Car Accident Attorneys
Representing Car Crash Victims in Northwest Florida
While no one wakes up expecting to sustain an injury, accidents are inevitable, from workplace injuries to motor vehicle accidents. If you were wrongfully injured by another driver in Northwest Florida, our firm can equip you with skilled representation to pursue justice and demand fair compensation.
At Perry & Young, our car accident lawyers have successfully handled thousands of cases. We understand that to successfully recover damages in a car accident lawsuit, it’s critical to discuss your case with a qualified personal injury lawyer who can represent your best interests and negotiate effectively on your behalf. Fortunately, our extensive legal knowledge of motor vehicle accidents makes us well-equipped to represent each client’s unique needs while making their personal goals our own.
We can assist you in holding negligible parties accountable for:
Our car accident lawyers in Northwest Florida have a proven track record of success. Call (850) 215-7777 to schedule a consultation.
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Our firm was founded here in Bay County, and our attorneys are local and care about our neighbors and friends. Each week as a service back to our community, we answer your questions on WMBB Channel 13. Have legal questions? Tune into LAW CALL each week or check out our list of previous episodes.
"They made sure to communicate with me every time there were changes or more information in my case."
Team Howell: Ted, Kris and Trina. They were excellent to work with, they made sure to communicate with me every time there were changes or more information in my case. They guided me and advised me through every step in my case. They are very friendly and welcoming. I could not ask for a better group to represent me. I am truly thankful for them.- Bob D.
Helping You Navigate Florida Car Accident Claims
Motor vehicle accidents are costly and sometimes debilitating situations that individuals and families find themselves in. When you are involved in a crash, you will likely have many questions. Likewise, insurance companies will likely have many questions for you. Before you answer any questions from an insurance company, give the attorneys at Perry & Young a call.
Whether you have whiplash, a herniated disk, or a more serious injury, you need to understand that the insurance company and claims adjuster are not your friends and are not looking out for your interests. They are paid to give you the least amount of compensation possible and to look out for their bottom line. In fact, one leading insurance company’s claims manual states that someone who has an attorney can net three to five times the amount of money as someone who is unrepresented.
PIP & Out-of-State Insurance Policies
With PIP (Personal Injury Protection) and no-fault insurance laws in a state of flux, it is no wonder Florida’s insurance laws are confusing to many injured motorists. Additionally, many motorists from out of state carry insurance policies from their home states, adding an additional layer of confusion to the process. Whether you are a Florida resident or from out of state and have been injured in a car accident, Perry & Young, can help. We can navigate through the complexity of insurance laws and coverage issues to protect your best interests.
Who Is Liable for My Car Accident?
Determining liability in a car accident requires a comprehensive understanding of Florida’s no-fault insurance system and personal injury laws. Depending on the circumstances of the car crash, various parties can be held liable, including:
- Other drivers: The most common scenario is where one driver is at fault for causing the accident due to negligent actions such as distracted driving, speeding, or drunk driving.
- Car manufacturers: In some cases, a defective part in a vehicle can cause an accident. In such cases, the car manufacturer or the maker of the defective part can be held liable.
- Government entities: If an accident is caused due to poorly maintained roads, poor signage, or faulty traffic lights, a government agency could be held responsible.
- Pedestrians or cyclists: Sometimes, pedestrians or cyclists may behave unpredictably, leading to a collision. If their actions are found to be negligent, they could be held liable.
- Commercial entities: If a commercial vehicle is involved in a crash, the company owning the vehicle could be held liable, particularly if the accident resulted from the company's negligent actions, such as overworking drivers or poorly maintained vehicles.
- Insurance companies: Under Florida’s no-fault insurance laws, your own insurance company may be responsible for covering some of your losses, regardless of who was at fault for the accident.
Remember, it’s crucial to consult with a trusted Northwest Florida car accident attorney after suffering an injury in a car accident, as they can guide your steps wisely while ensuring you understand the legal options available to you.
Compensation You May Be Entitled To After an Accident
In personal injury law, the term "damages" refers to the monetary compensation awarded to the wrongfully injured person (“plaintiff”) who was harmed by the other party’s negligence. Recoverable damages are intended to restore the injured person to the position they would have been in had the injury not occurred. There are two primary types of recoverable damages in personal injury lawsuits:
- Economic damages, also known as special damages, represent measurable financial losses resulting from the injury. These can include medical expenses, loss of earnings, future loss of income, property damage, and other out-of-pocket expenses related to the injury.
