Car accidents and car crashes can irreparably and irreversibly alter our lives in the blink of an eye. Despite the obvious dangers associated with operating a car, we can’t avoid it. In our current world, we all have to get on the roads to get things done, and we have to share those roads with some pretty wild drivers. So, if you think you may need an Orlando car accident attorney, the information on this page could help you.
Common Types of Car Accidents in Orlando, Florida
The reality is that a motor vehicle accident is a massive hassle, and this is true even when serious injuries aren’t involved. For example, we’re forced to put our lives on pause, hang out in traffic, and wait for a police report. Then, we have to fight with an insurance company that is trying to do everything it can to keep from handing over money. Now, throw in some serious injuries, and the car accident is life-consuming. It’s awful; it’s a mess; and you shouldn’t have to go through all that alone.
If you’ve been injured in a car crash and think you may need help from an Orlando car accident attorney at our office, please don’t hesitate to contact our downtown Orlando, Florida law firm at 321-LAWSUIT for a free consultation.
Our Orlando Car Accident Attorneys' Experience and Recognition
The Orlando car accident attorneys at Spetsas Buist have established a reputation for excellence. Our law firm has successfully recovered millions in compensation for clients who have suffered injuries or lost loved ones due to negligent or reckless drivers.
We handle a wide range of car accident cases, including those that other firms might shy away from. Our Orlando car accident lawyers are not afraid to take a case to trial if that’s what it takes to secure the compensation you deserve after a devastating auto collision.
Our attorneys' dedication and skill in handling car accident cases have earned them recognition from prestigious organizations. We're proud members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, a distinction held by less than 1% of U.S. lawyers. This exclusive membership is a testament to our ability to secure substantial settlements and verdicts for our clients, including awards exceeding one million dollars.

Additionally, our owners and partners have been named Rising Stars by Super Lawyers, an honor bestowed upon only 2.5% of lawyers in each state. This accolade recognizes outstanding lawyers who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement early in their careers, highlighting our firm's commitment to excellence in our profession.
These accolades are just a few of the awards our attorneys have earned, and they reflect our unwavering commitment to providing top-notch legal representation to our car accident clients in Orlando and beyond. When you choose Spetsas Buist for your Orlando car accident case, you're not just getting a lawyer; you're getting a team of recognized professionals who have demonstrated and proven their skills.
Florida Car Accident Statistics
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles compiles traffic accident data for Florida every year. So, we have distilled the FLHSMV traffic crash report statistics for Florida auto accidents below.
Total Motor Vehicle Crashes in Florida
In this context, the FLHSMV defines a car crash as the operation of a motor vehicle in Florida, which results in property damage, a complaint of bodily injury, or bodily injury or death to any person.
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Total Injuries From Motor Vehicle Crashes in Florida
The FLHSMV defines an injury as the total number of people who sustained bodily injury or damage or complained of bodily injury or damage as a result of a car crash.
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FAQs for an Orlando Car Accident Attorney
What Should I Do if I'm Injured in an Orlando Car Accident?
If you are injured in a car accident in Orlando, it is crucial to get immediate medical attention, even if the injuries seem minor. Documenting your injuries through medical reports can provide valuable evidence if you decide to file a personal injury claim later. Next, contact the local law enforcement to report the accident.
Gather as much information as you can from the scene, including pictures, witness information, and the other driver's details. Do not admit fault at the scene or to the insurance company. Lastly, consult with an Orlando car accident attorney. They can guide you through the process, protect your rights, and work relentlessly to ensure you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries, damages, and suffering.
How Should I Deal with Insurance Adjusters After an Orlando Car Accident?
After a car accident, you will likely be contacted by insurance adjusters from the at-fault driver's insurance company, as well as your own. Although it may seem like they're trying to help, they're likely on a fishing mission to see if you will say something they can use against you later on if you choose to pursue a personal injury claim. Their goal is to get you to say something they can use to place blame on you or take blame away from their insured (the at-fault driver).
