Kissimmee, Florida, nestled just south of Orlando, is a vibrant city known for its diverse community and proximity to world-renowned attractions. Despite its bustling atmosphere and family-friendly environment, auto accidents can disrupt the lives of residents and visitors alike. If you've been injured in a car accident in Kissimmee due to someone else's negligence, the dedicated personal injury attorneys at Spetsas Buist Accident Injury Lawyers are here to provide the legal support you need.
At Spetsas Buist, we understand the profound impact a car accident can have on your life. From medical bills and lost wages to pain and suffering, our goal is to secure the full and fair compensation you deserve. We handle a wide range of auto accident cases, including:
Rear-End Collisions
These are among the most common types of accidents in Kissimmee, often caused by distracted driving or tailgating. Even seemingly minor rear-end collisions can result in serious injuries such as whiplash or back injuries.
T-Bone and Side-Impact Crashes
These occur when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another, typically at intersections or due to failure to yield. These accidents can lead to severe injuries like broken bones or head trauma.
Head-On Collisions
Often catastrophic, head-on collisions happen when two vehicles collide front-to-front, usually due to reckless driving or wrong-way maneuvers. They frequently result in devastating injuries or fatalities.
Hit and Run Accidents
These incidents occur when a driver flees the scene without providing information or aid, leaving victims unsure of their options. Our attorneys can assist in pursuing compensation through uninsured motorist coverage or other legal avenues.
Drunk Driving and Distracted Driving Accidents
Both drunk and distracted driving are preventable and pose significant risks on the road. Our firm is committed to holding negligent drivers accountable and pursuing justice on behalf of our clients.
Navigating the aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with injuries and insurance companies. That's why our team offers free consultations to discuss your case directly with an experienced attorney, not a representative. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
If you've been injured in a car accident in Kissimmee, it's crucial to take action promptly. Contact Spetsas Buist Accident Injury Lawyers today at 321-LAWSUIT to schedule your free consultation. Let us advocate for your rights and work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for your case. Don't wait—your recovery and future well-being are our priority.
Where Do Car Accidents Typically Occur in Kissimmee?
According to Florida crash data compiled by FLHSMV, auto accidents occur fairly evenly across Kissimmee. However, a majority of the most severe car crashes occur on the following roads:
In Kissimmee, several major streets and thoroughfares are known for experiencing a significant number of accidents:
-
US Highway 192 (Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway): This major east-west route is lined with hotels, restaurants, and attractions, making it a frequent site for traffic incidents, especially during peak tourist seasons.
-
John Young Parkway: As a major north-south corridor through Kissimmee, John Young Parkway intersects with many other roads and is prone to accidents, including rear-end collisions and intersection-related incidents.
-
Vine Street: Another significant east-west road in Kissimmee, Vine Street (also known as Emmett Street) sees heavy traffic, particularly near its intersections with John Young Parkway and other major roads.
-
Osceola Parkway: Connecting major attractions like Disney World and the Florida Turnpike, Osceola Parkway is a busy road where accidents involving high speeds and merging lanes can occur.
-
Poinciana Boulevard: This road extends southward from Kissimmee and is often congested, leading to accidents related to lane changes, distracted driving, and intersections.
-
Michigan Avenue: Running through downtown Kissimmee, Michigan Avenue experiences frequent traffic incidents, particularly near its intersections and during peak commuting hours.
These streets are critical arteries in Kissimmee's road network, accommodating both local traffic and tourists visiting the area's attractions, which contributes to their propensity for accidents.
The data shows that a vast majority of crashes are rear-end accidents, followed by left turn and sideswipe accidents.
Common Injuries Suffered in a Kissimmee, Florida Car Accidents
In the aftermath of auto accidents, victims often face a range of injuries. The severity and type can vary greatly depending on factors such as the speed at impact, seatbelt usage, and the direction from which the collision occurred.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
An automobile accident can result in a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), one of the most serious types of injuries that an individual may suffer. This injury occurs when sudden trauma causes damage to brain tissue. Symptoms can be wide-ranging - from mild concussions to serious cognitive impairment.
