Car accidents are the number one reason that people file personal injury claims and lawsuits. With 15 million drivers on Florida’s roads, it isn’t surprising that approximately 700,000 collisions occur each year in this state. When this happens to you, you must follow Florida’s rules for obtaining compensation for an accident that was caused by someone else.
If you are injured in a car accident in Florida, you might be faced with pain, medical treatments, medical expenses, lost wages, and an uncertain future. Shiner Law Group has the Florida car accident lawyers you’re looking for to assist you with your questions and concerns regarding a potential car accident claim.
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Were You Injured in a Car Accident in Florida?
Car accidents can be very serious. Even minor accidents can result in costly repairs, medical treatment, and lingering injuries. Stress and financial costs can spiral out of control. You may find yourself left holding the bag without anyone to help you if you do not have a car accident attorney.
You don’t have to go through this alone. Shiner Law Group’s Florida car accident attorneys will provide you and your family with the support you need.
You may need help knowing what to do after an accident. If you or a loved one was involved in a severe car accident, contact us as soon as possible.
Get the help you need from Shiner Law Group’s dedicated personal injury team by calling (800) 364-4444 today.
Where Do Most Florida Car Accidents Occur?
In Florida, the majority of car accidents tend to occur in urban areas, particularly in and around major cities like Miami, Orlando, and Tampa. This is due to factors such as higher traffic volumes, increased numbers of intersections and roadways, and a higher density of drivers on the road at any given time. However, car accidents can occur anywhere in the state, including on rural roads and highways. All drivers need to practice safe driving habits and be aware of their surroundings on the road, regardless of where they are driving.
According to the most recent available crash report (2021) by the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles for crashes that resulted in personal injury, death, or other reported injuries, the top 10 counties where car accidents most occur are:
- Miami-Dade: 62,536 total car crashes
- Broward County: 41,381 total car crashes
- Hillsborough County: 28,020 total car crashes
- Orange County: 27,422 total car crashes
- Palm Beach County: 24,857 total car crashes
- Duval County: 24,437 total car crashes
- Pinellas County: 16,464 total car crashes
- Lee County: 14,336 total car crashes
- Polk County: 13,391 total car crashes
- Volusia: 10,497 total car crashes
Based on the most recent data provided by Signal Four Analytics, in 2022 there were a total of 697,445 reported car accidents in Florida, 15,940 that resulted in serious injuries, and 3,463 resulting in death. The primary concentration of auto accidents was in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Tampa, and Jacksonville.
It is clear from the data provided that Florida’s roads are populated with a high number of drivers, which can lead to an increased risk of car accidents. The majority of these incidents occur in and around major cities due to higher traffic volumes and more intersections on the roadways. However, it’s important to remember that car accidents can happen anywhere in the state. If you have been injured in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence or recklessness then contact Shiner Law Group for assistance with your case. Our experienced Florida car accident attorneys will help ensure that your rights are protected throughout this process while fighting hard to get you maximum compensation for your injuries.
What to Do After a Florida Car Accident
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, it is important to stay calm and take the necessary steps to ensure your safety and well-being. In addition to your safety, some considerations will help strengthen your car accident claim.
Immediately Following a Car Accident
- Stay calm and assess the situation for any potential danger.
- Check on the safety of all parties involved in the accident, including yourself, and seek medical attention if necessary.
- Call 911 to report the incident if there are any serious injuries or damages that need to be addressed immediately.
- Take photos of both vehicles and the scene of the accident from various angles with your smartphone so you have evidence for legal proceedings later on if needed.
- Exchange contact information with all relevant parties involved in the car accident (driver’s license numbers, insurance card details, etc.).
- Obtain eyewitness statements from anyone who witnessed or was involved in a crash as soon as possible after it occurs while they still remember details clearly.
- Do not accept any money or sign any documentation without consulting an attorney.
- Do not give any statement to an insurance company without consulting with a lawyer.
- Contact Shiner Law Group for a free consultation to discuss your legal rights and options.
Main Causes of Car Accidents in Florida
Car accidents can have a variety of causes, but some are more common than others in Florida. Distracted driving, drunk or impaired driving, speeding, and aggressive driving are all major contributors to car accidents in the state. In addition, poor road conditions and vehicle defects can also play a role in causing crashes.
Distracted Driving
In 2022, 98,365 crashes were reported due to distracted driving which resulted in 2,626 serious injuries and 262 fatalities. Distracted driving can take many forms, including texting and talking on the phone while behind the wheel, eating or drinking while driving, adjusting radio or navigation systems, and other activities that distract from focusing on the road ahead. The consequences of distracted driving can be severe and catastrophic.
