Part of the Tampa Bay area, the city of Seminole is known for its peaceful park spaces, proximity to many beaches, and its mix of urban and suburban that makes it an attractive place to live. But although it mostly avoids the hustle and bustle of popular tourist spots, its heavy reliance on cars leads to more traffic and more accidents. In 2023, Pinellas County, where Seminole is located, reported 6,255 crashes, leading to 4,375 injuries and 49 deaths.
Residents of Seminole, Florida know that car accidents are an unavoidable fact of life, but far too many of those auto accidents result in injuries. Filing a car accident claim can help victims recover from the harm caused by car crashes. Read on to learn more about filing a claim in Seminole and how a car accident lawyer can help maximize your compensation.
The Car Accident Claim-Filing Process
Generally, filing an auto accident claim in Seminole involves the following steps.
- Document injuries and damages: Take pictures of the crash scene and any resulting damage. Documents like medical bills will provide proof of your injuries.
- File a police report: Call the cops. They will file a traffic crash report, which you’ll need for your claim.
- Notify your insurance company: Tell your insurer you were involved in a crash immediately. They can provide documentation for your claim.
- Gather evidence: Gather your crash scene photos, police report, medical documentation, and other evidence that backs up your claim.
- Seek legal advice: Call a car accident attorney to explore your legal options before filing your claim. Many law firms often provide free case reviews.
- File your claim: Fill out your claim and include all supporting evidence. If you hire a lawyer, they will likely file the claim on your behalf.
The Importance of Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer
In Seminole, Florida, hiring a car accident lawyer may be crucial to protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve following an accident. Navigating the complex legal landscape can be challenging and stressful, but with the assistance of a skilled board-certified attorney, you can maximize your chances of a successful outcome.
Hiring an experienced car accident lawyer can help you:
- Navigate complex legal issues
- Maximize compensation
- Help negotiate medical bills
- Protect your legal rights
Record-breaking trial attorney Shaun M. Cummings says, “Some accidents are very minor and straightforward and may not require an attorney’s help, but if you were seriously injured or your case involves complexities such as several involved parties or disputed facts, you may need the help of a car accident lawyer to get fair compensation and protect your legal rights.”
By choosing an experienced and knowledgeable lawyer like the experts at Florin|Roebig, who average more than $1 million in compensation for their clients, you’ll have a dedicated advocate fighting on your behalf to secure a fair settlement or verdict that covers your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Reach out today for a free case evaluation.
State Laws For Car Accident Cases
Seminole follows Florida and Pinellas County laws as well as local ordinances, which can factor into your car accident case in many ways.
Traffic Laws
Florida state and local Seminole traffic laws usually form the basis for a car accident claim. Insurance companies or courts will look for evidence that someone’s negligence (carelessness) caused the accident and they should therefore have to compensate the person harmed in the accident. Evidence such as witness testimonies and cameras often show negligence through traffic law violations like speeding or running a red light.
Insurance Coverage Requirements
Under Florida’s no-fault law, 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—and by extension, in Seminole—extends past minimum insurance coverage requirements. If you’re involved in an auto accident, you must use that coverage (called a first-party insurance claim) regardless of whether you were at fault for the accident.
However, if the at-fault driver caused you significant injuries or car damage, you may be able to file a claim against their insurance company (a third-party claim).
Third-party car accident claims require injuries that cause 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
Seminole car accident victims can seek compensation in a few ways.
- First-party personal injury claims
- Third-party personal injury claims
- Personal injury lawsuits
Shaun Cummings explains, “First-party claims can be valuable for getting limited compensation fast. Third-party claims can be more difficult to win, but they often provide more compensation for a wider range of damages.”
Sometimes you can’t agree on a settlement amount with an insurance company and will need to file a lawsuit with the Pinellas County court to begin the trial process. The insurance company will usually come to the table with an acceptable offer after that, but if not, you’ll go to trial, where a judge or jury will decide how much compensation you get.
Understanding Consideration Of Negligence And Degree Of Fault
In 2023, Florida began following a modified comparative negligence standard for car accident cases.
This means:
- Multiple parties can share fault for a car accident.
- Your percentage of fault decreases your overall compensation.
- If you’re over 50% at fault, you can’t collect compensation.