The best way to be sure the insurance company is not taking advantage of you is to not speak with them about the accident until you've had time to talk with your Orlando car accident attorney. Your attorney can speak with insurance adjusters to be sure your rights are protected, and they can be present with you when you give the insurance company a recorded statement. Your Orlando car accident lawyer is familiar with the tricks and tactics of insurance companies and will know how to protect the value of your case.
Can I Sue for an Orlando Car Accident if I Get Injured?
If you've been injured by a careless or reckless driver, you may be able to sue the other driver for damages and hold that driver accountable for the injuries you suffered. Generally, this process will involve working with your Orlando car accident attorney to gather evidence and build the strongest case possible to present to the insurance adjuster and opposing counsel.
What Does it Cost to Hire an Orlando Car Accident Attorney?
You don't pay us anything unless we win. In other words, unless we get you compensation, either through a settlement, verdict, or otherwise, you don't owe us any money. We take the risk on your case, and we only get our attorney fees and costs back if we get you money.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Injuries After a Car Accident in Orlando?
A5: One or more people may be liable for your injuries after an Orlando motor vehicle accident. For example, if you're injured by a driver in a commercial vehicle, like a semi-truck or dump truck, you may be able to pursue a claim against that driver individually, as well as the owner of the commercial vehicle or trucking company. Liability may stem from reckless behavior, like driving under the influence or texting while driving, or it may stem from a driver's failure to obey traffic laws (speeding, running a red light, running a stop sign, etc...).
Can I Bring an Injury Claim if I Was Partly At Fault for an Orlando Car Accident?
Florida is a modified comparative negligence state, which means that you can get damages from a case if you are less than half at fault for the Orlando car accident. However, if you are partially at fault, your damages may be reduced by your percentage of fault. The goal of an Orlando car accident attorney at our office is to stack the evidence in your favor and prove that the other driver was mostly or entirely at fault for your car accident.
Do I Need the Help of an Orlando Car Accident Attorney?
You do not have to hire an attorney to pursue a personal injury claim. However, data from the Insurance Research Council shows that people with an attorney tend to reach settlements that are 3.5 times higher than people who don't have the help of an attorney. Moreover, the IRC found that 85% of payouts from bodily injury coverage (payments from at-fault drivers) went to people who had an attorney.
Can I Sue for Injuries Resulting from a Car Accident Under the Florida No-Fault Laws?
Under Florida's no-fault system, drivers are required to carry personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. However, this policy is usually only $10,000. Thus, people who have suffered severe injuries in an Orlando car accident will quickly blow through that $10,000 personal injury protection policy.
In these cases where a person suffers serious injuries, that person can sue the at-fault driver for damages. Florida Statute 627.737 describes "serious injuries" as those involving:
- Injuries that result in significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function: If a car accident results in a long-term or permanent disability that affects a vital bodily function, it could be classified as a serious injury.
- Permanent injury: Any injury that permanently affects the victim's quality of life or bodily function.
- Significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement: If a car accident leads to extensive and permanent scarring or disfigurement, it can be considered a serious injury.
- Death: If a car accident results in the death of a driver or passenger, it is, without doubt, classified as a serious injury.
Consulting an Orlando car accident attorney is advisable if you or a loved one has sustained any of the above injuries in a crash. The attorney can help guide the litigation process and ensure that fair compensation is received for the sustained injuries.
What Are Some Examples of Car Accident Injuries That Would Qualify as "Serious Injuries" Under Florida Law?
Under the Florida Statute 627.737, serious injuries from car accidents can vary greatly. Here are a few examples:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): These are injuries that cause permanent damage to the brain. They can result in cognitive impairments, physical disabilities, and changes in personality. A TBI can occur even without a direct hit to the head, such as in a high-speed collision where the abrupt stop causes the brain to move violently within the skull.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: These injuries often result in partial or complete paralysis, significantly impacting the victim's quality of life. Impacts that fracture or dislocate the spine can sever the spinal cord, leading to these life-altering injuries.
- Burn Injuries: Severe burns from car accidents can result in permanent scarring or disfigurement. They often require extensive medical treatment, including plastic surgery, skin grafts, and rehabilitation.
- Amputations: In severe accidents, victims may lose a limb either due to the immediate impact or surgical amputation later due to extensive tissue damage.