Impaired Driving
Impaired driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents in Florida, and it can have devastating consequences. In 2022 alone, 15,274 car accidents were reported due to drunk or impaired driving, resulting in 1,179 serious injuries and 819 fatalities. It is important to note that these numbers are only from reported incidents, and the true statistics are likely much higher due to drivers who have avoided being caught or reported for their actions.
In addition to the sheer human cost of impaired driving, there is also an economical price tag associated with this behavior. According to a recent report by AAA, intoxicated drivers cause more than $1 billion in economic losses every year. These costs stem from property damage repair bills and medical expenses that come as a result of these types of crashes.
Aggressive Driving
Speeding and aggressive driving are two of the leading causes of car accidents in Florida. In 2022, there were a reported 21,558 car crashes that resulted from these behaviors, resulting in 1,235 serious injuries and 475 deaths. These types of incidents can have devastating outcomes for those involved as well as costly economic losses to society at large. Drivers who engage in reckless behaviors such as speeding or aggressive driving put themselves and everyone else on the road at risk for serious injury or death.
Car Defects
In Florida, car accidents resulting from defective vehicles can lead to both physical and financial damages for those involved. The manufacturer has an obligation to produce safe and reliable vehicles that meet all applicable safety standards. If they fail in this duty, and their negligence results in a person being injured or killed due to a faulty part or design flaw, then they can be held liable for any resulting damages. In addition to compensating victims for their financial losses, manufacturers may also be required to pay punitive damages if it can be proven that they acted with gross negligence when producing or selling their products.
Road Hazards
Auto accidents that occur due to road hazards are typically the result of poor construction or maintenance practices on behalf of state and local governments, private businesses, or individual property owners. Such negligence may include failing to fix potholes promptly, not properly maintaining guardrails and barriers along highways, or allowing hazardous debris such as broken glass to accumulate on roadsides.
If you have been injured in a vehicle accident caused by someone else’s failure to maintain proper safety, it is important to contact our Florida car accident attorneys right away. Our team can help ensure that your rights are protected and hold those negligent parties responsible.
Common Florida Car Accident Injuries
At Shiner Law Group, we have successfully helped injured Florida car accident victims like you and many others in similar situations throughout Florida. Our team of professionals has represented auto accident survivors who have suffered from injuries such as:
- Whiplash
- Broken bones
- Burns
- Lacerations and abrasions
- Head injuries, including traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries, such as paralysis
- Internal organ damage caused by seat belt use
- Soft tissue injuries from impact or strain
- Dental trauma and disfigurement
- Psychological damages due to emotional trauma associated with car accidents
Even if your car accident injuries seem minor, it is important to seek medical help and discuss your accident details with an attorney. Seeking medical attention after an accident is a crucial part of holding a negligent driver responsible for your injuries.
If you are injured in a car crash, you may be entitled to compensation, but pursuing a claim against the negligent party’s insurance company may be difficult, as they will be looking out for their own interests.
As a result, it’s important to provide all the necessary information to your Florida auto accident lawyer to make the most reliable claim.
Florida Car Accident Overview
To ensure that the person who injured you pays for your medical treatment and pain and suffering, you must first establish negligence. Every Florida driver has the legal duty to drive his or her vehicle with reasonable care. If a motorist fails to do this and injures you, the motorist will be held liable for the accident and your injuries. By law, this negligent driver can be ordered to pay you the compensation that is commensurate with the driver’s responsibility for the crash.
When you decide to hire an attorney, he or she will investigate your accident to demonstrate that the other driver caused the crash that resulted in your injuries. This will require that the lawyer study the medical reports, police reports, photographs, and witness statements.
The Tort Threshold
In Florida, victims of car accidents must follow the requirements under the tort threshold. This means that you will only be able to recover monetary damages from another driver if you are experiencing one of the following:
- Significant or permanent loss of a body part or a bodily function
- Permanent injury
- Significant or permanent scarring
- The victim dies
These injuries are known as “threshold injuries.”
PIP Insurance
In Florida, each driver is required to purchase what is known as “PIP insurance.” PIP stands for “personal injury protection,” and each driver must have at least $10,000 in coverage. To receive payment through the at-fault driver’s PIP insurance policy, you must have a threshold injury. When you have a threshold injury, the plaintiff’s insurance company may be required to pay you a sum of money for pain and suffering, inconvenience or mental anguish.
With this system, obtaining a sum of money for pain and suffering is often extremely difficult. It is one reason that a car accident attorney is necessary in these cases.
