When an auto accident happens, motorists and passengers are often injured. Although these injuries are occasionally minor, they are frequently severe enough to lead to medical bills and other losses.
If you have been a victim in a car accident, you may be able to retrieve compensation from the responsible party by filing a car accident claim. The skilled attorneys at Florin|Roebig understand how these claims work, and we can help you maximize your chances of a positive outcome.
Accident Statistics for Pinellas, Florida
The following are the 2023 accident statistics for Pinellas County, Florida, where Safety Harbor is located.
- In 2023, Pinellas County reported 14,819 accidents in total.
- From these accidents, 9,194 injuries occurred and needed medical care.
- 109 deaths resulted from one of the reported accidents.
- Also reported were a total of 4,108 hit-and-run accidents.
Safety Harbor’s Worst Intersections
While no roads can guarantee 100% safety, there are roads in Pinellas County that Safety Harbor residents should proceed with caution. Be sure to obey any and all traffic laws. Pinellas County contains one of the most dangerous intersections.
- Main Street and Philippe Parkway: This intersection has seen several accidents in the past due to factors such as poor visibility, especially at night or during inclement weather, and inadequate or obstructed signage. Additionally, the presence of pedestrians and bicyclists in this area can create further challenges for drivers, raising the potential for collisions.
- Philippe Parkway and Harbor Oaks Drive: Accidents have occurred at this intersection in the past, with contributing factors including limited visibility, inadequate signage, and the presence of pedestrians and cyclists. The proximity of residential areas and parks makes it essential for drivers to remain vigilant and cautious at this location.
The Car Accident Claim-Filing Process
In Safety Harbor, Florida, you are permitted to seek compensation if you acquired any injuries or had your property damaged in an accident. In legal terms, this is referred to as a car accident claim and can be filed by accident 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 all expenses
- Accident victims can take as long as they need to file an accident claim
- Car accident attorneys are too expensive to hire
- Car accident victims have to accept whatever settlement is offered
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Victims of car accidents have to file a lawsuit to receive compensation
“Car insurance companies can be just as frustrating to deal with as the aftermath of a car accident. Many big insurance companies are prepared to fight dirty to avoid having to pay your claim. If you hire an attorney to represent your claim, we can keep your insurance company in check,” says Chad K. Florin, an honorable attorney of Florin|Roebig.
When you are ready to file a claim, the following are steps you can take:
- Gather evidence for your claim: Take pictures and record everything you can at the car accident scene.
- Review your insurance policy: When you have a chance, look over your insurance policy and ensure you understand what it will cover.
- Contact a Florin|Roebig accident attorney: When organizing your documents to file your claim, call a Florin | Roebig lawyer and schedule a free consultation.
- Get a copy of the police report: It is vital 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 agent to start the claims process so you can receive your payment quickly.
Safety Harbor, Florida Laws For Car Accident Cases
There are many car accident laws that Safety Harbor, Florida, residents should be aware of, but two are the most important to understand: the statute of limitations for personal injury claims and the law surrounding fault.
The first thing citizens should know is that Florida is a no-fault state. This means that 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 drivers in Safety Harbor 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. Failing to file your claim by this deadline could forfeit your right to file.
Fault and Liability in Car Accident Cases
Negligence, when referring to a claim, is when a driver does something that directly causes an accident. It is another important legal term that car accident victims will become familiar with.
Factors that can decide fault in auto accidents include:
- Negligence by a driver
- A driver operating a car 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 vehicle malfunction occurred
A person can be at fault for an accident but not liable for it. For instance, if a car malfunctions because the brakes were flawed due to a manufacturing error, which causes the vehicle to brake improperly, the driver would be at fault but may not be liable for the accident.
In this example, the driver may be at fault, but the brake manufacturing company will be held strictly liable.
“The time after a car accident is usually when an accident victim is at their most vulnerable, and insurance companies are ready to take advantage of this. If you call our office, we can help ensure your insurance company treats your claim fairly,” explains Chad K. Florin.
Consideration Of Negligence, Degree Of Fault
In car accident claims, negligence is considered to be any conduct or action that directly results in injury, damage to property, or other consequences.
Classes of negligence in car accident claims that are filed by accident victims include:
- Gross negligence transpires when a driver seriously ignores the safety of other drivers and does not have respect for traffic laws.
- Comparative negligence occurs when each driver is given a percentage of fault and granted damages accordingly.
- Contributory negligence is a claim system that states a claim cannot be filed to seek compensation if a person is found to be even 1% at fault for the accident.
An auto accident rarely happens due to just one driver’s negligence; therefore, courts will allocate at least some share of fault for each driver in most cases.
