Orlando Car Accident Lawyer

 

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The days after a car accident bring challenges most people never anticipate. Medical bills pile up. Your job may wonder when or if you’ll return. Insurance adjusters keep calling. When you're dealing with this kind of stress and physical pain, making critical legal and financial decisions requires a knowledgeable car accident lawyer.

Thousands of Orlando drivers face this situation every year, and many accept settlements that fall far short of covering their actual losses.

Whether a negligent driver injured you on I-4 near downtown, at a busy intersection on Colonial Drive, or anywhere else in Central Florida, an Orlando car accident lawyer with Spetsas Buist can help. We fight for compensation that reflects the true cost of what you’ve suffered and lost. We build cases to win. Call us today or contact us online for a free consultation. 

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What Orlando Drivers Need to Know About Car Accident Claims

  • Florida's no-fault insurance system requires your own PIP coverage to pay initial medical bills regardless of fault, but serious injuries allow you to step outside this system and pursue compensation from the at-fault driver.
  • Multiple factors determine your claim's value, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and non-economic losses such as pain and suffering.
  • Florida's comparative negligence law allows you to recover compensation even if you share some fault, as long as your responsibility doesn't exceed the other party's.
  • An Orlando car accident attorney with Spetsas Buist can investigate your crash, negotiate with insurers, and take your case to trial if they refuse a fair settlement.

Why Choose Spetsas Buist for Your Car Accident Case

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Insurance companies start building their defense the moment they learn about your crash. The attorney you choose determines whether you'll meet this fight with someone equally prepared. Here’s what Spetsas Buist brings to your case:

Proven track record in Central Florida courts

Our case results demonstrate our ability to secure substantial compensation in car accident cases. We've successfully represented Orlando clients against major insurance companies, recovering meaningful damages for injured drivers and passengers.

Direct access to your attorney throughout your case

We don’t pass you on to staff. When you call, you reach your attorney. You'll have your lawyer's cell phone number and email address from the consultation through resolution.

Trial-ready representation insurers respect

We file lawsuits and take cases to trial when insurance companies refuse fair settlements. This reputation motivates better offers because they understand we're prepared to fight in court rather than accept lowball settlements.

No fees unless we win your case

We handle car accident cases on contingency. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation. We advance all case costs including expert witnesses and court fees, so financial concerns never prevent you from pursuing justice.

Our downtown Orlando location across from Lake Eola Park puts us at the center of the legal community. We know the dangerous intersections where crashes happen most frequently and have experience in Orange County courts.

Former insurance defense experience

Our attorneys previously represented insurance companies. We understand how they evaluate cases, what tactics they use to minimize payouts, and how to counter their strategies effectively. Client testimonials reflect our commitment to every case.

These advantages matter most when insurance companies refuse reasonable settlements. Your choice of legal representation directly impacts both the timeline and outcome of your claim.

Common Types of Car Accidents in Orlando

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In one recent year, Orange County saw over 26,000 reported crashes resulting in more than 19,000 injuries and over 160 deaths. Different crash types require different investigation techniques to identify liable parties and preserve critical evidence.

Types of collisions that frequently occur on Orlando roads include:

  • Rear-end collisions when following drivers fail to stop in time due to distraction, tailgating, or sudden traffic changes on congested roads like I-4
  • T-bone or side-impact crashes at intersections when drivers run red lights or fail to yield, often causing severe injuries to occupants on the struck side
  • Head-on collisions resulting from wrong-way drivers, illegal passing, or crossing the centerline, typically causing catastrophic injuries or death
  • Sideswipe accidents during lane changes or merges on multi-lane highways when drivers fail to check blind spots
  • Left-turn crashes when turning drivers misjudge oncoming traffic speed or fail to yield right-of-way
  • Hit-and-run accidents where at-fault drivers flee the scene, requiring uninsured motorist coverage claims
  • Parking lot collisions involving backing vehicles, pedestrians, or disputes over right-of-way in commercial areas

Each crash type requires different investigation techniques and evidence. A car accident attorney in Orlando knows what matters most for your specific collision.

