In Florida, there are many people involved in car accidents every year. Injuries from auto accidents can be debilitating or even deadly, and accident victims frequently need help during their recovery. Medical expenses, lost wages, care at home, and other costs can add up to thousands of dollars over time.
Car accident claims can relieve financial pressure during the recovery, allowing accident victims to focus on healing. Monetary compensation can be the difference between financial ruin and a low-stress recuperation. Working with a knowledgeable Florin|Roebig attorney is highly beneficial if you have recently been in a car accident.
Accident Statistics for Flagler County, Florida
The following are the 2023 accident statistics for Flagler County, where Palm Coast is located.
- In 2023, Flagler County reportedly had 1,053 accidents.
- 1,025 injuries occurred as a result of being in an accident.
- Sadly, 25 people were killed in one of these accidents.
- 271 of the reported accidents were hit-and-run.
Most Dangerous Intersections in Palm Coast, Florida
Roundabouts and intersections can be a good way to ease traffic congestion in some areas of small cities. However, they are also notorious hot spots for accidents. The most dangerous intersections in Palm Coast, Florida is:
- Matanzas Woods Parkway and U.S. 1 roundabout: This is a dangerous roundabout due to its complicated design. The roundabout has a small diameter, which required drivers to take right turns to maneuver through, making it difficult to safely enter and exit.
- State Road 100 (Palm Valley Road) and Old Kings Road: This intersection has seen an increase in crash frequency over the last 10 years, and is known for its high rate of serious injuries and fatalities. Reasons for high crash rates include impaired driving, failure to yield, running red lights, and inadequate traffic signage.
The Car Accident Claim-Filing Process
In Palm Coast. Florida, you are permitted to seek compensation if you have suffered any injuries or property damage in a car accident. Legally, this is referred to as a car accident claim and can be filed by accident victims to receive damages, which can be either monetary or non-monetary.
Misconceptions surrounding car accident claims can include:
- Auto accident attorneys are not necessary if accident victims have insurance
- Claims can only be filed by auto accident victims who received severe injuries
- The insurance provider of the at-fault driver will cover all damages
- Accident victims can take as long as they need to file an accident claim
- Auto accident attorneys are too pricey to hire
- Accident victims have to take whatever settlement they are offered
- Accident victims have to file a lawsuit to receive compensation
“Car accidents can leave people shaken up and in a state of vulnerability. Insurance companies often take advantage of accident victims when paying for their insurance claims. If you hire a car accident attorney, you can help prevent this bad-faith tactic by your insurance provider,” says Chad K. Florin, an esteemed attorney of Florin|Roebig.
If you are ready to file a car accident claim, the following are steps you can take:
- Compile evidence for your claim, such as pictures and recordings of the accident scene.
- Review your insurance policy when you have a moment and make sure you understand what it will and will not cover.
- Contact a Florin|Roebig accident attorney when preparing to file your claim and request a free consultation.
- Get a copy of the police report before you call your insurance company.
- Call your insurance representative to begin the claims process so you can receive your payment quickly.
Palm Coast, Florida Laws For Car Accident Cases
The citizens of Palm Coast should be aware of a few car accident laws, but two are the most important to understand: the statute of limitations for personal injury claims and the law surrounding fault.
First, Palm Coast drivers should know that Florida is a no-fault state. In no-fault states, registered drivers are required to have personal injury protection insurance (PIP), which covers medical expenses and damaged property, regardless of who caused the accident.
The second thing motorists in Palm Coast need to know is the statute of limitations, which is four years for car accident claims in Florida. The statute of limitations is the amount of time a person can bring an accident claim against the at-fault motorist. Accident victims must file their claims by this deadline to ensure their right to file.
Fault and Liability in Car Accident Cases
When a driver does something that directly causes an accident, it is called negligence. Car accident victims will become acquainted with this significant legal term.
Factors that can decide fault in car accidents include:
- Negligence by a motorist
- A driver operating a car under the influence of a substance
- Condition of the roads when the accident happened
- The weather conditions at the time of the accident
- If a vehicle malfunction caused the accident
While it may be frustrating, it is possible for a person to be considered at fault for an accident but not be held liable for it.
For example, a malfunctioning car with defective brakes was flawed due to a manufacturing error, causing the car to brake improperly. In this example, the driver of the malfunctioning vehicle would be at fault but not be liable for the accident.
Although the driver of the malfunctioning vehicle may be at fault, the brake manufacturing company will be held strictly liable.
“The legal terms and phrases surrounding a car accident claim or lawsuit can be confusing. An auto accident lawyer can greatly help navigate the aftermath of a car accident,” explains Chad K. Florin.
Consideration Of Negligence, Degree Of Fault
In insurance claims, negligence refers to any conduct or action that directly causes injury, damage to property, or other serious consequences.
The common forms of negligence in car accident claims filed by victims include:
- Gross negligence occurs when a driver seriously disregards the safety of other drivers and has little to no respect for traffic laws.
- Comparative negligence: In this system, every driver is allocated a percentage of fault and granted damages accordingly.
