No doubt, being in a car accident can be disorienting at best. Whether the accident happened to you or someone you love, navigating the accident claims process can be daunting.
That is why many people turn to an attorney in times like these. Call the law offices of Florin|Roebig today to set up a free case consultation and evaluation of your accident claim.
Accident Statistics for Indian River County, Florida
The following are the 2023 accident statistics for River County, where Vero Beach is located.
- There were a total of 2,201 accidents in 2023.
- 1,488 injuries transpired during these accidents.
- Unfortunately, 19 deaths resulted from these reported accidents.
Vero Beach Worst Intersections
While no roads can guarantee 100% safety, there are roads in Vero Beach that residents should proceed with caution. Be sure to obey any and all traffic laws. Vero Beach contains some of the most dangerous intersections in Indian River County:
- 20th Street and US Highway 1: This intersection is notorious for traffic accidents due to its confusing layout and the high speed of traffic on U.S. Highway 1.
- 8th Street and State Road 60: This intersection is similarly dangerous due to its complicated layout as well the high speed of traffic on State Road 60.
- US-1 and Airport Groves Road: As a major intersection in the area, this intersection near the Vero Beach Regional Airport has a high traffic flow rate. Furthermore, the intersection has poor visibility and confusing traffic patterns, making safe driving more difficult.
The Car Accident Claim-Filing Process
Accident victims in Vero Beach, Florida, are qualified to seek compensation if they have been injured or have had damage done to their property during the car accident. In insurance and legal terms, this is considered a car accident claim, which accident victims can file to obtain damages that can be financial or non-financial.
Misunderstandings surrounding auto accident claims can include the following:
- Auto accident lawyers are not needed if you have insurance
- Claims can only be filed by auto accident victims with grave injuries
- The insurance provider of the at-fault motorist will cover all expenses
- Car accident victims have as long as they needStatute Of Limitations In Personal Injury Cases to file a claim
- Car accident attorneys are too expensive to hire
- You have to take whatever payment you are presented
- The only way to receive compensation is by filing a lawsuit
“Car accidents are a very stressful time for people. There is a lot that has to be done in a short amount of time, on top of trying to heal from injuries and find alternate forms of transportation to work, school, and the grocery store. Hiring a car accident attorney can help take much of the stress off a car accident victim’s shoulders,” says Chad K. Florin, an esteemed attorney of Florin|Roebig.
When you are ready to file a car accident 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 a moment to ensure you understand what it will and will not cover.
- Contact a Florin|Roebig accident attorney when you are ready to file your car accident claim and schedule a free consultation.
- Get a copy of the police report prior to calling your insurance representative.
- Call your insurance representative to begin the accident claim process so you can receive your payment.
Vero Beach, Florida Laws For Car Accident Cases
The residents of Vero Beach should be aware of car accident laws. Two of these laws are the most important to remember: the statute of limitations for personal injury claims and the law surrounding fault.
The first thing motorists should be aware of is that Florida is a no-fault state. Every registered Florida driver is required to have personal injury protection insurance (PIP) to cover medical costs and property damage, no matter who caused the accident.
Secondly, locals of Vero Beach should know that the statute of limitations for auto accident claims in Florida is four years. The statute of limitations is the time frame when you can bring your accident claim against the at-fault driver. File your claim by this deadline to guarantee your right to file.
Fault and Liability in Car Accident Cases
Negligence is another important legal term that car accident victims will become acquainted with. It describes when a motorist does anything that directly causes an accident.
Elements that can decide fault in auto accidents include:
- The negligence of a driver
- A driver under the influence of a substance
- Condition of the roads when the accident occurred
- The weather conditions at the time of the accident
- Whether or not a vehicle malfunction transpired
Sometimes, a person can be at fault for an auto accident but not liable for it. For instance, if a car malfunctions because the brakes were flawed due to a manufacturing error, causing the vehicle to brake improperly, the driver would be at fault but may not be liable for the accident.
In this scenario, the driver may be at fault, but the brake manufacturing company will be held strictly liable.
“Do not let your insurance provider mess around with your accident claim. After a collision, accident victims can be more vulnerable to the ruthless tactics of insurance companies. If you need help with your insurance claim, contact a Florin|Roebig attorney,” says Chad K. Florin.
Consideration Of Negligence, Degree Of Fault
In car accident claims, negligence is any conduct or activity that directly results in injury, property damage, or other significant results.
Forms of negligence in auto accident claims that are filed by accident victims include:
- Gross negligence occurs when a driver disregards other drivers’ well-being and does not respect traffic laws.
- Comparative negligence happens when each motorist is given a portion of fault and granted damages accordingly.
- The Contributory negligence system says a claim cannot be filed to seek compensation if a person is found to be even 1% at fault for the accident.
An auto accident rarely occurs due to just one driver’s negligence; therefore, courts will usually 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 pursue compensation in no-fault states.
- Your portion of the fault may reduce your settlement.
- In some states, fault can block you from pursuing compensation.
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What To Do After A Car Accident in Vero Beach
If you or someone in your family has been involved in an auto accident in Vero Beach, Florida, the following are necessary steps you should take immediately.
