Car accidents can range in severity from minor to catastrophic, leading to injuries and even death. Accident victims can file a claim to collect compensation for their serious injuries and other financial losses, but be aware that the process of filing a claim can be complicated.
The lawyers of Florin|Roebig have been ranked as one of the best auto accident firms in Florida and are not only the choice of auto accident victims but also lawyers who refer their cases to us because of our board-certified attorneys.
Accident Statistics for Pinellas County, Florida
The following are accident statistics for the county of Pinellas, where Largo is located.
- There were a total of 14,820 accidents in Pinellas County, Florida, in 2023.
- From all the crashes, there were 111 fatalities reported.
- 9,194 injuries occurred as a result of these accidents.
- There were a total of 420 motorcycle accidents in 2023.
Largos 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 Pinellas County that Largo residents should proceed with caution. Be sure to obey any and all traffic laws. Pinellas County contains one of the most dangerous intersections.
- Ulmerton Road and Seminole Boulevard:
- U.S. Highway 19 and East Bay Drive:
- 66th Street and 142nd Avenue:
- Ulmerton Road and Starkey Road
- Missouri Avenue and West Bay Drive
The Car Accident Claim-Filing Process
Car accident victims in Largo can seek compensation for their injuries and damaged property. In legal terms, this is known as a car accident claim, which is generally filed to receive damages. Damages can be either monetary or nonmonetary.
Misunderstandings often surround auto accident claims, such as:
- Having insurance means you do not need a lawyer
- Car accident victims can only file claims if they received serious injuries
- The at-fault driver’s insurance will cover your damages
- You have as long as you need to file an auto accident claim
- 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
“It is an unfortunate fact that insurance companies often cause far more stress than an accident, but hiring an auto accident attorney can help make sure our insurance provider does not take advantage of you,” says Shaun M. Cummings, an esteemed attorney of Florin|Roebig.
The following are the basic steps you should take when you are ready to file a claim:
- Collect evidence for your claim: You will need to take as many photos and videos of the accident scene, injuries, and damage as you possibly can.
- Review your insurance policy: When you have a moment, take some time to look over your insurance policy and make sure you understand what it entails.
- Contact a Florin|Roebig accident attorney: Call the law offices of Florin|Roebig to schedule a free consultation for a case review.
- Get a copy of the police report: It is important to get a copy of the police report as soon as possible to build your claims case.
- Call your insurance representative: As soon as you have the above documents and evidence, call your insurance agent to begin the claims process.
Largo, Florida Laws For Car Accident Cases
Several car accident laws can be helpful to know about, but two are the most important for Floridians to understand: the statute of limitations for personal injury claims and the laws determining fault.
Firstly, Florida is a no-fault state, so every registered Florida driver is required to have personal injury protection insurance (PIP). This insurance covers all costs related to injury and property damage, no matter who is determined to be at fault.
Secondly, the term “statute of limitations” refers to how long you have to bring your claim against the at-fault driver. The statute of limitations in Florida for personal injury claims is four years. Disclaimer: If you do not file your claim before time runs out, you may lose 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 leads to an accident.
Factors that can determine fault in car accidents include:
- A negligent driver
- A driver under the influence of any substances
- Condition of the roads
- Weather conditions
- Vehicle malfunctions
It can be frustrating to understand how a person can cause an accident but not be liable for it. For example, a car malfunctioning because of faulty brakes that were flawed due to a manufacturing error that rendered them unable to brake properly. The driver would be at fault but may not be liable for the accident, while strict liability would be assigned to the brake manufacturer.
“Having to navigate the claims process when you are unfamiliar with many of the laws and terms can be frustrating, ” explains Shaun M. Cummings, “This is one of the many reasons why hiring an attorney after you have been in an accident can be very beneficial for your claim.”
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Consideration Of Negligence, Degree Of Fault
Negligence refers to any conduct or action that causes property damage, bodily injury, or other consequences.
The most common types of negligence in car accident claims include:
- Gross negligence: Refers to the serious disregard for the well-being of other drivers and a complete lack of respect for traffic laws.
- Comparative negligence: Refers to each driver being assigned a percentage of fault, and the damages awarded are adjusted accordingly.
- Contributory negligence: A specific type of negligence that declares a claim cannot be filed to seek a settlement if a driver is found to be even 1% at fault for the accident.
The courts usually assign a varying degree of fault to each party because car accidents are rarely the fault of just one driver.
Essential facts to know about fault in car accidents:
- You may be able to recuperate damages in no-fault states.
- Your percentage of fault may lower your settlement.
- In some states, fault can prevent you from claiming damages.
What To Do After A Car Accident in Largo, Florida
If you have been involved in an auto accident in Largo, Florida, you may be shaken up. The following are helpful steps to take immediately after an accident.
1. Seek Medical Care
Even if no one seems to be seriously injured, it is critical that you call 911. An ambulance will be sent to the accident so that medical technicians can check out everyone involved because some very serious injuries may not be noticeable to an untrained person.
