The seat of Bay County, Panama City, provides excellent waterfront restaurants and some of the best beaches in the state. However, being the largest city between Pensacola and Tallahassee comes with a higher risk of car accidents.
Car accidents in Panama City can occur at any time and in any location, and the effects on each person involved can vary significantly. Whether you’ve experienced property damage or physical injuries, the aftermath can be overwhelming, and early choices during this time can shape the outcome of your claim.
The help of an experienced car accident attorney can ensure all claim variables are accounted for so that you and your loved ones receive a fair settlement. An expert attorney can provide valuable legal advice, gather evidence from the accident scene and subsequent events, handle insurance claims and meet critical deadlines.
Florin|Roebig’s experienced attorneys strive to be a key resource for car accident victims during their most difficult times. Follow this guide to learn more about the laws and best practices involved in filing a car accident claim in Panama City.
Common Causes of Panama City Auto Accidents
One common cause of motor vehicle accidents in Panama City is driving on local roads with high traffic or challenging navigation. WJHG News Channel 7 reported in early 2025 that Bay County officials were in the process of identifying the 100 most dangerous roads county-wide. Some of these roads could include high traffic roads in Panama City, such as:
- US-98/Back Beach Rd and Front Beach Rd
- US-231
- SR-77
- R-390/St Andrews Blvd
- SR-389/East Ave
- 23rd St
- Thomas Dr
- Hathaway Bridge
- Tyndall Pkwy toward Tyndall AFB
- Airport access to ECP
Other common causes of car accident cases in the area may include:
- Driving during high tourism times, such as in March and April, when spring break occurs, and during the summer tourist season
- Driving near or in port and military traffic areas
- Navigating through work zones on US-98 and US-231
- Driver errors, such as driving while texting or otherwise distracted and speeding
- Driving while under the influence of drugs and alcohol
- Failure to yield or merge safely
- Poor weather and roadway conditions, like rain, hurricane evacuation surges and flooding
- Vehicle issues like poor tire conditions and defective parts
- Commercial vehicles on the road that can potentially affect visibility and movability
Panama City, Florida Car Accident Rates
The following are car accident rates in Bay County, of which Panama City is the largest city, as reported by the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) in 2024:
- 4,042 car and truck accidents
- 35 fatalities resulting from all crashes
- 2,659 injuries recorded from auto accidents
- 147 motorcycle accidents, with nine fatalities
- 982 crashes caused by hit-and-run collisions
- Peak times for crashes were June and July
- 90 pedestrian accidents, with seven fatalities
State Laws for Car Accident Cases
Panama City follows Florida and Bay County laws, as well as local ordinances, all of which can heavily impact the result of your car accident claim.
Traffic Laws
State and local traffic laws are at the heart of car accident claim investigations and results because they help determine if anyone’s carelessness or intentional wrongdoing caused an accident and, therefore, who should be responsible for paying for someone else’s losses. Insurers or juries may look at evidence from witnesses, cameras and more to see if a driver broke traffic laws like texting and driving, running a red light, etc. when the crash occurred.
Insurance Coverage Requirements
All Florida-registered vehicles must have the following car insurance coverage:
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): PIP covers 80% (up to $10,000) of all “necessary and reasonable” medical expenses for an injury covered under the plan.
- Personal Damage Liability (PDL): PDL covers $10,000 of another driver’s vehicle or property damage in an accident if you’re at fault.
The No-fault System
Florida’s no-fault system extends to Panama City car accidents by requiring state-registered vehicles to not only have basic PIP and PDL insurance but to turn to their own insurance (a first-party insurance claim) in the case of an accident, no matter who was at fault. To file a claim against the at-fault party’s insurance company (a third-party claim), victims must be badly injured or have other losses like car damage not covered by their own insurance.
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
Panama City car accident victims can seek compensation in a few ways.
- First-party personal injury claims: If you need fast coverage for medical bills, these claims can be invaluable. However, first-party claims are often limited in terms of what they cover and how much insurers will pay out.
