With so many people on the road, car accidents are a certainty in St. Augustine. Many collisions and injuries can happen on the road, from tiny fender benders to fatal crashes or wrongful death. Sometimes, there is a conflict over whose fault it is and how much the accident victim is compensated.
Florin|Roebig understands how personal injury and property damage claims are processed in St. Augustine. If you have been involved in an auto accident, our attorneys are here to provide a free case evaluation and claim evaluation.
Accident Statistics for St. Johns County, Florida
The following are the 2023 car accident statistics for St. Johns County, where St. Augustine is located.
- In 2023, St. Johns County reported a total of 3,789 accidents.
- From these accidents, a total of 1,781 injuries occurred.
- Sadly, 40 people were killed as a result of one of these reported accidents.
- 850 of these accidents were reported as hit-and-run accidents.
- A total of 117 motorcycle accidents happened in 2023 in St. Augustine.
St. Augustine’s Worst Intersections
While no roads can guarantee 100% safety, there are roads in St. Johns County that St. Augustine residents should proceed with caution. Be sure to obey any and all traffic laws. These are the four most dangerous intersections in St. Augustine.
- Ponce de Leon Boulevard (US 1) and King Street: A fatal accident involving a motorist has been reported as recently as December 2021.
- San Marco Avenue and San Carlos Street: This intersection has a notoriously complex layout and is a site of frequent congestion. Additionally, the intersection has a relatively high traffic volume, making it an ideal spot for reckless and careless driving.
- US 1 and Marion St: A trolley that goes down the street has been known to cause problems for inexperienced drivers.
- Anastasia Boulevard and A1A: This intersection is a major access point to and from St. Augustine to destinations like Daytona Beach, Gainesville, and Jacksonville. It is common to see drivers in a hurry, leading to traffic disputes and other dangerous driving behaviors. Additionally, due to the high volume of traffic, long-distance travelers, may become disoriented or confused while navigating the intersection, adding further to the risk of traffic accidents.
The Car Accident Claim-Filing Process
Car accident victims in St. Augustine, Florida, are permitted to seek compensation if they have been injured or have had their property damaged during the accident. In legal terms, this is known as a car accident claim, which car accident victims can file to receive damages, which can be financial or non-financial.
Misconceptions surrounding auto accident claims can include the following:
- Car accident lawyers are not required if you have insurance.
- Claims can only be filed by car accident victims with serious injuries.
- The insurance provider of the at-fault driver will cover everything
- You can take as long as you need to file an auto accident claim
- Car accident attorneys are too expensive to hire
- You have to take whatever settlement you are offered
- The only way to receive compensation is by filing a lawsuit
“Car accidents can leave those involved vulnerable to the antics that insurance companies are willing to do to save money. This can be incredibly frustrating, but hiring a car accident attorney can ensure your insurance company does not mess around with your claim,” says Chad K. Florin, an esteemed attorney of Florin|Roebig.
When you are prepared to file a claim, the following are steps you can take:
- Compile evidence for your claim by recording and photographing everything you can while 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 will and will not cover.
- Contact a Florin|Roebig accident attorney when preparing to file your claim and request a free consultation.
- Get a copy of the police report before you call your insurance company.
- Call your insurance representative to begin the claims process so you can receive your payment quickly.
St. Augustine, Florida Laws For Car Accident Cases
There are car accident laws the citizens of St.Augustine should be aware of. Two of these laws are the most important to understand: the statute of limitations for personal injury claims and the law surrounding fault.
The first thing drivers should know is that Florida is a no-fault state. Every registered Florida motorist must have personal injury protection insurance (PIP) to cover medical costs and property damage, regardless of who caused the accident.
The second thing residents of St. Augustine should know is that the statute of limitations for car accident claims in Florida is four years. The statute of limitations is when you can bring your accident claim against the at-fault motorist. File your claim by this deadline to ensure your right to file.
Fault and Liability in Car Accident Cases
Negligence, when a motorist does anything that directly causes an accident, is another important legal term that car accident victims will become acquainted with.
Factors that can decide fault in auto accidents include:
- A driver’s negligence
- A driver operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of a substance
- Condition of the roads when the accident happened
- The weather conditions at the time of the accident
- Whether or not a vehicle malfunction occurred
In certain circumstances, a person can be at fault for an accident but not liable for it. For example, if a car malfunctions because the brakes were defective due to a manufacturing error, causing the car to brake improperly, the driver would be at fault but may not be liable for the accident.
The driver may be at fault in this scenario, but the brake manufacturing company will be held strictly liable.
“Car accident laws, such as finding who is at fault and what is considered negligence, can be very confusing to people who have been in an accident. Most people do not realize you can get a free consultation to review your case and examine your options,” explains Chad K. Florin.
Consideration Of Negligence, Degree Of Fault
In auto accident claims, negligence is any behavior or action that directly results in injury, damage to property, or other significant consequences.
Forms of negligence in car accident claims that are filed by accident victims include:
- Gross negligence occurs when a driver extremely disregards the well-being of other drivers and does not respect traffic laws.
- Comparative negligence occurs when each driver is given a percentage of fault and granted damages accordingly.
