Pine Hills citizens may be injured in a car accident at any time. Although some accidents are minor, other accidents can leave you with chronic pain, disability, financial loss, and other serious consequences.
While it is legally possible to file a car accident claim without the help of a car accident attorney, having a skilled attorney like those at Florin|Roebig on your side can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.
Accident Statistics for Orange County, Florida
The following are the 2023 accident statistics for Orange County, Florida, where the town of Pine Hills is located.
- In 2023, a total of 26,242 accidents were reported in Orange County, Florida.
- As a result of these accidents, 19,612 injuries were treated and reported.
- 168 fatalities occurred as a result of one of the reported accidents.
Pine Hill’s Most Dangerous Intersections
All roads can contain hazards that make things difficult for even the most experienced driver. While no roads can guarantee 100% safety, there are roads in Orange County that Pine Hills residents should proceed with caution. Be sure to obey any and all traffic laws. Orange County contains one of the most dangerous intersections.
- Silver Star Rd & N Pine Hills Rd: This intersection is considered dangerous due to a high number of accidents and fatalities reported. Factors contributing to its dangerous reputation include heavy traffic and the lack of certain safety features like a designated turn lane and traffic signal.
- N Pine Hills Rd and W Colonial Dr (SR 50): This busy intersection sees a high volume of vehicular and pedestrian traffic due to its proximity to residential neighborhoods, businesses, and shopping centers. The combination of multiple lanes, traffic signals, and pedestrian crossings can make this intersection challenging to navigate safely. Accidents at this location may be caused by factors such as driver inattention, failure to yield, or confusion due to unclear traffic signals.
- N Hiawassee Rd & Silver Star Rd: One of the main reasons this Pine Hills intersection sees so many car accidents is from the complex traffic patterns, driver behavior (e.g., speeding, aggressive driving, or failure to yield), inadequate signage, and limited visibility. It is essential for Pine Hills drivers to be aware of these potential hazards and exercise caution when navigating the intersection to minimize the risk of accidents.
The Car Accident Claim-Filing Process
Pine Hills, Florida, residents are allowed to seek compensation if they are injured or have property damaged during an accident. Legally, this is known as a car accident claim and can be filed by auto accident victims to obtain damages, which can be either monetary or non-monetary.
Misunderstandings surrounding car accident claims can include the following:
- Car accident attorneys are not necessary if you have auto insurance
- Accident claims can only be filed by accident victims with serious injuries
- The insurance of the at-fault driver will cover all damages and expenses
- Accident victims can take as long as they need to file a claim
- Car accident lawyers are too costly to hire
- Accident victims have to accept whatever settlement they are offered
- Accident victims have to file a lawsuit to receive compensation
“Insurance providers can make a car accident more upsetting by making it challenging to file the claim. Hire a car accident attorney at the beginning of the claim process so we can help ensure your insurance company cooperates,” says Chad K. Florin, an esteemed attorney of Florin|Roebig.
When you are ready to file a claim, the following are steps you can take:
- Compile evidence for your claim: Take pictures and record everything at the car accident scene.
- Review your insurance policy: When you have a moment, look over your insurance policy and ensure you understand what it covers.
- Contact a Florin|Roebig accident attorney: When preparing to file your claim, contact a Florin|Roebig attorney and request a free consultation.
- Get a copy of the police report: You need to make sure you receive your copy of the police report before you call your insurance provider.
- Call your insurance representative: When you are ready, call your insurance representative to begin the claims process so you can hopefully receive your payment quickly.
Pine Hills, Florida Laws For Car Accident Cases
The citizens of Pine Hills, Florida, should be aware of car accident laws, two of which are the most important to understand: the statute of limitations for personal injury claims and the law surrounding fault.
First, motorists in Pine Hills should know that Florida is a no-fault state. This means every licensed Florida driver is required to have personal injury protection insurance (PIP), which covers medical costs and damaged property, no matter who caused the accident.
Secondly, Pine Hills, Florida residents should understand the statute of limitations, which is four years for car accident claims in Florida. The statute of limitations is the time frame an accident victim has to bring an accident claim against the at-fault motorist. If a person fails to file their claim by this deadline, they could forfeit their right to file.
Fault and Liability in Car Accident Cases
Negligence occurs when a driver does something that directly causes an accident and is another significant legal term that car accident victims may become familiar with.
Factors that can decide fault in auto accidents include:
- Negligence by a driver
- A driver driving under the influence of a substance
- Condition of the roads
- The weather conditions when the accident occurred
- Whether or not a vehicle malfunction occurred
If a car malfunctions because the brakes were faulty due to a manufacturing error, causing the vehicle to brake incorrectly, the motorist would be at fault but may not be liable for the accident.
The driver may be at fault for this accident, but the brake manufacturing company will be held strictly liable. It is possible for a person to be at fault for an accident without being held liable for it.
“Car accident victims are often left in a state of shock and confusion, which can make them vulnerable to the bullying tactics of an insurance company. When you hire a reputable car accident attorney, we can help ensure your insurance company does not play games,” assures Chad K. Florin.
Consideration Of Negligence, Degree Of Fault
In auto accident claims, negligence is defined as any conduct or activity that directly results in injury, damage to property, or other consequences.
Forms of negligence in auto accident claims that are filed by car accident victims include:
- Gross negligence happens when a motorist seriously ignores the safety of other drivers and does not respect traffic laws.
- Comparative negligence is a system in which each driver is given a portion of fault and granted damages accordingly.
