In a Melbourne, Florida car accident and need legal help? Shiner Law Group’s experienced Melbourne car accident lawyers can guide you through insurance claims and legal procedures to secure your rightful compensation. With our office conveniently located at 1900 S Harbor City Blvd, Suite 207, our attorneys are ready to fight for your rights. Call us today at (321) 296-5349 for a free consultation.

The Role of a Melbourne, FL Car Accident Lawyer at Shiner Law Group

A Melbourne, FL car accident lawyer from Shiner Law Group provides essential support and guidance for victims navigating the aftermath of a car accident on Brevard County roads. Our legal professionals offer personalized representation and comprehensive case management, helping clients understand their options and rights when it comes to filing an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit after crashes on busy roadways like I-95, Wickham Road, or Babcock Street.

One of our primary roles is to negotiate aggressively with insurance companies to ensure that clients receive the compensation they are entitled to, addressing any illegal claim denials and maximizing the chances of a favorable outcome. With years of experience handling car accident cases in Melbourne and throughout the Space Coast, Shiner Law Group’s attorneys understand the local court system and how to effectively build your case.

Moreover, our car accident lawyers assist in calculating all accident-related expenses and losses, meticulously reviewing and preparing cases to ensure the best possible outcomes. We help in gathering crucial evidence, such as medical records from Holmes Regional Medical Center and other local facilities, along with witness statements from Melbourne residents, which are vital for substantiating claims.

Don’t navigate the complex legal process alone. Contact Shiner Law Group’s Melbourne office at (321) 296-5349 to discuss your case with a dedicated car accident attorney.

Engaging a lawyer from Shiner Law Group as soon as possible after an accident in Melbourne, FL significantly improves your chances of securing fair compensation, making our role indispensable in the legal process.

Types of Recoverable Compensation for Car Accident Victims in Melbourne, FL

Car accident victims in Melbourne, Florida may be entitled to various types of compensation for their injuries and losses. These compensations are broadly categorized into economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages encompass tangible financial losses, while non-economic damages cover more subjective, intangible impacts.

Understanding these distinctions is crucial for anyone looking to seek compensation after an accident in Brevard County.

Economic Damages

Economic damages cover the quantifiable financial losses incurred as a result of an accident on Melbourne’s roads. This includes costs such as:

• Vehicle repairs or replacement
• Medical bills from Melbourne healthcare providers
• Lost income from your Brevard County employer
• Future medical treatments and rehabilitation costs
• Lost earning capacity

Shiner Law Group’s attorneys help clients properly document these expenses, ensuring they keep records like medical bills, wage stubs, and even a daily journal to substantiate their claims.

Maintaining thorough records not only helps in proving the extent of the losses but also ensures that victims can recover fair compensation for their financial burdens. This meticulous documentation is a cornerstone in establishing the economic impact of the accident and recovering the damages owed.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages refer to the more subjective, intangible losses that a car accident victim in Melbourne, FL may suffer. These include:

• Emotional distress
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Psychological trauma
• Loss of consortium

Unlike economic damages, non-economic damages do not have a fixed monetary value and are often more challenging to quantify. That’s where Shiner Law Group’s experience with Brevard County cases becomes invaluable.

The impact of these damages can be profound, affecting the victim’s quality of life and mental well-being. Therefore, when filing a car accident lawsuit in Melbourne, FL, it’s crucial to articulate how the pain and suffering have altered daily activities and overall life satisfaction.

Despite their intangible nature, these damages are a critical component of a comprehensive compensation claim, and our Melbourne car accident attorneys fight to ensure they’re properly valued.

Let Shiner Law Group’s experienced car accident lawyers help you recover ALL the compensation you deserve. Call our Melbourne office at (321) 296-5349 for a free case evaluation.

Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Melbourne, FL

Knowing the right steps to take immediately after a car accident in Melbourne can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim. First and foremost, it’s essential to stop your vehicle and check for injuries.

Calling 911 should be your next step, ensuring that medical help from Brevard County Emergency Services and law enforcement from the Melbourne Police Department are on their way. Exchanging contact and insurance information with the other parties involved and reporting the accident to the authorities are also crucial actions.

Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Seeking immediate medical attention at facilities like Holmes Regional Medical Center or Melbourne Same Day Surgery Center is not only vital for your health but also for your legal claim. Prompt medical evaluation allows for accurate diagnosis and timely treatment, which can be crucial for recovery. Delaying medical treatment can jeopardize your health and make it harder to prove that your injuries were caused by the accident.

Furthermore, some injuries, such as whiplash or internal injuries, may not present symptoms immediately. Therefore, even if you feel fine, it’s advisable to get a medical check-up to rule out any hidden injuries. This step helps establish a clear medical record linking your injuries to the accident, which is essential for your compensation claim.

Document the Accident Scene in Melbourne, FL

Thoroughly documenting the accident scene can significantly strengthen your claim. Collecting evidence such as witness statements from other Melbourne residents and accident reports from the Melbourne Police Department is crucial. These pieces of evidence help establish the facts of the case and can be invaluable in proving negligence.

Additionally, taking photos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage and road conditions on Melbourne streets, can provide visual evidence of the incident. Noting weather conditions and any other relevant details can also be beneficial. This comprehensive documentation helps create a strong foundation for your case, making it easier to prove negligence and recover damages.

After documenting the scene and seeking medical care, contact Shiner Law Group at (321) 296-5349 to protect your legal rights.

Proving Negligence in Melbourne, FL Car Accident Cases

Establishing negligence is a cornerstone of any car accident claim in Brevard County. To hold the at-fault driver accountable, Shiner Law Group’s attorneys must demonstrate that their failure to adhere to safety standards caused the accident. This involves proving four elements: duty of care, breach, causation, and damages.

Duty of Care and Breach

Drivers on Melbourne, FL roads have a legal obligation to exercise reasonable caution and obey Florida traffic laws to avoid causing harm to others. This is known as the duty of care. When a driver fails to meet this obligation, they breach their duty of care, which is a critical component in proving negligence.

Negligent behaviors on Melbourne streets, such as texting while driving on Babcock Street or running a red light on Wickham Road, exemplify breaches of duty. If a commercial vehicle is involved, the company may also be held liable for the accident. Proving a breach of duty is essential for establishing that the driver’s negligence led to the accident and resulting injuries.

Causation and Damages

Causation links the breach of duty directly to the injuries suffered by the victim. For example, if a driver was texting and ran a red light at a busy Melbourne intersection, causing an accident, this clearly shows how a breach of duty led to injury. Establishing causation is crucial for a successful negligence claim.

Tangible damages, such as physical injuries and property damage, must be demonstrated to support a negligence claim. These verifiable losses can include financial, physical, or emotional impacts on the victim. Proving these damages is essential for recovering fair compensation, and Shiner Law Group’s Melbourne attorneys have extensive experience documenting and presenting this evidence effectively.

Understanding Florida’s No-Fault Insurance Law

Florida’s no-fault insurance system requires each driver’s insurance company to cover their own medical expenses and losses after an accident, regardless of fault. This system mandates drivers to carry a minimum of $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) insurance, which covers 80% of medical expenses, and $10,000 in property damage liability (PDL) coverage.

PIP insurance is designed to ensure that victims receive prompt medical treatment without the need to prove fault. However, this system also has its limitations and may not cover all expenses, making it essential to understand when you can step outside the no-fault system to seek additional compensation.

When You Can Step Outside the No-Fault System in Melbourne, FL

Under certain conditions, drivers in Melbourne, Florida can sue for additional compensation outside the no-fault system. If the injuries sustained are severe enough to exceed the state’s severity thresholds, a lawsuit can be pursued. Serious injuries that significantly impair important bodily functions or lead to permanent disfigurements are examples of such conditions.

Filing a lawsuit outside the no-fault system allows victims to seek compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other non-economic damages that PIP insurance does not cover. This legal option is crucial for those who have suffered severe injuries and require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation at Melbourne medical facilities.

If your injuries qualify to step outside Florida’s no-fault system, call Shiner Law Group at (321) 296-5349 to maximize your compensation.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Melbourne, FL

Car accidents in Melbourne, Florida can result from a variety of causes. Some of the most common reasons include:

• Distracted driving, such as using mobile devices on busy Melbourne highways
• Carelessness or recklessness, including driving under the influence (DUI) and speeding on I-95
• Aggressive driving behaviors on congested Melbourne roads
• Fatigue, especially among tourists unfamiliar with local roads
• Poor weather conditions during Florida’s hurricane season and heavy rainstorms

These factors significantly contribute to the occurrence of motor vehicle accidents throughout Brevard County.

