A car accident settlement is filed to help you receive compensation for any losses related to the accident, including your lost wages, medical bills, and other verifiable expenses. Contact a Florin|Roebig attorney for legal advice and representation if you want the best results for your accident claim.
Accident Statistics for Brevard County, Florida
The following are accident statistics for the county of Brevard, Florida, where Melbourne is located.
- In 2023, there were a total of 9,216 accidents reported in Brevard County.
- Of the total reported accidents, 103 fatalities occurred.
- 6,740 injuries were reported as the result of an accident.
- 2,087 hit-and-run accidents occurred in Brevard County.
Melbournes 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 Melbourne that residents should proceed with caution. Be sure to obey any and all traffic laws. Melbourne contains some of the most dangerous intersections in Brevard County and here is a list of them:
- US 1 and W Eau Gallie Blvd: According to the Florida Department of Transportation, this intersection has recently undergone construction to improve safety and traffic flow. The improvements include new turning lanes and signals, as well as improved pedestrian crossings. The speed limit on US 1 in this area is 45 mph while the speed limit on W Eau Gallie Blvd is 35 mph. If you are turning onto W Eau Gallie Blvd from US 1, be aware that there may be heavy traffic and congestion during peak commuting times.
- N Wickham Road and Lake Washington Road: This intersection is located in a suburban area with moderate traffic volume, so drivers should be aware of their surroundings and be prepared to slow down or stop as necessary. The speed limit on N Wickman Road is 45 mph so drivers should be cautious when approaching this intersection. There are bike lanes and sidewalks along both roads so motorists should be aware of bicyclists and pedestrians and give them enough space when passing.
- Post Rd and N Wickham Rd: The speed limit at this intersection is 45 mph. There are crosswalks at this intersection and in a busy commercial area, so be on the lookout for the high volume of traffic during peak hours.
The Car Accident Claim-Filing Process
If you or a loved one have been involved in a car accident in Melbourne, you may seek compensation for your injuries and property damage. Legally, this is a car accident claim in which victims of car crashes can file to obtain damages, which can be financial or non-financial.
Misconceptions surrounding auto accident claims can include:
- Hiring an attorney won’t be necessary if you have insurance
- You can only file a car accident claim if you have been seriously injured
- The at-fault driver’s insurance provider will cover all damages
- You have as long as you need to file a car accident claim
- Car accident attorneys are too expensive to hire
- If you are offered a settlement, you must accept it
- You have to file a lawsuit to receive compensation
“The point of insurance companies is to provide security for your possessions and yourself in case the worst happens. Unfortunately, insurance companies can cause much of the stress accident victims feel. Contacting an accident attorney can relieve much of this pressure on an accident victim’s shoulders,” 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: You will need to take photos and videos of the scene of the accident and any injuries and property damage that occurred.
- Review your insurance policy: Take some time to review your insurance policy to ensure you understand everything it covers.
- Contact a Florin|Roebig accident attorney: Contact a Florin|Roebig attorney to schedule a free case consultation.
- Get a copy of the police report: You should collect a copy of the report before you file your insurance claim.
- Call your insurance representative: Call your insurance agent to begin the claim process. They will send you documents you should quickly complete and return.
Melbourne, Florida Laws For Car Accident Cases
Floridians should know about a few car accident laws, but two 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. This means every registered Florida driver must have personal injury protection insurance (PIP). This type of insurance covers medical expenses and property damage, regardless of who caused the accident.
The second thing drivers in Florida should understand is the statute of limitations, which refers to the time frame to bring your claim against the at-fault driver. In Florida, the statute of limitations for car accident 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
Residents of Melbourne, Florida, should be aware of the term negligence, which refers to when a driver does anything that directly causes a crash.
Factors that can determine fault in car accidents include:
- A negligent driver
- An inebriated driver
- Road conditions
- Weather conditions
- Mechanical malfunction occurrence
It is possible that a motorist may cause an accident but not be held liable for it. This can happen if a car malfunctions because of faulty brakes that were flawed due to a manufacturing mistake, which then caused the automobile to brake improperly.
The motorist would be at fault but may not be liable for the accident, while the brake manufacturer would be held strictly liable.
“Car accident victims should be able to go home and recover from their injuries without having to worry about or understand the confusing legal jargon or car accident laws. A car accident attorney can greatly help even when the accident itself is straightforward,” explains Chad K. Florin.
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Consideration Of Negligence, Degree Of Fault
In car accident claims, the term negligence refers to any behavior or action that directly leads to injury, damaged property, or other consequences.
Types of negligence in car accident claims filed by victims include:
- Gross negligence: This is a serious disregard for the safety of other drivers and a grave disrespect for traffic laws.
- Comparative negligence: When each driver is designated a degree of fault, the damages granted are adjusted accordingly.
- Contributory negligence: This type of negligence system states that a claim cannot be filed to seek compensation if you are found to be even 1% at fault for the accident.
Auto accidents seldom happen due to just one driver’s negligence, so in most cases, courts will assign each person at least some portion of fault for the accident.
