What kind of cases do Orlando car accident attorneys handle? This is a question many individuals find themselves asking after being involved in an auto collision. From minor fender benders to catastrophic head-on collisions, our Orlando car accident lawyers are equipped to manage a wide array of scenarios.
The bottom line is that navigating the aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming and confusing. The role of an Orlando car accident attorney becomes invaluable in such situations, providing guidance through complex insurance claims and fighting for rightful compensation for injuries a negligent person caused you.
The type and severity of the incident significantly impact how your case unfolds. Understanding what kind of cases Orlando car accident attorneys handle can help you make informed decisions about your next steps following an unfortunate road mishap. Overall, the information in this article can help you to determine the best next steps.
However, if you'd like to speak with a lawyer at our office, we are happy to talk with you and give you a free consultation. Alternatively, if we don't think we are the right firm to help you with your type of case, we may be able to get you to an attorney that can help you. So, please don't hesitate to reach out to us if you need help.
Understanding the Role of Orlando Car Accident Attorneys
After a vehicular accident, survivors may be confronted with an arduous journey. This is where Orlando car accident attorneys step in to help navigate through this tumultuous period and walk you through the personal injury claims process.
The role these legal professionals play involves more than just representing you in court. In fact, most cases don't end up in court. Most cases involve negotiations with insurance companies because the insurance policy will often limit the amount of money available in a given Orlando personal injury case. A lawyer at our office will essentially serve as your guide and advocate when dealing with insurance companies that are notorious for their attempts at minimizing payouts or denying claims outright.
A key part of our work revolves around securing financial compensation for damages incurred due to another party's negligence or recklessness. These may include medical bills from treating physical injuries, repair costs tied to property damage, emotional trauma suffered during the incident, among other types of damages. Ultimately, the damages in a given case will depend upon the unique facts of that case.
An essential first step towards understanding your legal rights after being involved in a motor vehicle crash is scheduling a free consultation with an Orlando car accident attorney that will listen to your story and lay out the possible avenues for seeking justice and recompense.
What Kind of Cases do Orlando Car Accident Attorneys Handle?
When it comes to car accidents, Orlando car accident attorneys handle a variety of cases. Some common types include:
- Rear-end accidents
- Head-on collisions
- Rollover accidents
- Hit-and-run incidents
- Sideswipe accidents
These are just some of the more common types of car accident cases in Orlando. However, your accident may be a little different than the list above. Ultimately, the severity of a person's injuries in these cases can range from minor to life-threatening, depending on factors such as the speed of impact and driver distractions. These cases can even involve a death, which may ultimately serve as the basis of a wrongful death case.
Dealing with Driver Negligence
Driver negligence is frequently the cause of motor vehicle accidents. Our Orlando car accident lawyers are experienced in dealing with cases involving negligent driving behaviors, such as:
- Distracted driving
- Drunk driving
- Reckless driving
- Speeding
These common forms of negligence in auto accidents create dangerous conditions for all road users. Ultimately, proving driver negligence is crucial in building a strong case after an automobile accident. Usually, the more negligent the other driver's behavior is, the better the case.
Distracted drivers who engage in activities like texting while driving pose significant risks to others on the roads, and this is probably the most serious issue on the roads today. Similarly, as has been the case since the invention of the automobile, drunk driving is a huge problem because it obviously impairs judgment and slows reaction time, leading to avoidable crashes that can result in serious injuries or death. Speeding and other reckless driving behaviors are also a major problem in Florida. Anyone who has driven the roads in and around Orlando can attest to how wild the drivers are.
Navigating Insurance Coverage After a Car Accident
Car accidents in Orlando, Florida can be complex, and understanding your insurance coverage is vital. Three primary types of insurance play crucial roles: personal injury protection (PIP), bodily injury liability (BI), and uninsured/underinsured motorist protection (UM/UIM).
The Florida no-fault insurance coverage known as Personal Injury Protection or PIP covers medical bills irrespective of who caused the accident. This benefit extends to you along with any passengers present in your vehicle at the time.
If you're found responsible for causing an auto accident, Bodily Injury Liability or BI comes into effect. It caters to injuries sustained by others due to driver negligence on your part. Thus, if you get hurt by a negligent driver, the relevant insurance that can cover your damages is the other driver's bodily injury policy.