- Non-economic damages, also known as general damages, are intended to compensate for non-monetary losses that are often difficult to quantify. These can include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of companionship. The calculation for these damages is subjective and varies significantly from one case to the next.
Why You Should Take Immediate Action After a Florida Car Accident
Because of a new Florida statute, time is of the essence in pursuing an injury claim. Seeing a doctor is an important first step for both the well-being of the accident victim and adherence to the 14-day requirement for an emergency medical condition. Not taking action immediately after a motor vehicle accident can significantly reduce the number of benefits received.
With over 163,000 Florida drivers injured in car crashes in 2022 alone, it’s crucial to seek representation as soon as possible after a car crash to fight for the full compensation you deserve. Our car accident attorneys have a wealth of knowledge and experience representing injured clients in a variety of personal injury lawsuits, including car accidents.
Experienced Advocates for Accident Victims in the Florida Panhandle
With offices in Panama City, Panama City Beach, Marianna, and Tallahassee, Perry & Young, represents car accident victims throughout the Florida Panhandle. As an auto accident law firm, Perry & Young has over 20 years of combined legal experience, including one attorney with over four years of experience as a legal investigator for commercial vehicle and auto accidents.
Car Accident FAQs
What are the most common causes of car accidents?
Our team has guided clients through the personal injury claim process following a range of car accidents, from rollover accidents to head-on crashes to rear-end collisions. We understand that car accidents can happen anywhere at any time due to a number of factors.
Common causes of car accidents in Florida include:
- Distracted driving: This includes any activity that diverts attention from driving, such as talking or texting on your phone, eating and drinking, or fiddling with the stereo or navigation system.
- Speeding: Driving above the speed limit is a common cause of accidents as it reduces the driver's ability to steer safely around curves or objects in the roadway.
- Drunk driving: Consuming alcohol or drugs impairs the driver's ability to operate the car safely and can lead to reckless driving behaviors.
- Reckless driving: This can include a wide range of behaviors, such as changing lanes without signaling, tailgating, or running red lights.
- Weather conditions: Rain, fog, sleet, or icy roads can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles.
- Tired driving: Fatigue can result in slower reaction times, decreased attention, and a higher risk of accidents.
Our car accident lawyers understand the gravity of sustaining injuries in an unexpected crash, from professional impacts to the ability to care for yourself and your loved ones. That’s why our firm is committed to demanding the justice you deserve, allowing you to focus on making a swift recovery.
What to do after a car accident?
It can be disorienting to take action after a car accident, especially when walking away with significant injuries. To secure justice after a car crash, it’s imperative for Floridians to take the following steps to seek fair compensation:
- Seek medical attention: Immediately after an accident, it is essential to seek medical care, even if you don't have obvious injuries. Some injuries may not manifest immediately and can have long-term consequences if left untreated.
- Report the incident: Report the accident to local law enforcement and cooperate fully, providing an accurate account of events. Make sure to request a copy of the police report for your records.
- Document the accident: Take photographs or record videos of the accident scene, capturing details such as vehicle damage, injuries, and road conditions. Collect the contact and insurance information of everyone involved in the accident.
- Speak to witnesses: If there were any witnesses to your accident, speak to them and gather their contact information. Their account of the incident can prove valuable during your claim process.
- Avoid discussing the accident: Do not discuss the accident or assign blame to anyone, including yourself, until you have spoken with your attorney. Anything you say can be used against you in the claim process.
- Contact a car accident attorney: It's important to contact a qualified car accident attorney as soon as possible following an accident on Florida roads. Our experienced attorneys can help you understand your rights, guide you through the claim process, and fight tirelessly to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.
Pursuing Justice for Floridians Injured in Car Crashes
Our personal injury lawyers have recovered hundreds of millions for clients throughout Northwest Florida. With over 15 years of experience, you can count on our attorneys to prioritize your unique needs from start to finish. From car crashes to truck accidents, our team can help injured clients file a personal injury claim following a motor vehicle accident, fighting tirelessly for maximum compensation on their behalf.
With offices throughout Northwest Florida, Perry & Young has served the Panhandle since 2008. Our attorneys have individual licenses to practice law in Florida as well as in Alabama and Georgia.
We invite you to contact us by calling (850) 215-7777 or with our helpful online form.