- The Contributory negligence system states a claim cannot be filed to seek payment if a person is found to be even 1% at fault for the accident.
A car accident rarely happens due to just one driver’s negligence; therefore, in most cases, courts will allocate at least some share of fault for each driver.
Critical information to know about fault in car accidents:
- You may still be able to seek damages in no-fault states.
- Your percentage of fault may decrease your settlement.
- In some states, fault can stop you from seeking damages.
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What To Do After A Car Accident in St. Augustine
If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident in St. Augustine, Florida, the following are important steps you should take immediately.
1. Seek Medical Care
It is critical that you call 911 as soon as you can safely. The 911 dispatcher will send an ambulance and police officers to the accident scene to ensure everyone’s safety. Emergency medical technicians will check over everyone to make sure they are not seriously injured.
2. Collect Contact Information
Information you need to collect includes:
- The names of everyone involved in the accident
- Phone numbers for everyone who was in the accident
- The driver’s license numbers for the drivers
- Insurance information for all drivers
- The license plate numbers for the cars involved
3. Call The Police
In Florida, if you or a loved one have been in an accident that has resulted in injury or property damages, you are required by law to report it to the police. The police will generate a report that is important to your insurance provider and car accident lawyer.
4. Get Photos Or Videos
You should begin taking pictures and videos of the accident scene when you can. 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 must call your insurance provider to notify them of the accident when possible. The sooner you begin filing a claim, the sooner your claim can be processed and your compensation check can be sent to you.
6. Contact A Florin|Roebig Car Accident Lawyer
It is not uncommon for accident victims to run into trouble when trying to get a settlement from their insurance company. Insurance companies are infamous for doing whatever they can to save money, including denying rightful claims. Hiring a Florin|Roebig accident lawyer 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 parts of their lives.
Various ways an accident can affect your life include:
- Losing your job
- Losing your ability to make money
- The cost of your pain and suffering
- The loss of your independence
- Losing your spouse or partner
- Having to adjust your house to accommodate your injuries/disability
- Losing your transportation
- The development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
How Florin|Roebig Can Help With Your Car Accident Claim
After a car accident, deciding which car accident attorney to take care of you and your claim is an important decision that should be made with care. The attorneys of Florin|Roebig have won over $1 billion for clients and have been representing them with compassion for forty years.
Benefits that you can gain by hiring a Florin|Roebig auto accident lawyer include:
Car Accident Case Experience
The car accident attorneys of Florin|Roebig have been representing car accident victims both in and out of court for forty years. Our lawyers have witnessed everything insurance companies are willing to do to save money, so they are prepared to champion your claim.
A Strong Personal Injury Claim
With a long history of successfully representing many auto accident victims, including winning over $1 billion for our clients, the Florin|Roebig team of attorneys knows 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
Generally, car accident settlements can be handled quickly and efficiently outside the court system. However, your Florin|Roebig lawyer is prepared to present 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
Anyone in a car crash may be shocked and unsure of what to do next. The following are practical steps to take in the aftermath of an auto accident:
- Seek medical attention immediately by calling 911 to ensure a medical team checks everyone out.
- Collect evidence immediately by photo and recording.
- Contact your insurance company so they can begin your claim immediately.
- Protect your legal rights by hiring a Florin|Roebig attorney to ensure you avoid costly mistakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average settlement for a car accident in Florida?
In Florida, the average settlement for car accidents is between $5,000 and $30,000. However, this amount can be changed according to different factors, such as severe injuries.
Should I get a lawyer after a car accident in Florida?
You are always encouraged to seek the legal advice of an attorney, such as the award-winning attorneys of Florin|Roebig before you file your accident claim. If your claim turns into a lawsuit, it is beneficial to have legal representation already.
How long does a car accident lawsuit take in Florida?
The average length of time it takes to settle a car accident lawsuit in Florida is between four and six weeks. Extenuating circumstances can make this time longer, however.
List Of Car Accident Lawyers Serving St. Augustine
Florin|Roebig was founded to give people the means to secure financial compensation for injuries they sustained that were out of their control. We serve many areas throughout the Northeast Florida coast, as well as the rest of the state.
Whether you experienced an accident or you’re fighting on behalf of a loved one, the following personal injury attorneys on our legal team, as well as many others, can give you an edge:
- Wil H. Florin, B.C.S.
- Tommy D. Roebig, B.C.S.
- Chase P. Florin, B.C.S.
- Luca G. Esposito
We Are Nationally Awarded Lawyers
How to Get Help from Florin|Roebig Attorneys
If you or a loved one have been in an accident in St. Augustine and are ready to hire the best car accident attorneys in Florida, the following are the best ways to reach our offices.
- Call our phone number 24/7
- Our website, florinroebig.com.
- Questions can be emailed to [email protected]
There is more than one reason to file a claim, and the Florin|Roebig team of accident attorneys can assist you in understanding the benefits of doing so. Anyone who wants the best opportunity to secure damages for what they lost in an accident is advised to hire a top-rated attorney.
Contact Florin|Roebig today for a free consultation to better understand what will happen if you file a car accident claim and how much you may win.
