Car Accident Lawyers in Tallahassee

Fighting For Car Accident Victims in Florida

At Perry & Young, we understand that being involved in a car accident can be a traumatic and overwhelming experience. From dealing with insurance companies to navigating legal procedures, the aftermath of a collision can be complex and challenging to navigate alone. That's where our Tallahassee car accident lawyers come in. We are dedicated to advocating for our clients' rights and ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve. Our team is committed to providing personalized attention and aggressive representation to help alleviate the stress and uncertainty surrounding car accident cases. With our expertise and guidance, you can focus on your recovery while we handle the legal complexities on your behalf.

Call Perry & Young today at (850) 215-7777 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our Tallahassee car accident lawyer.

Florida Car Accident Laws

In Florida, car accident laws are primarily governed by a system known as "no-fault" insurance. Under this system, drivers are required to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance coverage, which provides compensation for medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who is at fault for the accident.

However, Florida also allows individuals to pursue a claim against the at-fault party for additional damages if the injuries meet certain criteria. This is known as the "serious injury" threshold, which includes significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function, permanent injury, significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement, or death.

Florida operates under a pure comparative negligence system, meaning that even if you are partially at fault for the accident, you can still recover damages, but they will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Common causes may include the following:

• Distracted Driving: Texting, eating, or using in-car technology while driving diverts attention from the road and significantly increases the likelihood of an accident.
• Speeding: Exceeding the speed limit decreases reaction time and increases the severity of collisions.
• Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol or drug impairment diminishes a driver’s capacity to make sound decisions, leading to preventable accidents.
• Reckless Driving: Aggressive behaviors like tailgating, weaving through traffic, or ignoring traffic signals endanger everyone on the road.
• Weather Conditions: Rain, fog, or slippery roads can impair visibility and control and contribute to crashes, especially when drivers fail to modify their behavior to the conditions.
• Failure to Obey Traffic Laws: Running red lights, failing to yield, and ignoring stop signs are common violations that result in collisions.

Common Injuries in Car Accidents

Common injuries include:

• Whiplash: This soft tissue injury is one of the most common, resulting from the sudden back-and-forth motion of the neck during impact.
• Broken Bones: Collisions often result in fractures in areas such as arms, legs, ribs, and collarbones.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Head trauma, even in minor accidents, can cause concussions or more serious brain injuries, potentially affecting cognitive and physical abilities.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Harm to the spinal cord could result in temporary or permanent paralysis, requiring extensive medical care and rehabilitation.
• Internal Injuries: The force of a crash can damage internal organs, which may not be immediately evident but require urgent medical attention.
• Lacerations and Bruising: Broken glass and impact with hard surfaces inside the vehicle can cause severe cuts and bruises, sometimes leading to permanent scarring.

How to Protect Yourself Against Insurers

Insurance companies have various tactics they may employ to reduce or deny car accident claims, often in an effort to minimize their financial liability. Some common strategies include:

• Disputing Liability: Insurers may argue that their policyholder is not at fault for the accident, thereby shifting responsibility to you or another party involved. They may use evidence such as witness statements, police reports, or accident reconstructions to support their position.
• Questioning Medical Treatment: Insurance companies may scrutinize your medical records and treatment to challenge the extent or necessity of your injuries. They may argue that your injuries were pre-existing or not directly caused by the accident, leading to a reduction in the compensation they offer.
• Offering Low Settlements: Insurers may make initial settlement offers that are far below the actual value of your claim. They may pressure you to accept these offers quickly, hoping that you will accept a lesser amount out of desperation or lack of understanding of your rights.
• Delaying or Denying Claims: Insurance companies may intentionally delay the claims process or deny valid claims altogether. They may cite technicalities, incomplete paperwork, or alleged policy violations as reasons for denial, forcing you to expend time and effort to appeal their decision.
• Using Recorded Statements Against You: Insurers often request recorded statements from claimants shortly after the accident. They may manipulate your words or twist your statements to undermine your credibility or weaken your claim.
• Alleging Contributory Negligence: Florida follows a comparative negligence system, which means that your compensation can be reduced if you are found partially at fault for the accident. Insurers may attempt to exaggerate your level of fault to minimize their payout.

What Damages Could Be Recovered in a Car Accident Claim?

Potential damages could include:

• Medical Expenses: Compensation covers the cost of immediate medical care, ongoing treatments, rehabilitation, and necessary medical equipment related to your injuries.
• Lost Wages: If your injuries stop you from working, you may recover the income you have lost during recovery and compensation for reduced earning capacity if the injuries are long-term.
• Property Damage: Repair or replacement costs for your vehicle and any other personal property that was damaged in the accident are recoverable.
• Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages are available for the physical pain and emotional misery caused by the accident and resulting injuries.
• Loss of Consortium: Spouses or family members could pursue compensation for the loss of companionship, care, or support due to the victim’s injuries.
• Punitive Damages: In instances where the at-fault driver’s behavior was especially reckless or egregious, the court could grant punitive damages to deter similar conduct in the future.

Car Accident FAQs

What is the Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims in Florida?

Additionally, Florida has a statute of limitations for filing a car accident lawsuit, which is typically two years from the date of the accident.

Do I need to report the accident to the Florida DMV?

If the accident causes injury, death, or property damage exceeding $500, you must file a crash report with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) within 10 days if law enforcement doesn't do so.

What if the other driver is uninsured or underinsured?

Your Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, if purchased, can help cover your damages when the other driver lacks sufficient insurance.

Do I need to go to court to resolve my claim?

Most car accident claims are settled out of court. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney may recommend filing a lawsuit.

When should I consult a car accident attorney?

You should consult an attorney if you suffered serious injuries, the insurance company denies your claim, or you believe the settlement offer is inadequate. Legal guidance ensures you receive fair compensation.

Contact us today at (850) 215-7777 to discuss your legal options with our team.