Auto accidents often leave victims with life-altering consequences. Depending on the events of the accident, you may be forced to deal with pain, psychological trauma, and even permanent disabilities. Victims may also face expenses related to both medical care and lost wages.
However, filing an auto accident claim in Sun City Center (also called Sun City) can be daunting. If you are thinking about filing a claim, you need legal representation. At the law offices of Florin|Roebig, we have experience with these types of cases and can help you maximize your chances of success in court.
Accident Statistics for Hillsborough County, Florida
The following are the 2023 accident statistics for Hillsborough County, where Sun City, Florida, is located.
- In 2023, a total of 27,468 accidents were reported in Hillsborough County, Florida.
- From these accidents, a total of 18,867 occurred.
- A total of 234 fatalities were reported to have occurred as a result of one of these accidents.
- 7,067 of these accidents were classified as hit-and-run accidents.
The Car Accident Claim-Filing Process
Accident victims in Sun City, Florida, are entitled to seek compensation if they have been injured or have received damage to their property during the car accident. In legal terms and in the insurance industry, this is known as a car accident claim, which victims can file to receive damages that can be financial or non-financial.
Misunderstandings surrounding car accident claims can include the following:
- Car accident attorneys are not required if you have insurance.
- Accident claims can only be filed by victims with serious injuries.
- The insurance company of the at-fault driver will cover all expenses
- Victims can take as long as they need to file a car accident claim
- Car accident attorneys are too expensive to hire
- Accident victims have to take whatever settlement they are offered
- The only way to receive compensation is by filing a lawsuit
When you are prepared to file a claim, the following are steps you can take:
- Collect evidence for your claim by documenting and photographing everything you can while at the car accident scene.
- Review your insurance policy when you have time. Make sure you know what it covers and does not cover.
- Contact a Florin|Roebig accident attorney when you are ready to file your accident claim and request a free consultation and case evaluation.
- Get a copy of the police report before you contact your insurance provider.
- Call your insurance representative to start the claim process so you can obtain your compensation quickly.
Sun City Center, Florida Laws For Car Accident Cases
The residents of Sun City need to be aware of several car accident laws. Two of these accident laws are the most important to know: the statute of limitations for personal injury claims and the law surrounding fault.
The first thing motorists should know is that Florida is a no-fault state. Every documented Florida driver must have personal injury protection insurance (PIP) to cover medical costs and property damage, regardless of who caused the accident.
The second thing drivers in Sun City should know is that the statute of limitations, which is the time limit for filing a claim against an at-fault motorist for car accident claims, is four years in Florida. File your claim by this deadline to ensure your right to file.
Fault and Liability in Car Accident Cases
Negligence, when a driver does anything that directly causes an accident, is another significant legal term that auto accident victims will become familiar with.
Aspects that can decide fault in auto accidents include:
- The negligence of a driver
- A driver operating a car while under the influence of a substance
- The condition of the roads when the accident occurred
- The weather conditions at the time of the accident
- Whether or not a vehicle malfunction happened
In some circumstances, a driver can be at fault for an accident but not liable for it. For instance, if a car malfunctions because of a defective car part due to a manufacturing error, causing the car part to work improperly, the driver would be at fault but may not be liable for the accident.
The driver may be at fault in this example, but the car part manufacturing company will be held strictly liable.
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Consideration Of Negligence, Degree Of Fault
In car accident claims, negligence is defined as any behavior or conduct that directly results in injury, property damage, or other significant consequences.
Types of negligence in car accident claims that are filed by accident victims include:
- Gross negligence occurs when a driver seriously disregards the well-being of other motorists and does not respect traffic laws.
- Comparative negligence occurs when each motorist is given a portion of the fault and awarded damages accordingly.
- The Contributory negligence system states that a claim cannot be filed to pursue payment if a person is found to be even 1% at fault for the accident.
A car accident rarely occurs due to just one driver’s negligence; therefore, in most cases, courts allocate at least some of the fault to each driver.
Important information to know about fault in car accidents:
- Accident victims may still be able to seek damages in no-fault states.
- A person’s percentage of fault may decrease your settlement.
- In some states, fault can prevent you from seeking damages.
What To Do After A Car Accident in Sun City
If you have been involved in a car accident in Sun City, Florida, the following are the steps that you should take as soon as it is safe to do so.
1. Seek Medical Care
It is imperative that you call 911 as soon as you can. The 911 operator will dispatch an ambulance and police officers to the car accident scene to make sure everyone is safe. A team of emergency medical technicians will check over everyone thoroughly to ensure they are not seriously injured.