- Contributory negligence is a system in which a claim cannot be filed to pursue 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, in most cases, courts allocate at least some of the fault to each driver.
Important information to keep in mind regarding fault in car accidents:
- Drivers may still be able to seek damages in no-fault states.
- A person’s settlement may be reduced by their percentage of fault.
- Fault can prevent you from seeking damages in some states.
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What To Do After A Car Accident in Pine Hills
The following steps should be taken immediately if you or a loved one have been involved in a car accident in Pine Hills, Florida.
1. Seek Medical Care
Contact emergency services or 911 when you can safely do so. It is important to have emergency medical technicians and the police sent to the scene of an auto accident to ensure everyone’s safety.
2. Collect Contact Information
Information accident victims need to collect includes:
- The names of everyone involved in the collision
- Telephone numbers for everyone who was in the car accident
- The driver’s license numbers for those who were driving
- The insurance information for everyone who was driving
- The license plate numbers for the cars involved
3. Call The Police
In Florida, it is legally required that anyone who is involved in a car accident that results in injury or property damage must report the accident to the police. When the police come to the scene, they will collect information and generate a report with it, which is going to be helpful for your claim.
4. Get Photos Or Videos
When it is safe to do so, accident victims need to begin taking photographs and videos of the accident scene. You should try to get pictures of:
- Traffic flow
- Injuries
- Vehicle damage
- Weather conditions
- Record witness statements
5. Report The Accident To Your Insurance Company
Accident victims need to contact their insurance providers as soon as possible to report the accident. If accident victims can quickly begin the claims process, the claim can be processed, and a settlement check can be sent their way.
6. Contact A Florin|Roebig Car Accident Lawyer
It is common to run into trouble when trying to get a settlement check from an insurance provider. Insurance companies are notorious for doing whatever they can to save money, including denying rightful claims. Hiring a Florin|Roebig accident attorney can help make sure your claim is treated fairly.
Ways The Accident Can Impact Your Life
For those involved in an auto accident, far-reaching consequences can touch many facets of their lives.
Various ways an accident can affect your life include:
- Loss of your job
- Loss of your potential income
- The cost of your pain and suffering
- Loss of your independence
- The loss of your spouse or partner
- Having to make modifications to your residence to accommodate your injuries/disability
- Losing your method of transportation
- The development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
How Florin|Roebig Can Help With Your Car Accident Claim
After being in an auto accident, determining which auto accident lawyer to represent your claim is a crucial decision that should be made carefully. The team Florin|Roebig accident attorneys have been representing their clients with compassion for forty years.
Advantages that accident victims can gain by hiring a Florin|Roebig attorney include:
Car Accident Case Experience
The Florin|Roebig team of car accident attorneys has been representing accident victims for forty years and has gained immense knowledge and experience during this time. Our attorneys have seen many types of claims, and we know the best way to proceed with accident claims.
A Strong Personal Injury Claim
After representing many different claims cases, our team of car accident attorneys has developed a strong sense of what it takes to build successful claims. When you hire a Florin|Roebig attorney, we will work closely with you to construct a solid and winning claim.
Negotiating A Fair Settlement
Generally, car accident claims in Florida are relatively straightforward and easy to settle. Still, sometimes an insurance company refuses to pay, or your damages require more compensation. When this happens, having a Florin|Roebig attorney can ensure that your claim has been explained thoroughly to a judge.
Practical Advice for After a Car Accident
It is common for car accident victims to feel shocked and uncertain about what to do next. The following steps can be helpful to take in the aftermath of a car accident:
- Seek medical attention immediately. Call 911 to make sure everyone in the accident is checked out by a medical team.
- Collect evidence immediately: Take as many photos and recordings of the accident scene as possible.
- Contact your insurance company: Notify your insurance provider so they can initiate the claim process as soon as possible.
- Protect your legal rights: Hire a Florin|Roebig lawyer to ensure you avoid making any costly mistakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Florida a no-fault state for car accidents?
Yes, Florida is a no-fault state for accidents, meaning every party involved will file their claims with their insurance companies.
Can you file a police report after an accident in Florida?
Florida law states that accidents resulting in injury or property damage must be reported to the police.
What is a reportable accident in Florida?
An accident in which property is damaged, or a person is injured or killed must be reported to Florida police.
Top Car Accident Attorneys Serving Pine Hills
Filing a car accident claim in Pine Hills is no small undertaking. In order to ensure that your claim has the best possible chance of success in court, you need the right attorney representing you.
The attorneys at Florin|Roebig are experienced and have a strong record of success when representing clients in these cases.
Some of the members of our staff serving clients in Pine Hills include:
- Wil H. Florin, B.C.S.
- Tommy D. Roebig, B.C.S.
- Michael L. Walker, B.C.S.
- Chase P. Florin, B.C.S.
- Michael A. Ossi, O.C.
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How to Get Help from Florin|Roebig Attorneys
If you or a family member have been hurt in a car accident in Pine Hills, Florida, and you want to hire the best auto accident attorneys in Florida, the following are the best ways to contact our legal team.
- Call us 24/7
- Our website, florinroebig.com.
- Questions can be emailed to [email protected]
Florin|Roebig has represented clients in car accident claims across Florida, including Pine Hills, for many years. If you or a loved one have been hurt or have had your property damaged in a car accident, you are likely considering filing a personal injury claim.
When you do, our accident attorneys will gladly help you review your options. Please call our office today to schedule a free consultation to learn more.