- Fatal Injuries: These are injuries that result in the death of a driver or passenger.
If you or a loved one has suffered from any of these serious injuries in a car accident in Orlando, a qualified Orlando car accident attorney can guide you through the process of receiving the compensation you deserve.
What is the Meaning of "Damages" in an Orlando Car Accident Lawsuit?
In Florida, damages can generally be classified as either economic or non-economic. Economic damages refer to quantifiable or tangible damages you suffered as a result of your Orlando car accident. Non-economic damages, on the other hand, refer to intangible damages and are more difficult to quantify. Medical bills and lost wages are common types of economic damages, while things like pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and emotional distress are common types of non-economic damages.
How Much Compensation am I Entitled to After an Orlando Car Accident?
Each Orlando car accident is unique, and there is no way to determine what a given case is worth without digging into the facts. Generally speaking, there are a number of factors that your Orlando car accident attorney will examine to determine the value of your case. These factors will include things like the severity of your injuries, how much work you missed, and how your injuries have impacted your career and your day-to-day life.
How Do I Know Whether I Should File a Lawsuit After a Car Accident in Orlando?
A good first step is to reach out to an Orlando car accident attorney at our office for a free legal consultation. Whether or not to file a lawsuit is a tough decision, and there are several avenues to recovering money that don't involve filing a lawsuit and going to court. For example, your case may be resolved through negotiation or mediation, and mediation may occur prior to filing a lawsuit or after filing a lawsuit, depending on the case.
What Should I Do If I Want to Sue the At-Fault Driver that Hit Me?
If you want to sue the at-fault driver that hit you, you should reach out to an Orlando car accident attorney right away to determine whether that is the best path forward. You may be able to reach a resolution without going through months or years of litigation and piling up expenses. Additionally, if you can reach a resolution without going to court, you don't have the take the risk that a jury gives you no money.
The truth is that sometimes insurance companies are unreasonable, and your attorney must file a lawsuit to try and get you the compensation you deserve. However, the decision about whether to sue the at-fault driver should not be taken lightly. Accordingly, this is something you should discuss with your Orlando car accident attorney.
What Happens if the At-Fault Driver Doesn't Have Insurance?
If the at-fault driver doesn't have insurance, it complicates matters. However, you still have options to recover compensation for your injuries. You may be able to make a claim under your own insurance policy if you have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.
This coverage is designed to protect you in situations where the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough insurance. An experienced Orlando car accident attorney can walk you through the process, evaluate your case, and help you understand your best options. It's important to seek legal advice promptly in such situations to ensure you take the right steps to protect your rights because even your own insurance company will put up a serious fight to avoid paying you what you are entitled to.
What Should I Do if the At-Fault Driver Leaves the Scene of the Accident (Hit and Run)?
As in the scenario where you're hit by a driver with no insurance or without enough insurance, you may be able to seek compensation through your own uninsured or underinsured motorist policy. You should speak with an Orlando car accident attorney to evaluate all the possible avenues of recovery so that you can make the best decision moving forward.
What if I Decide to Pursue a Car Accident Lawsuit in Orlando?
Just because you decide to file a car accident lawsuit in Orlando, that does not necessarily mean you're going to end up in court. After a lawsuit is filed, your Orlando car accident attorney will work to build the strongest case possible so that your case can be resolved through negotiations or at mediation. However, if the insurance company refuses to be reasonable, your case may end up in court, where a jury will be tasked with determining whether the other driver was negligent and how much your injuries are worth.
What is Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Insurance and Why Does it Matter?
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Insurance is a coverage type that is mandatory in some states, including Florida. It covers medical expenses and lost wages, irrespective of who caused the accident. This "no-fault" insurance policy ensures that you get immediate coverage up to the limit of your policy, which is usually $10,000 in Florida, without having to establish the fault of the other party involved in the accident.
Therefore, it's crucial to understand your PIP coverage, as this could be your primary source of compensation after a car accident. Additionally, your injuries may be so severe that the $10,000 in coverage does not cover all your damages. In these situations, it's advisable to consult with an Orlando personal injury lawyer to help navigate the complexities of PIP coverage and maximize the compensation you receive.
