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. Its appeal to tourists makes this Gulf Coast city prone to high traffic, increasing the likelihood of accidents as well.
For those who’ve been in a car accident and sustained injuries, filing a car accident claim could be essential to recovery. It’s important to act quickly and be prepared, as choices made early on can shape the way a claim plays out within the legal system. Learn more about the legal services you can find at Florin|Roebig, an auto accident law firm serving the entire state of Florida. Our team of personal injury attorneys wants to hear from you and offers free case reviews.
Common Causes of Sarasota Auto Accidents
Sarasota is a popular area for both locals and tourists, and it also has a significant retirement population. The mix of drivers unfamiliar with the roads and older drivers can make for unsafe roads due to slow reaction times and distracted driving in Sarasota.
A lot of pedestrian and motorcycle accidents occur around the city’s downtown and beach areas. The area is also known for a significant amount of drunk driving and impaired driving incidents, likely due to a mix of the popular nightlife scene in the area and prescription medication use among the senior population.
Common causes of car accidents in Sarasota include:
- Local roads with high accident rates: U.S. 41/Tamiami Trail, Bee Ridge Road/SR-758, I-75 and Clark Road/SR-72.
- Potential local hazards: Beach and tourism traffic around Siesta Key, SRQ Airport access and local construction
- Driver errors: Impaired driving, distracted driving, speeding, tailgating
- Weather and road conditions: Summer storms, low visibility and fog, slick bridges
- Vehicle issues: Worn tires, defective parts, poor maintenance
- Commercial vehicle risks: Delivery van or semi-truck accidents around ports or Sarasota road construction accidents
Sarasota, Florida Car Accident Rates
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) collects data on accidents for all vehicle types and counties in Florida. This data includes Sarasota County crash data, where Sarasota is the second-largest city after North Port. As one of the largest cities in the county, Sarasota car accident statistics may factor significantly in county totals.
Sarasota County car accident statistics for 2024, including Sarasota crash rates, included:
- 6,951 total crashes, with 4,254 injuries and 55 deaths resulting
- 1,570 hit-and-run crashes, with 312 injuries and 6 deaths
- 198 pedestrian and 260 bicycle crashes
- 210 motorcycle crashes with 14 deaths
- 137 alcohol-related crashes, with 63 injuries and 4 deaths
What To Do After a Car Accident
After a car accident, it’s essential to take care of yourself and your loved ones first. If you’re able, it is also vital to gather as much information and evidence while still at the scene as possible.
Steps you can take after a car accident:
- Check for injuries and get medical attention for yourself and all passengers.
- Call 911 to report a car accident in Sarasota and get a police report on file for the accident.
- Exchange information with the other driver(s) and any witnesses that you may need to speak with later.
- File a personal injury protection (PIP) claim to collect PIP benefits.
- Contact a car accident lawyer in Sarasota at Florin|Roebig to get a free consultation and determine your eligibility for a personal injury lawsuit.
- File your claim and wait for your attorney to negotiate a settlement.
- Take your case to court if a settlement offer can’t be reached with the other party.
Common Types of Car Accident Injuries
Many types of injuries are possible in a car accident, including soft-tissue injuries and broken bones. These injuries can be minor or severe, and can play a significant role in personal injury cases and the final settlements awarded to injury victims. Remember, it’s crucial to be checked after an accident, even if you feel fine, as concussion and whiplash symptoms after a crash may not be apparent immediately.
Some common car accident injuries in Sarasota include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Emotional distress
- Fractures or broken bones
- Internal injuries and organ damage
- Back and neck injuries
- Bruises, cuts, lacerations
- Spinal cord injuries
- Burns, disfigurement
Reasons You Should File a Car Accident Claim
You may be wondering if it’s in your best interest to file a car accident claim and if you should, as not all situations necessarily call for one. One of the best things you can do is speak with an experienced attorney who can talk to you about your legal options and give you an overview of the legal process.
Reasons you should file a car accident claim include:
- Covering your medical bills and additional expenses like physical therapy and any future medical treatment.
- Recovering wages lost during the recovery process, or making up for a reduced earning capacity if your job is affected.
- Holding the at-fault party responsible for their negligent actions.
- Paying for property damage if your vehicle has been damaged or totaled by the accident.
- Paying for intangible losses like pain and suffering in a car accident.
- Filing for an uninsured or underinsured motorist (UM/UMI) claim if the other driver doesn’t have any or enough insurance.
Average Compensation for Car Accident Claims in Sarasota
Car accident compensation can vary significantly among car crash victims. For example, a minor accident with few injuries may call for $10,000 or less, while a major accident with catastrophic injuries may call for several million dollars. However, it’s important to remember that your potential car crash compensation in Sarasota will be tailored to your individual case rather than expecting a typical car accident payout for Florida.