Serious Injuries from Orlando Car Accidents

Car accidents cause a wide range of serious injuries related to factors like impact speed and where your vehicle was struck. On Florida’s highspeed roads and interstates, collisions often result in:

  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) ranging from concussions to severe cognitive impairment
  • Spinal cord injuries that may result in partial or complete paralysis
  • Broken bones requiring surgical repair and extended rehabilitation
  • Internal organ damage that may not show immediate symptoms
  • Severe lacerations and scarring, particularly from broken glass
  • Psychological trauma, including PTSD and anxiety about driving

These injuries often require ongoing treatment. Medical bills accumulate quickly while you're unable to work. Insurance companies will pressure you to settle before you understand the full extent of your injuries and future care needs. Our Orlando auto accident lawyers can protect you from accepting an inadequate settlement.

What Causes Car Crashes on Orlando Roads?

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Most accidents result from preventable driver errors rather than unavoidable circumstances.

Distracted driving

Texting, phone calls, eating, and adjusting entertainment systems pull drivers' attention from the road. A vehicle traveling at 45 mph covers more than 60 feet per second. Even brief distractions eliminate the reaction time needed to avoid crashes.

Speeding and aggressive driving

Excessive speed reduces the time available to react and increases the severity of collisions. Aggressive behaviors, including tailgating, rapid lane changes, and running red lights, create dangerous conditions on already congested Orlando roads.

Impaired driving

Alcohol and drug impairment slow reaction times and impair judgment. Despite strict DUI laws, impaired drivers continue to cause serious crashes throughout Central Florida, particularly late at night and on weekends.

Failure to yield right-of-way

Many crashes occur when drivers fail to yield at intersections, during left turns, or when merging onto highways. These violations often result in T-bone collisions and severe injuries.

Poor road conditions and inadequate maintenance

Potholes, faded lane markings, missing signs, and inadequate lighting contribute to crashes. Government entities responsible for road maintenance may share liability when poor conditions cause accidents.

Orlando's dangerous corridors amplify these problems. Colonial Drive at Semoran Boulevard, Orange Blossom Trail at Sand Lake Road, and the I-4/SR-408 interchange see frequent serious crashes.

Who Pays for Your Injuries After an Orlando Car Crash?

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Florida operates under a no-fault insurance system that confuses many accident victims. Florida's Personal Injury Protection (PIP) law requires your own insurance to pay initial medical bills and lost wages up to your policy limits, regardless of who caused the crash. A basic understanding of Florida's auto insurance requirements can help you know what kind of coverage you carry and what gaps may exist.

However, serious injuries allow you to step outside the no-fault system and pursue compensation from the at-fault driver's insurance company. Florida law defines serious injury as significant permanent scarring, permanent injury, significant permanent loss of bodily function, or death. When your injuries meet this threshold, multiple parties may share liability for the crash.

Potentially liable parties include:

  • The at-fault driver whose negligence caused the crash
  • Vehicle owners who lent their car to a negligent driver
  • Employers when employees cause crashes while working
  • Bars and restaurants that served alcohol to visibly intoxicated patrons who then drove
  • Government entities responsible for maintaining roads where poor conditions contributed to the crash
  • Vehicle or parts manufacturers when defects caused the collision

Florida follows a modified comparative negligence system under Florida Statutes § 768.81. You can recover compensation even if you share some of the fault, as long as your responsibility doesn't exceed the defendant's.

Your compensation decreases by your percentage of fault. Your attorney will gather evidence that shows the true cause of the crash and defends against attempts to unfairly shift blame onto you.

Compensation Available After a Car Accident

Understanding what you may pursue helps you evaluate settlement offers and avoid accepting less than your claim is worth.

Economic damages

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  • Medical expenses from emergency care through long-term treatment
  • Lost wages for time away from work
  • Reduced earning capacity if injuries prevent returning to previous employment
  • Property damage to repair or replace your vehicle
  • Out-of-pocket costs for transportation, home care, and adaptive equipment

Non-economic damages

Wrongful death damages

When a crash claims a life, surviving family members may pursue compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, loss of companionship and guidance, and the deceased's pain and suffering before death.

Insurance companies have teams working immediately after crashes to limit their liability. We level the playing field by preserving evidence before it disappears and building a comprehensive case for maximum compensation.

Orlando's Most Dangerous Roads for Car Accidents

State and regional safety studies using FLHSMV crash data consistently identify the same high-risk corridors where serious collisions occur most frequently.