Important information to know about fault in auto accidents:
- Motorists may still be able to collect damages in no-fault states.
- A person’s degree of fault may decrease their settlement.
- Fault can prevent you from claiming damages in some states.
What To Do After A Car Accident in Melbourne
If you or a family member has had their property damaged or received injuries from an accident in Melbourne, the following steps should be taken immediately.
1. Seek Medical Care
Call 911 immediately following the accident so medical technicians can be dispatched to check out each person involved in the accident. There are serious injuries that may not have symptoms appear immediately, but a trained medical professional will know what to look for.
2. Collect Contact Information
The type of details you should gather include:
- The names of all parties involved
- Everyone’s phone number if they were involved
- Driver’s license numbers
- Driver’s insurance information
- License plate numbers of the vehicles
3. Call The Police
By Florida law, any accident that results in injury and/or property damage must be reported to the police. When you tell the police about the accident, they will generate a police report, which is valuable in an insurance claim.
4. Get Photos Or Videos
In order to get the most accurate details, begin taking photos of the accident scene as soon as possible. These photos and videos can include the weather, road, and traffic conditions. In videos you record, make sure 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 begin your insurance claim. The sooner you begin the claims process, the sooner your claim can be processed, and your insurance settlement check can be mailed.
6. Contact A Florin|Roebig Car Accident Lawyer
Insurance companies are often stressful and difficult to work with, often denying valid claims in order to save money. This is illegal, and hiring a Florin|Roebig lawyer will ensure that your insurance provider cooperates, or your attorney will have them face the consequences.
Ways The Accident Can Impact Your Life
Car accidents can have many far-reaching impacts beyond the initial accident, leaving victims in a state of limbo.
Other ways a collision can affect your life include:
- Loss of employment
- Pain and suffering costs
- Loss of independence
- Having to adapt your home to suit your injuries
- Lost income potential
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of transportation
How Florin|Roebig Can Help With Your Car Accident Claim
Hiring a personal injury attorney after an accident is a very important decision that those who have been in car accidents often have to make. The law offices of Florin|Roebig have forty years of experience representing car accident victims in many different scenarios.
Advantages that you can gain by hiring a Florin|Roebig car accident lawyer include:
Car Accident Case Experience
The Florin|Roebig car accident attorneys have forty years of experience representing diverse personal injury and car accident cases. Insurance companies have many different tactics they will use to avoid paying a settlement, and the car accident attorneys of Florin|Roebig have experienced all of these tactics.
A Strong Personal Injury Claim
Florin|Roebig attorneys have acquired the knowledge needed to build strong cases due to their experience with many different types of cases. This experience and knowledge ensure that our car accident attorneys can help get you the maximum compensation allowed.
Negotiating A Fair Settlement
It can be very difficult to get a fair settlement out of your insurance company because they generally want to hang onto as much money as possible. By contacting a Florin|Roebig attorney, you can ensure that your insurance company cooperates.
Practical Advice for After a Car Accident
Car accidents are known to produce feelings of shock and distress, which can make it difficult to know what to do. The following steps should be taken when managing the aftermath of a car crash include:
- Seek medical attention immediately. 911 must be notified to send emergency medical technicians to the scene of the accident to examine everyone involved.
- Collect evidence immediately: Photograph and record everything at the accident scene, such as injuries and vehicle damage. If possible, record witness statements.
- Contact your insurance company: When you call your insurance agent, make sure to have your policy information, evidence from the scene, and your medical bills on hand.
- Protect your legal rights: There are many things that, if said, can be completely damaging to your insurance claim. By hiring a Florin|Roebig attorney, you can avoid any costly mistakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I hire an attorney after a car accident in Florida?
You are not legally required to hire an attorney for your accident case, but hiring a Florin|Roebig attorney ensures that your claim is filed without mistakes, on time, and for maximum compensation.
How much can you get for pain and suffering in Florida?
In Florida, there is no set limit on compensation for pain and suffering.
How much can you get from a car accident in Florida?
There is no set limitation on the amount of compensation, monetary or non-monetary that you can receive from an accident.
List Of Top-Rated Car Accident Attorneys Serving Melbourne
When filing a car accident claim, having the right attorney can make all the difference. When you have an experienced, dedicated attorney on your side, you will have the resources you need to make the best decisions every step of the way. Our firm employs several car accident attorneys who have experience handling cases throughout Florida and the United States.
Some of our car accident attorneys serving Melbourne include:
- Wil H. Florin, B.C.S.
- Tommy D. Roebig, B.C.S.
- Shaun M. Cummings
- 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. For every year since the inception of the honor in 2010, Florin|Roebig has 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 or a loved one have been injured or received property damage due to an accident in Melbourne, and you have questions about your claim or how to hire one of our respected lawyers, 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
If you want to file an auto accident claim in Melbourne, you need a trustworthy lawyer. With the right counsel on your side, you can be sure you have the best chance of winning maximum compensation.
The law offices of Florin|Roebig understand the intricate laws that apply to car accident cases in Melbourne. Please contact our office today for a free consultation, which will allow you to understand the legal options you have available.
