Car accidents happen every day in Marco Island due to the amount of tourist and residential traffic in the area. The beautiful scenery and amazing weather draw crowds each year, raising the chances of being in an accident.
Florin|Roebig can help you understand the basics of car accidents and how courts view different types of claims. This information can help you understand your legal rights and decide whether to file a claim on your own or hire a Florin|Roebig attorney for your case.
2023 Accident Statistics for Collier County, Florida
The following are accident statistics for Collier County, where Marco Island is located.
- In 2023, there were 6,556 accidents reported in Collier County.
- Of these reported accidents, 38 were fatal.
- 3,998 injuries resulted from being involved in an accident.
- 102 motorcycle accidents were reported, with 9 deaths resulting.
Marco Island’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 Marco Island that residents should proceed with caution. Be sure to obey any and all traffic laws. Marco Island has some of the most dangerous intersections followed:
- San Marco Road and Barfield Drive: This intersection is considered to be dangerous for drivers due to its high volume of traffic and lack of safety features. It has been reported that the intersection lacks crosswalks, traffic signals, and turn lanes, making it difficult for drivers to navigate safely. Additionally, the intersection is located near several businesses and residential areas, which contributes to increased traffic and congestion.
- Bald Eagle Drive and San Marco Road: The intersection lacks essential safety features, such as crosswalks and traffic signals, which further increases the risk of accidents. Additionally, the intersection is located in a busy commercial area with several businesses, contributing to the already high traffic volume. Reports of reckless driving, such as speeding and distracted driving, have also been a contributing factor to accidents at this intersection.
The Car Accident Claim-Filing Process
Car accident victims in Marco Island are able to seek compensation for their injuries and damaged property, which is called a car accident claim. Victims may file a claim to receive damages that can be either monetary or non-monetary.
Misunderstandings surrounding car accident claims can include the following:
- It is not necessary to hire an attorney if you have insurance
- You can only file a claim if you received serious injuries in the accident
- The at-fault driver’s insurance company will cover all costs
- You can file a car accident claim whenever you want
- It is extremely expensive to hire an auto accident attorney
- If you are offered a settlement, you have to accept it
- If you want compensation for your accident, you have to file a lawsuit
“Accident victims often count on their insurance company to have their backs when an accident happens. Unfortunately, they are often met with resistance from their provider, which is why it is so important to hire a car accident attorney,” says Chad K. Florin, a reputable attorney of Florin|Roebig.
The following are steps you can take when you are ready to file a claim:
- Collect evidence for your claim: It is important to take pictures and videos of the accident scene, such as the traffic flow and the weather, injuries, and property damage.
- Review your insurance policy: Take a few moments to go over your insurance policy and familiarize yourself with it.
- Contact a Florin|Roebig accident attorney: Call a Florin|Roebig attorney to schedule a free case consultation and evaluation.
- Get a copy of the police report: It is very important that you collect a copy of this important report before you file your car accident claim.
- Call your insurance representative: Once you have all of your evidence and the police report, contact your insurance agent to begin your claim.
Marco Island, Florida Laws For Car Accident Cases
There are many laws surrounding car accidents in Florida, but two are the most important to understand: the laws surrounding fault and the statute of limitations.
Drivers in Florida should know that Florida is a no-fault state. Every registered driver is legally required to have personal injury protection insurance (PIP), which covers medical expenses and property damage, no matter who caused the accident.
Secondly, the statute of limitations refers to the time frame you have to bring your claim against the driver found to be at fault. The statute of limitations in Florida for car accident claims is four years.
Fault and Liability In Car Accident Cases
Negligence is an important legal term for accident victims to know. It can be defined as a driver’s doing something that directly causes an auto accident.
Factors that can determine fault in car accidents include:
- If a driver was found to be negligent
- A driver is under the influence of alcohol or other substance
- Road conditions
- Weather conditions at the time of the accident
- Whether or not a vehicle malfunction occurred
A frustrating thing for drivers to learn is that someone can be responsible for their accident but not liable for it. For example, if a car malfunctions because of defective brakes that were faulty due to a manufacturing oversight, thus causing the car to brake improperly.
In this scenario, the driver would be at fault but may not be liable for the accident. The brake manufacturer would be held strictly liable.
“A car accident can be very confusing without all the legal terms and processes that come with it. Car accident lawyers are very helpful and can relieve stress from accident victims by handling the paperwork and deadlines,” explains Chad K. Florin.
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Consideration Of Negligence, Degree Of Fault
Any behavior or action that directly leads to injury, property damage, or other consequences resulting from a car accident is legally known as negligence.
The most common types of negligence in car accident claims include:
- Gross negligence: This is a disregard for the well-being of other drivers and an extreme lack of regard for traffic laws.
- Comparative negligence: This type of negligence involves each driver being assigned a percentage of fault, and the damages granted are adjusted accordingly.
- Contributory negligence: In this type of negligence system, an accident claim cannot be filed to seek payment if you are found to be even 1% at fault for the car crash.
Car accidents rarely happen because of only one driver’s negligence. Therefore, courts often allocate each party at least some portion of fault for the accident.
Important information to know about fault in auto accidents:
- Motorists can still recover damages in no-fault states.
- Your degree of fault may reduce your compensation.
