Experiencing a Fort Walton Beach car crash can be a frightening event for those suffering from injuries or loss. Knowing your rights as an accident victim is critical as you seek the help of car accident attorneys to begin your accident claim. At Florin|Roebig, our team of top-rated car accident attorneys serves clients across Florida and in Fort Walton Beach.
Car accidents in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, can leave victims struggling with life-altering injuries. Victims are then left with soaring medical costs and the inability to support themselves.
In Fort Walton Beach, car accident lawyers are ready to assist victims and help them understand the claims process. Following a car accident, getting back to normal can be a monumental task. The Florin|Roebig team of lawyers is here to help you.
Accident Statistics for Okaloosa County, Florida
The following are car accident statistics for Okaloosa County, where Fort Walton Beach is located.
- There were 3,298 total accidents in Okaloosa County in 2023.
- 29 fatalities occurred as a result of an accident.
- 2,181 injuries were reported due to being involved in an accident.
- 710 hit-and-run accidents were reported.
- In 2023, there were 10 motorcycle accidents in Okaloosa County.
The Car Accident Claim-Filing Process
Victims of car accidents in Fort Walton Beach are able to seek compensation for injuries received and damage to their property. This is known in legal terms as a car accident claim, which is generally filed to receive damages. Damages can be either financial or non-financial.
There can be misunderstandings surrounding car accident claims, including the following:
- You will not need a lawyer’s assistance if you have insurance
- Car accident victims can only file claims if they received serious injuries
- The insurance of the at-fault driver will cover everything
- Car accident claims can be filed at any time
- Auto accident injury attorneys are too expensive to hire
- The settlement you are offered is all you can get
- You have to file a lawsuit to receive compensation
“Insurance companies can be of great assistance when you are in a car accident, but there are times when your insurance company may act in bad faith to save money. It is generally a good idea to reach out to a trusted car accident injury attorney for legal advice,” says Chad K. Florin, an esteemed attorney of Florin|Roebig.
When you are ready to file a claim, the following are steps you can take:
- Collect evidence for your claim: Gather both photos and videos of the accident scene while you are there.
- Review your insurance policy: Take a moment to review your insurance policy and make sure you understand what it covers.
- Contact a Florin|Roebig accident attorney: Contact an experienced attorney for a free consultation and case review.
- Get a copy of the police report: It is an important document because it is the official opinion of who is responsible for the accident.
Call your insurance representative: Contact your insurance representative and request the needed paperwork to begin your claim.
Fort Walton Beach, Florida Laws For Car Accident Cases
The most important car accident laws that Floridians need to know about include the statute of limitations for personal injury claims and the laws about defining fault in an accident.
The first thing to know is that Florida is a no-fault state, which means every registered Florida motorist is required to have personal injury protection insurance (PIP). This type of insurance is to cover injury and property damage expenses, no matter who caused the accident.
Secondly, the statute of limitations in Florida for personal injury claims is four years. The term “statute of limitations” refers to how long you have to bring your claim against the at-fault driver. If you do not file your claim before time runs out, you may forfeit the right to compensation.
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Fault and Liability In Car Accident Cases
An important legal term to understand is negligence, which is when a driver does something that directly causes an accident.
Factors that can determine fault in car accidents include:
- If a driver was considered negligent
- A motorist driving under the influence of a substance
- Condition of the roads
- What the weather conditions were at the time of the accident
- Whether or not a vehicle malfunction occurred
A person can cause your accident but not be liable for it, such as a car malfunctioning because of faulty brakes that were flawed due to a manufacturing error that caused them to brake improperly. The motorist would be at fault but may not be liable for the accident, while strict liability would be assigned to the brake maker.
“There are many legal terms that are important to a claims case but can be difficult to understand if you have not studied law. Contacting a reputable lawyer to explain these terms and guide you through the claims process can be invaluable,” explains Chad K. Florin.
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Consideration Of Negligence And Degree Of Fault
In personal injury claims, negligence refers to any conduct or action that causes injury, damage to property, or other consequences.
Types of negligence in car accident claims filed by victims include:
- Gross negligence: This occurs when there is a serious disregard for the well-being of other motorists and a lack of respect for traffic laws.
- Comparative negligence: This happens when each driver is assigned a degree of fault, and the damages awarded are adjusted accordingly.
- Contributory negligence: This type of negligence states that a claim cannot be filed to pursue a settlement if you are found to be even 1% at fault for the accident.
In many cases, courts assign a varying degree of fault to each party because car accidents are rarely the fault of just one person.
Important information to know about fault in auto accidents:
- Drivers may still be able to recover damages in no-fault states.