Understanding these common causes helps Shiner Law Group’s attorneys in identifying the at-fault party and proving negligence in a car accident claim in Melbourne courts.

Legal Process for Filing a Car Accident Claim with Shiner Law Group

Filing a car accident claim in Melbourne, FL involves several critical steps. After contacting Shiner Law Group at (321) 296-5349, our team conducts a thorough investigation into the accident. This includes gathering evidence from the Melbourne accident scene, assessing your injuries with help from local medical professionals, and determining fault.

Our experienced attorneys will guide you through the decision-making process, whether to settle with insurance companies or go to trial in Brevard County courts.

Settlement Negotiations vs. Going to Trial

Settling a claim out of court is often less stressful and quicker than going to trial. Many Melbourne accident victims prefer settlements as they provide a faster resolution and avoid the emotional strain of a trial.

However, trials in Brevard County courts can result in higher compensation but entail a lengthier process and increased emotional burden on the parties involved. The decision to settle or go to trial should be made with the guidance of an experienced car accident lawyer from Shiner Law Group who understands the local legal landscape.

Let our Melbourne attorneys handle the legal complexities while you focus on recovery. Call Shiner Law Group at (321) 296-5349 today.

How to Choose the Right Melbourne, FL Car Accident Attorney

Choosing the right car accident attorney in Melbourne can significantly influence the outcome of your claim. Look for an attorney with a solid track record in car accident cases in Brevard County courts and clear communication skills.

Understanding their approach to case management and their familiarity with local Melbourne laws is crucial. Shiner Law Group meets all these criteria with our experienced Melbourne legal team.

Questions to Ask Potential Attorneys

When selecting an attorney for your Melbourne, FL car accident case, ask about their experience in handling similar cases to gauge their familiarity with your situation. Inquire about their strategy for handling your case and any potential legal hurdles you might face in Brevard County courts.

When you consult with Shiner Law Group, we ensure our approach aligns with your expectations and keep you updated on your case’s progress. By addressing these areas, you can make an informed decision and select the right car accident attorney for your needs.

Why Prompt Medical Treatment is Crucial After a Melbourne, FL Accident

Prompt medical treatment at Melbourne healthcare facilities is crucial as it links injuries directly to the accident and supports your claim. An immediate medical evaluation at providers like Holmes Regional Medical Center or Viera Hospital can alert you to injuries like whiplash that might not be immediately apparent. It also ensures that you receive the appropriate treatment from Brevard County specialists.

Medical records play a vital role in proving injuries and enabling individuals to seek damages after a car accident in Melbourne. Proper documentation supports claims by corroborating losses and linking injuries back to the accident, strengthening your case with Shiner Law Group.

How Insurance Companies Handle Car Accident Claims in Florida

Insurance companies often present initial settlement offers that undervalue the actual damages suffered by Melbourne accident victims. An insurance company may deny claims without providing a rationale, mislead victims into feeling helpless, or shift blame onto the claimant to lessen their financial liability.

Insurance companies also use gaps in medical treatment to argue that injuries are less severe or unrelated to the accident. They scrutinize social media activity to undermine claims and use vague language to confuse claimants and discourage them from pursuing their full entitlements.

Shiner Law Group’s Melbourne car accident attorneys understand these tactics and know how to counter them effectively, protecting your rights and maximizing your compensation.

Holding the At-Fault Driver Accountable in Melbourne, FL

The at-fault party in a Melbourne car accident could be the driver, an employer, a manufacturer, or even a government entity responsible for road maintenance. Establishing negligence involves proving that the other party’s actions directly caused the accident and the resulting injuries on Melbourne’s roads.

Evidence such as police reports from the Melbourne Police Department, eyewitness statements from local residents, and expert medical opinions from Brevard County healthcare providers are crucial in establishing negligence. Types of compensable damages may include medical expenses, lost wages, and even funeral costs in wrongful death cases occurring in Melbourne, Florida.

