Daytona Beach is a wildly popular Florida destination and is known for its beautiful beaches and as the home of NASCAR headquarters. Due to its booming tourist industry and an estimated 73,00 residents, Daytona Beach’s roads are often jam-packed with automobiles filled with visitors and locals alike. Unfortunately, this means that there are regular traffic accidents in the area as a result of busy and overwhelmed road conditions.
In fact, one study found that Volusia County, where Daytona Beach is located, is the most dangerous county in the nation in terms of traffic fatalities. Between 2017 and 2021, there were 648 people killed due to auto accidents.
Unfortunately, many car accident victims have to go up against stingy insurance companies and prove their lack of fault before they receive a cent in compensation for losses. Chad K. Florin says,
“Insurance adjusters will go to great lengths to find you at fault in an attempt to minimize or eliminate the total compensation payout. Our legal team is extensively experienced in dealing with any tricks and tactics they may pull to ensure our clients aren’t held accountable for an accident they didn’t cause.”
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Daytona Beach, it’s important to understand your options regarding financial compensation for losses and injuries. This guide will help you better grasp the intricacies of car accident claims, Daytona Beach car accident laws and legal processes, and why hiring a Daytona Beach accident lawyer with years of experience is imperative to your case.
What To Know About Daytona Beach Car Accident Claims
If you’re involved in any type of car accident in Daytona Beach, you’ll handle your claim under Volusia County laws and statutes. Central Florida and the state at large are considered no-fault, meaning insurance companies require motorists to carry personal injury protection coverage (PIP) as part of their premium. The PIP minimum is $10,000.
In no-fault states, you first file accident claims with your own insurance provider regardless of whether you were the at-fault driver. Your premium can cover up to $10,000 in personal injury and damage claims and may compensate you for losses such as medical expenses and lost wages.
For example, suppose someone else was under the influence of alcohol and caused an accident. In that case, you’d first go through your own insurance company despite the other motorist’s apparent fault.
If your damages exceed $10,000, you may be eligible to seek compensation through the at-fault driver’s insurance provider. A car accident or personal injury attorney can help you determine this eligibility.
Car Accident Rates In Daytona Beach, Florida
The following are motor vehicle accident statistics in Volusia County in 2023:
- There were a total of 9,212 accidents involving some type of vehicle in 2023.
- 111 people died as a result of these accidents, and 106 accidents were fatal.
- 6,232 injuries were suffered due to vehicle crashes in Volusia County.
- There were 2,476 hit-and-runs, which is one of the most common causes of car accidents.
- 322 accidents involved pedestrians, and there were 25 pedestrian fatalities.
Daytona Beach Worst Intersections
All roads can contain hazards that make things difficult for even the most experienced driver. While no roads can guarantee 100% safety, there are roads in Volusia County that Daytona Beach residents should proceed with caution. Be sure to obey any and all traffic laws. Daytona Beach contains some of the most dangerous intersections in Volusia County.
- US 1 SB and Nova Road: This intersection is particularly dangerous because it is located at the junction of US 1 SB (International Speedway Boulevard) and Nova Road, which is one of the busiest roads in Daytona Beach. Numerous accidents have happened at this intersection due to speeding, distracted driving, and aggressive drivers.
- Nova Road and University Boulevard: This intersection is dangerous because it is located at one of the busiest intersections in the city, with numerous vehicles intersecting at the same time. Drivers often fail to follow traffic signals, leading to numerous accidents.
- Ridgewood Avenue and Clyde Morris: This intersection has a high rate of pedestrian accidents due to careless drivers, even though there is a designated crosswalk. There have also been an increasing number of distracted drivers causing accidents at this intersection.
- Atlantic Avenue and Beach Street: This intersection sees a high number of tourists, which can add to the confusion and traffic problems in the area. Additionally, this busy intersection is lined with nume
The Car Accident Claim-Filing Process
Several steps are involved in filing a vehicle accident claim in Daytona Beach, Florida.
The most important steps to consider include:
- Gather evidence that supports the other party’s fault and clearly shows what happened. This may include images of the vehicles involved, nearby traffic signals such as red lights, and skid marks on the roadway where the accident occurred.
- Ask for witness contact information and statements.
- Document any injuries you incurred. For example, you may take photos and keep documentation of medical treatment received.
- Obtain a police report from the officers who are at the scene. This report contains crucial information such as who was at fault and the time and location of the accident.
- Seek legal advice from a local law firm that specializes in car crash cases. It’s recommended that this is done before speaking to your or the other motorist’s insurance company.
One of the dedicated Daytona Beach car accident attorneys at Florin|Roebig would be happy to provide you with a free case evaluation so you can explore and better understand your legal options during this delicate time. If you choose to work with us, we will communicate with any insurance companies on your behalf and work to minimize the burden of this process as much as possible.
Negligence, Fault, And Liability In Daytona Beach, Florida Auto Accident Cases
Some of the most important factors in the verdict of an auto accident case in Daytona Beach include fault, negligence, and liability.