- Third-party personal injury claims: For more serious accidents, these claims may be necessary to cover high medical bills and extended time away from work, as well as to get justice for pain and suffering and other losses.
- Personal injury lawsuits: If you can’t agree on compensation with an insurer, you may need to file a lawsuit with the Bay County court. Filing a lawsuit puts pressure on the insurance company to reach an agreement and avoid an unpredictable trial. If the case does go to trial, a judge or jury decides your compensation.
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Fault, Liability and Negligence in Panama City Accidents
Fault in Car Accidents
In Florida, there can be more than one at-fault party. Essentially, more than one person may be partially responsible for causing the car accident. If you’re found partially at fault for an accident, your compensation drops to match this percentage of fault.
Liability In Car Accident Cases
The liable party is whoever is responsible for compensating the person(s) harmed in a car accident. Car accident cases in Panama City may use the following to help determine liability:
- Negligence: Negligence usually determines who’s liable for compensation.
- Strict liability: An entity like a manufacturer can contribute to an auto accident if there was a defective part like an engine or a seatbelt that caused the crash or made someone’s injuries worse. In such cases, the manufacturer may be liable for compensation, even if they weren’t negligent.
- Vicarious liability: This liability covers someone else’s actions. For example, a business may be vicariously liable for compensating a car accident victim who was hit by an on-the-job employee.
Understanding Negligence and Degree of Fault
Since March 24, 2023, Florida has followed a modified comparative negligence standard, which means more than one party can be at fault for a car accident and the degree of fault decreases how much compensation someone receives. If someone is 51% at fault or higher, they can’t receive compensation at all.
For example, if you were found 15% at fault for failing to signal before a turn and you were awarded $100,000 in compensation, you could only collect $85,000.
Insurers may try to find ways to put some of the fault for an accident on you to pay less compensation, but an experienced attorney knows how to present the strongest evidence and arguments to get you the compensation you deserve.
Ways a Car Accident Can Impact Your Life
Car accidents can introduce a host of challenges to your life in an instant—pain, disability, an inability to work, financial hardship, and much 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
Florin|Roebig’s experienced attorneys strive to be a key resource for car accident victims during a difficult time. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your legal experts any time of day for a confidential and free case evaluation.
What To Do After a Car Accident
Immediately following a car accident, it’s essential to put your and your loved ones’ safety first by moving out of oncoming traffic and getting medical attention if you’re injured. If you’re able, there are actions you can take at the scene to make the car accident claims process easier and potentially more successful.
After a car accident in Panama City:
- Check for injuries and seek medical care immediately if needed to improve your recovery outcome and maintain a medical record. Florida requires individuals to seek medical attention within 14 days to be eligible for personal injury protection (PIP) coverage.
- Contact law enforcement to report the accident so officials can file a police report.
- Gather information, such as witness statements and contact details.
- Document the accident scene by taking pictures from multiple angles, including all vehicles involved in the incident.
- Obtain the insurance and contact information of the at-fault driver if possible.
- Notify your insurance company without admitting fault or providing uncertain details about injuries, as this could impact your claim in terms of receiving medical expense compensation.
- Contact a Panama City car accident attorney, such as those at Florin|Roebig, to begin receiving legal representation and help with your case immediately.
- Preserve all evidence, including medical bills and repair estimates.
Common Types of Car Accident Injuries
While injuries sustained in a car accident can vary greatly, there are a few common injuries people tend to receive in crashes. Some of these injuries include:
- Soft-tissue injuries
- Whiplash injuries, which may surface days after the accident
- Fractures or broken bones
- Joint and back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Concussions or traumatic brain injuries
- Internal injuries
- Burns, lacerations and scarring
- Psychological injuries like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety or depression
If you’ve suffered these or any other injuries, it’s crucial to seek medical care as soon as possible to alleviate your symptoms and create documentation of accident-related harm. This documentation is an essential component in auto accident personal injury cases and can support your ability to receive fair compensation for your personal injury claim.