Time Limits for Filing Car Accident Lawsuits in Florida

In Florida, the statute of limitations for filing car accident lawsuits now provides:

• Two years from the accident date for ALL car accident claims (changed from four years in 2023)
• Two years from the date of death in cases of wrongful death

Filing a lawsuit beyond the statute of limitations may result in the claim being dismissed by a Brevard County judge. It is crucial for accident victims in Melbourne to take timely legal action to protect their right to seek compensation.

Don’t risk losing your right to compensation due to missed deadlines. Contact Shiner Law Group at (321) 296-5349 immediately after your Melbourne car accident.

Melbourne, FL Car Accident Case Results

At Shiner Law Group, we have a proven track record of success in Melbourne car accident cases:

• $950,000 recovery for a Melbourne client who suffered spinal injuries in a rear-end collision on Wickham Road
• $1.2 million settlement for a family after a fatal accident on I-95 near Melbourne
• $875,000 award for a Palm Bay resident injured by a distracted driver in Melbourne

These results demonstrate our commitment to securing maximum compensation for our Melbourne, FL clients.

Why Choose Shiner Law Group for Your Melbourne, FL Car Accident Case

When you choose Shiner Law Group to represent you after a car accident in Melbourne, you benefit from:

• Over 20+ years of experience handling car accident cases in Brevard County
• Attorneys who know Melbourne roads, local courts, and insurance companies
• Personalized attention from a dedicated legal team
• No fees unless we win your case
• Free consultations at our convenient Melbourne office
• Available 24/7 to answer your questions and address concerns

Don’t settle for less than you deserve. Let Shiner Law Group’s Melbourne car accident lawyers fight for your rights.

Why Hiring an Experienced Melbourne Car Accident Lawyer Makes All the Difference

Navigating the aftermath of a car accident in Melbourne, FL involves understanding your legal rights, the types of compensation available, and the steps to take immediately after an accident. By following the guidelines provided and working with Shiner Law Group’s experienced Melbourne car accident attorneys, you can ensure that you are well-prepared to handle the complexities of a car accident claim. Remember, seeking prompt medical treatment, documenting the accident scene, and choosing the right Melbourne car accident lawyer are crucial steps in securing the maximum compensation you deserve for your Brevard County accident.

Contact Shiner Law Group today at (321) 296-5349 or visit our Melbourne office at 1900 S Harbor City Blvd, Suite 207, Melbourne, FL 32901 for a free consultation about your car accident case.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do immediately after a car accident in Melbourne, FL?

Immediately after a car accident in Melbourne, Florida, you should stop your vehicle, check for injuries, call 911, exchange contact and insurance information with the other parties, and report the incident to the authorities. Then contact Shiner Law Group at (321) 296-5349 for legal guidance. Taking these steps ensures safety and compliance with legal requirements.

Why is it important to seek medical attention immediately after a car accident in Brevard County?

It is crucial to seek immediate medical attention at a Melbourne healthcare facility after a car accident to assess the severity of injuries, facilitate prompt treatment, and establish a medical record that links these injuries to the incident for potential compensation claims. Even seemingly minor injuries can worsen without proper care.

What types of compensation can I recover after a car accident in Melbourne, Florida?

With Shiner Law Group’s help, you can recover both economic damages, such as medical expenses and lost wages, and non-economic damages, including emotional distress and pain and suffering, after a car accident in Melbourne. Call (321) 296-5349 to ensure you receive full restitution for your losses.

How can Shiner Law Group help prove negligence in my Melbourne car accident case?

Shiner Law Group’s Melbourne attorneys can prove negligence by showing that the at-fault driver breached their duty of care, directly resulting in your injuries. We collect crucial evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and medical records to build a compelling case for maximum compensation.

What is the statute of limitations for filing a car accident lawsuit in Florida?

The statute of limitations for filing a car accident lawsuit in Florida is now two years from the date of the accident (changed from four years in 2023). In wrongful death cases, this period is also two years, starting from the date of death. Contact Shiner Law Group immediately at (321) 296-5349 to protect your legal rights.

How much does it cost to hire a car accident lawyer from Shiner Law Group in Melbourne, FL?

Shiner Law Group works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. Your initial consultation at our Melbourne office is completely free, and we only collect a fee as a percentage of your settlement or verdict amount. This allows you to get quality legal representation without any upfront costs.