A motorist can be determined to be negligent in a car accident for several reasons, including the following:
- The motorist was driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- The motorist was driving without regard for the conditions of the road
- The motorist was driving above or below the speed limit
- The motorist failed to signal before making a turn
- The motorist disobeyed the traffic signals or signs
- The motorist was driving recklessly
- The motorist was making excessive lane changes
Sometimes, the accident wasn’t caused by another driver. In these cases, the automobile may have a defect that caused the crash. This would fall under “product liability,” and the manufacturer or the supplier of the defective part may be held responsible for the crash.
Common Types of Florida Car Accidents We Handle
At Shiner Law Group, our team of dedicated attorneys is here to help ensure that your rights are protected and the negligent parties responsible for your injury are held accountable. We handle all types of common auto accident cases. Some of the common types of car accidents we handle at Shiner Law Group include the following:
- Rear-end accidents: A rear-end collision happens when one vehicle hits the back of another. This type of car accident is very common, with studies showing that nearly 40% of all traffic accidents involve rear-end collisions. Rear-end accidents can often lead to devastating injuries due to the force with which cars collide with each other. Common injuries sustained from these types of accidents include head trauma, whiplash, broken bones, and other serious medical conditions.
- T-bone accidents: Also known as side-impact collisions, occur when two vehicles collide at a perpendicular angle. This type of accident is especially dangerous because one car can slam into the side of another with incredible force, leaving passengers much more vulnerable to serious injury than in a rear-end collision. According to NHTSA (the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), there were an estimated 10,000 fatal T-bone crashes. Studies have shown that these types of accidents are particularly common at intersections with stop lights or signs, as well as areas with multiple lanes merging onto highways. The results of a T-bone collision can range from minor scratches and bruises to internal injuries like broken bones and traumatic brain injuries.
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Rollover accidents: Also known as overturn crashes are when a vehicle flips onto its side or roof, often due to an excessive amount of force being applied to one side. These types of accidents are incredibly dangerous and can result in serious personal injury and even death. Common causes of rollover accidents include high-speed driving on winding roads or highways, sudden changes in direction, or hitting objects like guardrails or other vehicles. When a rollover accident occurs, the risk of severe injury is high due to the large amounts of force that can be generated during a crash.
Injuries sustained from this type of accident often include broken bones, head trauma, spinal cord injuries, internal organ damage, and paralysis. In addition to these physical injuries, victims can also suffer extreme emotional distress due to the traumatic nature of these incidents. Studies conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have found that certain vehicles tend to be more prone to rollovers than others. For example, SUVs and trucks with a higher center of gravity are at greater risk than traditional cars due to their higher center of gravity when turning corners or changing direction quickly.
- Multi-car accidents: Multi-car accidents can occur as a result of several different causes, including distracted driving, reckless behavior, and road conditions like icy roads or construction zones. These types of accidents are particularly common at intersections where multiple cars can collide due to their inability to stop in time due to sudden lane changes or a car running a red light. According to statistics compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were an estimated 34,000 fatal multi-car crashes.
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, it is important to speak with a Florida car accident attorney who will be able to help guide you through the process of filing claims for damages and injuries. We will ensure that those responsible for your injury are held accountable.
At Shiner Law Group, our team of experienced attorneys has extensive experience handling all types of common auto accident cases. We understand how traumatic these events can be and we strive to provide compassionate yet effective representation for every client we serve. Contact us today by calling (800) 364-4444 or filling out our free online case consultation request.
Hiring a Florida Car Accident Lawyer
If you have been injured in an auto accident, you need to hire an auto accident attorney. Your lawyer has experience obtaining monetary compensation for victims of auto accidents. Choosing not to hire an attorney could mean the difference between receiving a fair settlement for your injuries and receiving an amount that doesn’t cover all of your medical bills, lost wages, and the money you will need for present and future expenses.
It is true that Florida is a “no-fault state.” This means that every driver is required to purchase PIP insurance. When two or more motorists are involved in a collision, each person is required to file a claim against his or her own PIP insurance policy. It doesn’t matter who caused the collision.
In some cases, injuries are particularly egregious, and the injured have the right to sue the at-fault motorist for monetary compensation. The times that it is possible for Florida residents to do this were listed above.
The Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Injuries
If you are able to meet the threshold, you will be able to hire a car accident lawyer and sue the at-fault driver for damages, but this must be done within Florida’s statute of limitations.
The statute of limitations is the time that an injured person has to file a lawsuit against an at-fault party in a court of law. In Florida, the statute of limitations is four years from the date that the collision occurred. If you do not file your lawsuit within this time period, it will not matter that you can meet the threshold. You will not be able to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. An attorney knows when all of the important dates are, and he or she will not allow these dates to pass without filing the appropriate action.