- Contributory negligence states a claim cannot be filed to seek compensation if a driver is found to be even 1% at fault for the accident.
A car accident rarely happens due to just one motorist’s negligent actions. In most cases, courts assign each driver some portion of fault for the accident.
Critical information to know about fault in car accidents:
- It may be possible for motorists to seek compensation in no-fault states.
- Your compensation may be reduced by your share of fault.
- In some states, fault can stop you from seeking compensation.
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What To Do After A Car Accident in Palm Coast
Being involved in an accident in Palm Coast, Florida, can be overwhelming and leave you feeling shaken up. If you have been in an accident, the following steps should be taken immediately.
1. Seek Medical Care
Call 911 immediately and report the accident. This ensures that a medical team and the police will be dispatched to the scene of your accident. While most accidents result in minor bumps and bruises, there are serious injuries that can be hidden by adrenaline.
2. Collect Contact Information
Information that needs to be collected includes:
- The names of those involved in the accident
- Phone numbers for everyone who was in the crash
- The driver’s license numbers for those who were driving
- Insurance information for all motorists
- The license plate numbers for the vehicles involved
3. Call The Police
Florida law requires that anyone involved in an accident that leads to injury or property damage must report the accident. While its legally required to report the accident, it is also beneficial to your claims case because the police will generate a report with the information they gather.
4. Get Photos Or Videos
When you can, you need to begin taking photos and recordings of the car accident scene. You should try to get pictures and videos of:
- The flow of traffic
- Injuries
- Vehicle damage
- Weather conditions
- Record witness statements
5. Report The Accident To Your Insurance Company
You need to contact your insurance provider to report the accident as soon as possible. When you file your insurance claim early, you give yourself plenty of time to receive your compensation before the statute of limitations runs out.
6. Contact A Florin|Roebig Car Accident Lawyer
It is not uncommon for accident victims to run into problems when trying to get a settlement from their insurance company. Insurance companies are notorious for doing whatever they can to save money, including denying rightful claims. Hiring a Florin|Roebig accident lawyer can help ensure your claim is paid quickly.
Ways The Accident Can Impact Your Life
For accident victims involved in an auto collision, there can be far-reaching impacts that can touch many aspects of their lives.
Various ways an accident can affect your life include:
- Loss of your job
- Loss of future wages
- Your pain and suffering
- Losing your independence
- The loss of your spouse or partner
- Modifying your home 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 accident lawyers’ team has represented claims for car accident victims in and out of court for forty years. Our attorneys have seen everything insurance companies can throw their way during this time, so they are ready to champion your claim.
A Strong Personal Injury Claim
Our Florin|Roebig attorneys have a long history in car accident law and understand exactly what is needed to build a strong, successful claim. The evidence you collect and how you fill out your paperwork can significantly impact your insurance claim.
Negotiating A Fair Settlement
Auto accident settlements can be managed quickly and efficiently outside the court system. If your insurance is not cooperating, or you cannot get the at-fault driver to pay your settlement, a Florin|Roebig can explain your claim to a judge.
Practical Advice for After a Car Accident
If you or a loved one have been in a car crash, you may feel shocked and uncertain about what to do next. The following are helpful steps to take in the aftermath of a car accident:
- Seek medical attention immediately by calling 911 so a medical team can check everyone out.
- Collect evidence immediately by photographing and recording everything at the accident scene.
- Contact your insurance company so they can begin working on your claim as soon as possible.
- Protect your legal rights by hiring a Florin|Roebig lawyer to ensure you avoid pricey mistakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who determines the fault in a car accident in Florida?
While an insurance company will gather information to form an opinion, the ultimate decision on fault in car accidents resides with the courts.
Do I need a lawyer after a car accident in Florida?
In Florida, you are not required to have an attorney to represent your car accident claim. However, it can only help you and your chances of getting the maximum compensation for your damages.
What am I entitled to after a car accident in Florida?
Florida requires all motorists to have personal injury protection (PIP) insurance; the coverage should be at least $10,000, which will pay for medical expenses and lost earnings.
List Of Car Accident Attorneys Serving Palm Coast
When you file a car accident claim, the skill level of the attorney you choose can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. At Florin|Roebig, we understand the nuances of Florida law with regard to car accident cases.
With every client, we take the time to learn the facts of the case so we can construct solid arguments for the court and ensure the maximum settlement amount.
Some of the members of our team who serve clients in Palm Coast include:
- Wil H. Florin, B.C.S.
- Tommy D. Roebig, B.C.S.
- Chase P. Florin, B.C.S.
- John J. Hart
- Nicholas S. Costantino
We Are Nationally Awarded Lawyers
How to Get Help from Florin|Roebig Attorneys
If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident in Palm Coast and are interested in hiring the best auto accident lawyers in Florida, the following are the best ways to contact our offices.
- You can call our phone number 24/7
- Visit our website, florinroebig.com.
- Questions can be emailed to [email protected]
No one will fight for your accident claim like our Florin|Roebig trial attorneys. If you or a family member have recently been involved in an auto accident and need to file a car accident claim in Palm Coast, Florida, call our offices to schedule a free case review today.
