Florida Car Accident Lawyer

Florida’s crowded highways, congested city streets, and busy tourist areas make car accidents a daily occurrence. From collisions on I-95, I-75, I-4, and the Florida Turnpike to crashes in residential neighborhoods, school zones, and commercial districts, victims are often left with painful injuries, rising medical bills, and stress about what to do next. At The Pendas Law Firm, our experienced Florida car accident lawyer team fights for injured drivers, passengers, and pedestrians throughout the state and helps them secure full compensation for their losses.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Florida

Car accidents in Florida stem from many dangerous driving behaviors and road conditions. Frequent causes include:

Distracted driving
Speeding and aggressive driving
Drunk or impaired driving
Unsafe lane changes
Tailgating and rear-end collisions
Failure to yield in intersections
Weather-related conditions like heavy rain

We gather crash reports, video footage, witness statements, and other evidence to determine what caused the collision.

Common Injuries After Florida Car Accidents

Car accident victims often suffer injuries that require extensive medical treatment or rehabilitation. These injuries may include:

Back and neck injuries
Whiplash
Broken bones
Head injuries and concussions
Internal injuries
Soft tissue damage

We work with medical professionals throughout Florida to document the severity of your injuries and your long-term care needs.

Fatalities and Serious Injuries are on the Rise as Drivers Use Cell Phones on More Crowded Roads

As distracted driving continues to worsen, more transportation experts are looking to technology to save lives and prevent catastrophic injuries. Electronic stability control applies the brakes to individual wheels at a time to reduce slide outs and losing control. Lane drift detection, collision warning systems, backup cameras, and side view cameras all help improve driver visibility and reduce crashes during lane changes. And, of course, more side collision airbags and enhanced crumple zones help protect drivers during a collision and reduce injuries. However, none of these advances has seemed to reverse the worsening trend in auto collision deaths and injuries. Cell phones are a serious threat to everyone on the road as more people talk, text, and even browse the internet while driving and at stop lights.

With the traffic situation worsening year by year, some believe that the only hope is for fully autonomous cars to become the norm, which we will undoubtedly not see happen for decades to come. In the meantime, countless more are injured and require medical attention. Traditional risk factors, such as alcohol, are present in many incidents, as are emerging new technology-related factors like driving while distracted. Males continue to be the most at-risk group with regard to motor vehicle fatalities, accounting for roughly 70 percent of the total number. Contact us today if you were injured in a motor vehicle collision of any kind.

There are a number of important steps to take after a crash to create the best outcome for your case. In addition to seeking medical care, filing a police report, and notifying your insurance company about the accident, your next step should be contacting an experienced Florida car accident lawyer for legal representation. Working with an experienced lawyer is highly advised, even if you think that your case is straightforward and that you are guaranteed a settlement.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Florida

Figuring out your next step after an horrific car crash can be daunting. We are here to help in this difficult time. If a loved one was the victim of a fatal car accident in the state of Florida, you may be able to recover compensation for your loss under the state’s wrongful death statute. Similarly, if you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident as the result unsafe driving on the part of another, you may be able to recover compensation for any injuries you have suffered to your person or property, as well as lost income from missed work, and pain and suffering under the state’s negligence statute. To find out, contact an experienced Florida car accident lawyer, we have offices in Orlando, Tampa, Fort Myers, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale & Miami.

Your actions after a crash can strongly influence the success of your case:

Call 911 and seek medical attention immediately.
Exchange information with the other driver.
Take photos of the vehicles, scene, and injuries.
Get contact details from witnesses.
Contact The Pendas Law Firm before speaking with insurance adjusters.

Insurance companies may minimize your injuries or shift blame. We step in early to protect your rights.

Tips On What To Do After A Florida Auto Accident

Do not block the road, and warn oncoming traffic.
Help any injured who are involved.
Contact the police immediately, and make sure to give your side of the story.
Exchange information such as names and addresses of other drivers and injured persons, as well as license plate numbers.
Approach any witnesses for their contact information.
Take photos of the scene of the accident.
Do not accept any checks or sign any documents without first consulting a lawyer.
Do not give a statement to the insurance company without having an lawyer present.
Ignore anyone who approaches you and offers money to treat or sign a contract with a lawyer. This is illegal. No one can contact you before 30 days after the accident. Additionally, taking an offer quickly after that 30-day period will not likely be in your best interest. The more serious the crash and injuries, the longer it will take to come to a settlement or lawsuit to be filed. The insurance company of the at fault driver will either drag its feet making an offer, or will attempt to dodge what they really owe you by putting forth a low offer quickly. Do not take the bait.
Call The Pendas Law Firm for a free consultation to exercise your rights.

