Florida Car Accident Lawyer

Car accidents can turn a person’s world upside down, leaving them with overwhelming medical bills and lost income from missed work, not to mention pain and suffering, decreased quality of life, and other losses.

If you’ve been hurt in a Florida crash, you may be asking yourself, “Do I really need a lawyer?” In most cases, the answer is yes. That’s because insurance companies aren’t on your side, often using underhanded tactics to limit payouts or deny them altogether. That’s why having a legal advocate on your side is so important.

At Levin Litigation, our Florida car accident lawyers are here to guide you through what may be one of the most difficult moments of your life. Whether you’re just looking to understand your options or have already filed a claim, we encourage you to reach out to learn how we can help.

How Can a Florida Car Accident Lawyer Help?

Working with a car accident lawyer can make a significant difference in your case and the amount of compensation you are able to recover for your losses. When you hire Levin Litigation, our Florida car accident attorneys get to work for you by:

• Conducting a thorough investigation: The goal of investigating your accident is to not only understand how it occurred but also who may be liable for it. Beyond the driver, other at-fault parties may include the vehicle manufacturer, a bar that served the driver too much alcohol, or a government entity.
• Valuing your case: You may be eligible to recover not just your current medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages, but those you may incur in the future. With the input of expert witnesses, such as medical and vocational experts, we can help you claim the dollar amount you deserve.
• Negotiating with the insurance companies: We can handle all communications with insurers and other parties, helping you push back against low-ball offers and avoid being taken advantage of.
• Preparing your case for litigation: In the event that the at-fault parties refuse to negotiate in good faith, we will prepare to take your case to trial. We are experienced litigators who understand the nuances of trial preparation and courtroom advocacy.

How Do Car Accident Settlements Work?

Because Florida is a no-fault insurance state, you will typically need to exhaust your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage before you have the option of filing a personal injury lawsuit against an at-fault driver or other party. PIP typically covers a maximum of $10,000 in medical expenses and lost income. However, you can also file a lawsuit without needing to meet this requirement if you suffer from a “serious injury,” which includes permanent scarring and disfigurement or loss of an important bodily function. In either case, you may be able to file a lawsuit to pursue compensation for damages such as:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Decreased earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Property damage

How Long Does It Take To Settle a Car Accident Lawsuit?

The timeline for settlement will vary from one case to another, with more serious wrecks generally taking longer to resolve. Some of the factors that will affect the duration of your settlement are:

• The severity of your injuries: If you have suffered severe injuries because of your accident, these will translate into a higher dollar amount of damages and likely lead to more pushback from insurers (especially when it comes to non-economic damages like pain and suffering).
• The number of at-fault parties: The more defendants who are or could have been liable for your injuries, the more complex the claim. The defendants may argue over who is liable for the accident or try to dismiss the complaint against them.
• The quality of legal counsel: Your attorney’s knowledge of Florida car accident laws and ability to present a compelling case also play a role. Similarly, the strength of the opposing counsel can also affect the timeline of a case.

Our Florida auto accident attorneys will make every effort to expedite your claim. However, our top priority is to work toward a settlement that meets your needs.

Can I Settle My Own Car Accident?

You have the right to represent yourself and to settle your own car accident. In very minor accidents with no injuries and only minimal property damage, you may not need an attorney. Still, there’s no downside to speaking with one. Levin Litigation offers free consultations to help you understand the strengths that a lawyer can bring to your case.

What is Considered an Injury In a Car Accident?

Car accident injuries vary, depending on the nature of the crash and the victims who are involved. Some of the most common injuries include:

• Whiplash: This injury results from the sudden, violent jerking back and forth motion that the head often makes in rear-end and side-end collisions. Whiplash mainly affects the neck and shoulders, with pain ranging from mild to severe.
• Soft tissue damage: Injury to the muscles, ligaments, and tendons is considered soft tissue damage. It can affect any part of the body and lead to painful, debilitating complications.
• Broken bones: You may break a number of bones in a car accident. A victim is more likely to experience bone fractures if their body collides forcefully with the interior of their vehicle.
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI): A TBI is more than a head injury. It can significantly and permanently affect a victim’s brain function and personality. Victims may need special medical attention for the rest of their lives.
• Spinal cord injuries: If you injure your spinal cord, you may suffer paralysis and permanent loss of strength, function, and sensation below the point of injury. These are often irreversible.
• Emotional trauma: There are a number of emotional injuries that car accident victims endure, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. More violent car accidents often correspond to emotional trauma.

