North of Daytona Beach, the Florida city of Ormond Beach attracts many new residents and visitors thanks to its beautiful beaches and a family-friendly mix of an urban and small-town vibe. Car accidents aren’t what comes to mind in such a laid-back place, but Volusia County, where Ormond Beach is located, reported 9,212 motor vehicle crashes in 2023, leading to 6,231 injuries and 111 deaths.
Auto accidents can range from frustrating to life-shattering, potentially causing vehicle damage, severe injuries, steep medical bills, and more. In some cases, accident victims in Ormond Beach can file a car accident claim to compensate them for their losses. Read on to learn more about the claim-filing process and how an experienced car accident attorney can help maximize your compensation.
The Car Accident Claim-Filing Process
Most car accident claims in Ormond beach require the same basic steps.
1. Gather Evidence
Several important pieces of evidence are needed to build a strong auto accident claim: a police report, witness statements, contact information, evidence of damages and injuries, and proof of fault.
2. Compile Documentation
Maintaining detailed documentation of your injuries and all related medical treatment and expenses is essential to receive maximum compensation. Documentation may include proof of the types of injuries suffered, any medical treatment received, copies of medical bills, and doctor’s notes.
3. Reach Out To An Experienced Law Office
Working with an auto accident injury lawyer can help ensure the accident claim filing process goes as smoothly as possible. They can provide you with sound legal advice and advocate on your behalf with insurance companies.
4. File Your Claim
If you choose to hire an attorney, your lawyer will likely file your insurance claim for you. Your claim will include all of the evidence and documentation discussed above. You should be familiar with your insurance policy before filing your claim to better understand what to expect in terms of compensation.
The Importance of Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer
An experienced Ormond Beach car accident lawyer can greatly reduce the stress and confusion involved in filing a car accident claim while increasing your compensation.
Hiring an experienced car accident lawyer can help you:
- Navigate complex legal issues
- Maximize compensation
- Help negotiate medical bills
- Protect your legal rights
Record-breaking trial attorney Chad K. Florin says, “Insurance companies have an incentive to give you as little compensation as possible. They’ll likely lowball you or refuse your claim outright. It can be hard to know how to negotiate higher compensation or what to even expect in terms of a settlement, so attorneys can be instrumental in helping you gather evidence and constructing a strong argument for why you’re owed more.”
With an average of more than $1 million won in compensation for their clients, the car accident attorneys at Florin|Roebig are confident in their ability to get car accident victims in Ormond Beach and throughout Florida the compensation they deserve. Reach out today for a free case evaluation.
Ormond Beach Laws For Car Accident Cases
Florida has several specific laws and rules related to auto accidents and accident claims in Volusia County. Ormond Beach-specific laws can factor in as well.
Traffic Laws
State and local traffic laws in Ormond Beach and Volusia County sit at the center of most car accident cases when it comes to determining who’s responsible for the accident. Witness testimonies, traffic cameras, photos, and other evidence can help prove that a driver broke a traffic law such as speeding or running a red light, which led to the crash. This is vital for showing the other driver was at fault and should compensate you for your injuries and other losses.
Insurance Coverage Requirements
Florida is a no-fault state, meaning all motorists must carry a minimum of $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) coverage as part of their auto insurance plan. Many insurance carriers also require $10,000 or more in property damage liability (PDL) coverage. These coverages help compensate you in the event of an accident, regardless of who was at fault.
As a no-fault state, Florida requires you to first seek compensation through your insurance company (a first-party claim). For example, even if an accident is caused by another person’s drunk driving, you would still initially file a claim with your insurance provider for damages.
If your losses and damages exceed the $10,000 PIP coverage, you may be entitled to seek further compensation through the at-fault driver’s insurance company (a third-party claim).
Third-party car accident claims require injuries that cause at least one of the following:
- Severe and permanent loss of an important bodily function
- Permanent injury
- Severe and permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Death
Legal Remedies Available To Accident Victims
Ormond Beach car accident victims can seek compensation through:
- First-party personal injury claims
- Third-party personal injury claims
- Personal injury lawsuits
If you can’t reach a fair settlement with an insurance company, you may need to file a lawsuit with the Volusia County civil court. This kickstarts the process of going to trial, where your case will be decided by a judge or jury, but most insurers settle before a trial is necessary.
Understanding Consideration Of Negligence And Degree Of Fault
In 2023, Florida enacted House Bill 837, which changed its negligence rules from pure comparative negligence to modified comparative negligence. Under the modified comparative negligence rule, you must be 50% or less at fault to seek any amount of compensation.
Florida’s comparative negligence rule also means you can be found partially at fault for an accident and lose some compensation as a result.
Attorney Chad Florin explains, “Let’s say you were found 20% at fault because you didn’t signal before turning. If you were awarded $100,000 in compensation, that amount would be reduced to $80,000.”
