When you or a loved one are injured in a motor vehicle accident, you may find that you cannot work or even enjoy your life as you once did. Accident victims may also be forced to pay medical bills and rehabilitation costs that leave them in financial distress.
If another driver’s negligence was the cause of your car accident, that driver can be held legally responsible for your related expenses. Contact the skilled car accident lawyers at Florin|Roebig to recover the compensation you deserve.
Accident Statistics for Escambia County, Florida
The following are the 2023 accident statistics for the county of Escambia in Florida, where Pensacola is located.
- A total of 6,153 accidents were reported in Escambia County in 2023.
- As a result of these accidents, 4,878 injuries were reported.
- There were 63 fatalities as a result of one of the reported accidents.
The Car Accident Claim-Filing Process
If you or a loved one has been in a car accident, you are legally allowed to seek compensation if you received any injuries or had property damaged. In legal terms, this is referred to as a car accident claim and is filed by car accident victims to receive damages, which can be either monetary or non-monetary.
Misconceptions regarding car accident claims can include:
- You do not need to hire a car accident attorney if you have insurance
- Car accident claims are only filed by victims with serious injuries
- The insurance of the at-fault driver will cover all expenses
- Car accident victims can take as long as they need to file a claim
- Car accident attorneys are much too expensive for accident victims to hire
- If accident victims are offered a settlement, they must accept it
- The only way to receive the compensation you need is through a lawsuit
When you are ready to file a claim, the following are the steps you can take:
- Compile evidence for your claim: You can do this by taking photos and recording videos of everything at the accident scene.
- Review your insurance policy: When you are home safe, take a moment to review your insurance policy to familiarize yourself with what it will and will not cover.
- Contact a Florin|Roebig accident attorney: As you prepare to file your claim, call a Florin | Roebig attorney and request a free case review.
- Get a copy of the police report: You need to make sure you receive your copy of the official police report before you call your insurance provider.
- Call your insurance representative: When you are prepared, call your insurance representative to initiate the claims process so you can receive your compensation quickly.
Pensacola, Florida Laws For Car Accident Cases
When involved in a car accident, accident victims in Pensacola will learn many laws. However, two are the most important to understand: the statute of limitations for personal injury claims and the law surrounding fault.
The first thing drivers should know is that Florida is a no-fault state, so every registered Florida driver is legally required to have personal injury protection insurance (PIP). This insurance covers medical expenses and property damage, no matter who caused the accident.
The second thing Pensacola car accident victims will learn is the statute of limitations, which is four years for car accident claims in Florida. The statute of limitations is the time frame in which you can bring your accident claim against the at-fault motorist. File your claim by this deadline to ensure you maintain the right to file.
Fault and Liability in Car Accident Cases
Negligence occurs when a motorist does something that directly causes an accident. This is another important legal term that auto accident victims will become acquainted with.
Factors that can determine fault in auto accidents include:
- A negligent driver
- A motorist driving under the influence of alcohol or another substance
- Condition of the roads
- The weather conditions when the accident happened
- Whether or not a vehicle malfunction occurred
If a vehicle malfunctions because faulty brakes were defective due to a manufacturing error, causing the vehicle to brake improperly, the driver would be at fault but may not be liable for the accident.
The driver may be at fault, but the brake manufacturing company will be held strictly liable. This means that even though a driver may have caused an accident, they are not always the one held liable for it.
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Consideration Of Negligence, Degree Of Fault
In car accident claims, negligence is any conduct or action that directly results in injury, damage to property, or other consequences.
Types of negligence in auto accident claims that are filed by car 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: In this case, each motorist is given a portion of fault and granted damages accordingly.
- Contributory negligence declares that a victim can be barred from filing a claim to seek payment if they are found to be even 1% at fault for the car accident.
Car accidents rarely happen due to just one driver’s negligence; therefore, in most cases, courts will allocate each driver at least some share of fault for the accident.
Important information to know about fault in auto accidents:
- Drivers may still be able to seek damages in no-fault states.
- Your percentage of fault may decrease your settlement amount.
- In some states, fault can stop you from seeking damages.
What To Do After A Car Accident in Pensacola
If you are a car accident victim in Pensacola, Florida, the following are crucial steps that you should take immediately.
1. Seek Medical Care
The first and most important thing to do is call 911. This will ensure that an emergency medical crew, an ambulance, and the police are sent to your accident scene. Before they leave, a medical tech should check out everyone involved.
