Oviedo, Florida, is the site of many car accidents every year. Unfortunately, many of those result in injuries ranging from minor to life-changing. Those life-changing injuries can result in short- and long-term modifications that can be costly and challenging to accommodate.
Our legal team at Florin|Roebig law firm is both adept and compassionate. Our attorneys understand the difficulties those who have been injured in a car accident can encounter. The auto accident lawyers at Florin|Roebig can provide support, guidance, and clarity during the claim process.
Accident Statistics for Seminole County, Florida
The following are the 2023 car accident statistics for Seminole County, Florida, where Oviedo is located.
- In 2023, Seminole County reported a total of 6,255 accidents.
- Of these reported accidents, 46 resulted in fatalities.
- 4,375 injuries occurred as a result of one of the reported accidents.
- 1,579 hit-and-run accidents were reported in Seminole County in 2023.
Most Dangerous Roads in Oviedo, Florida
County Roads often are poorly marked and seldom have traffic signals to assist drivers getting on highways. In heavy traffic areas, impatient drivers sometimes take ill-advised risks after deciding they have waited long enough to merge onto the highway. The three most dangerous roads in Oviedo are:
- County Road 417: Also known as the Central Florida Greeneway, this highway has experienced significant accidents and heavy traffic.
- County Road 426: This road has narrow lanes, sharp turns, and a high volume of traffic, making it hazardous, especially during rush hour.
- Mithcell Hammock Road: Known for its narrow lanes, multiple intersections, and heavy traffic, this road has had many accidents involving pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists.
The Car Accident Claim-Filing Process
In Oviedo, Florida, accident victims are allowed to seek compensation if they have received injuries or damaged property. Legally, this is considered a car accident claim, which car accident victims generally file to receive damages, which can be either monetary or non-monetary.
Misconceptions regarding auto accident claims can include:
- Accident victims do not need an attorney if they have insurance.
- Only accident victims with serious injuries can file an accident claim.
- The insurance of the at-fault driver will cover the cost of all damages.
- Accident victims have as long as they need to file a claim.
- Most accident victims cannot afford to hire a car accident attorney.
- Car accident victims are required to accept whatever settlement they are offered.
- The only way accident victims can receive compensation is by filing a lawsuit.
“If accident victims struggle to receive their settlement from their accident, they are not alone. People injured in an accident need to consider hiring an attorney at the beginning of the claims process to ensure it goes smoothly,” says Tommy Roebig, an esteemed attorney of Florin|Roebig.
When accident victims are ready to file a claim, the following steps can be taken:
- Compile evidence for your claim: Try to take pictures and record videos of everything at the accident scene.
- Review your insurance policy: Take time to read over your insurance policy to ensure you understand its terms.
- Contact a Florin|Roebig accident attorney: When preparing to file your accident claim, first call a Florin|Roebig attorney for a free case review.
- Get a copy of the police report: You must make sure you receive your copy of the police report, which will be beneficial when you begin your accident claim.
- Call your insurance representative: After you have completed the above steps, contact your insurance agent to begin your accident claim.
Oviedo, Florida Laws For Car Accident Cases
Car accident laws, such as the statute of limitations for filing an accident claim and the law regarding fault, are important for drivers in Oviedo to learn if they are in an auto accident.
One of the first things accident victims in Florida will learn is that Florida is a no-fault state. As such, Florida requires every registered driver to have “personal injury protection insurance” (PIP). This insurance covers medical expenses and property damage, regardless of who caused the accident.
Secondly, accident victims in Florida will learn the statute of limitations, which is the time frame in which you can bring your accident claim against the at-fault motorist. The statute of limitations in Florida is four years, and if you file your accident claim by this deadline, you could forfeit your right to file.
Fault and Liability in Car Accident Cases
Accident victims in Oviedo, Florida, will also become familiar with the term negligence, which is when a motorist does something that directly causes an accident.
Factors that can decide fault in auto accidents include:
- If a driver was found to be negligent
- If a driver was under the influence of a substance
- What the conditions of the roads were like
- The weather conditions at the time of the accident
- Whether or not a vehicle malfunction occurred
It is not uncommon for a person to be at fault for a car accident but not liable for it. For example, if a vehicle fails to work properly because the brakes were defective due to an error in their manufacturing, which then causes the vehicle to brake incorrectly, the driver would be at fault but may not be liable for the accident.
While the driver would be at fault in this case, the manufacturing company responsible for the brakes would be held strictly liable.
“Many accident victims feel shaken up and overwhelmed after an accident happens. A car accident attorney can greatly help navigate the aftermath of a car accident,” explains Tommy Roebig.
Our Featured Case Results
Consideration Of Negligence, Degree Of Fault
When referring to car accidents, negligence is any conduct or activity that directly leads to injury, property damage, or other consequences.
Forms of negligence in car accident claims that are filed by accident victims include:
- Gross negligence: This occurs when a motorist seriously ignores the safety of other motorists and does not respect traffic laws.
- Comparative negligence: This form occurs when each driver is given a portion of the fault, and compensation is adjusted accordingly.
- Contributory negligence: This claim system states a claim cannot be filed to seek compensation if a person is found to be even 1% at fault for the accident.