Settlement value factors in Sarasota include:
- Whether injuries are minor or serious
- How much time off you need for recovery
- Insurance limits and personal injury protection
- Level of negligence from the at-fault motorist
- Level of property damage
- Whether you can return to work fully
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Factors That Affect Car Accident Cases
In addition to factors that affect fair settlement amounts, other factors can affect personal injury cases. These factors can include how long it takes to settle the case, how complex the case is and the types of outcomes expected.
Florida laws and other issues affecting car accident cases in Sarasota might include:
- Defendant type: Whether the defendant is an individual driver, commercial carrier or rideshare driver makes a difference.
- Quality of evidence for car accident claims: Personal injury claims with strong evidence, such as medical records and police reports, typically have higher payouts.
- Statute of limitations for car accidents in Florida: You have two years to file personal injury claims or wrongful death claims, starting on the date that the motor vehicle accident occurred.
- Quality of legal representation: It’s essential to work with a Sarasota personal injury lawyer with years of experience and a solid track record of winning cases.
Types of Damages Awarded in Auto Accident Lawsuits
Auto accident victims may collect numerous types of damages. The most common type of damages is compensatory damages, which include economic and non-economic damages.
Types of damages in car accidents in Florida include:
- Economic damages: Medical bills, physical therapy, lost wages or lost income
- Non-economic damages: Pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of consortium
- Punitive damages for a car crash in Florida: A form of financial punishment ordered to be paid by defendants in cases of extreme negligence
- Wrongful death damages in Florida: Surviving family members or a person’s estate may collect these damages when fatalities occur in a car accident
Victims may also receive pre-judgement interest or post-judgement interest. These types of compensation may be awarded when there are significant delays between the time of the accident and the time of the judgment or between the time of the judgment and the time they receive their payout.
Top-Rated Car Accident Attorneys Serving Sarasota, FL
For a top-rated injury attorney in Sarasota, consider Florin|Roebig for our expert resources, trial experience and clear communication with our clients. We already have familiarity and relationships with the Sarasota court system and local insurers. And you never have to worry about any upfront fees when working with us because we work on a contingency basis.
Florin|Roebig in Sarasota has already secured more than $1 billion in compensation for our clients. Our excellence is further reflected by our selection as one of the “Best Law Firms in America” and “Best Lawyers in America” for every year since 2010.
We’re taking new clients in Sarasota, Bradenton, Port Charlotte, Venice and throughout Florida.
Experienced car accident attorneys on our esteemed legal team include:
- Wil H. Florin, B.C.S.
- Tommy D. Roebig, B.C.S.
- Shaun M. Cummings
- Neil P. O’Brien, M.B.A.
- Luca G. Esposito
- Chad K. Florin, M.B.A., LL.M.
- John J. Hart
- Parker Y. Florin, LL.M.
- Taylor D. Roebig
- Hal S. Weitzenfeld
- Michael A. Ossi, O.C.
- Lawrence J. Najem, O.C.
- Nollys R. Solarte, O.C.
We Are Nationally Awarded Lawyers
Contact Florin|Roebig Car Accident Lawyers Today
If you’ve been injured in a Sarasota car crash, contacting a successful, experienced car accident lawyer for assistance in filing a car accident claim can help you get back on your feet. More than anything, it’s crucial to act quickly to preserve evidence and your rights to legal action. Get started as soon as today by scheduling a free case evaluation.
Contact Florin|Roebig personal injury law firm by:
- Calling us on our free and confidential hotline, available 24/7.
- Emailing us at info@florinroebig.com.
- Requesting more information on our website at florinroebig.com.
- Visiting the office nearest you listed 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
Consulting Florin|Roebig to discuss 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.
FAQs About Sarasota Car Accidents
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Florida?
To file a car accident claim in Florida, you must be within the statute of limitations. In Florida, this deadline is two years from the date of the accident. The Florida statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is also two years.
How does PIP affect my auto accident claim in Florida?
PIP is considered primary coverage and pays before any other insurance, regardless of whether the other driver was at fault. To qualify, you must seek medical care within 14 days of your accident. PIP caps at $10,000, but serious injuries often exceed this amount, allowing you to potentially pursue additional compensation from the at-fault driver.
Can I claim pain and suffering even if I don’t have any fractures?
Yes, you can claim pain and suffering in Florida without having any fractures. However, you still have to meet the state’s threshold for serious injuries. To meet the serious injury threshold, generally, you must be able to prove that you have a permanent injury or permanent scarring or disfigurement.
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 your case and receive compensation, they won’t charge.
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.
