A car crash can be a truly jarring experience, especially if the collision results in serious injury. To make matters worse, many insurance companies will only cover a fraction of the expenses incurred from the collision. This is why many people turn to Key Largo car accident attorneys.
If you have questions about how filing a claim can help you, Florin|Roebig is here to answer any questions on the matter. The benefits of filing a claim with the car accident lawyers in Key Largo and why you should take action sooner rather than later are explained below.
Accident Statistics for Monroe County, Florida
The following are the accident statistics for 2023 for Monroe County, Florida, where Key Largo is located.
- 1,399 total accidents were reported in Monroe County in 2023.
- These accidents resulted in 14 fatalities and 925 injuries.
- In 2023, there were 52 motorcycle accidents in Monroe County.
- There were 387 total hit-and-run accidents.
Key Largo’s 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 Monroe County that Key Largo residents should proceed with caution. Be sure to obey any and all traffic laws. Key Largo contains some of the most dangerous intersections in Monroe County listed below:
- US-1 and Cross Street: This intersection is notorious for being one of the most dangerous in Key Largo. The main reason for this is the high volume of traffic on US-1, which is a major highway in the area. Additionally, the intersection lacks any type of traffic control device, such as a traffic light or stop sign, making it challenging for drivers to navigate safely.
- US-1 and State Road 905: This intersection has been the site of several accidents over the years, largely due to the heavy traffic flow and high speeds on US-1. The intersection lacks a traffic light or stop sign, which can make it difficult for drivers to safely navigate through the intersection. Additionally, there have been reports of drivers failing to yield the right of way or failing to follow traffic laws, leading to collisions.
- US-1 and County Road 905A: This intersection is also located on US-1, which sees a high volume of traffic. There are several factors that contribute to the danger of this intersection, including the lack of traffic control devices, poor visibility due to the angle of the intersection, and drivers not following traffic laws. This intersection has been the site of several serious accidents, including fatalities.
The Car Accident Claim-Filing Process
If you have been involved in an accident in Key Largo, you are able to seek compensation for injuries received and damage to your property. In legal terms, this is known as a car accident claim, in which accident victims can file to receive damages. Damages can be either financial or non-financial.
Misunderstandings surrounding car accident claims can include the following:
- If you have insurance, an attorney is not necessary.
- Only victims with serious injuries can file car accident claims
- The insurance of the at-fault driver will cover everything
- You can file a car accident claim whenever you want
- Personal injury attorneys are too expensive to hire
- You must accept whatever settlement you are offered
- You have to file a lawsuit to receive compensation
“Insurance companies are meant to provide a sense of security in case the worst happens, however,, they often end up being a source of great stress. When you hire a personal injury attorney, you can help ensure that your insurance provider cooperates,” 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: Take both photos and videos of everything you can while at the car accident scene.
- Review your insurance policy: When you have a moment, review your insurance policy and make sure you understand what it covers.
- Contact a Florin|Roebig accident attorney: Call the law offices of Florin|Roebig for assistance in filing your claim.
- Get a copy of the police report: Make sure you collect a copy of this important document before you file your insurance claim.
- Call your insurance representative: Contact your insurance representative and request the needed paperwork to begin your claim.
Key Largo, Florida Laws For Car Accident Cases
There are a few car accident laws that Floridians should know about, but there are two that are the most important to understand: the statute of limitations for personal injury claims and the law surrounding fault.
The first thing Floridians should know is that Florida is a no-fault state, which means every registered Florida driver is required to have personal injury protection insurance (PIP). This type of insurance is to cover medical expenses and property damage expenses, no matter who caused the accident.
The second thing drivers in Florida should understand is the statute of limitations. The term “statute of limitations” refers to the time frame in which you can bring your claim against the at-fault driver. In Florida, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is four years. If you do not file your claim before time runs out, you may forfeit the right to compensation.
Fault and Liability in Car Accident Cases
Another legal term Floridians should know about 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 found to be negligent
- A motorist driving under the influence of a substance
- Condition of the roads
- Weather conditions
- Whether or not a vehicle malfunction occurred
A person can be at fault for an accident but not liable for it. For example, if a car malfunctions because of faulty brakes that were flawed due to a manufacturing mistake and thus caused the car to brake improperly. The driver would be at fault but may not be liable for the accident, while strict liability would be given to the brake manufacturer.
“When you are involved in an accident, you may hear many confusing legal terms. Hiring a personal injury attorney can make the confusing process easier to understand, ” explains Chad K. Florin.
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Consideration Of Negligence, Degree Of Fault
Negligence in car accident claims refers to any behavior or action that directly leads to injury, property damage, or other consequences.
Types of negligence in car accident claims filed by victims include:
- Gross negligence: This is defined as a serious disregard for the well-being of other motorists and a lack of respect for traffic laws.
- Comparative negligence: When each motorist is assigned a degree of fault, and the damages granted are modified accordingly.
- Contributory negligence: A negligence system that states a claim cannot be filed to pursue compensation if you are found to be even 1% at fault for the accident.
Car accidents rarely happen as the result of just one driver’s negligence, so in most cases, courts will assign each party at least some portion of fault for the accident.
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 decrease your settlement.
- Fault can stop you from claiming damages in some states.
What To Do After A Car Accident in Key Largo
If you or someone you love has been in a car accident in Key Largo, Florida, the following steps should be taken immediately.
