Unfortunately, the negligent actions of another driver may leave you with serious injury, medical bills, the inability to work, or much worse. In these cases, you can file a car accident claim in Ruskin, Florida, to win compensation.
The auto accident attorneys at Florin|Roebig law firm can offer direction and support to auto accident victims throughout the complicated claim process so that they can recover their losses. Contact Florin|Roebig today for a free case consultation and evaluation.
Accident Statistics for Hillsborough County, Florida
The following are the 2023 accident statistics for the county of Hillsborough, where Ruskin is located.
- In 2023, a total of 27,468 accidents occurred in Hillsborough County, Florida.
- 18,876 injuries resulted from being involved in one of these reported accidents.
- Unfortunately, 234 people lost their lives in an accident in Hillsborough County in 2023.
- 7,067 of the reported accidents in Hillsborough were hit-and-run accidents.
Ruskin’s Worst Intersections
While no roads can guarantee 100% safety, there are roads in Hillsborough County that Ruskin residents should proceed with caution. Be sure to obey any and all traffic laws. These are Ruskins most dangerous intersections in Hillsborough County.
- Shellpoint Road and 24th Street: A new intersection, this multi-lane road has already been responsible for several accidents.
- 6th Street SE and East College Avenue: This intersection is dangerous because it is the convergence of two heavily trafficked roads. The combination of high traffic street and a busy avenue can create high-speed congestion and the potential for serious accidents. Additionally, the intersection is known for having high pedestrian traffic, creating an even higher risk of accidents.
- US-41 and 19th Avenue: Near the Walmart Supercenter, this intersection experiences heavy traffic and vehicle congestion because it is a major intersection for surrounding residential and commercial areas. Additionally, drivers may not be familiar with the signals and how to navigate the intersection, and it can be hard to determine who has the right of way. Finally, there have been numerous accidents reported at this intersection including one fatality in 2018.
The Car Accident Claim-Filing Process
In Ruskin, Florida, car accident victims can seek compensation if they received any injuries or had received damage to their property. In legal terms, this is known as an auto accident claim and can be filed by victims to receive damages, which can be either monetary or non-monetary.
Misconceptions surrounding car accident claims can include the following:
- Auto accident attorneys are not necessary if you have insurance.
- Claims can only be filed by auto accident victims with serious injuries.
- The insurance provider of the at-fault driver will cover everything
- Accident victims can take as long as they need to file an accident claim
- Auto accident attorneys are too expensive to hire
- Accident victims have to accept whatever settlement they are offered
- You have to file an accident lawsuit to receive compensation
“Insurance providers can make a car accident more stressful by making it challenging to file a claim. Hire a car accident attorney at the beginning of the claim process so that we can help make sure your insurance company treats your claim fairly,” 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 filing your accident claim, contact a Florin|Roebig attorney and schedule a free consultation.
- Get a copy of the police report: It is critical that you receive your copy of the police report before you call your insurance company.
- Call your insurance representative: When you are set, call your insurance agent to start the accident claim process so you can receive your settlement quickly.
Ruskin, Florida Laws For Car Accident Cases
There are several car accident laws the residents of Ruskin, Florida, should be aware of, but two are the most significant to understand: the statute of limitations for personal injury claims and the law surrounding fault.
The first thing motorists should know is that Florida is a no-fault state. Every registered Florida driver must have a particular type of insurance called personal injury protection insurance (PIP), which covers medical costs and property damage, no matter 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. If you fail to file your claim by this deadline, you could forfeit your right to file.
How Much Compensation Can You Win?
Depending on various aspects of the car accident, there could be significant compensation coming your way. Car accident lawyers evaluate the details of your claim to estimate what this compensation might be.
Some of the factors they will consider when determining your settlement offer include:
- the types of injuries and where those injuries are
- how that injury affected various aspects of your life
- what that injury has actually cost you financially
- what an injury will cost you for the rest of your life
Your car accident lawyers in Ruskin will use the unique factors in your case to tell a story that the other party, jury members, and others can relate to. Whether in a courtroom or over a settlement table, it’s these compelling stories that win substantial settlement offers for car accident cases.
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Fault and Liability in Car Accident Cases
Negligence, which happens when a motorist does anything that directly leads to an accident, is another significant legal term that car accident victims will become familiar with.
Aspects that can decide fault in auto accidents include:
- Negligence by a driver
- A driver operating a vehicle under the influence of a substance
- Condition of the roads at the time of the accident
- The weather conditions when the accident happened
- Whether or not a car malfunction happened
A driver can be at fault for an accident but not liable for it. For example, if a vehicle malfunctions because defective parts were caused by a manufacturing error, causing the car to work improperly, the driver in this scenario would be at fault but may not be liable for the accident.
Although the vehicle’s driver may be at fault, the part manufacturing company will be held strictly liable.
“If you are having a difficult time understanding terms such as fault, liability, and negligence, consider contacting a Florin|Roebig attorney for a free case consultation so we can walk you through the entire process, ensuring you understand what is likely to happen,” explains Chad K. Florin.
Consideration Of Negligence, Degree Of Fault
In accident claims, negligence is defined as any behavior or action that directly results in injury, damage to property, or other related consequences.
Classifications of negligence in car accident claims that are filed by accident victims include:
- Gross negligence happens when a motorist seriously ignores the safety of other drivers and does not respect the laws of traffic.