Comparative Negligence And Fault
Under the March 2023 House Bill 837, Florida established a modified comparative negligence rule. This rule states that accident victims must be 50 percent or less responsible for the crash to qualify for compensation for damages and injuries. This differs from Florida’s previous pure comparative negligence rule, which allowed victims to seek compensation even if they were found to be 99 percent at fault.
This new rule makes working with an expert auto accident attorney all the more important, as proving fault can be challenging and potentially hinder your ability to win the settlement you deserve.
Liability
According to Florida law, motorists are required to carry a minimum of $10,000 in PIP coverage as part of the car insurance premium. This provides up to $10,000 in coverage for injuries, lost wages, and death benefits.
Drivers are also responsible for having $10,000 in Property Damage Liability (PDL) coverage, which will cover up to $10,000 in damage resulting from an accident. For example, if your vehicle is totaled, you may receive up to $10,000 to replace it.
If your injuries meet the threshold for exceeding coverage through PIP, you may be eligible to file a personal injury claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. For example, suppose you or a passenger suffers a brain injury that causes long-term medical care and pain and suffering. In that case, the other driver may be held responsible for compensating you for losses.
Other Factors That Affect Car Accident Claims
Many additional factors come into play in car accident claims.
Some of these factors include:
- The Florida statute of limitations, which refers to the amount of time you have to file a claim after a crash. In Florida, you have two years for personal injury claims and four years for accident accident claims.
- The severity and extent of your injuries and the medical treatment and care required.
- How the accident affected your personal life, such as causing loss of enjoyment or extensive pain and suffering.
- How the accident affected your financial situation. For example, if you had to take several months off from work to recover, your lost wages would be considered in your case.
- Wrongful death of a loved one.
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Ways The Accident Can Impact Your Life
A car, truck, or motorcycle accident can have a significant and lasting impact on your life and the lives of all involved.
Potential impacts an auto crash in Daytona Beach can have on victims include:
- Extensive medical bills.
- The need for long-term medical treatment or care.
- Temporarily or permanently reduced or lost wages.
- Wrongful death of a loved one.
- Severe injuries that alter your previous way of life.
- Property damage, such as the loss of a vehicle.
- Emotional trauma.
Because many of these consequences are serious and long-lasting, getting the compensation you need is essential to supporting your recovery.
“We see so many accident victims left broke and broken after crashes. Helping victims get back on their feet after accidents is such a huge drive for us and has helped us connect with our clients on a deeper and more impactful level. We will go to any length to recover the compensation they deserve.”
Volusia County Sheriff’s Office should be able to connect you with any available auto accident resources available in your area.
How Florin|Roebig Can Help With Your Car Accident Claim
The attorneys of Florin|Roebig are known nationwide for their dedication to helping residents of Daytona Beach, Florida, come out on top in their auto accident cases. Our unwavering commitment is evident in the more than $1 billion in settlements we’ve won for our clients.
Our award-winning team is also extensively experienced in personal injury cases and personal injury lawsuits, which may be a necessary component of an accident case.
When you first reach out to a Florin|Roebig law office, we’ll set you up with a free case review to discuss your legal options and evaluate your case.
Once hired, we will:
- Provide unrelenting legal representation from the start to finish of your claim or lawsuit.
- Negotiate on your behalf with all insurers and other parties.
- Ensure your case is solid and can stand up against the scrutiny of insurance adjusters.
- Support you throughout the entire litigation process if necessary.
You can contact us today by visiting a Florin|Roebig Florida office, filling out our online contact form, or calling. You can also chat with one of our online representatives on our website.
FAQs About Daytona Beach Car Accident Claims
The following are frequently asked questions about auto accident claims and settlements in Daytona Beach, Florida:
How Much Money Can You Get From A Car Accident Settlement In Florida?
The amount of money you obtain as compensation from an auto insurance company or through a lawsuit settlement in an accident case in Florida can vary significantly. Your total compensation is contingent on various factors, including the severity of your injuries, how the crash impacted your life and finances, and whether you were found more or less than 50 percent at fault for the accident.
Who Pays For Car Damage In Florida?
Because Florida is a no-fault state, most motorists will need to seek compensation from their own insurance company for car damage. Florida requires a minimum of $10,000 in Property Damage Liability coverage for this reason.
How Long Does A Car Accident Settlement Take In Florida?
How long a Florida auto accident settlement takes can range from weeks to months depending on the case and its complexities. A more straightforward case will likely settle much faster than one where fault and liability are less clear.
List Of Daytona Beach Car Accident Attorneys
To give yourself the best chance of winning your case, you need a trustworthy and experienced car accident attorney on your side. For the best results, your attorney must be dedicated and have a record of success in court.
The legal team at Florin|Roebig is made up of capable attorneys serving clients in Daytona Beach.
Some of our attorneys on staff include:
- Wil H. Florin, B.C.S.
- Tommy D. Roebig, B.C.S.
- Chad K. Florin, M.B.A
- John J. Hart
- Michael A. Ossi, O.C.
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Find Help Filing A Car Accident Claim In Dayton Beach
You should not attempt to file a car accident claim in Daytona Beach on your own. These cases are complicated, and the stakes are incredibly high. If you have been the victim of a car accident that involved negligence, please call the attorneys at Florin|Roebig today to schedule a free consultation.