Reasons You Should File a Car Accident Claim
Filing a car accident claim has many benefits, including potential financial compensation through your or the other party’s insurance policy. A few reasons to file a claim after an accident include:
- Receiving compensation to cover medical bills, rehab and future care
- Replacing lost wages and addressing reduced earning capacity
- Repairing or replacing your vehicle and recovering diminished value
- Seeking compensation for pain and suffering or wrongful death
- Holding negligent drivers or companies accountable through fines, punitive damages or other means
- Utilizing your uninsured motorist coverage if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured
An experienced personal injury lawyer from Florin|Roebig can help you better understand the benefits of insurance claims and what filing one may mean for you. We can also assist you through the legal process and represent you should legal action be required.
Average Compensation for Car Accident Claims in Panama City
Compensation for car accident claims in Panama City can vary significantly based on several factors. Some of these factors include:
- The severity of your injuries and the length of any required treatment
- Whether negligence was involved
- Whether there’s a clear at-fault party or the accident is deemed no-fault
- Your specific insurance policy’s limits in terms of payout
Typical components of compensation received as a result of an auto accident include:
- Medical expenses, including immediate expenses and the cost of any necessary ongoing treatment.
- Lost wages due to the accident itself or injuries sustained that inhibit your ability to work.
- Non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life and emotional distress.
According to the Insurance Services Office, Inc. (ISO), a subsidiary of Verisk Analytics, the average property damage claim for an accident in 2023 was about $6,550, while those for personal injury averaged about $26,500. However, compensation varies based on numerous factors. It’s essential to note that these are only averages from a single source, and your actual settlement can differ substantially.
Your personal injury attorney or auto accident lawyer will tailor a compensation request that’s specific and unique to your case and needs.
Factors That Affect Car Accident Cases
Several factors can influence the outcome of your car accident case in Panama City. Because of this, teaming up with a highly experienced and proven law firm like Florin|Roebig can ensure that these factors are accounted for, giving you the highest chance of receiving maximum compensation for your losses.
Factors that may play a role in an auto accident case include:
- Liability and evidence quality: Good documentation includes police reports, scene photos, Event Data Recorder (EDR), witnesses and surveillance.
- Florida comparative fault or shared fault: Florida adheres to a modified comparative negligence rule, which means you can’t recover damages if you’re found more than 50% at fault for the accident.
- Medical documentation, treatment gaps and causation disputes: You must thoroughly document Injuries and clearly prove that the accident caused these injuries. Unclear causation of injuries or gaps in medical treatment can affect your claim.
- Insurance policy limits: Every insurance policy has limits on the amount it’ll pay out to its holders. If your injuries exceed your PIP limits, you must be able to prove they’re serious in nature.
- Statute of limitations: The statute of limitations for filing a claim in Florida is two years from the date of the accident. Filing a claim after this can result in a null case and no compensation.
- Social media, recorded statements and prior claims history: Statements and evidence must line up with what you claim in your case. Additionally, if you have a history of excessive claims, your current claim may be affected.
- Defendant type: The type of defendant, whether they be an individual driver, commercial carrier or rideshare driver, can impact a case as each type is handled differently.
Types of Damages Awarded in Auto Accident Lawsuits
Several types of damages can be potentially awarded in auto accident cases. Your legal team can help you determine which damages apply to your case and help you prepare the necessary evidence and documentation to prove them.
Examples of damages awarded in car accidents in Florida include:
- Economic damages: Including compensation for medical bills, rehab, prescriptions, travel for care, lost wages and property damage.
- Non-economic damages: Such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment and loss of consortium.
- Punitive damages: While rare, a settlement may include this type of damage if the incident was especially egregious, such as intentional or reckless disregard for others’ safety.
- Wrongful death damages: Including compensation for eligible survivors and estates.
Another critical component of damages awarded is pre- and post-judgment interest. Pre-judgment interest is compensation for money spent before a court decision is made. Post-judgment interest is interest earned between the conclusion of the case and when the final payout is made. This interest is intended to encourage at-fault parties to settle the agreed-upon damages promptly upon case completion.
FAQs About Panama City Car Accident Claims
How much does an attorney charge to represent you in a car accident case in Panama City?