- Comparative negligence is defined by each driver being given a percentage of fault and granted damages accordingly.
- Contributory negligence is a type of negligence system that states a claim cannot be filed to pursue compensation if a person is found to be even 1% at fault for the accident.
An auto 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.
Critical information to know about fault in car accidents:
- It may still be possible for drivers to seek damages in no-fault states.
- An accident victim’s percentage of fault may decrease their settlement.
- In some states, fault can prevent accident victims from seeking damages.
What To Do After A Car Accident in Ruskin
If you have been involved in an accident in Ruskin, Florida, the following are important steps you should take immediately.
1. Seek Medical Care
Call 911 as soon as possible so that emergency medical technicians with an ambulance and the police can be dispatched to the accident scene to check out everyone involved. Some severe injuries have symptoms that do not show up immediately.
2. Collect Contact Information
Information you need to collect includes:
- The names of those who were involved in the accident
- Phone numbers for anyone who was in the accident
- The driver’s license numbers for the drivers of the cars
- Insurance policy and company information for all drivers
- The license plate numbers for the automobiles involved
3. Call The Police
In Florida, anyone who has been in an accident that has resulted in injury or property damages is required by law to report it to the police. The police will generate an important report for you to give to your insurance company and car accident lawyer.
4. Get Photos Or Videos
When you can, you need to proceed with taking pictures and recording videos of the accident scene. You should try to get photos of:
- Traffic flow
- 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. The sooner you begin the claims process, the sooner your claim can be processed, and your compensation can be sent your way.
6. Contact A Florin|Roebig Car Accident Lawyer
It is not uncommon for people to run into trouble when trying to get a settlement check from their insurance provider. Insurance companies are notorious for doing whatever they can to save money, including refusing to fulfill rightful claims. Hiring a Florin|Roebig accident attorney can help ensure your claim is treated fairly.
Ways The Accident Can Impact Your Life
For anyone involved in a car accident, far-reaching impacts can touch many aspects of their lives.
Different ways an accident can affect your life include:
- Losing your job
- Losing your ability to make money
- Your pain and suffering
- Losing your independence
- The loss of your spouse or partner
- Having to make changes to your home to accommodate your injuries/disability
- The loss of your transportation or vehicle
- The development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
How Florin|Roebig Can Help With Your Car Accident Claim
After a car accident, choosing which car accident lawyer to take care of you and your claim is an important decision that should be made with caution. The attorneys of Florin|Roebig have been representing their clients with compassion for four decades.
Advantages that you can gain by hiring a Florin|Roebig car accident lawyer include:
Car Accident Case Experience
The award-winning Florin|Roebig car accident lawyers have represented car accident victims in and out of court for forty years. Our attorneys have seen everything the big insurance companies can throw their way during this time, so they are ready to champion your claim.
A Strong Personal Injury Claim
Having successfully represented many car accident victims in our long history, our Florin|Roebig lawyers know precisely what it takes to build a strong, winning claim. From the evidence you collect to how you fill out your paperwork, our attorneys know how to make a solid car accident claim.
Negotiating A Fair Settlement
Usually, car accident cases can be handled quickly and efficiently without the need for the court system. However, your Florin|Roebig attorney is prepared to explain 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 someone you care about 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 a car accident:
- Seek medical attention immediately. Contact 911 to ensure a medical team checks everyone out.
- Collect evidence immediately: Gather as much as possible by photo and video recording.
- Contact your insurance company: Report the accident to your insurance provider so they can begin your claim as soon as possible.
- Protect your legal rights: Hiring a Florin|Roebig lawyer can help ensure you avoid filing or deadline mistakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an attorney charge for a car accident in Florida?
A car accident attorney in Florida usually charges between 25% and 40% of your winning settlement. To further help, Florin|Roebig attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, so you will only pay fees once we win your case.
What is the average settlement for a car accident in Florida?
In Florida, the average settlement a car accident victim can expect to receive is between $5,000 and $30,000. Still, compensation can be increased based on many different factors, such as the severity of your injuries.
Should I hire an attorney after a car accident in Florida?
Car accident victims can handle their claims and lawsuits if they choose, but hiring a car accident attorney can significantly increase your chance of receiving maximum compensation.
List Of Car Accident Lawyers Serving Ruskin
You have the right to file a car accident claim in Ruskin without representation. Given the complexities of the claim-filing process and how these details may impact the outcome, working with car accident attorneys can be a smart move.
The car accident attorneys at Florin|Roebig law firm work with people like you all over the U.S., but they’re right here in Florida and serving the Ruskin area.
Some of our personal injury lawyers who can help you file a car accident claim in Ruskin include:
- Wil H. Florin, B.C.S.
- Tommy D. Roebig, B.C.S.
- John J. Hart
- Chad K. Florin
We Are Nationally Awarded Lawyers
How to Get Help from Florin|Roebig Attorneys
If you or a loved one have been in an auto accident in Ruskin, Florida, and you are now interested in hiring the most sought-after car accident attorneys in Florida, the following are the best ways to contact our offices.
- Call our phone number 24/7
- Our website, florinroebig.com.
- Questions can be emailed to [email protected]
If you or someone you love have suffered financial and personal loss because of a car accident in Ruskin, the legal system supports your efforts to claim damages by filing a car accident claim.
With 40 years of experience and a track record of winning big for our clients, the team of auto accident lawyers at Florin|Roebig is ready to assist. Please call our office to schedule a free consultation.
