Located south of Tampa, Sarasota has a unique charm that comes not only from its miles of beautiful beaches but also from its vibrant cultural scene, which originated from its former status as the winter home of the Ringling Brothers Circus. Its appeal to tourists makes the Gulf Coast city prone to high traffic, leading to more accidents.
In 2023, Sarasota County, where Sarasota is located, reported 6,821 crashes, which sadly caused 4,026 injuries and 58 deaths.
For those who’ve been in a car accident and sustained injuries, filing a car accident claim could be essential to recovering physically, financially, and emotionally. Read our guide on filing a car accident claim in Sarasota and how hiring a Sarasota car accident attorney can help.
The Car Accident Claim-Filing Process
Filing most auto accident claims in Sarasota involves the following steps.
- Document injuries and damages by taking pictures of the accident and keeping medical bills and other medical documents.
- File a police report by contacting the police. They can file the report, which you can access later through the Sarasota Police Department.
- Notify your insurance company that you were involved in a crash as soon as possible.
- Gather evidence, including your accident photos, police report, and medical documentation. Keep them somewhere safe.
- Seek legal advice from a car accident attorney by reaching out for a free case review. A lawyer can help you determine your next steps and whether you need legal help.
- File your claim, including all of your supporting evidence. If you hire a lawyer, they’ll likely file your claim on your behalf.
The Importance of Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer
Hiring a car accident attorney in Sarasota can make a huge difference for your case, not just in terms of compensation, but also in reducing stress as you let experts navigate the complicated claims process while you recover.
Hiring an experienced car accident lawyer can help you:
- Navigate complex legal issues
- Maximize compensation
- Help negotiate medical bills
- Protect your legal rights
Car insurance agencies have an incentive to lowball car accident victims. However, experienced car accident lawyers know what range of compensation you’re owed based on the details of your specific case. They also know how to negotiate with insurance agencies to get as close to the higher end of that range as possible.
At Florin|Roebig, our compassionate and skilled car accident lawyers can offer the assistance that an injured person and their loved ones need. Filing a claim for compensation for serious auto accident injuries is a complex matter that can be handled expertly by the right attorney. Reach out today for a free case evaluation.
State Laws For Car Accident Cases
Sarasota follows Florida laws, Sarasota County laws, and local city ordinances, which can all impact your car accident case.
Traffic Laws
State and local traffic laws in Sarasota and Sarasota County are central to helping lawyers, insurance companies, and courts determine what should happen in a car accident case.
Triple board-certified trial attorney Tommy D. Roebig explains, “Car accident cases usually revolve around negligence—essentially, carelessness. It’s especially easy to prove the other driver was negligent if you have evidence like witness testimonies or cameras showing they committed a traffic violation such as speeding or running a red light.”
Insurance Coverage Requirements
Under Florida’s no-fault system, all state-registered vehicles must have the following car insurance coverage:
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): PIP covers 80% (up to $10,000) of all “necessary and reasonable” medical expenses for an injury covered under the plan.
- Personal Damage Liability (PDL): PDL covers $10,000 of another driver’s vehicle or property damage in an accident if you’re at fault.
The No-fault System
The no-fault system in Florida not only requires basic PIP and PDL insurance—it also requires those involved in a car accident to turn to their own insurance for coverage (a first-party claim) regardless of who was at fault.
That said, victims can file a claim against an at-fault driver’s insurance company (a third-party claim) in some cases, such as to cover car damage.
Third-party car accident claims for injuries require at least one of the following:
- Severe and permanent loss of an important bodily function
- Permanent injury
- Severe and permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Death
Legal Remedies Available To Accident Victims
Sarasota car accident victims can seek compensation through:
- First-party personal injury claims
- Third-party personal injury claims
- Personal injury lawsuits
You may need to file a lawsuit with the Sarasota County civil court if you can’t agree on compensation with the insurance company. Usually, this will lead to a settlement, but in some cases, the lawsuit may go to trial, where a judge or jury will decide your case.
Understanding Consideration Of Negligence And Degree Of Fault
In 2023, Florida began following a modified comparative negligence standard. This rule means that multiple people can be at fault in a car accident and their degree of fault can decrease how much compensation they get. It also means anyone found more than 50% at fault isn’t eligible for compensation.
For example, if you’re found 15% at fault for a car accident you were injured in and your total compensation is $100,000, you’d only collect 85% of that total—$85,000.
A good lawyer will fight to make sure you don’t lose compensation because the insurance company tried to pin as much of the fault on you as possible.
Liability In Car Accident Cases
Liability describes who’s legally responsible for compensating the victim of an accident.
Car accident cases in Sarasota may use the following to help determine liability:
- Negligence: Someone who fails to take proper precautions while driving and, as a result, causes an accident, is usually liable for compensation.
