If you were injured in a car accident, you may know that the best way to cover the mounting costs resulting from your crash is to file a claim to seek compensation. In Margate, the Florin|Roebig car accident attorneys can help you through the claims process.
Accident Statistics for Broward County, Florida
The following are accident statistics for the county of Broward in Florida, where Margate is located.
- In 2023, there were a total of 40,234 reported accidents in Broward County, Florida.
- As a result of these accidents, there were 24,517 injuries.
- There were also a total of 210 fatalities.
- 760 motorcycle accidents were reported in 2023.
- 12,450 hit-and-run accidents were reported in Broward County in 2023.
Margate’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 which Margate residents should proceed with caution. Be sure to obey any and all traffic laws. Margate contains some of the most dangerous intersections in Broward County.
- Atlantic Boulevard and Banks Road: This intersection is considered dangerous is the lack of proper safety features such as crosswalks and traffic signals. This can make it difficult for drivers and pedestrians to navigate the area safely, especially during peak hours when traffic is heavy. There have been reports of reckless driving behavior, such as speeding and distracted driving, in the area. These factors can contribute to accidents, especially when drivers fail to obey traffic laws or drive with caution.
- Royal Palm Boulevard and Rock Island Road: The intersection is located in a busy commercial area, with many retail stores and restaurants nearby. The intersection also has a high volume of traffic, including pedestrians and bicyclists.
- State Road 7 and Atlantic Boulevard: This intersection has been reported to be a highly congested and accident-prone area in recent years. It sees a high volume of traffic and is located near several shopping centers, restaurants, and other popular attractions. The intersection has been the site of several accidents, including rear-end collisions and pedestrian accidents, due to heavy congestion and reckless driving behavior such as speeding and distracted driving.
The Car Accident Claim-Filing Process
Car accident victims may seek compensation for injuries received and damage to their property. Legally, this is referred to as an auto accident claim and occurs when an accident victim files a claim to receive damages, which can be monetary or non-monetary in nature.
Misconceptions regarding auto accident claims can include the following:
- A car accident attorney is not necessary if you have auto insurance.
- Car accident victims can only file claims if they have been seriously injured.
- The at-fault driver’s insurance provider will cover all the costs.
- A car accident claim can be filed whenever you get around to it.
- Auto accident attorneys are too expensive to hire.
- If you are offered a settlement, you must accept it.
- The only way to receive compensation for your accident is by filing a lawsuit.
“Car accidents are known to be very stressful, and unfortunately, one of the most stressful parts of any accident is dealing with your insurance provider. Many people don’t know that accident attorneys can be helpful for more than filing a lawsuit. We can walk you through the process of filing a claim,” 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 pictures and record videos of the accident scene, injuries, and vehicle or property damage.
- Review your insurance policy: Take a moment to review your insurance claim to ensure that you understand what is covered by your policy.
- Contact a Florin|Roebig accident attorney: Call a Florin|Roebig car accident attorney to schedule a free case consultation and evaluation.
- Get a copy of the police report: You should collect a copy of this essential document before you file your insurance claim.
- Call your insurance representative: Call your insurance representative to begin the process of filing your accident claim.
Margate, Florida Laws For Car Accident Cases
Floridians should know about car accident laws, but two laws are the most important to understand: the statute of limitations for car accident claims and the laws surrounding fault.
Floridians should know that Florida is a no-fault state, meaning every registered Florida driver must have personal injury protection insurance (PIP). This form of insurance covers medical expenses and damaged property, regardless of who is responsible for the accident.
Drivers in Florida should also understand the statute of limitations laws. “Statute of limitations” refers to the time frame to bring your car accident claim against the at-fault driver. In Florida, the statute of limitations for auto accident claims is four years. Failing to file your accident claim may forfeit your right to compensation.
Fault and Liability in Car Accident Cases
Floridians also need to know the term negligence, which refers to when a motorist does something that directly causes an accident.
Factors that can decide fault in auto accidents include:
- A negligent driver
- A driver under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- 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. A vehicle malfunctions because of defective brakes, for example, that were defective due to a manufacturing error and thus caused the car to brake improperly. In this case, the motorist would be at fault but may not be liable for the accident, while strict liability would be given to the manufacturer of the brakes.
“Car accidents can be a complicated issue to deal with alone. The legal terms can be confusing to understand, and there are many steps that need to be taken in the aftermath of an accident. Hiring an attorney can help you keep everything in order,” explains Chad K. Florin.
Consideration Of Negligence, Degree Of Fault
In car accident claims, the term negligence refers to any conduct or act that directly leads to someone being injured, property being damaged, or other consequences.
Forms of negligence in auto accident claims filed by victims include:
- Gross negligence: This is characterized by a serious disregard for the well-being of other drivers and an absence of regard for traffic laws.
- Comparative negligence: Each driver is given a degree of fault, and the damages granted are adjusted accordingly.
- Contributory negligence: This form of negligence system says that a claim cannot be filed to seek payment if you are found to be even 1% at fault for the accident.
Unfortunately, auto accidents seldom happen due to a single motorist’s negligence. As a result, courts often allocate each party some portion of fault for the accident.
Important information to know about fault in auto accidents:
- It may still be possible for motorists to receive compensation in no-fault states.
- Your settlement amount may decrease based on your degree of fault.
- Fault can prevent you from claiming damages in certain states.
