If you have recently driven in Orlando, you are likely aware of the perilous condition of the roads and the huge number of crazy drivers. Whether you find yourself stuck on I-4 due to an accident near Sand Lake Boulevard after a family trip to Disney, or experiencing a standstill on Orange Avenue, which is typically a smooth ride, the road conditions can be frustrating.
The frustrating and dangerous traffic can be exacerbated by the fact that 436 may be reduced to a single lane due to a large construction zone. Regardless of what particular traffic nightmare you find yourself in, it is common knowledge that Orlando faces its fair share of road troubles.
While Orlando is renowned for its remarkable attractions, the reality is that the roadways can be treacherous. In fact, Interstate-4, the primary interstate running through Orlando, has been named one of the most dangerous roads in the country, with more than one fatality per mile.
Yes, you read that correctly—it surpasses even the infamously congested roads of Los Angeles and New York City. With winding back roads, challenging intersections, constant construction, and numerous distracted drivers, it comes as no surprise that accidents are unfortunately prevalent in Orlando.
So, what happens if you are involved in an accident and sustain serious injuries? That is precisely what this article aims to address. We will discuss various aspects of car accidents and how our Orlando car accident attorneys can assist you if you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of being involved in a car accident in Orlando. Our goal is to provide answers to any questions you may have about the legal process.
Orlando Car Accident Statistics
Let's talk about some sobering statistics in Florida. According to the FLHSMV, in 2021 alone, there were 401,540 total crashes in Florida, and there were 683,869 drivers involved in these crashes. This comes out to a staggering 1100 crashes per day in Florida. Additionally, in just 2021, there were 3,741 fatalities as a result of car crashes, with a total of 236,145 drivers suffering injuries. These numbers are some of the highest in the country, and that's not a statistic to be proud of.
What Should I Do if I Get into a Car Accident in Orlando?
If you ever find yourself involved in a car accident in Orlando, it's important to know what steps to take.
Call 911
Firstly, immediately contact the police and EMS to address any immediate concerns and obtain a police report. It is generally recommended to avoid moving your vehicle unless it's necessary due to safety concerns and traffic obstruction.
Seek Medical Attention Right Away
Additionally, seeking immediate medical attention is crucial if you experience any pain or discomfort. Even if you feel fine, it's still advisable to undergo a medical evaluation as some injuries may not manifest until days after the accident. Healthcare professionals can accurately diagnose any underlying issues.
Gather Evidence
Remember to gather contact information from all parties involved in the accident, including license plates and insurance details. If possible, obtain contact information from witnesses as well. It's also beneficial to document the accident scene by taking photographs and videos, capturing relevant details such as vehicle damage, skid marks, and any additional evidence.
Be Careful When Talking with Insurance Companies
When communicating with insurance companies, exercise caution. It is crucial to approach discussions with your insurance agency prudently. Feel free to seek a free consultation with our firm before engaging in any conversations with them.
Regardless of whether you choose to work with us, we can provide guidance on your rights as an auto injury victim. Insurance companies often attempt to undervalue claims and manipulate victims into making unfavorable statements or signing documents. Working with Orlando car accident attorneys can significantly mitigate the insurance company's attempts to take advantage of you.
What is PIP Coverage and How Does it Affect My Orlando Car Accident Lawsuit?
Let's discuss personal injury protection (PIP) coverage because that's a component of most car accidents in Florida where someone gets injured. So, how does PIP coverage impact a car accident lawsuit in Orlando? PIP coverage is exclusive to no-fault states like Florida, where it is mandatory for drivers to carry. It offers injured drivers immediate medical coverage of $10,000, regardless of fault.
However, there are some concerns associated with PIP coverage. For example, certain healthcare providers may decline to treat patients involved in auto accidents. Moreover, if the injuries are severe, the $10,000 limit of PIP coverage may deplete rapidly, leaving a significant portion of medical expenses uncovered. Rest assured, our team of Orlando car accident attorneys is here to offer guidance on medical treatment options and potential courses of action.
What Are the Different Types of Car Insurance in Florida and How Do They Affect My Lawsuit?