2. Collect Contact Information
Information that needs to be collected includes:
- Everyone’s name
- Phone numbers for everyone
- Every driver’s license number
- Every driver’s insurance information
- License plate numbers for all cars involved
3. Call The Police
Florida law requires that any accident that results in injury or property damage be reported. Reporting the accident will also ensure that the police generate an official report that is valuable to your insurance company and car accident attorney.
4. Get Photos Or Videos
You need to begin taking pictures and recording videos of the car accident scene when possible. Try to get pictures and videos of the following:
- Traffic flow
- Any Injuries sustained
- Any damage to vehicles
- Weather conditions
- Record videos of 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. Beginning the claims process as soon as possible helps ensure you receive the compensation you greatly need for medical expenses and repair bills.
6. Contact A Florin|Roebig Car Accident Lawyer
Unfortunately, accident victims tend to run into trouble when trying to get a settlement from their insurance provider. Insurance companies are notorious for doing whatever they can to save money, including illegal tactics. Hiring a Florin|Roebig accident attorney can help ensure your claim is treated fairly.
Ways The Accident Can Impact Your Life
For car accident victims, far-reaching impacts can touch many facets of their lives.
Various ways an accident can affect your life include:
- Losing your employment
- Loss of your future ability to make money
- The cost of your pain and suffering
- The loss of your independence
- Losing your spouse or partner
- Modifying your home to accommodate your injuries/disability
- The loss of your transportation
- The development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
How Florin|Roebig Can Help With Your Car Accident Claim
You may face many difficult choices when you have been in an accident. One of the most crucial considerations is which car accident attorney to hire to represent your case. The car accident lawyers of Florin|Roebig have been representing their clients with empathy for forty years.
Advantages that you can gain by hiring a Florin|Roebig car accident lawyer include:
Car Accident Case Experience
For forty years, the car accident attorneys of Florin|Roebig have been representing car accident cases with diligence and integrity. Our attorneys have seen everything insurance companies are willing to do to save money, so they are ready to champion your claim.
A Strong Personal Injury Claim
Having successfully represented clients for forty years, our Florin|Roebig team of accident attorneys knows precisely what it takes to build a strong, winning claim. From the evidence you gather to how carefully you fill out your paperwork, our lawyers know how to make a solid car accident claim.
Negotiating A Fair Settlement
In most cases, auto accident claims can be managed quickly and efficiently outside the court system. However, your Florin|Roebig attorney is prepared to represent your claim to a judge when your insurance does not cooperate, or you cannot get the at-fault driver to pay your damages.
Practical Advice for After a Car Accident
If you or a family member has been in a car accident, it is common to feel shocked and unsure what to do next. 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 video recording.
- Contact your insurance company: Notify your insurance agent to begin your claim immediately.
- Protect your legal rights: Hiring a Florin|Roebig lawyer is a great way to ensure you avoid pricey mistakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an attorney charge for a car accident in Florida?
Car accident attorneys typically charge between 25% and 40% of the settlement you receive. Florin|Roebig attorneys also work on a contingency fee basis, so you do not pay any fees unless your case is won.
Should I hire an attorney after a car accident in Florida?
You are not required to hire an attorney for your claim. However, your claim can benefit significantly from the knowledge and experience of an accident attorney.
How much can someone sue for a car accident in Florida?
There is no limit to the amount of compensation a person can be sued for in a car accident case in Florida.
List Of Car Accident Attorneys Serving Pensacola
To file a successful car accident claim, you need a dedicated and skilled car accident attorney on your side. At Florin|Roebig, our experienced car accident lawyers understand all the nuances of personal injury claims in the state of Florida.
Some of the members of our team who specialize in car accidents and personal injury cases in Pensacola, Florida:
- Wil H. Florin, B.C.S.
- Tommy D. Roebig, B.C.S.
- Shaun M. Cummings
- Luca G Esposito
- Taylor D. Roebig
We Are Nationally Awarded Lawyers
How to Get Help from Florin|Roebig Attorneys
If you have been in an accident in Pensacola and are interested in hiring the best car accident attorneys in Florida, the following are the best ways to reach our offices.
- You can call our phone number 24/7
- Or visit our website, florinroebig.com.
- Questions can be emailed to info@florinroebig.com
The car accident claim process in Pensacola can be a complicated and overwhelming experience. You must take the proper steps to ensure you receive the maximum compensation.
However, with the right personal injury lawyer, you will have all the resources you need to be successful in court and bring home the compensation you are owed.
The Florin|Roebig attorneys have vast knowledge of car accident cases in Southwest Florida and can help you pursue the justice you deserve. Call our office today to learn more or to schedule an appointment for a free case evaluation with a car accident attorney.
