Car accidents happen every day in North Port. These accidents can lead to injuries that affect victims’ lives in many ways. Victims can recover some of their damages in these situations by filing a claim against the driver responsible for their accident.
A car accident claim can help compensate accident victims for all their losses after an accident. However, winning these cases isn’t always easy. Still, accident victims increase their chances of receiving a fair settlement by working with a skilled lawyer, such as the attorneys at Florin|Roebig.
Accident Statistics for Sarasota County, Florida
The following are the 2023 accident statistics for Sarasota County, where North Port is located.
- In 2023, there were 6,821 accidents reported in Sarasota County.
- As a result of these accidents, 4,026 injuries were reported.
- 58 fatalities were caused by an accident in Sarasota County in 2023.
- 1,629 hit-and-run accidents occurred in 2023.
- There were 15 reported motorcycle accidents in Sarasota County.
Most Dangerous Intersections In North Port
Motorists in North Port, Florida need to rely on their knowledge of the local roads and conditions in order to be as safe as they can possibly be. According to drivers in the area, the most dangerous intersections in North Port are:
- US 41 and Toledo Blade Boulevard: This intersection has been reported as one of the most dangerous in North Port due to the high volume of traffic and several accidents caused by running red lights and speeding.
- Tamiami Trail (U.S. 41) and Sumter Boulevard: This intersection has also seen several accidents over the years, with some attributed to drivers running red lights, failing to yield, and speeding.
- Cranberry Boulevard and Prive Boulevard: The North Port Police Department has identified they have a high volume of traffic, speeding, and distracted driving, and the lack of infrastructure improvements in the area may contribute to the increased number of accidents at the intersection. The city of North Port has been working on implementing safety enhancements and road improvements, such as installing a traffic signal, crosswalks, and reducing the speed limit to address the issue.
The Car Accident Claim-Filing Process
North Port car accident victims can seek compensation if they have received any injuries or had their property damaged in the accident. Legally, this is a car accident claim and can be filed to receive financial and non-financial damages.
Misunderstandings surrounding car accident claims can include the following:
- Car accident lawyers are not required if you have insurance.
- Only car accident victims with serious injuries can file claims.
- The at-fault driver’s insurance will cover all damages
- You can take as long as you need to file an accident claim
- Personal injury attorneys are too expensive to hire
- If you have been offered a settlement, you must accept it
- You have to file a lawsuit to receive compensation
“Most people not involved in the legal system will not know about the strict laws surrounding car accidents. Hiring an at the start of the claims process can ensure you do not miss anything important, such as a filing deadline,” says Chad K. Florin, an esteemed attorney of Florin|Roebig.
To begin filing your car accident claim, the following are steps that can be taken to get started:
- Compile evidence for your claim: It is essential to take photos and record videos of the entire accident scene, including injuries and vehicle or property damage.
- Review your insurance policy: Take time to examine it thoroughly so you know what it will and will not cover.
- Contact a Florin|Roebig accident attorney: Before filing your car accident claim, call a Florin|Roebig lawyer and request a free consultation.
- Get a copy of the police report: Make sure that you receive your copy of the police report before you call your insurance provider.
- Call your insurance representative: Contact your insurance representative to start the claims process so you can receive your compensation quickly.
North Port, Florida Laws For Car Accident Cases
There is a whole category for car accident laws and the process of clearing them up. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims and the law surrounding fault are two important car accident laws that car accident victims should be aware of.
Firstly, every registered Florida driver must have personal injury protection insurance (PIP), which provides coverage for medical expenses and damaged property, no matter who caused the accident.
Drivers in North Port need to know about the statute of limitations, which is four years for car accident claims in Florida. The statute of limitations refers to when you can bring a car accident claim against the at-fault driver. Please file your claim by this deadline to ensure your right to file.
Fault and Liability in Car Accident Cases
When a driver does something that directly causes an accident, this is called negligence. Negligence is another essential legal term that auto accident victims should learn quickly.
Aspects that can decide fault in car accidents include:
- A negligent driver
- A driver who is drunk or under the influence of another substance
- What the roads were like at the time of the accident
- The weather conditions when the accident happened
- Whether or not a vehicle malfunction occurred
In some situations, a driver may be found to be at fault for an accident but not considered liable. If a car fails to stop properly because the brakes were defective due to an error in manufacturing, the motorist would be considered at fault but may not be liable for the accident.
In this example, the driver may be at fault, but the company that manufactured the brakes will be considered strictly liable.
“Car accidents are stressful in many ways, including the many new legal terms and phrases you may be hearing. Hiring a car accident attorney can make this difficult time easier to process and get through,” explains Chad K. Florin.
Consideration Of Negligence, Degree Of Fault
In car accident claims, negligence is any conduct or action that directly results in injury, damage to property, or other consequences.
Types of negligence in auto accident claims that are filed by car accident victims include:
- Gross negligence: This is a profound indifference to the safety of other motorists and a disregard for traffic laws.
- Comparative negligence: Every party involved is assigned a percentage of fault and granted damages accordingly.
- Contributory negligence: A system in which a claim is not able to be filed to seek compensation if a person is found to be even 1% at fault for the accident.
Car accidents are rarely the result of only one driver’s errors, so courts will generally assign each driver at least some percentage of fault for the accident.
Critical information to know about fault in car accidents:
- Drivers may still be able to pursue damages in no-fault states.
