In many cases, accidents leave victims with injuries that can prevent them from working and result in expensive medical bills. Victims should file a car accident claim against the driver who caused the crash to recover the losses sustained in an auto accident.
The experienced car accident attorneys at Florin|Roebig are here to assist you in getting the compensation you deserve.
Accident Statistics for Charlotte County, Florida
The following are the 2023 accident statistics for Charlotte County, where Punta Gorda is located.
- 2,813 total accidents occurred in Charlotte County in 2023.
- 1,860 injuries were reported as a result of one of these accidents.
- 34 people were killed during an accident in 2023.
List of Punta Gorda’s Worst Intersections
While no roads can guarantee 100% safety, there are roads in Punta Gorda that residents should proceed with caution. Be sure to obey any and all traffic laws. Punta Gorda contains some of Charlotte Counties’ most dangerous intersections.
- Jones Loop Road and Taylor Road: Previous accidents at this intersection underscore the critical nature of certain hazards that plague the location. The inherent danger stems from factors such as compromised visibility during nighttime or adverse weather conditions, substantial traffic congestion, and insufficient or obstructed signage. The intricacies of roadway design, including the presence of multiple lanes, turn lanes, and the proximity of commercial establishments, can compound driver confusion, exacerbating the risk of accidents. It is essential to address these shortcomings in infrastructure and traffic light systems to enhance safety and reduce collisions at this intersection.
- US-41 and Burnt Store Road: This intersection, a notorious hotbed of accidents, harbors a perilous mix of high-speed traffic, elusive signage, and speeding turning vehicles. Its confusing layout puts drivers in a maze of lanes and turns, leaving them vulnerable to mishaps and accidents.
- US-41 and Aqui Esta Drive: This intersection has experienced a high number of accidents over the years. Factors contributing to its danger include heavy traffic volumes, poor visibility, and complex traffic patterns. The presence of multiple lanes and turn lanes can make it challenging for drivers to navigate the intersection safely and predict the movements of other vehicles, leading to collisions.
The Car Accident Claim-Filing Process
In Punta Gorda, Florida, accident victims can pursue compensation if they receive injuries or have their property damaged. In legal terms, this is referred to as a car accident claim, which victims can file to obtain damages, which can be either financial or non-financial.
Misunderstandings surrounding car accident claims can include the following:
- Auto accident lawyers are not required if you have insurance.
- Accident claims can only be filed by auto accident victims with severe injuries.
- The insurance provider of the at-fault motorist will cover all expenses
- Accident victims can take as long as they need to file an auto accident claim
- Car accident attorneys are too expensive to hire
- You have to accept whatever settlement you are offered
- You have to file a lawsuit to receive compensation
“There are many stressful steps that need to be taken after a car accident occurs, such as filing a car accident claim with your insurance company. One way to lower the stress you have to deal with is by hiring a car accident attorney you can trust to handle the filing,” 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 of and record everything you can while at the car accident scene.
- Review your insurance policy: When you are able to do so, look over your insurance policy to ensure you understand what it covers.
- Contact a Florin|Roebig accident attorney: When you are ready to file your accident claim, contact a Florin | Roebig attorney and request a free consultation.
- Get a copy of the police report: It is crucial that 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 start the claim process so you can quickly receive your payment.
Punta Gorda, Florida Laws For Car Accident Cases
There are a few car accident laws the citizens of Punta Gorda, Florida, should know about, but two are the most important to understand: the statute of limitations for personal injury claims and the laws surrounding the determination of fault.
First, drivers should know that Florida is a no-fault state, which means every registered Florida driver must have personal injury protection insurance (PIP), which covers medical costs and property damage, regardless of who caused the accident.
The second thing motorists in North Miami Beach should understand is the statute of limitations, which is four years for car accident claims in Florida. The statute of limitations is when you can bring your accident claim against the at-fault motorist. Make sure you file your claim by this deadline to ensure your right to file.
Fault and Liability in Car Accident Cases
Negligence, which occurs when a driver does anything that directly causes an accident, is another important legal term that auto accident victims will soon become familiar with.
Factors that can decide fault in auto accidents include:
- Negligence by a driver
- A driver operating under the influence of a substance
- The condition of the roads
- The weather conditions
- Whether or not a vehicle malfunction occurred
A person can be at fault for an accident but not liable for it. If a vehicle malfunctions because brakes were defective due to a manufacturing error, causing the car to brake improperly, the driver would be at fault but may not be liable for the accident.
Although the driver in this scenario may be at fault, the brake manufacturing company will be held strictly liable.
“Navigating the aftermath of a car accident can be difficult and tricky for accident victims to do on their own. By hiring an attorney to manage your claim, you can ensure that every detail will be taken care of on your behalf,” explains Chad K. Florin.
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 happens when a motorist seriously violates the safety of other drivers and does not respect traffic laws.
- Comparative negligence states that each driver is to be given a percentage of fault and granted damages accordingly.
- The contributory negligence system states a claim is unable to be filed to pursue payment if a person is found to be even 1% at fault for the accident.
A car accident rarely happens due to just one driver’s negligence; therefore, in most cases, courts will allocate at least some share of fault for each driver.
Critical information to know about fault in car accidents:
- Drivers may still be able to seek damages in no-fault states.
- Your percentage of fault may decrease your settlement.
- Fault can prevent you from seeking damages in some states.
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What To Do After A Car Accident in Punta Gorda
If you or a loved one have been involved in a car accident in Punta Gorda, Florida, the following are important actions that should be taken immediately.