- Strict liability: In some cases, a party in a car accident case wasn’t negligent and didn’t intentionally cause harm, but is still responsible for compensation. This may happen with a manufacturer whose defective car part contributed to an accident or made the resulting injuries worse.
- Vicarious liability: Sometimes one party is liable because of the actions of someone else, such as a business whose employee caused an accident while on the job.
Ways The Accident Can Impact Your Life
A car accident in Sarasota can be a minor inconvenience, but it can also cause serious long-term hardship physically, financially, and emotionally.
Some common struggles after a car accident include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Loss of intimacy with a spouse or partner
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Death of a loved one
Car accident resources in Sarasota may include:
- Sarasota Police Department
- Emergency services
- Medical care providers
- Insurance companies
- Therapy and support groups for accident survivors
- Victim advocacy services
- Government agencies
- Nonprofit community safety organizations
- Car accident attorneys
Car accident claims exist to help accident victims recover from the many struggles they can face in the wake of a crash. Don’t leave critical compensation on the table. Florin|Roebig has helped victims get payment and justice for over 30 years, averaging more than $1 million in compensation. Support your recovery by reaching out for a free case evaluation.
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What To Do After A Car Accident
After a car accident, it’s important to take the right action at the right time. After getting the necessary emergency care, there are several steps you can take to increase your odds of filing a successful claim and making the process easier.
After a car accident in Sarasota:
- Check for injuries and seek medical attention immediately if you’re hurt.
- Contact law enforcement to report the crash and get an accident report filed.
- Gather information at the crash scene like witness contact details.
- Document the accident scene by taking pictures or video.
Attorney Tommy Roebig advises, “Don’t underestimate the importance of getting medical attention after a car accident. Not only is it important for your recovery, but getting care quickly makes sure you aren’t cut off from insurance coverage like PIP and that you have an official record of your injuries.”
How Florin|Roebig Can Help With Your Car Accident Claim
Consulting with a skilled car accident attorney can help you determine if they have the basis for a car accident claim in Sarasota. Working with an experienced attorney can also help you maximize your compensation and avoid harassment from bill collectors and insurance companies during your most vulnerable time.
Florin Roebig car accident lawyers offer many services, including:
- Case evaluation
- Legal representation
- Negotiation with insurance companies
- Litigation support
Florin|Roebig has won more than $1 billion in compensation for their clients and their excellence is further reflected by their selection as one of the “Best Law Firms in America” by U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers in America for every year since 2010.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an attorney charge for a car accident in Sarasota, Florida?
Car accident attorneys usually charge between 25% and 40% of your compensation. However, if you don’t win compensation, they won’t charge.
Should I call a lawyer after a car accident in Sarasota?
Yes. It’s a good idea to call a car accident attorney as soon after your accident as possible so you can figure out the best next steps for you. Most law firms offer free consultations.
How much can someone sue for a car accident in Sarasota?
There is no cap on how much you can sue for an auto accident in Florida, including in Sarasota County civil court. To get a realistic compensation range for your case, contact a car accident lawyer.
List Of Car Accident Attorneys Serving Sarasota
The law offices of Florin|Roebig have several experienced, skilled, and compassionate car accident attorneys who serve areas throughout Southwest Florida.
Tommy Roebig, partner and head of the motor vehicle injury department, has obtained multimillion-dollar jury awards in both federal and state court trials, as well as multimillion-dollar recoveries for his clients in motor vehicle negligence cases. Recently, Tommy pursued and obtained a $42 million jury verdict in an intoxicated driving car accident case against Applebee’s and others (the largest contested jury verdict in Hernando County history).
Our car accident lawyers serving clients in Sarasota include:
- Wil H. Florin, B.C.S.
- Tommy D. Roebig, B.C.S.
- Shaun M. Cummings
- Michael A. Ossi, O.C.
- John J. Hart
We Are Nationally Awarded Lawyers
How to Get Help from Florin|Roebig Attorneys
If you are interested in seeking legal advice from our legal team, you can contact our offices to schedule an appointment.
- Our website, florinroebig.com, has an option for requesting more information.
- You can call our phone number 24/7
- For more information regarding our services and free consultations, you can email us at [email protected]
- Or you can reach us at an office near you below.
Fort Myers Office
9160 Forum Corporate Parkway
Suite 310
Fort Myers, FL 33905
Palm Harbor Office
Primary & Administrative Office
777 Alderman Road
Palm Harbor, Florida 34683
If you’ve been injured in a Sarasota car accident, contacting a successful and experienced car accident lawyer for assistance in filing a car accident claim can help.
Consulting Florin|Roebig about the particular details of your accident means you’re working with experienced legal professionals with a long track record of winning for their clients in and out of court. Contact us today for more information and to schedule a free consultation.