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What To Do After A Car Accident in Margate
If you or a loved one have been injured or have had their property damaged as the result of a car accident in Margate, Florida, the following steps are important to take afterward.
1. Seek Medical Care
Contact 911 so the medical technicians can check out each individual affected by the accident. Serious injuries may not emerge immediately, but a trained medical professional knows what symptoms to look for.
2. Collect Contact Information
Information you should gather at the accident scene includes:
- Drivers’, passengers’, and witnesses’ names
- Contact numbers for those involved in the accident
- Driver’s license numbers of those who were driving
- Driver’s insurance information for all parties involved
- License plate numbers of vehicles involved
3. Call The Police
By law, motorists must call and report any accidents in Florida that result in either injury or damaged property. By calling the police, you guarantee a police report is generated, which is advantageous in an auto insurance claim.
4. Get Photos Or Videos
Begin taking photos of the accident scene as soon as you can to get the most authentic details, which can include:
- Weather at the time of the accident
- Road conditions in the area
- Traffic conditions at the scene
When recording videos, be careful to ensure you verbally include the date and time of the accident.
5. Report The Accident To Your Insurance Company
Call your insurance provider as soon as possible to start your claim. The sooner you file it, the sooner it can be processed, and a settlement check can be sent to you.
6. Contact A Florin|Roebig Car Accident Lawyer
Insurance companies have been notoriously difficult to work with for victims of car accidents. This action is illegal, and hiring a Florin|Roebig attorney can ensure that your insurance company acts in good faith, or they will be forced to face the consequences.
Ways The Accident Can Impact Your Life
Auto accidents can have far-reaching consequences that extend beyond the immediate aftermath of the collision.
Ways a collision can impact your life include:
- Losing your job
- Losing your ability to make money
- Pain and suffering costs
- Losing your independence
- Losing your companion or partner
- Needing to adjust your surroundings to a new injury or disability
- Losing your transportation if your vehicle is totaled
- Developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
How Florin|Roebig Can Help With Your Car Accident Claim
Deciding whether or not a car accident attorney is right for your claim is an important and sometimes difficult decision to make. Our team of attorneys at Florin|Roebig has forty years of experience working for car accident victims’ rightful claims.
The following are advantages that you can gain by hiring a Florin|Roebig auto accident attorney:
Car Accident Case Experience
The Florin|Roebig auto accident lawyers have forty years of knowledge and experience representing personal injury and car accident cases. Our accident lawyers have seen everything an insurance corporation will do to try and avoid paying your settlement, and we know how to go head-to-head with them.
A Strong Personal Injury Claim
Florin|Roebig attorneys have acquired the knowledge needed to build a strong case and help you get the maximum compensation allowed. This knowledge was acquired through defending and representing car accident victims in various situations.
Negotiating A Fair Settlement
Insurance companies have been known to break the law and act in bad faith in order to avoid paying you what you are rightfully owed. Insurance providers are trying to keep as much money as they can, but by contacting a Florin|Roebig attorney, you can help prevent your insurance company from being uncooperative.
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. Call 911, who will dispatch an ambulance to the accident scene to attend to everyone involved’s medical needs.
- Collect evidence immediately: Photograph and record everything at the accident scene, such as injuries and vehicle damage, and try to record witness statements.
- Contact your insurance company: Have your policy information, medical records and bills, auto repair estimates, and the contact information of the other parties.
- Protect your legal rights: Unknowingly taking the blame for the accident can severely damage your car accident claim. Hiring a Florin|Roebig lawyer can help you avoid any costly mistakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an attorney charge for a car accident in Florida?
The average attorney’s fee is 25-40% of your settlement winnings. Florin|Roebig attorneys also work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no upfront fees. We will not get paid unless we win your case.
What is the average settlement for a car accident in Florida?
The average settlement for Florida auto accidents is $20,000 – $30,000; however, factors can increase this amount.
How long does it take to settle a car accident case in Florida?
The average amount of time it takes to settle a car accident case in Florida is between four and six weeks; however, various factors can increase the length of time needed.
List Of Top-Rated Car Accident Attorneys Serving Margate
When you’re ready to speak with car accident lawyers serving Margate, contact Florin|Roebig for advice. Since 1985, the dedicated lawyers of Florin|Roebig have been advocating for clients just like you. 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. Our knowledgeable team of experienced attorneys will fight hard to get you the compensation you so rightfully deserve.
Our reputable legal team includes the following esteemed car accident lawyers and many others:
- Wil H. Florin, B.C.S.
- Tommy D. Roebig, B.C.S.
- Chase P. Florin, B.C.S.
- Shaun M. Cummings
- John J. Hart
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.”
We Are Nationally Awarded Lawyers
Find Help Filing A Car Accident Claim In Margate
Florin|Roebig has been named the Best Law Firm in America by U.S. News & World Report for the last 10 years running. For over 30 years, we’ve been assisting with car accident claims in areas throughout Florida. We routinely win high-dollar compensation for our valued clients—clients just like you who have been injured through no fault of their own.
These clients have had their worlds turned upside-down from lengthy hospital stays and life-altering injuries. They’ve suffered significant medical expenses and deserve the compensation needed to remediate them.
If you have been involved in an accident in Margate, Florida, and 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
- Inquiries can be emailed to our offices at [email protected]
- Our website, florinroebig.com, has an option for live chat