- Fault can block you from claiming damages in some states.
What To Do After A Car Accident in Marco Island
When you are involved in an accident, it can often leave you feeling confused and disoriented. The following are important steps you should take after an accident in Marco Island.
1. Seek Medical Care
It is critical that you contact 911 immediately after an accident. Shock can make injuries seem minor, even if they are severe, but a trained medical technician will know what to look for. Hang onto your medical bills for your future insurance claim or lawsuit.
2. Collect Contact Information
The type of information you should gather includes:
- The name of all parties involved
- The phone numbers of every driver
- Driver’s license numbers for all parties
- Insurance information for each driver
- License plate numbers of vehicles involved
3. Call The Police
In Florida, every driver who is involved in an accident that results in any injuries, no matter how mild, or any property damage at all, is legally required to report the accident to the police. The report they generate can be used to build your insurance claim.
4. Get Photos Or Videos
If you are able, you should start taking pictures and recording videos of the accident scene, any injuries that occurred, and all of the property damage, such as wrecked vehicles. Be sure to include the date and time of your accident in the recordings.
5. Report The Accident To Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance agent to begin your insurance claim as soon as possible. Once you have returned the paperwork and answered your agent’s questions, your claim will be processed and distributed.
6. Contact A Florin|Roebig Car Accident Lawyer
Even if your accident was not serious, it can still be very beneficial to hire an experienced injury attorney to help you through the insurance process. If, unfortunately, you must go forward with a lawsuit, your Florin|Roebig accident attorney will already be up to date on your case.
Ways The Accident Can Impact Your Life
There can be many far-reaching impacts on your life that go far beyond the car accident itself.
Other ways an auto accident can affect your life include:
- Losing your job
- Losing the ability to make money
- Cost of pain and suffering
- Loss of independence
- Losing a loved one
- 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
If you are considering hiring a Florin|Roebig attorney after your accident, you may wonder how they can benefit you and your claim. With four decades of experience representing car accident claims, our attorneys have a lot to offer.
Advantages that you can gain by hiring a Florin|Roebig auto injury lawyer include:
Car Accident Case Experience
When you are in an accident, you need an attorney who has seen all sorts of situations in and out of court. Our lawyers are experienced in car accident claims and have knowledge of how insurance companies will likely respond to your accident claim.
A Strong Personal Injury Claim
With forty years of experience in injury claims and specializing in car accidents, our Florin|Roebig team of attorneys knows what it takes to build a strong car accident claim.
Negotiating A Fair Settlement
While insurance companies can be useful, there are notoriously difficult to reach a fair settlement when you are not represented. Hiring a Florin|Roebig attorney can ensure that your insurance company cooperates from the very start.
Practical Advice for After a Car Accident
If you have been in an auto accident in Marco Island, Florida, you may not know what to do next. The following are helpful steps that you should take immediately following a car crash:
- Seek medical attention immediately. Contact 911 immediately so EMTs can be sent to the accident scene to look over all accident victims and treat them accordingly.
- Collect evidence immediately: Pictures and videos of the accident scene, such as injuries and vehicle damage, should be taken.
- Contact your insurance company: Once you have all the necessary documents and reports, you will need to call your insurance agent to begin the claims process.
- Protect your legal rights: If you take the blame for the accident, you can seriously damage your accident claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much are most car accident settlements in Florida?
The amount of each car accident settlement is determined by various factors. However, the average settlement is between $125,000 and $350,000.
How much can someone sue for a car accident in Florida?
In Florida, there is no limit to the amount someone can sue for following an accident.
How much does an attorney charge for a car accident in Florida?
Most car accident attorneys charge 25-40% of the total amount of your settlement. Florin|Roebig attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means we do not get paid if we do not win your case, and you do not have to pay any fees upfront.
List Of Top-Rated Car Accident Attorneys Serving Marco Island
Car accidents can leave you reeling financially, physically, and emotionally. When you’re ready to file a claim, you’ll need expert advice and guidance. Florin|Roebig lawyers have been serving clients throughout Florida filing personal injury claims since 1986. 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.
If you’re looking for car accident attorneys, Florin|Roebig may be able to help with our team of award-winning attorneys.
Personal injury lawyers serving Marco Island and areas throughout Florida include:
- Wil H. Florin, B.C.S.
- Tommy D. Roebig, B.C.S.
- Shaun M. Cummings
- Luca G Esposito
- Chad K. Florin
- John J. Hart
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.”
We Are Nationally Awarded Lawyers
How to Get Help from Florin|Roebig Attorneys
If you have been in an accident in Marcos Island, Florida, and are in need of a highly-rated and experienced attorney, contact the law offices of Florin|Roebig today. You can reach our offices in the following ways:
- You can call our phone number 24/7
- Inquiries can be emailed to our offices at [email protected]
- Our website, florinroebig.com, has an option for requesting more information.
Find Help Filing A Car Accident Claim
If you or someone you love has been injured in an auto accident in Marco Island, Florida, you need the skilled representation of a highly esteemed attorney. The law offices of Florin|Roebig comes highly recommended by not only their clients but other law firms as well.
Florin|Roebig has helped people from every walk of life get the justice they seek. To learn more about our services and how to build a strong case for your claim, call our office to schedule a consultation today.