1. Seek Medical Care
Contact 911 when the accident happens so that they can quickly dispatch an ambulance. The medical technicians will need to check out each person involved in the accident. Some types of serious injuries may not appear immediately, but a trained medical professional will know what to look for.
2. Collect Contact Information
The type of information you should gather includes:
- The names of everyone involved in the accident
- The phone numbers of everyone involved
- Driver’s license numbers
- Driver’s insurance information
- License plate numbers of vehicles involved
3. Call The Police
It is required by law to call and report an accident in Florida that resulted in either injury or property damage. Calling the police also ensures you receive a police report, which is valuable in an insurance claim.
4. Get Photos Or Videos
It is very important that you begin taking photos of the accident scene as soon as you can in order to get the most accurate details, such as weather, road, and traffic conditions. If you record videos, make sure you verbally include the date and time of the accident.
5. Report The Accident To Your Insurance Company
It is very important that you contact your insurance provider as soon as you can in order to begin your insurance claim. The sooner your insurance claim is filed, the sooner it can be processed, and a settlement check can be sent your way.
6. Contact A Florin|Roebig Car Accident Lawyer
Sadly, it is not uncommon for insurance providers to wrongfully underpay or deny a claim in order to save themselves money. This illegal action can be prevented by hiring a Florin|Roebig attorney who will ensure that your insurance company cooperates, or they will have to face the consequences.
Ways The Accident Can Impact Your Life
Being involved in an auto accident can have many far-reaching impacts beyond the initial accident.
Other ways a collision can affect your life include:
- Loss of employment
- Lost income potential
- Pain and suffering costs
- Loss of independence
- Loss of companionship
- Having to adapt your home to suit your injuries
- Loss of transportation
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
How Florin|Roebig Can Help With Your Car Accident Claim
One of the most important decisions you can make after being involved in an accident is whether or not hiring a personal injury attorney is the right move for you and your case. With forty years of experience in many types of cases, Florin|Roebig attorneys have a lot to offer.
Advantages that you can gain by hiring a Florin|Roebig car accident lawyer include:
Car Accident Case Experience
The Florin|Roebig personal injury team has had forty years of experience representing various personal injury and car accident cases. They have seen everything an insurance company will do to avoid paying, and they know how to go head-to-head with them.
A Strong Personal Injury Claim
Having represented so many different types of claims cases means that Florin|Roebig attorneys have acquired the knowledge needed in order to build a strong case that can help get you the maximum compensation allowed.
Negotiating A Fair Settlement
Insurance corporations are notoriously difficult to work with when pursuing fair compensation. Insurance providers generally want to keep as much money as possible, so by contacting a Florin|Roebig attorney, you can ensure that your insurance company cooperates.
Practical Advice for After a Car Accident
Being involved in a car accident can be very overwhelming and often induces a state of shock. Helpful steps to take when managing the aftermath of an auto accident include the following:
- Seek medical attention immediately. When you call 911, the operator will dispatch an ambulance to the accident scene to give medical attention to everyone involved.
- Collect evidence immediately:Take pictures and videos of everything at the accident scene, such as injuries and damage to vehicles. Try to record witness statements if possible.
- Contact your insurance company: Make sure you have your policy information, medical documents, medical bills, car repair estimates, and the contact information of the other parties.
- Protect your legal rights: Taking the blame for the accident, even unknowingly, can really damage your car accident claim. Hiring a Florin|Roebig attorney can help you avoid any costly mistakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I hire an attorney after a car accident in Florida?
While Floridians are legally allowed to represent themselves and file their own claims, the process can be much easier if you hire a personal injury attorney to take care of your case.
Who pays for car damage in Florida no-fault?
Due to Florida’s no-fault system, a driver’s own insurance company will cover the damages unless the cost of the damages is greater than the insurance settlement, at which point a driver may pursue a lawsuit.
List Of Top-Rated Car Accident Attorneys Serving Key Largo
When you’re ready to file a claim, it’s crucial to ensure you have the best legal help available on your side. Florin|Roebig car accident lawyers have been helping injured accident victims in Florida get just compensation for more than three decades.
For every year since the inception of the honor in 2010, the law offices of Florin|Roebig have been selected as one of the “Best Law Firms in America” by “US News and World Report” and “Best Lawyers in America.”
Florin|Roebig has put together a team of attorneys that can help you with a car accident claim in Key Largo, some of whom include:
- Wil H. Florin, B.C.S.
- Tommy D. Roebig, B.C.S.
- Chase P. Florin, B.C.S.
- Michael A. Ossi, O.C.
- John J. Hart
With over 30 years of experience, our law firm has successfully won over $1 billion in settlements from personal injury cases by providing our clients with high-quality legal representation.
We Are Nationally Awarded Lawyers
Contact Florin|Roebig Attorneys Today
If you have been involved in an accident in Key Largo, Florida, and you have questions regarding your case or are interested in hiring one of our esteemed attorneys, 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.
- Inquiries can be emailed to our offices at [email protected]
Find Help Filing A Car Accident Claim
It can sometimes be dangerous to drive on the streets of Key Largo, leading to accidents that can result in injuries or property damage. If you or a loved one need help to file a car accident claim, Florin|Roebig is here to help.
Without the help of an experienced attorney by your side, it can be nearly impossible to get what you need from the courts in Florida, which have everything to do with the outcome of your case. To get started on filing your claim or to learn more about the claims process, contact Florin|Roebig for a free consultation today.