- A driver’s settlement may be lowered by their degree of fault.
- Fault can prevent drivers from seeking damages in certain states.
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What To Do After A Car Accident in North Port
If you or a loved one have been involved in an accident in North Port, Florida, the following are essential steps that you should take immediately.
1. Seek Medical Care
Call 911 as soon as possible so that emergency medical technicians can be sent to the accident scene to medically clear everyone in the accident. Some serious injuries have symptoms that do not show up immediately.
2. Collect Contact Information
Information you need to collect includes:
- The names of everyone who was in the accident
- Phone numbers for everyone involved in the accident
- Everyone’s driver’s license numbers
- Insurance information for the drivers involved
- The license plate numbers for the vehicles involved
3. Call The Police
In Florida, if you have been in an accident that has resulted in injury or property damages, you are required by law to report it to the police. The police will generate a report that will be important to your insurance company and your car accident lawyer.
4. Get Photos Or Videos
When you can, you must begin taking photos and recordings of the accident scene. You should try to get pictures and recordings of:
- Traffic flow
- Injuries
- Vehicle damage
- Weather conditions
- Record witness statements
5. Report The Accident To Your Insurance Company
You need to call your insurance provider to report the accident as soon as possible. The faster you can file your claim, the quicker the claim is processed. The sooner your accident claim can be processed, the sooner your settlement check can be sent to you.
6. Contact A Florin|Roebig Car Accident Lawyer
Car accidents are stressful for many different reasons, including trying to work with insurance companies. Insurance providers are infamous for trying to save money by any means necessary, such as denying rightful claims. Hiring a Florin|Roebig accident attorney can help ensure your claim is treated fairly.
Ways The Accident Can Impact Your Life
Car accident victims who have been involved in an auto accident can experience far-reaching impacts that can touch many aspects of their lives.
Various ways an accident can affect your life include:
- Loss of employment
- Loss of your money-making potential
- The cost of your pain and suffering
- Loss of independence
- The loss of your spouse or partner
- Having to change your home to adjust to your injuries/disability
- Losing your transportation
- The development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
How Florin|Roebig Can Help With Your Car Accident Claim
If you or a loved one have been in an accident and are now searching for a car accident attorney, you know this is a significant decision. The lawyers of Florin|Roebig have been handling the claims of their clients with compassion for forty years.
Advantages of hiring a Florin|Roebig car accident attorney include:
Car Accident Case Experience
The auto accident attorneys of Florin|Roebig have been assisting car accident victims both in and out of court for forty years. Our lawyers have seen everything insurance companies can toss their way during their forty years of accident claims, so they are ready to champion your claim.
A Strong Personal Injury Claim
Florin|Roebig has been successfully representing auto accident victims for forty years. Our lawyers know what solid and successful claims need, from the proof you gather to the paperwork you complete.
Negotiating A Fair Settlement
Auto accident settlements are generally quick and easy, taken care of outside the court system. There are times, though, when your insurance does not cooperate, or you cannot get the at-fault driver to pay your settlement; the Florin|Roebig attorneys are prepared to represent your claim to a judge.
Practical Advice for After a Car Accident
If you have been in an auto accident, you may feel shocked and unsure of what steps to take next. The following are helpful actions to take in the aftermath of an auto accident:
- Seek medical attention immediately. Contact 911 to ensure a medical team checks everyone out.
- Collect evidence immediately: Collect as much proof as possible by photo and recording.
- Contact your insurance company: Notify your insurance provider so they can begin your claim quickly.
- Protect your legal rights: A Florin|Roebig attorney can help you avoid costly mistakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I hire an attorney after a car accident in Florida?
In Florida, accident victims are not required to seek legal representation; however, if you are being sued for damages or cannot receive the compensation you deserve, hiring an auto accident attorney is the best choice for your claim.
How much can someone sue for a car accident in Florida?
In Florida, there is no limit to the compensation a person can be sued for.
How long after a car accident can you sue in Florida?
Accident victims have four years from when the accident occurred in Florida to file a lawsuit.
List Of Car Accident Attorneys Serving North Port
Car accident claims give victims a chance to get the compensation they deserve after being injured in a crash. However, your chances of success in court will be much higher if you have a qualified and experienced attorney representing you.
At Florin|Roebig, we understand how these cases work, and we can help you seek justice.
Some of the members of our legal team who serve clients in North Port are included here:
- Wil H. Florin, B.C.S.
- Tommy D. Roebig, B.C.S.
- Chase P. Florin, B.C.S.
- Shaun M. Cummings
- Chad K. Florin, M.B.A., LL.M.
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How to Get Help from Florin|Roebig Attorneys
If you or a loved one have been hurt in a car accident or have had your property damaged as the result of an accident, you may need to hire a car accident attorney. To schedule a free consultation with one of Florida’s top auto attorneys, the following are the best ways to get in touch with our offices:
- Call our phone number 24/7
- Our website, florinroebig.com.
- Questions can be emailed to [email protected]
Victims of car accidents caused by someone else have the right to collect compensation under Florida law. You need the right car accident lawyer representing you in court to maximize your compensation.
The Florin|Roebin auto accident team is committed to ensuring that auto accident victims are given the compensation they deserve. Please call the Florin|Roebig offices today to schedule a free case consultation or learn more about our representation.