The At-Fault Driver’s Insurance Company
It is not easy for car accident victims to negotiate with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. These insurance companies have one objective, and it is to make sure that they pay out the least amount of money. These companies work to keep their costs down, and they do this by paying car accident victims as little as they can. By hiring an attorney, you can ensure that your payout will not be the least amount of money possible.
Settling Out of Court
Sometimes, you have to file a lawsuit, but this isn’t always the wise thing to do. You are unfamiliar with the system, and you aren’t aware of the factors that make it impossible to carry a lawsuit forward. Your attorney has experience deciding when it is right to file a lawsuit and when it is not. Your attorney will know the right thing to do from the beginning until the end and will be by your side advising you on these important steps. Your attorney’s knowledge and expertise will be invaluable to you when you need to negotiate with the at-fault driver’s lawyers.
How a Florida Car Accident Attorney Can Help
In some cases, an attorney isn’t necessary because the injuries and property damages are not that severe. When the injuries are severe, an attorney is needed to help you obtain monetary compensation for your medical bills and property damages. An auto accident lawyer has the experience and is in the best position possible to obtain payment for your medical bills, lost wages and other expenses.
According to Florida’s law, you are only obligated to purchase PIP insurance in the amount of $10,000 for bodily injuries. This sum must be enough to compensate you for 80 percent of the cost of your medical bills. Your injuries may be very severe, and $10,000 may not be enough to cover all of your medical expenses, lost wages, and daily living expenses. If you can meet the threshold, you will be entitled to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party, and you will need an attorney to help you do this.
If you or a loved one were injured in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, speak with a Shiner Law Group car accident lawyer today by calling (855) 462-6878 or filling out our free online consultation request form.
Florida Car Accident Frequently Asked Questions
How will I know whether I need to hire a lawyer or not?
This isn’t a question that you have to answer right away. When you have your initial consultation with an accident attorney, you will be able to tell her what happened the night that the accident occurred. Then, she will tell you whether or not you have a case that could possibly win in court. You may also be able to obtain a fair settlement without having to file a lawsuit.
Do I have to be in a lot of pain to hire a car accident lawyer?
You may need to hire a lawyer even if you didn’t feel any pain at the scene of the accident. You may have been injured, but you didn’t feel any pain because your body experienced an adrenaline rush at the time of the collision. After the adrenaline rush wore off, you may have noticed pain or other symptoms. The best thing to do is have a medical exam because you could be seriously injured even though you didn’t feel any pain when the collision occurred.
Do I have a chance of winning my case?
Every personal injury case is different, so no one can predict whether or not you will win your case. Our attorneys make sure that their clients have realistic expectations by being honest with you at all times. They will explain to you when your case has strengths, but they will also let you know when your case has weaknesses. If they believe that the case has significant weaknesses, they will advise you to take a settlement rather than take a chance in a court of law.
Should I accept an offer from the at-fault driver’s insurance company?
It is not a good idea to agree to anything that the at-fault driver’s insurance company offers you. First, you need your own attorney. Your attorney has the experience needed to keep the at-fault driver’s insurance company from taking advantage of you. When insurance companies make offers to victims, they are often very low, and they aren’t anywhere near the amount that you may be able to receive if you have an experienced attorney working on your behalf. Your auto accident lawyer will work to ensure that you receive an amount of money that will help you put your life back together again.
How to select a car accident attorney?
Your accident attorney will need to have a practice that focuses on personal injury cases. The attorney must also have extensive experience litigating auto accident cases. It’s also a good idea to choose a lawyer with a great reputation amongst other lawyers and past clients. If an attorney has obtained significant monetary awards for his or her clients, this is also a very good sign. You also want your attorney to be dedicated to your case.
How Can I Find the Best Florida Car Accident Attorney Near Me?
Before contacting a car accident lawyer to represent you in court, you should read online reviews. You must choose an attorney who has received generally positive reviews from customers. Moreover, you should consult with a lawyer before hiring him or her. This will give you an idea of the lawyer’s professional competency and experience fighting car accident injury cases.
Dedicated Auto Accident Lawyers Serving Multiple Locations
- Boca Raton
- West Palm Beach
- Fort Pierce
- Stuart
- Port St Lucie
- Belle Glade
- Daytona Beach
- Fort Lauderdale
- Wellington
- Vero Beach
- Fort Myers
- Kissimmee
- Jupiter
- Lake Worth
Florida Car Accident Lawyer Reviews
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View West Palm Beach Reviews on Google
