, finding fault in car accidents is not always straightforward, and many factors may affect who is considered the at-fault party. The courts will take all of these factors into account when determining fault or who can be held liable (legally responsible).
The following are some of the factors that affect fault in car accidents:
- If there was negligence by the other driver.
- If drugs and alcohol were involved.
- If the road conditions were conducive to an accident.
- What the weather conditions were like.
- If there was a manufacturing error that caused the car to malfunction.
For example, If a driver fails to yield to oncoming traffic when attempting to make a left turn, the driver may be considered at fault due to their inability to obey traffic laws.
Liability In Car Accident Cases
It can be difficult to understand how someone may be at fault for your accident but not liable or legally responsible for paying you damages.
If a car’s brakes were faulty due to a manufacturing error that prevented it from braking properly, the driver would be at fault but likely not liable for the accident. The company responsible for creating the brakes may be considered strictly liable for the accident.
If a road maintenance crew leaves obstructions in the roadway without a warning sign, this could also cause an accident. In this case, the driver would also be at fault, but the construction company or city/county is liable for the damages resulting from the accident.
Courts consider multiple factors when deciding fault and liability in auto accident cases. At Florin|Roebig, our personal injury attorneys can help you secure the compensation you deserve.
Consideration Of Negligence, Degree Of Fault
When you are involved in an accident, you will likely hear the terms “negligence” and “degree of fault.” In personal injury claims, negligence refers to any conduct or action that led to injury, property damage, or other corresponding consequences.
One of the biggest sources of negligence in car accidents these days is texting while driving. “Texting and driving has become a serious concern and one of the leading forms of negligence on American roads,” explains Chad K. Florin, one of the leading attorneys of Florin|Roebig.
The most common types of negligence in personal injury claims filed by car accident victims include:
- Gross negligence: This type of negligence refers to serious disregard for the safety of others or for traffic laws that result in an accident. Gross negligence usually must have occurred in order to file a claim for car accident injuries.
- Comparative negligence: A negligence system that most states are using, it considers a party’s level of blame for the accident in comparison to the fault of others involved in the accident. Each party is assigned a percentage of fault, and damages awarded are adjusted accordingly.
- Contributory negligence: You can’t file a car accident claim to seek payment if you are found to be even 1% at fault for the accident.
In a best-case scenario, the person at fault in your car accident will be very obvious, but unfortunately, finding fault is not straightforward in most cases. Very rarely are car accidents the fault of just one party. Courts often assign varying degrees or percentages of fault based on various factors.
Here is what’s important to understand about fault in car accidents:
- You can still recover damages in no-fault states. You may still be able to receive compensation for your injuries if your injuries exceed your personal injury protection (PIP) policy. You will likely need to file a personal injury lawsuit to get this compensation.
- Your level of fault may reduce your settlement. You will be able to file a claim against the negligent party, but your degree of fault will reduce your amount of compensation. So, if you are assigned a 40% fault, you will receive a settlement amount of less than 40%.
- Fault may bar you from claiming damages in some states. In a contributory negligence state, you cannot file a claim if you are found to be at fault in any way.
Contact Florin| Roebig’s lawyers today with any questions about negligence and fault. Our team of attorneys is available to answer any questions you may have about the legal process or the claims process.
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Ways The Accident Can Impact Your Life
If you or someone you love has been involved in a car accident, you may know how complicated it can be. Car accidents can have far-reaching effects beyond the direct aftermath of a serious accident.
Additional ways an accident can impact your life include:
- Job loss
- Lost income potential
- Pain and suffering costs
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Loss of transportation
- Loss of independence
- Loss of companionship
- Changes to your home or transportation methods to adjust to severe or permanent injuries
A car accident settlement must reflect how the accident has impacted your life and compensate for all losses. The Florin|Roebig law firm has won millions in case awards for clients due to car accident injuries, helping them rebuild their lives after the accidents.
What To Do After A Car Accident in Crystal River
Knowing which steps to take after getting into an accident can offer crucial guidance for you or your loved ones when gathering evidence to support your claim. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, follow these steps:
1. Seek Medical Care
Check over yourself and others involved in the accident for injuries. If you or anyone else has been injured, call 9-1-1 right away. Even minor injuries should be properly assessed by a medical professional to ensure appropriate medical treatment.
Keep any medical records and bills; they can be very helpful for your future personal injury claim.
2. Collect Contact Information
Collecting the contact information of all other motorists involved in the accident is very important. If any of the drivers involved are uninsured, you will need to record this information as well.
Information to gather includes:
- Names
- Phone numbers
- License plate numbers
- Driver’s insurance information
- Driver’s license numbers
3. Call The Police
When you report an accident to the police, you ensure you get a police report that you can use later as official documentation of the accident and your recorded statement. Accident reports can serve as useful evidence to support your claim.
4. Get Photos Or Videos
Record the accident scene as soon as you are in a safe location and away from dangerous traffic or debris. The video should include the time and location of the accident.
Take photos of your injuries, car damage, the position of the vehicles, and the license plates. All of the details of the accident scene can help support your claim because they can help you report the extent of your injuries and other damages.