The most hazardous routes include:

  • Interstate 4 through Orlando sees some of the highest crash rates in Central Florida, particularly through downtown, near the attractions area, and around the SR-408 interchange known as Spaghetti Junction
  • Orange Blossom Trail (U.S. 441) records high crash counts, including impaired-driving collisions, with the intersection at Sand Lake Road identified as especially dangerous
  • Colonial Drive (State Road 50) ranks among Orlando's most hazardous roads, with intersections at Semoran Boulevard and John Young Parkway seeing frequent injury crashes
  • Semoran Boulevard (State Road 436) experiences consistent accidents, particularly at major intersections
  • International Drive sees elevated crash rates from tourist traffic unfamiliar with the area
  • Kirkman Road, John Young Parkway, and Sand Lake Road all appear repeatedly in crash hotspot analyses

These corridors share characteristics that increase risk: high traffic volumes, complex intersections, a mixture of local and tourist drivers, and speeds that don't match road design. 

What to Do After a Car Accident in Orlando

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Once you’ve received medical attention, there are some simple steps you can take to protect your legal rights and strengthen any future claim.

  • Contact an Orlando car accident attorney promptly so we can preserve evidence and protect your rights.
  • Follow all treatment plans and attend medical appointments because gaps in care give insurers ammunition to claim your injuries aren't serious.
  • Keep detailed records of medical bills, prescriptions, time off work, and how injuries affect daily activities. Doing this supports your claim for harder-to-prove damages, such as pain and suffering and loss of quality of life. 
  • Avoid discussing the crash on social media because insurance companies monitor accounts for statements they can use against you.
  • Never sign anything from the insurance company before consulting your attorney

The at-fault driver's insurer will likely contact you quickly. They may seem friendly and concerned. Their actual goal is to get statements they can use to deny or minimize your claim. Let your attorney handle all communication with insurance companies.

Your Questions About Car Accident Claims Answered

How quickly should I contact a lawyer after my crash?

Contact an attorney within days if possible. Evidence disappears quickly and Florida law imposes strict deadlines. Early legal guidance helps you avoid mistakes that could harm your claim.

What if the other driver doesn't have insurance?

Your uninsured motorist coverage may provide compensation. Florida doesn't require drivers to carry this coverage, but many policies include it. We'll review your policy and identify all available sources of recovery.

What is the deadline for filing a car accident lawsuit in Florida?

Florida’s statute of limitations gives you two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. Wrongful death claims also have a two-year deadline from the date of death. Missing this deadline means losing your right to compensation.

Will my insurance rates increase if I file a claim?

Florida law prohibits insurers from raising your rates solely because you filed a PIP claim after an accident you didn't cause. However, policies vary and some insurers find other justifications for rate increases.

What if I was partly at fault for the accident?

Florida's comparative negligence system allows you to recover compensation as long as your fault doesn't exceed the other party's. Your compensation decreases by your percentage of fault. We'll gather evidence showing the true cause of the crash.

Can I afford to hire a car accident lawyer?

We work on a contingency fee basis and advance all case costs. You pay nothing unless we win. Your free consultation is with an attorney, not an intake person.

What if my accident involved an Uber or Lyft vehicle?

Rideshare accidents involve complex transportation network company laws because multiple policies may apply: the driver’s personal insurance, the rideshare company's liability coverage, and potentially your own Uninsured Motorist coverage. The specific policy that pays depends on whether the driver was off-duty, logged into the app awaiting a request, or actively transporting a passenger. A knowledgeable Orlando car accident lawyer determines which policy applies and pursues compensation from all available sources.

How does a police report affect my claim?

The police report provides an official summary of the crash and often identifies the contributing factors and the driver cited for a violation. Insurance companies use this report to evaluate initial liability. While not conclusive proof, the report documents crucial evidence that helps your attorney build your case and counter the insurer's initial defense.

Can I recover damages if a drunk driver hit me?

Yes, you can recover damages after a crash caused by a drunk or impaired driver. In addition to seeking compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, your attorney may pursue punitive damages against the impaired driver.

Punitive damages punish the at-fault driver for egregious negligence and deter similar conduct. Your attorney thoroughly investigates the crash to establish the driver’s impairment.

The Path to Recovery Starts with a Single Phone Call

Nick Spetsas - Attorney
Nick Spetsas - Orlando Car Accident Lawyer

Insurance companies are already building their defense. The decisions you make now about legal representation may affect your recovery and financial security for years to come. At Spetsas Buist, we understand what’s at stake and handling your car accident lawsuit is a responsibility we take to heart.

Our Orlando car accident lawyers represent car accident victims throughout Orange County and Central Florida. Call us today or contact us online for your free consultation.

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