What Are the Different Types of Insurance Coverages and How Can They Affect My Car Accident Lawsuit?
There are several types of auto insurance coverages that can affect your car accident lawsuit, and understanding these can be essential to maximizing your compensation. Let's discuss the main ones:
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): PIP kicks in and covers your medical bills and lost wages up to the limits of your policy, regardless of who is at fault in the accident. The PIP coverage comes out of your insurance policy.
- Bodily Injury Liability Insurance (BI): This insurance applies when you are at fault in an accident. It covers the damages to the other driver up to the limit defined in your policy. Thus, if you're injured by an at-fault driver and you choose to pursue a personal injury claim, this is the coverage that would often be used to pay your claim.
- Collision Coverage: This covers the cost of repairing or replacing your car after an accident, regardless of who is at fault.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM): This is a critical coverage that protects you if the at-fault driver has no insurance or insufficient insurance to cover your damages.
- Medical Payments (MedPay) Coverage: This coverage pays for medical expenses for you and your passengers, irrespective of who was at fault for the accident.
- Comprehensive Coverage: This covers damages to your car not caused by a collision, such as theft, fire, vandalism, or damages caused by natural disasters.
These are the types of insurance that are most commonly held by Florida drivers. An Orlando car accident attorney can guide you through the intricacies of these coverages, ensuring you get the maximum compensation possible for your car accident injuries.
Should I Accept A Settlement Offer from the Insurance Company?
The insurance company's goal is to pay you as little money as possible, and they will deny your claim altogether if they can. After an Orlando car accident and before a person gets a lawyer, the insurance company may offer a person a low settlement with hopes that the person will sign a release and take the money. However, these offers are often only a tiny fraction of what the injured person's case is worth.
The best way to be sure that you're getting a fair settlement is to reach out to an Orlando car accident attorney as soon as possible after you get injured. That way, you can be sure that you have an advocate by your side who will make sure the insurance company does not pay you pennies on the dollar.
When Should I Consider Hiring an Orlando Car Accident Attorney?
As soon as possible after your accident. Your Orlando car accident attorney can work quickly to ensure that valuable evidence is gathered and preserved at the earliest possible time. Additionally, your lawyer will counter the insurance company's tricks and tactics to be sure you get the compensation you're entitled to.
How Do I Choose an Attorney for My Car Accident in Orlando?
Generally speaking, car accident cases involve gathering evidence and presenting that evidence during negotiations, mediation, or trial. You want a lawyer that is going to prioritize your case and begin building you a strong case from day one. Additionally, you should be able to reach your attorney when you have questions or concerns.
At our law firm, we give our clients a direct line of communication to their Orlando car accident attorney. That way, when they want to speak with their lawyer, they get to speak with their lawyer, not a legal assistant, paralegal, or customer service representative. We're not a giant law firm, so you can rest assured that your case matters to us and that we are working diligently to get you the best result possible.
Wrongful Death Cases Arising from Orlando Car Accidents
Losing a loved one is one of the worst possible results of an Orlando car accident. If your loved one was taken from you by a negligent or reckless driver, you may be able to seek justice through a wrongful death claim or a wrongful death lawsuit. Note that these wrongful death cases are treated similarly to a personal injury case, except that the person bringing the case is the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate, rather than an injured person.
The compensation available in a wrongful death claim will vary, depending on a number of factors. Just like in a personal injury case, we look at the negligent person’s culpability and the damages suffered (death), but we also look at the relationship between the deceased and the people seeking damages in the wrongful death suit.
Below are some of the types of compensable damages available in wrongful death cases in Florida:
- Burial costs and funeral costs;
- Loss of earnings from the date of injury to date of death;
- Loss of net accumulations to the estate;
- Medical bills the deceased incurred after injury and before death;
- Loss of companionship and protection;
- Loss of parental companionship, instruction, and guidance;
- Pain and suffering.
Note that the types of damages available in a wrongful death case will depend on the relationship of the survivor to the deceased. For example, certain damages may be available to a surviving spouse, and certain damages may be available to a surviving child.