No matter how careful Ocala drivers are, car and truck accidents in Florida are often unavoidable, ranging from lane changes to missed lights. While some end in nothing more than a dent or two, other collisions can end in tragic injuries or even wrongful death. A car accident claim in Ocala can be filed by the victim or a loved one. No matter who files, the claims process can be difficult to tackle if you’re unfamiliar with the Florida court system.
As attorney Chad K. Florin states, “Florin|Roebig wants you to know more about the nature of car accident claims before you make your next move. From how damages are filed to which factors determine your compensation, we’ll give you the information you should know before you move forward and aid in the claims process when you’re ready to file.”
Car Accident Rates In Ocala
Ocala is a city in the northern part of Florida and is also the county seat of Marion County, Florida. Motorists in the Ocala area have experienced driving in many different types of conditions.
The following statistics give you an idea of car accidents in Ocala for 2023:
- 6,928 car accidents were reported in Marion County.
- 3,434 people were injured as a direct result of a car accident.
- 94 of the accidents resulted in at least one fatality.
- 14 of the reported fatalities were linked to either drunk driving or driving under the influence of another substance.
- 112 bicycle accidents, 213 motorcycle accidents, and 155 pedestrian accidents also occurred.
Being injured in a car accident causes pain and suffering while draining finances. To seek maximum compensation, file a claim as soon as possible with the help of a knowledgeable, skilled, and experienced attorney. Florin|Roebig has top-rated car accident lawyers who understand how to use the laws to your advantage.
Most Dangerous Intersections in Ocala, Florida
Driving can become routine, and often drivers can become easily distracted when driving the same routes over and over. It is important for motorists to be aware of their surroundings and careful when driving through Ocala in general, however, the following roads and intersections have been reported as being especially dangerous:
- I-75 and Silver Springs Boulevard: The busy highway provides motorists with more speed options, which can increase the chances of serious injury in an accident. Additionally, the intersection has a large number of vehicles entering and exiting the area from on and off ramps, which can increase the likelihood of traffic congestion and accidents. Finally, the intersection has few stop lights, which can add to the danger of erratic or overly aggressive driving, as well as increased risk of wrong-way driving.
- I-75 and Blitchton Road: The lack of dedicated turning lanes and the roadways experiencing heavy morning and evening rush hour traffic has led to numerous incidents of rear-end collisions, erratic lane changes, and a variety of other traffic-related issues. The lack of signage, lighting, landscaping, and, safety measures also contributes to the unsafe conditions resulting in a high number of car accidents.
- I-75 and College Road: This intersection is a four-lane divided highway that can become highly congested during rush hour, which increases the risks of crashes. The speed limit along the stretch of highway is 75 mph, making it one of the fastest roads in Florida.
- Pine Avenue and SW 17th Street: This intersection is dangerous because it lacks appropriate signal timing and pedestrian access. The intersection is in a heavenly traveled area, with high volumes of vehicles entering and exiting from Pine Avenue and SW 17th St.
- College Road and SW 27th Avenue: This is a particularly dangerous intersection because its one of the primary access points to a nearby shopping mall as well as a high-traffic area that experiences congestion from nearby schools and businesses. It has a high number of drivers making left-hand turns as well as drivers turning right on red.
The Car Accident Claim-Filing Process
To file a car accident claim in Ocala, Florida, you’ll need some documentation and enough money to cover the paperwork fees.
Gather evidence such as the following documents to file a claim in Ocala:
- Visual evidence of the accident and injuries, which can be photos and videos.
- A copy of the police report.
- Your personal statement of the accident.
- Witness statements from bystanders.
- Medical records of treatment.
- Receipts for medical treatment and auto repairs.
- Pay stubs to show wages lost.
The Importance Of Hiring A Car Accident Lawyer
The legal maze of filing a car accident claim can be quite a hassle. If you’re constantly running into walls with filing the correct paperwork, meeting deadlines, and paying all the fees, an experienced attorney can help you navigate the legal process more easily.
In addition to challenges when filing, you can also be tricked into accepting more than your share of responsibility for a car crash. No one in the insurance company offices is on your side, whether it’s your provider or the at-fault party. Insurance adjusters and company attorneys want their employers to keep as much money as possible.