The insidious nature of TBIs means they might not immediately manifest following a car crash; hence it's crucial for anyone involved in traffic incidents to seek medical attention promptly, even if they feel fine initially. Additionally, an injured person with a TBI should seek the help of an auto accident attorney in Kissimmee, Florida to receive compensation for TBI treatment and rehabilitation, as well as other damages available under Florida law.
Fractures and Broken Bones
Frequently encountered after high-speed impacts are fractures or broken bones due to occupants being jolted against parts inside their vehicle. Commonly affected areas include arms, legs, ribs, and collarbones. Apart from immediate pain and disability caused by these bodily injuries, victims could also confront long-term consequences like reduced mobility or the development of arthritis later in life.
Treatment for these types of injuries typically involves surgery followed by lengthy periods of physical therapy. This can be a real hassle for the person involved, and the medical bills often far exceed PIP insurance limits of $10,000. Thus, Florida drivers who have suffered fractured or broken bones should contact an auto accident attorney in Kissimmee, Florida to seek compensation from the at-fault driver's insurance company.
Lacerations And Cuts
Cuts and lacerations are frequently encountered post-crashes. They stem from shattered glass, flying debris, and broken metal fragments. While some are superficial and require basic first aid, others necessitate stitches or surgical repair depending upon the depth, size, and location of the wound. Infections pose a major risk, hence the importance of timely professional care cannot be overstated here.
Serious Spinal Cord Injuries
Vehicular accidents are a leading cause of spinal cord traumas in Florida, and these are some of the most severe physical injuries suffered in motor vehicle accidents. These devastating injuries can bring about partial or total paralysis in the injured party, as well as varying degrees of sensory loss. A spinal cord injury often results in a permanent injury, and folks with these types of injuries often need lifelong assistance and care in coping with day-to-day activities. In the worst cases, respiratory and cardiovascular systems can be severely compromised due to the trauma, and in the most severe cases, spinal cord injuries can lead to wrongful death.
Victims with serious injuries from a car accident should seek the help of aggressive and skilled auto accident attorneys to secure compensation from whatever insurance coverage is available. An auto accident attorney in Kissimmee can help accident victims get the justice they deserve while the victims focus on their recovery. Personal injury attorneys work, not only to get victims compensation, but also to take on the burden of pursuing complex injury claims so that victims can focus on their families and their wellbeing.
Your Guide to Pursuing a Personal Injury Claim
If you've been involved in a car accident in Kissimmee that wasn't your fault, you may be entitled to compensation through a personal injury claim. Here are the essential steps to pursue a claim:
Seek Medical Treatment and Follow Medical Advice
Your health should be your top priority after a car accident. Even if you feel okay initially, it's crucial to get evaluated by a medical professional promptly. Some injuries may not manifest symptoms immediately but can worsen without proper treatment. Follow through with all recommended medical treatments and keep records of all medical expenses and appointments.
Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company
Notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. Be factual when describing the incident and avoid accepting fault or making speculative statements. It's advisable to involve your attorney during communications with insurance adjusters to protect your rights and ensure fair treatment.
Consult with an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer
Dealing with the legal complexities of a car accident claim can be overwhelming, especially while recovering from injuries. Contact a skilled personal injury lawyer in Kissimmee who can provide expert guidance. Most personal injury attorneys offer free consultations to review your case and advise you on the best course of action.
Investigation and Filing a Claim
Once you hire a personal injury lawyer, they will conduct a thorough investigation into your accident. This may involve gathering evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and medical records and possibly consulting accident reconstruction experts. Your attorney will then file a claim with the at-fault driver's insurance company, demanding fair compensation for your damages.
Negotiation or Litigation
In many cases, car accident claims are resolved through negotiations between your attorney and the insurance company. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer may recommend filing a lawsuit. Litigation involves presenting your case in court to seek a favorable judgment. Throughout this process, your attorney will advocate for your rights and work to maximize the compensation you deserve.
