If you or a loved one have been in a car wreck in Palm Bay, you probably have questions regarding your claim, how it will be filed, and what type of compensation you can anticipate. Car accidents can result in mild to serious injuries with repercussions that can come with extreme expenses.
If you are filing a car accident claim in Palm Bay, Florida, you should turn to a lawyer rather than an insurance company for answers. Professional legal advice can help you avoid common mistakes when completing a claim. For a free consultation about your claim, call Florin|Roebig for scheduling today.
Accident Statistics for Brevard County, Florida
The following are the 2023 accident statistics for Brevard County, where Palm Bay is located.
- A total of 9,215 accidents were reported in Brevard County, Florida, in 2023.
- From these crashes, 6,740 injuries were reported.
- Unfortunately, these accidents also resulted in 102 fatalities.
- 2,087 of the reported accidents were hit-and-run.
Most Dangerous Intersection in Palm Bay, Florida
Motorists should always operate their vehicles with caution, no matter what road they are traveling. However, the following intersections in Palm Bay have been found to be the most dangerous.
- Babcock Street and Palm Bay Road
- Palm Bay Road from Minton Road to Hollywood Boulevard
- Malabar Road and Babcock Street
- U.S. 1 from the Indian River County line to Malabar Road
The Car Accident Claim-Filing Process
In Palm Bay, Florida, you are permitted to pursue compensation if you have received any property damage or any injuries, no matter how severe. Legally, this is referred to as a car accident claim, and car accident victims can file a claim to receive damages, which can be financial or non-financial.
Misunderstandings surrounding car accident claims can include the following:
- Auto accident attorneys are not required if you have car insurance
- Accident claims can only be filed by car accident victims with severe injuries
- The insurance of the at-fault driver will cover all expenses
- Accident victims have as long as they need to file an accident claim
- Car accident attorneys are too costly to hire for an auto accident claim
- You have to accept any settlement amount you are presented
- Accident victims can only receive compensation if they file a lawsuit
“Car accident victims often have much on their minds after an accident. One of the best decisions an accident victim can make for themselves and their claim is to hire an accident attorney to handle everything for them,” says Chad K. Florin, an esteemed attorney of Florin|Roebig.
When car accident victims are ready to file a claim, the following are steps they can take:
- Compile evidence for your claim: Photograph and record videos of everything you can at the car accident scene.
- Review your insurance policy: Read over your insurance policy and ensure you understand what it covers.
- Contact a Florin|Roebig accident attorney: Call a Florin|Roebig attorney for a free case consultation before you contact your insurance company.
- Get a copy of the police report: It is critical that you obtain a copy of the police report in order to help build a strong case.
- Call your insurance representative: Once you have completed the above steps, you can call your insurance agent to begin your car accident claim.
Palm Bay, Florida Laws For Car Accident Cases
There are multiple car accident laws that the citizens of Palm Bay, Florida, should be aware of. Two of these laws are the most important to understand: the law surrounding fault and the statute of limitations for personal injury claims.
The first thing motorists should know is that Florida is a no-fault state. In no-fault states, every registered driver is mandated to have personal injury protection insurance (PIP). This insurance covers medical expenses and property damage, no matter who caused the accident.
Secondly, drivers in Palm Bay need to know about the statute of limitations, which is four years for auto accident claims in Florida. The statute of limitations is how long accident victims have to bring their accident claim against the at-fault driver. Accident victims must file their claims by this deadline to ensure their right to file.
Fault and Liability in Car Accident Cases
Many important legal terms will be mentioned in the aftermath of a car accident, including negligence, which occurs when a motorist does something that directly causes an accident.
Factors that can decide fault in auto accidents include:
- Negligence by a driver
- A motorist driving drunk or driving under the influence of another substance
- Condition of the roads when the accident happened
- What the weather conditions were like
- If a vehicle malfunction occurred
A frustrating part of accidents for victims is that a person may be considered at fault for an accident without being found liable. For example, there can be instances when a car malfunctions because the brakes are not working correctly due to a manufacturing error, causing the vehicle to brake improperly.
In these scenarios, the driver would be considered at fault, but they may not be liable for the accident. Even though the driver may be at fault, the brake manufacturing company will be held strictly liable.
“Car accident victims are often shaken up and in a state of shock following an auto accident, which can lead them vulnerable to being taken advantage of by unscrupulous insurance companies. By hiring a car accident attorney, you are protecting your claim,” explains Chad K. Florin.
Consideration Of Negligence, Degree Of Fault
Negligence is any behavior or activity directly resulting in injury, property damage, or other serious consequences.
Forms of negligence in auto accident claims that are filed by accident victims include:
- Gross negligence occurs when a motorist seriously disregards the well-being of other drivers and does not respect traffic laws.
- Comparative negligence is defined by each driver being given a portion of the fault and granted damages accordingly.
- Contributory negligence states an accident 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 only one driver’s negligence; therefore, in most cases, courts allocate at least some of the fault to each driver.
Critical information to know about fault in car accidents:
- Drivers may still be able to seek damages in no-fault states.
- Your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault.
