Your ability to file an auto accident claim in Zephyrhills is at stake in the days after a crash. Talking to a skilled attorney will help you protect your legal rights and start the claim process promptly.
Florin|Roebig law firm has a team of Zephryhills car accident attorneys ready to serve clients and navigate the insurance process. With our assistance, you can take steps to protect your rights and interests even after a crash.
Accident Statistics for Pasco County, Florida
The following are the 2023 accident statistics for Pasco County, Florida, where Zephyrhills is located.
- In 2023, there were a total of 7,269 reported accidents in Pasco County, Florida.
- From these accidents, 6,818 injuries were sustained.
- Sadly, 92 people lost their lives in one of these reported accidents.
- 1,624 of the reported accidents were classified as hit-and-runs.
- Motorcycle accidents account for 261 of the reported accidents.
The Car Accident Claim-Filing Process
Car accident victims in Zephyrhills, Florida, are entitled to pursue compensation if they have been injured or have had their property damaged in the course of an accident. In legal and insurance terms, this is known as an auto 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 necessary if you have insurance
- Claims can only be filed by accident victims with serious injuries
- The insurance provider of the at-fault party will cover all expenses
- You can take as long as you need to file an auto accident claim
- Auto accident attorneys are too expensive to hire
- You have to take whatever settlement you are offered
- The only way to receive a settlement is by filing a lawsuit
“If you have been in an accident, you may be vulnerable to the tactics used by insurance companies to save money for their company. If you contact a trusted auto accident attorney, they can ensure that your claim is not fooled around with,” says Chad K. Florin, an esteemed attorney of Florin|Roebig.
When you are ready to file a claim, the following are steps you can take:
- Compile evidence for your claim by recording and photographing the car accident scene.
- Examine your insurance policy when you have a moment and ensure you understand what it will and will not cover.
- Call a Florin|Roebig accident lawyer when you are ready to file your claim and request a free consultation.
- Get a copy of the police report before you contact your insurance representative.
- Call your insurance agent to start the claims process so you can obtain your payment quickly.
Zephyrhills, Florida Laws For Car Accident Cases
The citizens of Zephyrhills should be mindful of Florida’s car accident laws. Two of these laws are the most important to understand: the statute of limitations for personal injury claims and the law surrounding fault.
First, motorists should know that Florida is a no-fault state. All documented Florida motorists must have personal injury protection insurance (PIP) to cover medical costs and property damage, regardless of who caused the accident.
Secondly, locals of Zephyrhills should know that the statute of limitations for car accident claims in Florida is four years. The statute of limitations is the time limit for filing a claim against the at-fault motorist. File your claim by this deadline to ensure your right to file.
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Fault and Liability in Car Accident Cases
Negligence, or when a motorist does anything that directly leads to an accident, is another important legal term that car accident victims will become familiar with.
Factors that can decide fault in auto accidents include:
- The negligence of a driver
- A driver operating under the influence of a substance
- Condition of the roads when the accident transpired
- The weather conditions at the time the accident happened
- Whether or not a vehicle malfunction transpired
In specific cases, an individual can be at fault for an auto accident but not liable for it. For example, if a vehicle malfunctions because the brakes were faulty due to a manufacturing mistake, causing the car to brake incorrectly, the motorist would be at fault but may not be liable for the accident.
In this scenario, the motorist may be at fault, but the brake manufacturing company will be held strictly liable.
“Car accident laws can be difficult to understand for those not surrounded by them daily. Hiring an experienced, world-class attorney from the beginning can be incredibly beneficial for your claim,” explains Chad K. Florin.
Consideration Of Negligence, Degree Of Fault
In car accident claims, negligence is considered to be any conduct or action that directly leads to injury, property damage, or other significant consequences.
Types of negligence in auto accident claims that are filed by accident victims include:
- Gross negligence happens when a motorist disregards other drivers’ well-being and does not respect traffic laws.
- Comparative negligence transpires when each motorist is given a portion of the fault and granted damages accordingly.
- The Contributory negligence system declares that a claim cannot be filed to pursue compensation if a person is found to be even 1% at fault for the accident.
An auto accident rarely occurs due to just one motorist’s negligence; in most cases, courts allocate at least some of the fault to each motorist.
Essential information to know about fault in auto accidents:
- Accident victims may still be able to seek damages in no-fault states.
- An accident victim’s percentage of fault may decrease their settlement.
- In some states, fault can stop accident victims from seeking damages.