5. Report The Accident To Your Insurance Company
After you have received medical attention and finished reporting the accident to the police, you will need to contact your insurance company to report the accident. Florin|Roebig’s attorneys are always available for a free case consultation.
6. Contact A Florin|Roebig Car Accident Lawyer
One of the most important decisions you can make after a car accident is to contact an experienced attorney. Attorneys can advise you on what to say or not to say on an insurance claim to help you file your claim, assess all the damages, and ensure you are filing for the maximum amount possible.
How Florin|Roebig Can Help With Your Car Accident Claim
Hiring a Florin|Roebig car accident attorney for your personal injury claim can be beneficial in several ways; the good news is you can first set up a free consultation.
The following are advantages that you would gain by hiring a Florin|Roebig attorney:
Car Accident Case Experience
The longer a law firm has been in practice, the more experience they will have gathered in many different scenarios. Florin|Roebig’s car accident legal team has more than four decades of experience handling car accident injury claims.
A Strong Personal Injury Claim
The best attorneys will understand the types of evidence and information and increase your chances of successfully reaching a fair settlement. An attorney with experience handling car accident claims will be able to explain the process of filing a strong claim for you step by step.
Negotiating A Fair Settlement
Many people get frustrated trying to negotiate with an insurance company after getting into an accident. If you are struggling with your insurance company, you are not alone. Our Florin|Roebig attorneys are not afraid to negotiate with insurance providers head-on; we have a successful history.
Practical Advice After a Car Accident
The aftermath of a car accident in Crystal River can be very chaotic and stressful, and you may not know what to do. When you are involved in a car accident, the following are some practical steps to keep in mind when dealing with the aftermath:
- Seek medical attention immediately: You may be checked out on the scene by emergency medical technicians and then released with instructions to get a follow-up or taken to the ER by ambulance if you have serious injuries.
- Collect evidence immediately: Collect photos and videos of the accident scene, and you can also video witnesses giving their take on the accident.
- Contact your insurance company: Make sure you have everything you need on hand before you call your representative: your policy information, medical reports, medical bills, estimates from an auto repair place, and the contact information of the other driver involved.
- Protect your legal rights: Do not take the blame for the accident, as this could affect your settlement. Contacting a Florin|Roebig attorney will be extremely helpful in this area.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following are the most commonly asked questions by those who have been involved in an accident in Crystal River, Florida.
Should I get a lawyer for a car accident that was my fault in Florida?
In Florida, your compensation amount depends on how at fault you are for the accident. This makes it crucial to hire a Florin|Roebig attorney to help make sure you get what you need.
How much can someone sue for a car accident in Florida?
In Florida, there is no limit to how much you can sue a person for in a personal injury lawsuit. You can sue for what you need to cover your damages. Hiring a Florin|Roebig personal injury attorney can help ensure that you are suing for what you really need.
How long can someone sue you after a car accident in Florida?
In the state of Florida, the statute of limitations on personal injury cases is four years. This means that you have up to four years from the moment the accident happens to file a claim, or you lose the opportunity to do so.
List Of Top-Rated Car Accident Attorneys Serving Crystal River
If you’ve sustained serious injuries, then working with car accident lawyers in Crystal River can significantly alter the outcome of your claim. The successful team of personal injury attorneys at Florin|Roebig understands how to support your efforts during this difficult time. We can make a case for the negligence of the other party and justify the amount of damages you’re requesting in your claim.
Our car accident attorneys are experienced and always ready to go to trial if needed, but work to build a case so compelling that the other party will prefer to settle out of court.
Some of our esteemed car accident lawyers who can help you file a claim in Crystal River include:
- Wil H. Florin, B.C.S.
- Tommy D. Roebig, B.C.S.
- Chase P. Florin, B.C.S.
- Chad K. Florin, M.B.A., LL.M.
- Nicholas S. Costantino
For every year since the inception of the honor in 2010, the Florin|Roebig law offices have been selected as one of the “Best Law Firms in America” by “US News and World Report” and “Best Lawyers in America.”
Other practice areas Florin|Roebig specialize in which are available to the Citrus County and Central Florida area include:
- medical malpractice
- motorcycle accidents
- slip and fall accidents
- truck accidents
- wrongful death
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How to Get Help from Florin|Roebig Attorneys
Hiring a personal injury attorney is an important decision that should not be taken lightly.
If you need legal advice from our legal team, you can contact our offices to schedule an appointment.
- Our website, florinroebig.com, has an option for requesting more information.
- You can call our phone number 24/7
- For more information regarding our services and free consultations, you can email us at [email protected]
We can help you, starting with a free consultation, where we will review all aspects of your case and develop a detailed set of options for you. This consultation will not cost you anything, and you will not be required to pay us unless you hire us and we win your case.
Crystal River, Florida Car Accident Attorneys
If you’ve been hurt in a car accident due to another person’s negligence in Crystal River, you deserve compensation. With 30 years of trial experience and ample resources, our team at Florin|Roebig is prepared to help you file your car accident claim.
If you or your loved one are ready to start a personal injury claim, you need an attorney to help you understand the process and ensure that you get the most you possibly can in your settlement. When you are ready, contact Florin|Roebig today to schedule a confidential and free consultation.