Critical information to know about fault in car accidents:
- It may be possible for accident victims to seek damages in no-fault states.
- Your percentage of fault may reduce your settlement amount.
- In some states, fault can stop you from pursuing damages.
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What To Do After A Car Accident in Safety Harbor
If you or a family member have been involved in an accident in Safety Harbor, Florida, the following are critical steps that you should take immediately.
1. Seek Medical Care
Accident victims should call 911 as soon as possible so that emergency medical technicians can be sent to the accident scene to check out anyone involved. Some severe injuries have symptoms that do not show up immediately.
2. Collect Contact Information
Information accident victims need to collect includes:
- The names of everyone in the accident
- Phone numbers for everyone who was involved in the accident
- The driver’s license numbers for the drivers
- Insurance policy and company information for all drivers
- The license plate numbers for the vehicles involved
3. Call The Police
In Florida, anyone 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 a critical report for your insurance company and auto accident attorney.
4. Get Photos Or Videos
Accident victims should take pictures and videos of the accident scene when possible. 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
Victims of a car accident need to contact their insurance provider to report the accident as soon as possible. The sooner the claims process begins, the sooner a claim can be processed and a settlement check can be sent.
6. Contact A Florin|Roebig Car Accident Lawyer
Unfortunately, accident victims often run into trouble when trying to get a payment from their insurance company. Big insurance companies will do whatever they can to save money, including denying rightful accident 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 car accidents, 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
- Losing your spouse or partner
- Having to modify your home to accommodate your injuries/disability
- Losing your transportation
- Developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
How Florin|Roebig Can Help With Your Car Accident Claim
Deciding which car accident attorney to take care of you and your car accident claim is an important decision that should be carefully made. The car accident lawyers of Florin|Roebig have been assisting their clients with kindness for forty years.
Advantages that you can gain by hiring a Florin|Roebig auto accident lawyer include:
Car Accident Case Experience
The Florin|Roebig team of car accident attorneys has represented car accident victims in and out of court for forty years. Our lawyers have seen everything big insurance companies can throw at them over the last four decades, so they are ready to champion your claim.
A Strong Personal Injury Claim
Our long history of successfully representing many car accident victims proves that our Florin|Roebig attorneys know precisely what is needed when building a solid, winning claim. From the collected evidence to how you fill out your paperwork, our attorneys know how to build a strong car accident claim.
Negotiating A Fair Settlement
Usually, car accident claims can be handled quickly and efficiently outside the court system. However, your Florin|Roebig lawyer is ready 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 a family member have been in a car accident, you may 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: Collect as much as possible by photo and recording.
- Contact your insurance company: Notify your insurance provider so they can quickly begin your claim.
- Protect your legal rights: Hiring a Florin|Roebig attorney can help ensure you avoid pricey mistakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average settlement for a car accident in Florida?
In Florida, barring any factors that could drastically increase the outcome, a typical car accident settlement is between $5,000 and $30,000.
Should I hire an attorney after a car accident in Florida?
Accident victims are not legally required to hire an attorney to represent their claim; however, having someone on your team who is acutely and thoroughly knowledgeable about Florida’s accident laws is very beneficial.
What is a typical amount of pain and suffering?
Pain and suffering in Florida are generally calculated based on a percentage of special damages, which are typically one and a half to five times the amount of the special damages.
List Of Car Accident Attorneys Serving Safety Harbor
Filing a car accident claim is the best way to pursue compensation after you have been injured in a car accident. However, the process of filing a claim and litigating the matter can be complicated. For this reason, hiring an experienced legal representative is highly recommended.
The team at Florin|Roebig has significant experience representing clients who have been injured in Florida car accidents.
Some of the members of our team who serve clients in the Safety Harbor area include:
- Wil H. Florin, B.C.S.
- Tommy D. Roebig, B.C.S.
- Chase P. Florin, B.C.S.
- Chad K. Florin, M.B.A., LL.M.
- Michael A. Ossi, O.C.
- Taylor D. Roebig
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How to Get Help from Florin|Roebig Attorneys
If you or a member of your family have been in an auto accident in Safety Harbor, Florida, and you are now interested in hiring the top-rated 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]
Filing an auto accident claim in Safety Harbor can be overwhelming, especially if you are still dealing with the accident’s aftermath. You need a qualified attorney to provide guidance and representation throughout your case to give yourself the greatest chance of success in your claim.
At Florin|Roebig, we understand all the conditions of Florida law and can help you construct the strongest possible argument for court. We are devoted to our clients and want to ensure you receive the settlement you deserve. Please contact our office today to schedule a free consultation.