1. Seek Medical Care
It is imperative that you call 911 as soon as you can get to safety. The 911 dispatcher will send an ambulance and police officers to the car accident scene to ensure everyone’s well-being. An emergency medical team will check over everyone to ensure they are not seriously injured.
2. Collect Contact Information
Information you need to assemble includes:
- The names of everyone involved in the car accident
- Phone numbers for everyone who was involved in the accident
- The driver’s license numbers for the people who were driving
- Insurance information for all drivers involved
- The license plate numbers for the cars in the accident
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 your property, you are mandated by law to report the accident to the police. The police will develop a report that is important to your insurance provider and car accident attorney.
4. Get Photos Or Videos
You should start taking photos and recording videos of the car accident scene when you can. You should try to get pictures of:
- Traffic flow
- Injuries
- Vehicle damage
- Weather conditions
- Record witness statements
5. Report The Accident To Your Insurance Company
You must contact your insurance representative to notify them of the car accident when possible. The sooner you begin the claim-filing 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
Accident victims often run into trouble when trying to get compensation from their insurance provider. Insurance companies are notorious for doing whatever needs to be done to save money, including denying claims that should have been approved. Hiring a Florin|Roebig accident attorney can help ensure your claim is treated fairly.
Ways The Accident Can Impact Your Life
For those who have been involved in an auto accident, far-reaching impacts can touch many parts of their lives.
Different ways a car accident can affect your life include:
- Losing your employment
- Losing your money-making capacity
- The price of your pain and suffering
- The loss of your autonomy
- Losing your spouse or partner
- Having to adjust your house to adapt to your injuries/disability
- Losing your transportation or vehicle
- The development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
How Florin|Roebig Can Help With Your Car Accident Claim
After an auto accident, choosing which car accident attorney to handle you and your claim is a crucial decision that should be made carefully. The car accident lawyers of Florin|Roebig have won over $1 billion for clients and have continued representing clients with compassion for forty years.
Advantages that you can gain by hiring a Florin|Roebig auto accident lawyer include:
Car Accident Case Experience
The auto accident lawyers of Florin|Roebig have been handling car accident claims both in and out of court for four decades. Our attorneys have witnessed everything insurance companies are ready to do to save money, so they are prepared to champion your claim.
A Strong Personal Injury Claim
With a long, successful history of representing numerous car accident claims, including winning over $1 billion for our clients, the Florin|Roebig team of car accident lawyers understands what it takes to build a strong, winning claim. From the evidence that is collected to how carefully you fill out your paperwork, our lawyers know how to make a solid auto accident claim.
Negotiating A Fair Settlement
Car accident settlements can normally be handled quickly and efficiently outside the court system. However, your Florin|Roebig attorney is equipped to present your claim to a judge when your insurance provider does not cooperate or you cannot get the at-fault party to pay your damages.
Practical Advice for After a Car Accident
Those who have been in an auto collision may be shocked and unsure what to do next. The following are useful steps to take in the aftermath of a car accident:
- Seek medical care immediately by calling 911 to guarantee a medical team checks everyone out.
- Collect evidence immediately by taking pictures and recording videos.
- Contact your insurance provider so they can start your car accident claim immediately.
- Safeguard your legal rights by employing a Florin|Roebig attorney to ensure you avoid costly mistakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an attorney charge for a car accident in Florida?
A car accident attorney in Florida will generally charge between 25% and 40% of the compensation settlement that you win. Florin|Roebig attorneys go one step further and work on a contingency fee basis so that our clients do not have to pay any fees upfront.
What is the average settlement for a car accident in Florida?
The average settlement for the average car accident in Florida is between $20,000 and $30,000. There are many different factors that can determine the amount of your compensation, such as severe injuries or property damage.
Should I hire an attorney after a car accident in Florida?
In Florida, car accident victims can defend and represent their accident claims. However, it is advisable to schedule a free consultation for your car accident case to see what your legal options are.
List Of Car Accident Attorneys Serving Vero Beach
Filing a claim may be one of the most important decisions you can make for your life following an accident. During this time, you’ll want an experienced lawyer to advise you and fight on your behalf for the best chance of a favorable outcome for your claim. The lawyers at Florin|Roebig have all the skills and experience needed to help you get the settlement you deserve.
Our car accident lawyers include these award-winning attorneys and many others:
- Wil H. Florin, B.C.S.
- Tommy D. Roebig, B.C.S.
- John J. Hart
- Shaun M. Cummings
- Chad K. Florin
We Are Nationally Awarded Lawyers
How to Get Help from Florin|Roebig Attorneys
If you or a family member have been in an auto accident in Vero Beach, Florida, and you are ready to hire a top-rated car accident attorney 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]
If you’re puzzling over a car accident claim paperwork, you should know that you are not alone. The courts need to see concrete evidence, and court officials are not always patient when errors are made. Florin|Roebig understands how daunting this can be, which is why our team is here to help you figure out how to move forward.
No matter the circumstances that led to the auto accident, there is no reason to leave your future in the hands of an insurance company. Your health and well-being are too important to leave it to chance. If you want to give yourself the best opportunity to succeed, call us today to request a free consultation and case evaluation.