2. Collect Contact Information
Information that is helpful for you to gather includes:
- Names of all drivers involved
- Phone numbers of all drivers
- Driver’s license numbers of all drivers
- Driver’s insurance information
- License plate numbers
3. Call The Police
The state of Florida requires anyone involved in an accident to contact them and file a report if any injuries or property damage occurred during the auto accident.
4. Get Photos Or Videos
It is very important that you take photos of the scene of the accident, this includes the flow of traffic, the damage to vehicles, any injuries that occurred, and anything else that could be relevant.
5. Report The Accident To Your Insurance Company
In order to get the compensation you need to cover the expenses of an accident, it is important that you contact your insurance company to begin your car accident claim as soon as possible. The sooner your claim is filed, the sooner it can be processed and distributed.
6. Contact A Florin|Roebig Car Accident Lawyer
The insurance world and the claims process can be confusing and frustrating for those who are not actively dealing with them on a regular basis the way a personal injury attorney is. By hiring a personal injury attorney from Florin|Roebig, you can ease the stress of the claims process for yourself.
Ways The Accident Can Impact Your Life
Car accidents can have far-reaching effects that can impact your life for a long time.
Further ways an accident can impact your life include:
- Lost income potential
- Loss of transportation
- Loss of employment
- Pain and suffering costs
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of independence
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Having to adapt your home to suit your injuries
How Florin|Roebig Can Help With Your Car Accident Claim
One of the most important decisions you will need to make following a car accident is whether or not an auto accident attorney is right for you. You need the Florin|Roebig attorneys with forty years of experience representing and defending auto accident victims.
Advantages that can be gained by hiring a Florin|Roebig personal injury attorney include:
Car Accident Case Experience
With forty years of experience in the field of personal injury and car accident law, the attorneys of Florin|Roebig have built a law firm that is respected by not only their clients but other law firms as well.
A Strong Personal Injury Claim
The attorneys of Florin|Roebig have successfully represented car accident cases all over the United States. Our firm has been awarded Florida’s “Elite Lawyers” and voted by its peers as the “Best Lawyers in America” from 2008 to 2023.
Negotiating A Fair Settlement
Insurance companies are known for their underhanded tactics when it comes to trying to save themselves money, and many of these tactics are illegal. If you feel that your insurance company is unwilling to reach a fair settlement offer with you, contact Florin|Roebig today.
Practical Advice for After a Car Accident
If you or someone you love has been in a car accident, you may be shocked and overwhelmed. The following are steps to take when handling the aftermath of a car accident:
- Seek medical attention immediately. 911 will dispatch medical technicians to check over accident victims. You need to let them clear you and follow up with your regular doctor.
- Collect evidence immediately: Make sure you take photos and videos of everything you possibly can, such as injuries, property damage, and the accident scene.
- Contact your insurance company: Once you have all the above information and the police report, it is important to quickly get your insurance claim started by calling your representative.
- Protect your legal rights: You can severely damage your claim by taking the blame for the accident, even unknowingly. To avoid making any costly mistakes, call a Florin|Roebig attorney.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an attorney charge for a car accident in Florida?
Generally, your attorney’s fees, usually 25% – 40%, will come from your settlement. The Florin|Roebig attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means you do not have to pay our fees unless we win your case.
How long does it take to settle a car accident case in Florida?
Most claims are settled in four to six weeks, but certain contributing factors can make it take months and even years.
Can someone sue me personally after a car accident in Florida?
A person can file a lawsuit against you in Florida if there are significantly severe injuries or their expenses exceed their insurance limit.
List Of Car Accident Attorneys Serving Largo
Under Florida law, it is possible to file a car accident claim without hiring a legal representative. However, because the laws surrounding personal injury cases are so complex, hiring an attorney is highly recommended.
At Florin|Roebig, we employ a team of dedicated, successful attorneys who have experience personal injury claims. For every year since the inception of the honor in 2010, Florin|Roebig trial lawyers have 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 attorneys who can work with injury victims in Largo and surrounding areas include:
- Wil H. Florin, B.C.S.
- Tommy D. Roebig, B.C.S.
- Nicholas S. Costantino
- Chad K. Florin, M.B.A., LL.M.
- 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
How to Get Help from Florin|Roebig Attorneys
If you have been in an auto accident in Largo, Florida, and would like information about hiring a personal injury attorney to represent you, the following are the best ways to get in touch.
- 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]
Find Help Filing A Car Accident Claim
Our team of dedicated Florin|Roebig car accident attorneys has represented many accident victims throughout the United States with car accident and personal injury claims.
No matter what type of accident you were involved in, or even if you are considered to be at fault, we want to help you get the fair compensation you deserve. Please contact the law offices of Florin|Roebig today to learn more about our services or to schedule a free consultation.