- In some states, fault can stop you from being able to seek damages.
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What To Do After A Car Accident in Palm Bay
After being involved in a car accident in Palm Bay, Florida, the following are important steps that car accident victims should take immediately.
1. Seek Medical Care
Accident victims need to call 911 as soon as they can safely do so. This ensures that medical technicians and police will be sent to the accident scene. It is important to remain on the scene until you have been cleared by medical personnel and police.
2. Collect Contact Information
Information you need to gather includes:
- The names of everyone in the accident
- Phone numbers for everyone who was involved
- The driver’s license numbers for every driver
- Insurance information for every driver involved
- License plate numbers for the vehicles involved
3. Call The Police
It is the law in Florida that anyone involved in an accident that causes damage to property or injuries, no matter how mild, must report the accident to the police. This will also ensure that a police report is generated, which is crucial for your auto accident claim.
4. Get Photos Or Videos
Accident victims should begin taking photos and videos of the accident scene when possible. Essential things to photograph include the following:
- The flow of traffic
- Any injuries that occurred
- Any damage to the vehicles
- Current weather conditions
- Record any witness statements
5. Report The Accident To Your Insurance Company
Accident victims need to contact their insurance providers to report the accident as soon as possible. The sooner the claims process begins, the sooner a claim can be processed and a settlement check can be sent.
6. Contact A Florin|Roebig Car Accident Lawyer
It is not uncommon for accident victims to run into trouble when trying to get a payment from their insurance providers. Insurance companies are infamous for playing dirty to save money, including denying rightful claims. Hiring a Florin|Roebig accident attorney can help ensure the insurance company treats an accident victim’s claim fairly.
Ways The Accident Can Impact Your Life
For those involved in an auto accident, the impacts can reach many aspects of their lives.
Various ways an accident can affect your life include:
- Losing your job
- Losing your ability to make money
- Your pain and suffering
- The loss of independence
- Losing a spouse or partner
- Making changes to your home to adapt to your injuries/disability
- The loss of your vehicle or transportation
- Developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
How Florin|Roebig Can Help With Your Car Accident Claim
Deciding which auto accident lawyer to hire for you and your claim is an important decision that must be made carefully. The legal team at Florin|Roebig has been representing their clients with empathy for forty years.
Advantages that you can acquire by hiring a Florin|Roebig car accident attorney include:
Car Accident Case Experience
The car accident attorneys of Florin|Roebig have been representing auto accident victims for forty years. During our four decades of practicing law, our attorneys have seen everything insurance companies are willing to throw their way, so they are ready to fight for your claim.
A Strong Personal Injury Claim
Our Florin|Roebig attorneys know precisely what it takes to build a powerful, winning claim due to our long history of successfully representing car accident claims. From the collected evidence to the diligent completion of paperwork, our lawyers know how to build a solid personal injury claim.
Negotiating A Fair Settlement
Generally, auto accident claims can be settled quickly and efficiently without a judge’s intervention. However, a Florin|Roebig lawyer can explain your claim to a judge when an insurance company does not cooperate or a victim cannot get the at-fault driver to pay damages.
Practical Advice for After a Car Accident
If you or a loved one have been in a car accident, you may feel shocked and unsure of what to do next. The following are useful steps to take in the aftermath of a car accident:
- Seek medical attention immediately. Call 911 to guarantee a medical team checks everyone out.
- Collect evidence immediately: Gather as much evidence as possible by photo and recording.
- Contact your insurance company: Report the accident to your insurance agent so you can begin your claim.
- Protect your legal rights: Hire a Florin|Roebig attorney to ensure your rights are not violated during this process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who pays for car damage in Florida no-fault?
In Florida, each driver will file an insurance claim with their own insurance provider.
What happens when a car accident claim exceeds insurance limits in Florida?
If the damages are excessive, drivers can sue the other driver’s insurance company to seek compensation.
What is the typical car accident settlement amount in Florida?
The typical car accident settlement amount in Florida ranges from $125,000 to $350,000, depending on the severity of the accident and your injuries.
List Of Car Accident Attorneys Serving Palm Bay
Florin|Roebig is here to serve the people of Palm Bay. Our staff of motivated and skilled car accident attorneys can give you an edge when filing your case.
The following is a selection of some of our many experienced car accident lawyers:
- Wil H. Florin, B.C.S.
- Tommy D. Roebig, B.C.S.
- Chad K. Florin, M.B.A., LL.M.
- Shaun M. Cummings B.C.S
- Taylor Roebig
We Are Nationally Awarded Lawyers
How to Get Help from Florin|Roebig Attorneys
The following are the best ways to contact our offices for accident victims in Palm Bay who are curious about hiring the best car accident lawyers in Florida.
- Call us 24/7
- Our website, florinroebig.com.
- Questions can be emailed to [email protected]
It’s challenging for those already stressed to handle the Florida courts without an attorney’s experience to back them up. By calling Florin|Roebig, you get more than an understanding ear; you get a lawyer who can help you through an incredibly trying situation and will battle to get you the settlement you deserve. Call us today to learn more about filing an auto accident claim in Palm Bay.