For example, if you were found to be 15% at fault in an accident and your damages totaled $100,000, you could only take home $85,000 in compensation.
Insurance companies may try to put some of the blame for the accident on you to lower the amount they have to pay, but a good attorney can help prepare strong arguments and evidence to make sure you get the compensation you deserve.
Liability In Car Accident Cases
A party who’s liable in a car accident case is legally responsible for compensating someone harmed in the accident.
Car accident cases in Seminole may use the following to help determine liability:
- Negligence: The more negligent someone is found to be, the more likely they are to be liable for compensation if someone is injured in an accident.
- Strict liability: Sometimes a defective car part like a brake cable or a seatbelt will contribute to an accident or make a victim’s injuries worse. In such cases, the manufacturer may be liable even if they weren’t negligent and didn’t intend harm.
- Vicarious liability: This occurs when one party is liable for compensation because of someone else’s actions. For example, if you’re hit by an on-the-job employee, their employer may be liable.
Ways The Accident Can Impact Your Life
In many cases, the injuries sustained in a car accident may be so serious that they require ongoing care. This can result in mounting expenses that add to the stress of recovery.
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 Seminole may include:
- Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
- 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
Contacting Florin|Roebig brings an experienced and compassionate legal team to your corner. Guidance, expertise, and assistance are just a few of the numerous skills that you can access with the help of our car accident lawyers. Help support your path to recovery by reaching out for a free case evaluation.
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What To Do After A Car Accident
In the direct aftermath of a car accident in Seminole, it’s essential to make sure you and your loved ones are safe. However, if you’re able to, taking a few actions right after an accident may save you some time and hardship when filing your car accident claim later.
After a car accident in Seminole:
- Check for injuries and if you need to, seek medical attention immediately.
- Contact law enforcement to report the crash and to start the police report generation process.
- Gather information that would be hard to collect later like witness contact details.
- Document the accident scene by taking video and pictures.
How Florin|Roebig Can Help With Your Car Accident Claim
Florin|Roebig is an exceptional choice for car accident victims in Seminole due to its impressive track record, which includes securing over $1 billion in jury verdicts and settlements for its clients over the past 30 years.
Florin Roebig car accident lawyers offer many services, including:
- Case evaluation
- Legal representation
- Negotiation with insurance companies
- Litigation support
The firm’s commitment to personalized service and its deep understanding of car accident cases make it a trusted partner in your pursuit of justice. By choosing Florin|Roebig, you’ll benefit from their extensive experience and dedication to achieving the best possible outcome for your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an attorney charge for a car accident in Seminole, Florida?
Most car accident attorneys charge 25-40% of your compensation as payment. If you don’t win compensation, they won’t charge.
What is the average settlement for a car accident in Seminole, Florida?
Settlement amounts vary widely depending on the extent of the victim’s injuries and other factors, but most settlements in Florida range between a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars.
Should I call a lawyer after a car accident in Seminole, Florida?
Yes. Even if you don’t end up hiring a lawyer, it’s highly recommended you call a car accident attorney soon after an accident so you can make sure you’re not doing anything to jeopardize your claim and that you’re making the most informed decision about what to do next.
List Of Car Accident Attorneys Serving Seminole
Florin|Roebig has a well-deserved reputation throughout Florida and services areas throughout the state, including in the city of Seminole. Our experienced legal team understands the complexities that make up a car accident claim.
Our car accident lawyers serving clients in Seminole include:
- Wil H. Florin, B.C.S.
- Tommy D. Roebig, B.C.S.
- Shaun M. Cummings
- Michael A. Ossi, O.C.
- Chad K. Florin M.B.A. L.L.M.
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.
Palm Harbor Office
Primary & Administrative Office
777 Alderman Road
Palm Harbor, Florida 34683
Our litigation center, located on 6.2 laked and wooded acres, includes a model courtroom and an on-site trial exhibits production center. Florin|Roebig offers easy access and a local presence for Seminole residents.
The time following a car accident can be confusing and scary. Reach out to Florin|Roebig for experienced guidance, advice, and support during this difficult time. Doing so provides the service, experience, and compassion you need to weather this challenging event.
Florin|Roebig provides you with the extensive experience and excellent service you need to be successful in your car accident claim. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you get the compensation you deserve.