Remember, most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay legal fees if they recover compensation for you. If you've been injured in a car accident in Kissimmee, don't hesitate to seek legal assistance promptly to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you're entitled to under Florida law.
Types of Damages Awarded in Car Accident Cases
The financial implications following an auto accident can be quite burdensome. In Florida, those hurt due to another's carelessness may obtain recompense that attempts to bring their life back as near as feasible to its pre-incident condition, and that's where an auto accident attorney in Kissimmee can help. Depending on the facts of the case, Florida law allows for a number of damages, including economic damages, non-economic damages, and punitive damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are quantifiable monetary losses incurred from a car crash. These include medical expenses for hospital bills, prescription drugs, and physical therapy sessions, among others. Future medical costs related to ongoing treatment or surgeries also fall under this category.
If you were unable to work during your recovery period or if your earning capacity has been diminished because of permanent injury resulting from the accident, lost wages would form part of economic damages too. Additionally, property damage, which covers the repair or replacement cost for personal belongings damaged in the collision, is considered an economic loss.
Non-Economic Damages
In contrast with tangible losses covered by economic damages, non-economic damages compensate victims for intangible harms like pain and suffering experienced after a car crash. Emotional distress caused by trauma associated with severe injuries or the loss of a loved one falls into this category too. The amount awarded varies greatly depending on individual circumstances, but factors such as the severity and duration of endured pain along with the impact on quality of life post-accident usually play a significant role when determining these compensations.
Punitive Damages
Punitive awards serve more than just compensation; they act primarily as deterrence punishing defendants whose conduct was particularly reckless, causing injury intentionally. Such punitive measures aren't common unless egregious behavior (like drunk driving) played a key role in causing accidents.
Pursuing an Injury Claim in Kissimmee, Florida
In the context of pursuing an injury claim in Florida, negligence is often the cause of action we focus on. Negligence refers to the failure of a party to act with the level of care that a reasonable person would have exercised under the same circumstances. Establishing negligence is a central component of any personal injury claim.
The four key elements of negligence that must be proven in a case involve duty, breach, causation, and damages. The plaintiff must demonstrate that the defendant had a duty to act or behave in a certain manner, that they breached this duty by failing to adhere to the expected standard of care, that this breach directly resulted in the accident, and finally, that the plaintiff sustained actual damages or injuries as a result. An experienced auto accident attorney in Kissimmee can help elucidate these elements and guide you through the intricate process of establishing negligence in your personal injury claim.
Duty and Breach: The First Steps of Your Auto Accident Case
When involved in an auto accident, the initial steps to file a claim revolve around establishing duty and breach. In legal terms, "duty" refers to the responsibility every driver has to act responsibly on the road, which includes obeying traffic signals and properly maintaining their vehicle.
If another driver fails in this duty, for example by speeding or texting while driving, they have committed a "breach." This occurs when they neglect their responsibility for safe conduct on our roads.
Causation: Linking Negligence with Physical Harm
The next crucial piece of your case puzzle resides in the concept of causation. It is not sufficient to merely establish that someone breached their duty; you must also present concrete evidence demonstrating how this negligence directly led to your injuries. For example, if you were forcefully struck from behind at a high velocity, resulting in whiplash trauma, the connection between the careless behavior (speeding) and the physical harm (whiplash) would be undeniable.
This element often poses a challenge due to its demand for definitive proof that links actions to consequences - an area where experienced car accident lawyers like those at Spetsas Buist PLLC, prove to be invaluable assets.
Damages: Calculating Losses Suffered From Your Injuries
Last but certainly not least, let's talk about damages—the actual losses suffered due to injuries. These can include medical expenses, lost wages from time off work, pain, suffering, and more. These tangible costs are a result of the trauma experienced in the accident.