A car accident rarely occurs due to just one driver’s negligence; therefore, courts will usually allocate at least some share of fault for each driver.
Essential information to know about fault in car accidents:
- It may still be possible for motorists to pursue compensation in no-fault states.
- A person’s settlement may be reduced by their percentage of fault.
- In some states, any percentage of fault can prevent a person from seeking damages.
What To Do After A Car Accident in Oviedo
For those who have been involved in an auto accident in Oviedo, Florida, the following are important steps to take immediately following an accident.
1. Seek Medical Care
It is important to call 911 as soon as you are safe and able to do so. The 911 operator will dispatch an ambulance and the police to the accident scene. This ensures everyone’s safety, as some types of injuries may be hard to detect when adrenaline is present.
2. Collect Contact Information
Information accident victims should try to collect includes:
- The names of all the people involved in the accident
- Phone numbers for every person who was in the accident
- The driver’s license numbers for the people who were driving
- Insurance information for all the drivers who were involved
- The license plate numbers for all of the cars involved
3. Call The Police
Accident victims will also need to contact the police, which is required by law if there are any injuries or damage to property. This call will also help generate a police report, which is important for an accident claim or lawsuit.
4. Get Photos Or Videos
When it is safe, accident victims should start taking photos and videos of the accident scene. Important things to document include:
- Injuries
- Weather conditions
- Traffic flow
- Vehicle damage
- Record witness statements
5. Report The Accident To Your Insurance Company
It is also essential for accident victims to contact their insurance providers to report the accident. The quicker the claims process is started, the sooner a claim can be processed, and the settlement check can be sent to the accident victims.
6. Contact A Florin|Roebig Car Accident Lawyer
While most accident claims are uncomplicated, many accident victims can find themselves at odds with their insurance companies. Even though you may not think you need one, hiring a Florin|Roebig accident attorney can ensure your claim goes smoothly from start to finish.
Ways The Accident Can Impact Your Life
Victims of car accidents know that these crashes have far-reaching impacts and can touch many parts of their lives.
Various ways an accident can affect your life include:
- Loss of your job
- Loss of your ability to make money
- The loss of your partner or spouse
- Losing your independence
- The cost of your pain and suffering
- Needing to modify your house to adjust your injuries/disability
- Losing your transportation
- The development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
How Florin|Roebig Can Help With Your Car Accident Claim
After a car accident, deciding which car accident attorney to take care of you and your claim is an important decision that should be made with care. The attorneys of Florin|Roebig have been representing their clients with compassion for forty years.
Benefits that you can gain by hiring a Florin|Roebig auto accident lawyer include:
Car Accident Case Experience
The Florin|Roebig car accident attorneys have represented car accident victims in and out of court for forty years. Our Florin|Roebig accident attorneys have seen everything insurance companies can throw their way during this time, so we are ready to champion your claim.
A Strong Personal Injury Claim
The Florin|Roebig attorneys have a long history of defending car accident claims and understand precisely what is needed to build a strong, winning claim. This includes the type of evidence you need to collect and how you fill out your paperwork correctly. Our Florin|Roebig attorneys know how to build a solid car accident claim.
Negotiating A Fair Settlement
Usually, car accident settlements can be managed quickly and efficiently outside the court system. However, your Florin|Roebig car accident attorney is ready to present your claim to a judge when your insurance does not cooperate or you cannot get the at-fault driver to pay damages.
Practical Advice for After a Car Accident
For those involved in a car accident, there can be confusion following the accident. The following are helpful steps 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 as possible by photo and recording.
- Contact your insurance company: Notify your insurance provider to begin your accident claim immediately.
- Protect your legal rights: To help ensure you do not make any costly mistakes against your claim, hire a Florin|Roebig car accident attorney.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can someone sue for a car accident in Florida?
In Florida, there is no cap on how much someone can be sued for following a car accident.
How long after a car accident can you sue in Florida?
Car accident victims have four years from the moment the accident happened to sue for compensation.
How long does an insurance company have to settle a claim in Florida?
In Florida, insurance companies are required to settle or deny accident claims within 90 days of the claim being filed.
How long do most car accident settlements take?
Car accident settlements can take as little as one month to complete, but certain circumstances can cause them to take longer than two years.
List Of Car Accident Lawyers Serving Oviedo
Florin|Roebig is an award-winning law firm that specializes in car accident claims throughout the United States, including those in Oviedo. Our car accident lawyers are known for being experienced, compassionate, and successful.
Finding legal expertise is as simple as contacting one of the Florin|Roebig car accident lawyers:
- Wil H. Florin, B.C.S.
- Tommy D. Roebig, B.C.S.
- Luca G Esposito
- Chad K. Florin, M.B.A., LL.M.
- Chase P. Florin, B.C.S.
We Are Nationally Awarded Lawyers
How to Get Help from Florin|Roebig Attorneys
If you or a family member have been in an accident in Oviedo, Florida, you are likely interested in hiring Florida’s top car accident lawyers. The following are the best ways to get in touch with our legal team:
- Call us 24/7
- Our website, florinroebig.com.
- Questions can be emailed to [email protected]