2. Collect Contact Information
Information you need to collect includes:
- The names of everyone involved in the auto accident
- Phone numbers for everyone who involved in the crash
- The driver’s license numbers for the drivers involved
- Insurance policy and provider information for all drivers
- The license plate numbers for the vehicles involved
3. Call The Police
In Florida, if you or a family member have been in an auto accident that has resulted in injury or damage to property, you are mandated by law to report it to the police. The police will develop a report that is important to your insurance company and auto accident attorney.
4. Get Photos Or Videos
Accident victims should begin taking pictures and videos of the accident scene when they can. Accident victims should try to get photos of the following:
- Flow of traffic
- Injuries
- Damage to vehicles
- Weather conditions
- Record witness statements
5. Report The Accident To Your Insurance Company
You need to call your insurance representative to inform them of the accident as soon as possible. The sooner you begin the claim process, the sooner your claim can be processed and your settlement check can be sent to you.
6. Contact A Florin|Roebig Car Accident Lawyer
Unfortunately, accident victims often run into trouble when trying to get compensation from their insurance provider. Insurance companies are notorious for doing anything they can to save money, including denying claims that should be approved. When you hire a Florin|Roebig accident attorney, we can help ensure your claim is treated fairly.
Ways The Accident Can Impact Your Life
For individuals involved in an auto accident, far-reaching impacts can touch many parts of their lives.
Different ways a crash can affect your life include:
- Losing your employment
- Losing your money-making potential
- The cost of your pain and suffering
- The loss of your autonomy
- Losing your spouse or partner
- Making adjustments to your house to adapt to your injuries/disability
- Losing your transportation
- Developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
How Florin|Roebig Can Help With Your Car Accident Claim
After an auto accident, deciding which accident lawyer to take care of your car accident claim is a crucial decision that should be made with care. The lawyers of Florin|Roebig have won over $1 billion for their clients while practicing with compassion for forty years.
Advantages that you can gain by hiring a Florin|Roebig auto accident lawyer include:
Car Accident Case Experience
Florin|Roebig’s auto accident attorneys have been representing car accident victims in and out of court for four decades. Our attorneys have seen everything insurance companies are willing to do to save money, so we are prepared to champion your accident claim.
A Strong Personal Injury Claim
Having successfully represented car accident victims for so long, including winning over $1 billion, the Florin|Roebig team of lawyers knows what needs to be done to build a strong, winning claim. From the type of evidence you collect to how carefully you fill out your paperwork, our lawyers know how to make a concrete accident claim.
Negotiating A Fair Settlement
In most cases, auto accident settlements can be managed quickly and efficiently without involving the court system. However, Florin| Roebig’s lawyers are ready to present your claim to a judge when your insurance does not cooperate, or the at-fault driver will not pay your damages.
Practical Advice for After a Car Accident
If you have been in a car crash, you may be shocked and unsure of what to do next. The following are useful steps to take in the aftermath of a car accident:
- Seek medical attention immediately by phoning 911 to make sure a medical team is sent to check everyone out.
- Collect evidence immediately by taking photos and recording videos.
- Contact your insurance provider so they can start your claim immediately.
- Protect your legal rights by hiring a Florin|Roebig lawyer to make sure you avoid making any costly mistakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average settlement for a car accident in Florida?
The average settlement for a car accident in Florida is usually between $20,000 and $30,000. However, these amounts can vary depending on factors such as serious injury.
Should I hire an attorney after a car accident in Florida?
In Florida, car accident victims can file a car accident claim on their own without the assistance of an attorney. However, to ensure that you do not miss any deadlines and to build the strongest claim possible, hiring a car accident attorney can make or break your case.
How much can you sue for pain and suffering in Florida?
In Florida, there is no set limit to the amount of compensation you can sue for following a car accident.
List Of Car Accident Lawyers Serving Sun City Center
If you are planning to file a car accident claim in Sun City, you need to work with an experienced attorney who understands these cases. The car accident lawyers at Florin|Roebig law firm have represented countless clients in car accident claims, and we are here to help you succeed.
Members of our legal team accepting car accident cases in Sun City Center include:
- Wil H. Florin, B.C.S.
- Tommy D. Roebig, B.C.S.
- Luca G Esposito
- John J. Hart
We Are Nationally Awarded Lawyers
How to Get Help from Florin|Roebig Attorneys
If you or a family member has been involved in an accident in Sun City Center and is ready to hire the best 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 info@florinroebig.com
Florin|Roebig attorneys understand just how serious the consequences of a car accident can be. With our help, you or your family member can file a claim against the driver responsible for your accident and collect the recompense you need to move on with your life. Please contact us today to schedule a free consultation to learn more about how we can help.