In situations where the negligent party lacks sufficient insurance or has none altogether, Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Protection provides coverages. This is on your insurance policy, and it takes care of costs related to physical injuries incurred by you and any accompanying passengers.
An Orlando car accident lawyer at our office can guide you through these complexities, ensuring fair compensation from your insurance provider. The insurance company's goal is to pay you as little money as possible, and our attorneys can fight their tactics to ensure you get the compensation you're entitled to under Florida law.
Understanding Compensation Options After a Car Accident
In the wake of an auto accident, victims often face financial strain due to medical bills for physical injuries and lost wages. Moreover, they may seek compensation for pain and suffering endured. These types of claims usually fall into two categories: (1) personal injury claims and (2) wrongful death claims.
Pursuing a Personal Injury Claim
A personal injury claim is the proper avenue of recovery where a person is injured in a car accident. In these claims, the injured person is harmed by a negligent, careless, or reckless driver. As a result, the person suffers damages, like ER bills, hospital bills, medical bills, rehab bills, and missed work, and they can suffer serious financial losses as a result.
The purpose of a personal injury claim is to make the injured person whole again. Despite what you may have seen in various advertisements, the law does not exist to provide the injured person with a windfall. In other words, a personal injury claim is not a lotto ticket. Instead, the law provides an avenue of recovery for the injured person to get compensation for what the injured person has lost.
Pursuing a Wrongful Death Claim
If you have suffered the loss of a loved one in an automobile accident, it's critical to be aware of your legal rights. You could potentially file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the person who died as a result of another driver's negligence. Since the deceased driver cannot bring a claim on his or her own behalf for obvious reasons, the law allows the personal representative of the deceased person to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Florida.
An experienced Orlando car accident attorney can guide you through this process providing crucial insights on potential damages available under Florida law after motor vehicle accidents.
Taking The Next Step Towards Legal Assistance
Experiencing a motor vehicle crash can be very stressful, and it may appear daunting to comprehend your legal rights in Florida. However, Orlando car accident attorneys are well-versed in the complexities of such cases and are ready to assist you.
Many people think that they can't file a personal injury claim in Florida because Florida is a no fault state. However, this is not the case. If you've suffered serious injuries and your damages exceed the $10,000 PIP coverage limits, you may have a viable personal injury claim. In this respect, Florida is no different than any other state because the law gives people the right to seek compensation when they've been injured due to negligence.
Scheduling a free consultation with an attorney is often the first step towards seeking compensation for injuries sustained during auto accidents. During this meeting, your attorney will listen to your story and discuss specifics about your case. Thereafter, your attorney will review relevant information, like police reports, insurance policies, and medical records to better understand your case or potential case.
The goal here isn't just about making sense of what happened but also identifying potential avenues for financial compensation - whether through insurance coverage or filing lawsuits against negligent parties responsible for causing harm and seeking compensation from their personal assets. Typically, the case value will revolve around the insurance coverage available because getting compensation from a person's personal assets can often be an uphill battle. Most people don't have the money to pay for injuries; they just don't have the liquid assets necessary.
Remember that every situation is unique. Hence, it's crucial to not only understand all available options but also choose your next steps wisely with the help and guidance of people who handles these types of claims on a daily basis.
FAQs in Relation to What Kind of Cases Do Orlando Car Accident Attorneys Handle
Q1: How long does a car accident lawsuit take in Florida?
A1: The duration of a car accident lawsuit in Orlando, Florida can vary greatly, depending on the facts of the case. For example, straightforward cases can settle out in a matter of months, while more complex car accident cases in Florida can be resolved within one to two years.
Q2: How much does an attorney charge for a car accident in Florida?
A2: In general, attorneys operate on contingency fees ranging from 33% to 40% of the recovered amount.
Q3: How much can you get for pain and suffering in Florida?
A3: The compensation for pain and suffering varies based on case specifics. However, it's often easy to estimate by multiplying actual damages by a number between 1.5 and 4, depending on the jurisdiction where the accident occurred. Keep in mind, this method is just a way to guess, and a more specific value can be determined through a more thorough analysis.
Q4: How much can someone sue for a car accident in Florida?
A4: No cap exists on economic damages like medical expenses or lost wages. Non-economic damages, like pain and suffering, have no set limit in car accident cases.