What To Do After A Car Accident in Zephyrhills
If you or someone in your family has been involved in an auto accident in Zephyrhills, Florida, the following steps are important and should be taken immediately.
1. Seek Medical Care
You need to contact 911 as soon as you can. The 911 operator will dispatch an ambulance and the police to the car accident scene to ensure everyone is safe. An emergency medical team will check over everyone involved in the accident to ensure they are not seriously injured.
2. Collect Contact Information
Information you need to collect includes:
- The names of everyone who was in the accident
- Phone numbers for everyone involved in the accident
- The driver’s license numbers for the drivers involved
- Insurance policy and company 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 directly resulted in injury or damage to property, you are required by law to report it to the police. The police will generate a report, which will be essential to your insurance representative and car accident attorney.
4. Get Photos Or Videos
You should begin taking pictures and videos of the accident scene when possible. You should try to get photos of the following:
- Flow of traffic
- Injuries that were sustained
- Any damage to vehicles
- Weather conditions
- Record witness statements
5. Report The Accident To Your Insurance Company
You need to contact your insurance agent to inform them of the accident when possible. The sooner you begin filing an accident claim, the sooner your claim can be processed and your settlement check can be sent to you.
6. Contact A Florin|Roebig Car Accident Lawyer
Sometimes, the claim filing process does not go as smoothly as it should, such as when an uncooperative insurance provider or the at-fault party does not have the required insurance. In these instances, a car accident attorney is the best option for ensuring a successful claim result.
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Ways The Accident Can Impact Your Life
For those who have been involved in an auto accident, the impacts can be far-reaching and can touch many parts of their lives.
Various ways an accident can affect your life include:
- Losing your career
- Losing your ability to make money
- 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
- The loss of your transportation
- The development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
How Florin|Roebig Can Help With Your Car Accident Claim
When you have been in an auto accident, deciding which car accident lawyer to represent you and your accident claim is a critical decision that should be made carefully. The lawyers of Florin|Roebig have won over $1 billion for clients and have been representing them with kindness for forty years.
Advantages that you can gain by hiring a Florin|Roebig car accident attorney include:
Car Accident Case Experience
The auto accident lawyers of Florin|Roebig have been representing car accident victims both in and out of court for four decades. Our lawyers have seen everything insurance corporations are ready to do to save money, so they are prepared to fight for your claim.
A Strong Personal Injury Claim
With such a long history of successfully representing many car accident victims, including winning over $1 billion for our clients, the Florin|Roebig team of lawyers understands what it takes to build a strong, winning claim. From the evidence you collect to how you complete your paperwork, our lawyers know how to make a solid auto accident claim.
Negotiating A Fair Settlement
Car accident settlements can typically be handled quickly and efficiently outside the court system. However, your Florin|Roebig lawyer is prepared to explain your claim to a judge when your insurance does not cooperate or you cannot get the at-fault party to pay your damages.
Practical Advice for After a Car Accident
People who have been in an auto crash 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 care immediately by calling 911 to make sure a medical team checks everyone out.
- Collect evidence immediately by photographing and recording the car accident scene.
- Contact your insurance company so they can begin your car accident claim immediately.
- Protect your legal rights by hiring a Florin|Roebig lawyer to make sure you avoid expensive mistakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an attorney charge for a car accident in Florida?
In Florida, car accident attorneys generally charge between 25% and 40% of the winning settlement. Florin|Roebig attorneys also work on a contingency fee basis, so 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 a car accident in Florida is between $20,000 and $30,000. When there are extenuating circumstances, such as debilitating injuries, settlement amounts can increase.
Should I hire an attorney after a car accident in Florida?
Car accident victims in Florida are legally allowed to represent themselves after an accident. However, hiring an experienced car accident attorney can ensure that your paperwork is filled out correctly and turned in on time, ensures your insurance company cooperates, and more.
How to Get Help from Florin|Roebig Attorneys
If you or someone you love have been in an auto accident in Zephyrhills, Florida, and you are ready to employ the top-rated auto 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]
Find Help Filing A Car Accident Claim
An auto accident claim can be complicated, and minor errors could cost you your claim or some of your compensation. The attorneys at Florin|Roebig law firm have assisted our clients in recovering millions of dollars after auto accidents, and we are prepared to help you with your car accident case.
From the beginning of your claim to the day you receive your damages, we are here to help with exceptional legal representation. Contact us today to schedule your free case evaluation.