Severe injuries impose major medical bills on victims long into the future, which may include physical therapy, rehabilitation, disability, in-home care, and specialized medical treatments. And the expenses don’t end there. An injury can also deprive a victim of their income and even impact their career prospects as a whole.

Because of the potential for such long-lasting consequences, you simply cannot afford to take on the at-fault parties and their insurers and lawyers on your own. Having knowledgeable legal counsel is essential to making the strongest possible claim for the damages you need.

What To Do After a Car Accident in Florida

The first thing you need to know is what to do when you get in a car accident. The steps you take immediately after the crash will affect your physical and mental health, as well as your legal rights. We recommend that you do the following:

• Move your vehicle if it’s safe to do so: If your car is drivable and no one needs immediate medical help, pull over to the shoulder or another safe spot to avoid further accidents.
• Call 911: Report the accident right away to emergency services, and ask for police to come to the scene. They will generate a police accident report that you will need later for your car accident claim.
• Seek medical attention: Even if you do not believe that you (or your passengers) were injured, or that your injuries are minor, let a doctor make this call. Either ask for an ambulance or see your healthcare provider as soon as possible, and follow your doctor’s instructions.
• Document the accident scene: You should do what you can to document the scene of the crash before emergency personnel clean it up. Take pictures, record videos, and ask any witnesses for their names and contact information.
• Report the accident to your insurer, but be careful: Let your insurance company know about the wreck, but limit what you say to objective facts like time and location. Do not apologize or speculate as to how the accident happened or the nature of your injuries.
• Contact a Florida car accident attorney: Take this step at your earliest convenience to protect your rights. If the at-fault driver’s attorney or insurance company reaches out to you, or your insurer asks for more information, refer them to your attorney.
• Make your own notes: Lastly, you should make your own notes about the events leading up to and immediately after the crash. The earlier you do this, the better, since you may forget key details over time.

Florida Car Accident Lawyer: FAQs

How Can You Tell Who Hit Whom in a Car Accident?

There are various forms of evidence that can answer this question. Video evidence from a dashcam, surveillance camera, or smartphone may capture the crash. Eyewitness statements can also help. Finally, accident reconstruction experts can analyze evidence to determine fault.

Will Hiring a Lawyer Increase My Settlement?

Although hiring an experienced attorney can increase your chances of making a strong case, there is no guarantee that a lawyer will increase your settlement. Every case is influenced by complex and dynamic factors, even down to the actions and beliefs of judges and juries. Our firm will apply our personal injury experience to work for the outcome you deserve.

How Long Do You Have To Report a Car Accident To Your Insurance Company?

Your reporting deadline will vary from one insurance company to another, so check your policy for details. However, other deadlines may also apply. For example, you may need to file a written crash report with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) within 10 days after the accident. You must seek medical care within 14 days to have your insurer cover it, and you must file a lawsuit within two years to pursue additional compensation.

What Are Minor Injuries in a Car Accident?

Minor injuries are those that a victim can recover from with minimal medical attention or even home care. They include cuts, bruises, and mild concussions. However, it’s important to keep in mind that minor injuries can sometimes worsen and become major injuries, so see a doctor even if you think you were not badly hurt.

How Much Money Will I Get for Pain and Suffering from a Car Accident?

The dollar amount for pain and suffering varies widely. It may be a few thousand dollars in a relatively minor case, or much higher if the injuries are severe. Factors such as the seriousness of your injuries, your recovery period, the emotional and mental impact, and how your quality of life has changed will all play a role.

Can You Sue If You Are an Injured Passenger In a Car Accident?

Passengers have the right to full compensation for their injuries. This includes monetary damages for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and more. Depending on the nature of the accident, you may be able to file a car accident claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance, the driver of the vehicle you were in, or even your own automobile insurance.

When Is it Too Late To Get a Lawyer for a Car Accident?

You do not have an unlimited amount of time to file a lawsuit. The deadline to file a car accident lawsuit is usually two years from the date of the accident. However, there are some exceptions that can extend this deadline, such as cases involving minors. It’s always best to reach out to an attorney as soon as possible to understand the statute of limitations for your claim.

Have You Been Injured In a Car Accident? Learn How Levin Litigation Can Help

If you were hurt in a car crash in Florida, you deserve dedicated and compassionate legal counsel who advocates for you every step of the way. Turn to Levin Litigation. We understand the value of Florida car wreck injuries and what it takes to stand up to the insurance companies.

We also address common concerns that victims have. For instance, many victims worry about raising their car insurance premiums. Florida law does not allow insurance companies to raise rates because of an accident unless you were substantially at fault.

Let us work to protect your rights and help ensure fair compensation while you focus on your recovery. Contact Levin Litigation today to get started with your claim.