Working with Florin|Roebig attorneys, who have years of experience battling insurance players, can keep you from shouldering debts for someone else’s negligence. You can be confident that your claim is being filed correctly and on time, letting the team at Florin|Roebig protect your legal rights.
State Laws For Car Accident Cases
Florida has very specific laws in car wreck cases and one of two laws factors into how your claim can be handled. The determining factor is when your accident occurred, which affects the statute of limitations and what economic and non-economic damages you can claim. The older laws cover accidents before the signing of House Bill (HB) 837, which was enacted on March 24, 2023.
Older laws utilize pure comparative negligence in awarding damages, and newer laws use modified comparative negligence and the 50% bar rule for car accident cases.
To highlight some differences, say you’re in an accident and found 10% at fault, while the other driver bears 90%. Under both laws, your settlement will be reduced by your 10% fault. A $150,000 award would be reduced to $135,000, for example.
Pure comparative negligence laws would allow the other driver to countersue for the 10% they’re not at fault, meaning you could owe them damages for whatever that amount is. Using the example above, you’d be liable for $15,000.
Modified comparative negligence laws with the 50% bar rule would not allow the other driver to file a claim against you because they’re assigned more than half the blame.
Insurance Requirements In Ocala, Florida
Florida requires all drivers to carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance and property damage liability (PDL) policies. Immediately following an accident, injured people can utilize this coverage for medical bills, lost income, and any physical damage to vehicles or other property.
While your insurance policies help with your needs the first few days or weeks, it’s rarely enough for serious injuries and extensive damage. The minimum requirements are low in the face of a significant car crash and only cover a percentage up to those minimums. Even if you don’t exhaust your insurance coverage, you can still experience financial hardship from an accident that wasn’t your fault.
“Reckless drivers need to be held accountable for their actions, and you need to ensure that your injuries and your loved ones are taken care of. Working with Florin|Roebig lets you know when your claim is valid and what to expect from a settlement offer. We use all of our considerable resources to fight for you, which is reflected in our client and peer testimonials,” explains attorney Chad K. Florin.
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Fault In Car Accidents
Determining fault in Ocala car accidents depends on whether the involved parties can reach an agreement on their own, and a qualified car attorney vastly changes the outcome. Car accident laws and fault determination can be tricky. Insurance companies on both sides will have their own attorneys, and other drivers may also.
Here’s the thing: they’re all going to try to con you into accepting blame for the accident. The best way to avoid this is to have your own attorney. Florin|Roebig is adept at winning this game. We’ll prove the other driver’s fault and disprove yours, making sure your settlement is as high as possible. After all, we only get paid if you do.
When parties can’t reach an agreement after you’ve filed a car accident claim, it’s time to file a car accident lawsuit. And if that doesn’t get the responsible party to accept fault, we’ll prove to the judge or jury that they should.
For serious injury, like traumatic brain injuries, and heavy damage, like from a rollover, we may seek punitive damages from negligent drivers. This punishes the driver and hopefully prevents them from future carelessness.
Liability In Car Accident Cases
Determining parties consider negligence, strict liability, and vicarious liability when considering car accident cases. A driver’s action is negligent when they know right and wrong in a given situation and choose to disobey the law. Your attorney bears the burden of proof in showing that other parties behaved negligently.
All drivers have a duty of care, meaning they are expected to respond to a situation as a reasonable person would. When drivers are negligent, they have disregarded their duty of care. A driver can be found liable for an accident even if their behavior is not considered negligent. This is strict liability, and it assigns responsibility regardless of intent.
Another consideration in liability is vicarious liability. When the driver who causes an accident is representing another, such as a company, or is driving another person’s car, such as a young driver, friend, or neighbor borrowing a vehicle, the car’s owner can be liable. This is often the case if the at-fault driver lacks the resources to cover damages for injured persons.
Ways The Accident Can Impact Your Life
How a motor vehicle accident affects your quality of life will vary too much for a one-size-fits-all box. What you had before the accident and what was taken from you by the accident combine into a case that is uniquely yours.