1. Seek Medical Care
Call 911 immediately so that emergency medical technicians can be sent to the car accident scene to ensure that everyone involved in the accident is given medical attention. There are serious injuries that have symptoms that may not show up right away.
2. Collect Contact Information
Information car accident victims need to collect includes:
- The names of all those who were involved in the accident
- Phone numbers for everyone involved in the accident
- The driver’s license numbers for the motorists
- Insurance company and policy information for all drivers
- The license plate numbers for the vehicles involved
3. Call The Police
In Florida, you are required to contact the police to file a report if you were involved in a car accident that caused injury or property damage to occur. When the police investigate the accident, they will produce a report that your insurance company and car accident attorney will need.
4. Get Photos Or Videos
When you can, you need to begin taking photos and recording videos of the car accident scene. Important things you should try to get pictures of include:
- Traffic flow
- Injuries
- Vehicle damage
- Weather conditions
- Record witness statements
5. Report The Accident To Your Insurance Company
Once you have been released by the EMTs and the police, you need to call your insurance representative in order to file your claim. They will ask you to walk them through what happened and may have more detailed questions for you.
6. Contact A Florin|Roebig Car Accident Lawyer
Even if your car accident claim is going well, you may still want to consider contacting a Florin|Roebig attorney for a free consultation and case evaluation. During this meeting, one of our attorneys will explain what your legal options are and can provide support for you during this stressful time.
Ways The Accident Can Impact Your Life
For people who have been involved in a car accident, far-reaching consequences can touch many parts of their lives.
Various ways an accident can affect your life include:
- Loss of your employment
- Loss of your ability to make money in the future
- The cost of your pain and suffering
- The loss of your independence
- The loss of your partner or spouse
- Having to make modifications to your home to adjust to your injuries/disability
- The loss of your mode of transportation
- The development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
How Florin|Roebig Can Help With Your Car Accident Claim
Many people are not aware of how beneficial hiring a car accident attorney to help with your claim can be, even if there are no difficulties in filing. Our attorneys at Florin-Roebig are board-certified and have been assisting clients with their claims for forty years.
Advantages that you can gain by hiring a Florin|Roebig auto accident lawyer include:
Car Accident Case Experience
For forty years our accident attorneys have been representing car accident cases of all kinds. This means they have gathered a wealth of knowledge about the types of tactics insurance companies are willing to use in order to keep money.
A Strong Personal Injury Claim
Due to our many years of successfully representing all kinds of accident cases, both in and out of court, our attorneys have learned what it takes to build a solid, winning case. With a long history of championing our clients, our law firm emerges as the undisputed frontrunner in legal representation.
Negotiating A Fair Settlement
In most cases, auto accident settlements can be managed quickly and efficiently without needing to go to court. However, when the insurance company does not cooperate or you cannot get the at-fault motorist to pay your damages, a Florin|Roebig attorney is prepared to explain your claim to a judge.
Practical Advice for After a Car Accident
If you have been in a car accident, you may be feeling stunned and uncertain of what to do next. The following are helpful actions to take in the aftermath of an auto accident:
- Seek medical attention immediately. Call 911 to guarantee everyone is checked out by a medical technician.
- Collect evidence immediately: Accumulate as much evidence by photograph and video recording as you can.
- Contact your insurance company: Inform your insurance provider so they can start your claim as soon as possible.
- Protect your legal rights: Hiring a Florin|Roebig attorney can help make sure you avoid costly mistakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an attorney charge for a car accident claim in Florida?
In Florida, car accident attorneys generally charge between 25-40% of the settlement you receive for your case. Florin|Roebig attorneys also work on a contingency fee basis, which means you will not need to pay any fees upfront, and we do not get paid unless we win your case.
Should I hire an attorney after a car accident in Florida?
Car accident victims in Florida are legally allowed to handle their accident claim on their own, however, you stand a better chance of receiving maximum compensation if you hire a Florin|Roebig accident attorney to represent your claim.
How long does it take to settle a car accident case in Florida?
The average car accident case is settled in four to six weeks. However, extenuating circumstances can mean that a claim takes longer, such as needing to go to court.
List Of Car Accident Attorneys Serving Punta Gorda
Filing a car accident claim is the most effective way to recover compensation and ensure that justice is served when you have been injured in a car accident. However, this process can be complicated. To ensure that you have all the resources you need to be successful in court, it is in your best interest to hire an experienced attorney.
The staff at Florin|Roebig understands these complex cases, and we are here to help you succeed.
Some of the attorneys on our staff who serve clients in Punta Gorda include:
- Wil H. Florin, B.C.S.
- Tommy D. Roebig, B.C.S.
- Chase P. Florin, B.C.S.
- Luca G Esposito
- Chad K. Florin, M.B.A., LL.M.
- Taylor D. Roebig
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How to Get Help from Florin|Roebig Attorneys
If you or a loved one have been in an auto accident in Punta Gorda, Florida, and you are ready to hire the best auto accident attorneys in Florida, the following are the best ways to get in touch with our offices.
- Call our phone number 24/7
- Our website, florinroebig.com.
- Questions can be emailed to [email protected]
If you or a family member have been hurt in an auto accident, you need to act quickly to protect your right to collect compensation. If you are ready to file a car accident claim in Punta Gorda, you need the most qualified attorney on your side.
The attorneys at Florin|Roebig have extensive experience with accident cases, and we are here to help you seek the justice you deserve. Please call our office today to schedule a free consultation and case evaluation with a member of our team.