The new negligence rule means that proving the other person’s fault is essential to winning the compensation you need and deserve for losses and damages. Working with highly experienced attorneys, like those at Florin|Roebig can help ensure you have all the resources and knowledge you need to do just that.
Liability In Car Accident Cases
Liability describes who’s legally responsible for compensation when someone is harmed in an accident.
Car accident cases in Ormond Beach may use the following to help determine liability:
- Negligence: If one person is found to be far more negligent than the other in a car accident, that person is usually liable for compensation.
- Strict liability: Sometimes a car accident will be caused or made worse by a defective car part such as a brake cable or a seat belt. In such cases, the manufacturer may be liable regardless of whether they were negligent or not.
- Vicarious liability: This describes a situation where one party may be liable due to the actions of another, such as when a business is liable for compensation because their employee caused an accident and hurt someone while on the job.
Ways The Accident Can Impact Your Life
Whether you were on vacation to enjoy the beach or lived in the area, a car accident in Ormond Beach can impact your life in countless ways. You may need a new car, find yourself unable to work, suffer from long-term physical or emotional pain, and more.
Some common struggles after a car accident include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Loss of intimacy with a spouse or partner
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Death of a loved one
Car accident resources in Ormond Beach may include:
- Emergency services
- Ormond Beach Police Department
- Medical care providers
- Insurance companies
- Therapy and support groups for accident survivors
- Victim advocacy services
- Government agencies
- Nonprofit community safety organizations
- Car accident attorneys
Florin|Roebig is committed to providing personalized attention to each client and has a strong reputation within the community. The firm’s triple board-certified attorneys have experience handling a variety of car accident cases, from minor fender benders to catastrophic collisions, and are familiar with the local court system, making them well-equipped to handle any case that comes their way. Support your path to recovery by reaching out for a free case evaluation.
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What To Do After A Car Accident in Ormond Beach, Florida
After a car accident in Ormond Beach, make sure you and your loved ones get medical care before anything else, even if you can’t follow every best step for making your car accident claim easier and more successful.
After a car accident in Ormond Beach:
- Check for injuries and seek medical attention immediately if you need it.
- Contact law enforcement to report the crash and so the police can file an accident report.
- Gather contact information from witnesses.
- Document the accident scene by taking pictures and video.
How Florin|Roebig Can Help With Your Car Accident Claim
Beginning in 2010 and for every year since Florin|Roebig has won the distinction of being one of America’s best law firms by U.S. News & World Report. Our firm’s compassionate and capable attorneys have achieved some of Florida’s highest contested jury verdicts for car accident cases.
Florin Roebig car accident lawyers offer many services, including:
- Case evaluation
- Legal representation
- Negotiation with insurance companies
- Litigation support
For more than 30 years, Florin|Roebig has obtained over $1 billion in case awards. We are committed to helping our clients get the compensation that will help them recover from accidents and injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ormond Beach Car Accident Claims
How much does an attorney charge for a car accident in Ormond Beach?
Most car accident attorneys charge between 25% and 40% of your compensation for their services. If you don’t get compensation, they won’t charge.
How much can someone sue for a car accident in Ormond Beach, Florida?
There is no cap on the amount you can sue someone for a car accident case in Florida, including in Volusia County civil court. Your compensation can vary significantly depending on the extent of your injuries and other damages, the negligence of the driver, the quality of your attorney, and much more.
Should I hire an attorney after a car accident in Ormond Beach?
You should definitely hire an attorney if you were badly injured and you think the other driver is at fault, if the facts of the case are contested, or if there’s any complexity to your case. Even if you think your accident is minor, it’s best to contact a car accident attorney for a free consultation.
List Of Top-Rated Car Accident Attorneys Serving Ormond Beach
Car accident claims can be overwhelming to file on your own, which is why it’s highly beneficial to work with a legal professional who understands this area of law and can help you every step of the way. Our lawyers have more than three decades of experience in filing personal injury claims for Florida residents and they are ready to put that experience to work for you.
Some of our car accident lawyers serving Ormond Beach and the surrounding areas include:
- Wil H. Florin, B.C.S.
- Tommy D. Roebig, B.C.S.
- Chad K. Florin, M.B.A., LL.M.
- Luca G. Esposito
- Michael A. Ossi, O.C.
- John Hart
We Are Nationally Awarded Lawyers
How to Get Help from Florin|Roebig Attorneys
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.
Jacksonville Office
1506 Prudential Drive
Jacksonville, Florida 32207
For many Ormond Beach accident victims, filing a car accident claim is essential to recovering from the physical, financial, and emotional setbacks the crash caused. The legal experts at Florin|Roebig are here to help you get the compensation you deserve and do the heavy lifting of the claim filing process so you can focus on your recovery. Contact Florin|Roebig today for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation regarding your car accident claim in Ormond Beach.