What are the different types of car insurance and how can they impact a car accident lawsuit in Orlando? Besides personal injury protection, there are two significant types of coverage to consider: bodily injury coverage and uninsured motorist coverage. Bodily injury coverage provides protection if you are at fault for the accident, while uninsured motorist coverage offers protection if the other driver is at fault. Specifically, uninsured motorist coverage comes into play when the other driver, who is at fault, is not insured, lacks bodily injury coverage, or flees the accident scene. It covers your medical expenses in such situations.
It is highly recommended to have both bodily injury and uninsured motorist coverage to be adequately prepared in the event of an accident. Unfortunately, many victims of severe auto accidents find themselves with insufficient insurance coverage, leading to significant financial burdens. By carrying sufficient uninsured motorist coverage, you can safeguard yourself against drivers with minimal or no coverage.
How Do I Know Whether I Should File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Orlando?
To determine whether to initiate a car accident lawsuit following an incident in Orlando, various factors come into play. The easiest and most straightforward approach would be to reach out to us for a complimentary consultation with one of our proficient Orlando car accident attorneys. Our objective is to provide comprehensive guidance tailored to your specific circumstances.
It is important to note that pursuing legal action may not always be necessary for resolving your car accident case. We explore alternative options and strive to achieve a settlement without resorting to litigation. However, there are instances where insurance companies act unreasonably, compelling us to initiate a lawsuit.
Ultimately, the decision to proceed with a lawsuit rests with you, and we will steadfastly support you throughout the entire process, ensuring you are well-versed in all available legal avenues.
What Does the Process of Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit Look Like?
After meticulously reviewing your case, if we determine that moving forward is appropriate, we will diligently gather pertinent evidence and consider sending a demand letter to the responsible party or insurance company, with the goal of achieving resolution without resorting to court proceedings. In scenarios where litigation becomes necessary, we will commence by filing a complaint with the appropriate court.
After filing the complaint (lawsuit), the discovery phase will ensue, involving the exchange of information with opposing counsel and conducting depositions. Prior to trial, mandatory mediation is typically scheduled, offering both parties an opportunity to potentially resolve the matter outside of the courtroom.
What Do You Do if You Want to Sue the At Fault Driver That Injured You?
Well, again, this is one of those situations where you'll probably want to speak with a team of Orlando car accident attorneys to determine the best options moving forward. We can discuss your legal options with you and talk about the pros and cons of each possible step moving forward. Our goal is to help you understand what can be done and guide you to the right decision.
What Happens if You File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Orlando?
If you choose to pursue a car accident lawsuit and it goes all the way to trial, we will ensure that your claim is presented before a jury composed of individuals from your community. However, as we talked about, we will explore alternative avenues before resorting to litigation. For instance, we may initiate communication with the opposing party through a demand letter, aiming to reach a resolution without subjecting you to lengthy court proceedings.
Nevertheless, should we collectively determine that filing a lawsuit is the most appropriate course of action, we will proceed by submitting a formal complaint. It is important to note that even after initiating legal action, the case may still be resolved through mediation after conducting some or all of discovery, which could result in the parties potentially avoiding a trial altogether. In other words, filing a lawsuit does not automatically guarantee the case is going to court.
What If the Other Driver Doesn't Have Insurance?
In the event of the at-fault driver's lack of car insurance or a hit and run scenario where the other driver flees, it becomes crucial to seek compensation from other defendants or from your own uninsured motorist policy. While bodily injury coverage provides protection for the other driver in accidents where you are at fault, uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage safeguards you in instances where the responsible driver lacks insurance or carries insufficient coverage.
Undoubtedly, possessing uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage is of utmost significance. This coverage is included in your premiums and proves invaluable when the driver who caused the accident cannot adequately compensate you for your injuries. In such circumstances, your own insurance steps in to provide the necessary support. Therefore, it is always prudent to have this additional layer of protection if you can afford to add it to your insurance policy.
Do You Want to Speak With One of Our Orlando Car Accident Attorneys?
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a motor vehicle accident in Orlando, Orange County, or anywhere else in Florida, you should speak with one of our skilled, experienced, and aggressive Orlando car accident attorneys 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 Orlando, 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 one of our Orlando car accident attorneys, not a customer service representative or intake person.
If you need a South Carolina personal injury lawyer, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at (843) 638-6590. We have at least one lawyer licensed in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. So, if you’ve been injured in the Southeast, we have you covered. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