How much an attorney charges to represent you in a car accident case in Panama City varies based on numerous factors. However, most car accident attorneys charge a contingency fee of 25-40% of your compensation. If you don’t win compensation, they don’t charge you.
Do I need a lawyer for a minor crash in Panama City?
Having an experienced auto accident attorney on your side, even when dealing with a minor crash, can increase your chances of receiving maximum compensation. While not required, it’s recommended to seek legal representation for any crash—large or small—in Panama City.
How long do I have to file in Florida?
Florida’s statute of limitations for auto accidents is two years from the accident date. It’s also two years for personal injury lawsuits. This time limit means you have two years from the incident date to file your claim in Florida.
Should I talk to the other driver’s insurer following a car crash?
Florin|Roebig recommends allowing your legal team to handle all communication with insurers, especially in the case of the other driver. Letting your attorney do the talking can protect you from saying something that could negatively impact your case.
What if the at-fault driver is uninsured?
If the at-fault driver is uninsured and you carry uninsured motorist coverage through your insurance provider, you can seek compensation through this coverage. You can also file a civil suit against the at-fault party for damages.
How does Florida PIP affect my claim?
Personal injury protection coverage will provide up to 80% of medical costs with a cap of $10,000, no matter who was at fault for the accident. Your PIP coverage may compensate you regardless of who caused the crash, even if it was you.
Top-Rated Car Accident Attorneys Serving Panama City, FL
Florin|Roebig proudly serves the Panama City area and has had decades of success helping those struggling after an accident reclaim their lives and receive fair compensation. Our law office would be honored to assist you with your case and will provide a free case evaluation to help you understand every facet of your claim and situation.
We ensure every box is checked, from filing evidence to working with insurance adjusters to representing you in court, to help ease the burden and stress following an auto accident. Our in-depth knowledge of Panama City’s rules and regulations ensures that we miss nothing throughout the process.
Since 2010, Florin|Roebig has been recognized yearly as one of the “Best Law Firms in America” by U.S. News and World Report and “Best Lawyers in America.” We set ourselves apart with extensive trial experience, elite resources, on-call experts and a commitment to clear communication with our clients. Additionally, we work on a contingency fee basis, with no upfront costs, and we receive no payment until you receive the compensation you deserve.
Our top-rated car accident attorneys serving Panama City and beyond include:
- Wil H. Florin, B.C.S.
- Tommy D. Roebig, B.C.S.
- Shaun M. Cummings
- Neil P. O’Brien, M.B.A.
- Luca G. Esposito
- Chad K. Florin, M.B.A., LL.M.
- John J. Hart
- Parker Y. Florin, LL.M.
- Taylor D. Roebig
- Michael A. Ossi, O.C.
- Lawrence J. Najem, O.C.
- Nollys R. Solarte, O.C.
We Are Nationally Awarded Lawyers
Contact Florin|Roebig Car Accident Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident in Panama City, Florida, don’t wait a second longer to get the help you need and deserve. We’re available 24/7 by phone and will promptly provide a free case review and overview of your options and next steps. During your call, you receive a timeline overview for your case, an evidence plan and a clear understanding of what you can expect from us at every step.
Quick action can preserve your rights and evidence and strengthen your claim. Contact Florin|Roebig today through one of the following methods to receive the care your case deserves:
- Request more information on our website at florinroebig.com.
- Call the phone number listed on our website.
- Email us at info@florinroebig.com.
- Or you can reach us at our Jacksonville Office:
1506 Prudential Drive
Jacksonville, Florida 32207
A car accident claim in Panama City may be the only way to recoup some of what you’ve lost due to a motor vehicle accident. While nothing can ever right the wrong that occurred, financial compensation can give you the support you need to get through this critical time.
When you reach out to Florin|Roebig, you can discuss all your concerns during your free, confidential consultation. This initial conversation can help you sort out your claim and make it easier to decide if you want to take the next step. Learn more about how to file a car accident claim in Panama City and much compensation you may be eligible to win by setting up a free consultation today.