A car crash in Ocala can impact:
- Physical, mental, and emotional health
- Financial well-being
- Transportation
- Job prospects
- Personal relationships
- Autonomy
Accidents can take away loved ones or take you from your family. When it’s truly an accident, it’s an unfortunate situation. When someone intentionally made a choice that came with such a high cost, it’s a wrongful death claim. You can’t replace a person’s life, but you can ensure their loved ones are cared for in their absence.
What To Do After A Car Accident
There’s a fine line when conversing with other drivers post-crash: crossing it can mean your case is lost before you even file. Apologizing can later be used against you, but Florida law requires drivers to assist any injured parties. If you can help others who are hurt, do so without a hint of apology.
You should help others as you can, but you shouldn’t give up your rights. We’ve collected some of our favorite tips to guide you in the aftermath of an accident. Remember to clear any roadways or intersections if possible to avoid blocking traffic.
How to proceed after a car accident includes:
- Take care of yourself and loved ones first: See a doctor, document injuries and symptoms, and begin recovering.
- Document the scene: Take pictures or video (or have someone do it for you) and get contact information for other drivers and anyone who saw the accident.
- Start the official process: If you think you have a valid claim against the other driver, contact an experienced law office like Florin|Roebig.
- Contact your insurance company: While your insurer wants you to start this immediately, speaking to legal representation is in your best interest.
- Grab a copy of the police report: Review it for accuracy and add it to your claim.
How Florin|Roebig Can Help With Your Car Accident Claim
If you need help filing a claim in Ocala, there are professionals who can help. There’s no way to right every wrong in your case, but the right attorney can go a long way toward putting your life back together after the accident.
At Florin|Roebig, our board-certified attorneys are some of the most feared by insurance companies. We have a rich history of winning some of the highest jury verdicts around Marion County and throughout the state of Florida.
FAQs About Ocala Car Accident Lawyers
What is the average settlement for a car accident in Florida?
Settlement amounts vary based on the extent of damages you can claim and how much of the fault is yours. An experienced Ocala law firm like Florin|Roebig can help you secure a fair settlement amount for your car accident injury.
What is the liability for a car accident in Florida?
In Florida car accident cases, vehicle ownership contributes to liability, even when the owner is not involved in the accident. Local government might also be liable if road conditions, traffic signals, or proper signage are lacking.
Should I hire an attorney after a car accident in Florida?
Whether you hire Ocala car accident attorneys is up to you. We recommend seeking legal advice to help you make that decision. Florin|Roebig offers free consultations and case evaluations for accident victims in Central Florida.
Who is at fault in a car accident in Florida?
Negligent drivers typically bear the weight of fault in most types of car accidents. However, too many factors are considered before a settlement offer is made to blame one party over another in general. If you have questions about the fault in your car crash, speak with Florin|Roebig’s legal team.
List Of Car Accident Attorneys Serving Ocala
Being injured in a car accident can be stressful and financially draining. To seek compensation, it’s best to file a claim as soon as possible with the help of a knowledgeable, skilled, and experienced attorney. Florin|Roebig has top-rated car accident lawyers who understand how to use the laws to your advantage.
Our legal team serves clients throughout Florida and includes the following personal injury attorneys, along with many others:
- Wil H. Florin, B.C.S.
- Tommy D. Roebig, B.C.S.
- Nicholas S. Costantino
- Chad K. Florin
- Chase P. Florin, B.C.S.
- John J. Hart
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How To Get Help From Florin|Roebig Attorneys
Contact Florin|Roebig today for help filing your claim. Your initial consultation will give you valuable insight into the next steps you can take.
If you are interested in seeking legal advice from our legal team, you can contact our offices to schedule an appointment.
- Our website, florinroebig.com, has an option for requesting more information.
- You can call our phone number 24/7
- For more information regarding our services and free consultations, you can email us at [email protected]
- Or you can reach us at an office near you below.
Our office in Jacksonville serves Ocala, Gainesville, The Villages, and surrounding areas. We are ready to answer your questions about your claim and assist you in your recovery process at:
1506 Prudential Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32207