- Your degree of fault may reduce your settlement.
- In some states, fault can stop you from claiming damages.
What To Do After A Car Accident in Fort Walton Beach
If you or someone you love has experienced an auto accident in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, the following steps should be taken as soon as possible.
1. Seek Medical Care
Whether or not there were serious injuries, 911 needs to be called immediately. You need to be evaluated by a medical technician to ensure your injuries are not severe. Take care to keep track of any medical records and medical expenses for your claim.
2. Collect Contact Information
The type of information you should gather includes:
- Names of all parties involved
- Phone numbers of anyone involved
- Driver’s license numbers
- Driver’s insurance information
- License plate numbers
3. Call The Police
In Florida, you are legally obligated to report any type of auto accident that includes injuries or property damage. You will need to obtain this police report for your records.
4. Get Photos Or Videos
Take pictures and recordings of the accident scene, the surrounding area, the damage to vehicles, and any injuries that occurred. Mention the date and time in your recordings.
5. Report The Accident To Your Insurance Company
The sooner you report your accident to your insurance company, the sooner you may be able to receive compensation to help take care of the aftermath of the accident, such as medical bills and vehicle repair bills.
6. Contact A Florin|Roebig Car Accident Lawyer
Insurance companies will do what they can to save themselves money, including denying your accident claim without cause. By hiring a Florin|Roebig attorney, you can ensure that your insurance company will behave properly or face repercussions.
Ways The Accident Can Impact Your Life
There are many far-reaching impacts that the aftermath of a car accident can have in your life.
Additional ways an accident can impact your life include:
- Loss of employment
- Lost income potential
- Loss of companionship
- Pain and suffering costs
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Loss of independence
- Having to adapt your home to suit your injuries
- Loss of transportation
How Florin|Roebig Can Help With Your Car Accident Claim
An important decision you will need to make after a car accident is whether or not to hire an attorney. Florin|Roebig attorneys have many years of experience working with accident victims, and they are prepared to help you, too.
Benefits that you can gain by hiring a Florin|Roebig car accident attorney include:
Car Accident Case Experience
The attorneys of Florin|Roebig have forty years of experience helping accident victims file claims and ensure they receive the settlement they deserve.
A Strong Personal Injury Claim
With so many years of experience working on car accident claims, our attorneys at Florin|Roebig know exactly what you need to do in order to file a strong personal injury claim.
Negotiating A Fair Settlement
Insurance companies are notoriously challenging to work with when seeking fair compensation. Insurance companies are generally trying to keep as much money as possible. Hiring a Florin|Roebig attorney can ensure that your insurance company cooperates.
Practical Advice for After a Car Accident
Car accidents can be overwhelming, and you may be in shock if you have been in an accident. Helpful steps to take when handling the aftermath of a car accident include the following:
- Seek medical attention immediately. 911 will send an ambulance with emergency medical technicians to examine accident victims. It is important to let them clear you and follow up with your general physician.
- Collect evidence immediately: It is important to collect evidence while at the accident scene, such as photos and videos of all cars and injuries and witness statements, if possible.
- Contact your insurance company: Make sure you have your policy information, medical records, medical expenses, car repair estimates, and the contact information of the other parties.
- Protect your legal rights: One way you can really damage your claim is by taking the blame for the accident. To avoid making any costly mistakes, call a Florin|Roebig attorney.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much are most car accident settlements in Florida?
The amount of compensation you can receive for your accident will be based on a number of different factors, but typically, car accident settlements in Florida are between $125,000 and $350,000.
How much does an attorney charge for a car accident in Florida?
How much your attorney may charge will vary from legal office to legal office, but in general, most car accident injury attorneys charge 25% to 40% of your settlement. However, Florin|Roebig attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, so you won’t have to pay anything upfront, and we won’t be paid unless we win your case.
How long do you have to get a lawyer after a car accident in Florida?
In the state of Florida, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is four years. This means you have four years from the second your accident occurs in which to hire a car accident attorney.
How to Get Help from Florin|Roebig Attorneys
If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, and you are interested in hiring a car accident attorney to represent you, there are many ways to contact our offices.
- You can call our phone number 24/7
- Our website, florinroebig.com, has an option for requesting more information.
- You can email inquiries to [email protected]
If you or a family member have been injured or had their property damaged as a result of a car accident in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, you have the right to seek compensation. It may be difficult to begin a claim, but hiring a Florin|Roebig attorney can help simplify the process.
Our team of car accident attorneys is ready to assist you through this often complicated process and help ensure you are granted the compensation you need and deserve. Contact our offices today to schedule a free consultation and free case evaluation today.