To successfully pursue an auto accident claim under Florida's comparative fault system, you must establish four key elements: the duty owed by the defendant, the breach that caused the plaintiff's injuries, and the damages resulting from that breach. Failing to prove any of these points significantly impacts your ability to recover compensation for your losses. Keep in mind that every case is unique, and what works in one may not necessarily apply to another.
How Long Does It Take to Resolve an Auto Accident Claim?
The timeline to resolve an auto accident claim can significantly vary, depending on the complexities of the case. There are several stages involved, including the investigation, negotiation with insurance companies, and potentially a court trial if a settlement cannot be reached.
Generally, a straightforward case may be resolved within several months. However, if the case goes to trial, it could take a year or more to reach a conclusion. It's essential to consult with an experienced auto accident attorney in Kissimmee to better understand the potential timeline of your personal injury claim.
There are several factors we can look at to determine how long it will take to resolve a case, and we have listed some of the more crucial factors below.
Injuries Involved
In cases where bodily injury from traffic accidents is severe or has long-term implications, settling may take longer than expected. Medical professionals need ample time to fully evaluate these injuries before determining any potential compensation amount that would adequately cover medical expenses and rehabilitation costs. For instance, certain damages like spinal cord trauma might not manifest until weeks after the automobile accident occurs - making hasty settlements potentially detrimental as they could result in insufficient funds for ongoing care needs.
Complexity
Moving on to another crucial factor: the complexity of your case. If liability is clear-cut with no disputes over who was the at-fault driver involved, claims tend to resolve faster compared to those involving contested fault issues or multiple defendants such as multi-car pileups or incidents involving commercial vehicles like trucks or buses. Furthermore, complications can arise when you find yourself battling against insurance companies over uninsured motorist coverage benefits, which adds yet another layer requiring additional time.
Litigation Process
Sometimes it's impossible to reach an agreement through negotiation alone. When this happens, the case must go to trial, which invariably extends the length of the process considerably. Depending on various court schedules and the location's jurisdiction, proceedings could last anywhere from several months to years. However, even in the midst of litigation, settlements still occur. Generally speaking, most personal injury lawsuits are settled before reaching a courtroom.
This underscores the importance of retaining a skilled auto accident attorney in Kissimmee who understands the nuances of litigating a car accident lawsuit, particularly given the state's comparative negligence laws that might affect the final award. For instance, the law firm Spetsas Buist PLLC has extensive experience handling a wide range of traffic incident scenarios across Orlando and other parts of Florida, enabling them to provide clients with insightful guidance throughout the duration of their cases.
FAQs in Relation to Auto Accident Attorney in Kissimmee
Q1: What type of auto accident cases do you handle in Kissimmee?
A1: We handle a wide array of auto accident cases, including rear-end collisions, hit and runs, DUI accidents, distracted driving incidents, and more.
Q2: What is the process for filing a claim after an auto accident in Kissimmee?
A2: The claim process involves gathering evidence from the crash scene, negotiating with insurance companies, and potentially taking your case to court if necessary.
Q3: Are there any special considerations when pursuing an auto accident case in Kissimmee?
A3: In Florida's comparative fault system, it can impact your compensation. Also, consider factors like local traffic laws or specific intersection-related issues common to Kissimmee.
Q4: How long does it typically take to resolve an auto accident case in Kissimmee?
A4: The duration varies based on complexity, but expect several months at a minimum. Complex cases may extend over a year or longer.
Do You Need an Car Accident Attorney in Kissimmee?
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in an auto accident in Orlando, Orange County, or anywhere else in Florida, you should speak with skilled, experienced, and aggressive Orlando car accident lawyers as soon as possible because you may be entitled to compensation. Please don’t hesitate to contact us on our website, or you can call our Kissimmee, Florida personal injury law firm today at (321) 352-7588 to schedule your free consultation by phone.
When you schedule a consultation at our law firm, you will get a consultation with a Florida car accident lawyer, not a customer service representative or intake person.