Practical Steps to Take After a Car Accident

Being involved in a car accident can be an extremely traumatizing experience, but taking certain precautions in the direct aftermath can help ensure that you receive adequate compensation. Make sure to speak with the police, exchange information, and preserve any evidence that you can. If witnesses are present, ask for their contact information, which can be an invaluable tool in the future. If you were too injured at the time of the crash to talk with the police or witnesses at the scene of the crash, you can do so at a later date. You can file a traffic collision report with the police on line so that your side of the story is heard, not just the other driver. Likewise, you may be able to track down witnesses at a later date through various media outlets if your collision was reported on by a local online news outlet. We can help you with making sure that all the evidence is gathered and supplied to the police so that it is clear who was at fault for causing the collision. All of these simple steps may help you secure payment in the near future.

You May Be Able To Recover Compensation for Damages Suffered During Your Car Accident in Florida

All motor vehicle operators owe their fellow drivers, passengers, and pedestrians a duty of care. If you have been injured in a car accident as a result of another driver’s careless or reckless driving, you may be able to recover compensation for damages suffered to your person and or property. If, in the worst case scenario, you have lost a loved one as a result of another’s failure to obey the rules of the road, you may be able to recover damages for loss of support, services, companionship, protection, as well as pain and suffering, and the cost of medical or funeral expenses. To understand your legal options, contact a skilled and experienced Florida car accident lawyer. The Pendas Law Firm – one of Florida’s most prominent in the area of personal injury – provides precisely the highly effective and experienced lawyers needed to handle car accident related personal injury claims. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us today to learn how we can serve you in this time of need. The Pendas Law Firm has offices in Orlando, Fort Myers, Tampa, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale & Miami and is dedicated to serving the community with its highly effective and experienced team of lawyers.

Understanding Florida’s Auto Insurance System

Florida is a no-fault insurance state. All drivers must carry Personal Injury Protection coverage that pays some medical bills regardless of fault. However, PIP coverage is limited and may not cover all damages. If injuries are serious, you may pursue a claim against the at-fault driver for additional compensation. Our attorneys guide you through this process and help you understand your full legal options.

Types of Car Crash Injuries and Compensation You May Be Entitled To

Car accident victims may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and long-term treatment needs. We work to ensure you receive the maximum recovery available under Florida law. The extent and severity of injuries suffered will vary with different cases. In some cases, treatment for injuries will not be covered by insurance. The Florida car crash lawyers help cover costs of injuries that include:

Paralysis
Burns and scars
Loss of limbs
Spinal cord injuries
Head injuries
Joint, muscle, back, neck, and bone injuries
Knee damage
Whiplash
Permanent disability

If you are seeking further compensation for damages, your lawyer will approach the negligent party’s insurance company in an attempt to recover compensation to cover your remaining costs. Your claim will be submitted for approval to the insurance company, which will have led an investigation of its own. The success of your claim will likely depend on the ability of your lawyer to collect, analyze, and present evidence. This is no easy task because the opposing insurance company will clearly want to minimize their disbursement.

Providing your lawyer with as much information as possible can help strengthen your claim. If your lawyer and the insurance company cannot agree on a settlement, often the case may proceed to trial. In addition to these, our experienced Florida car accident lawyers can help you obtain compensation for the following:

Medical expenses
Future medical expenses
Lost wages
Loss of earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Mental anguish
Loss of consortium
Punitive damages
Wrongful death

Florida Auto Accident Lawyers Assist with Wrongful Death Claims

If you have lost a loved one in a car crash, you can file a wrongful death lawsuit. In these cases, the family or survivors of the victim must prove that their loved one was killed as a result of another’s negligence. You can gain economic, non-economic, and punitive damages.

How We Build a Strong Car Accident Case

We thoroughly investigate every case by analyzing crash reports, reviewing video evidence, interviewing witnesses, consulting accident reconstruction experts, and evaluating medical records. This approach strengthens negotiations and prepares your case for litigation if needed.

Where Car Accidents Commonly Occur in Florida

Car accidents frequently occur on highways such as I-95, I-4, I-75, and the Florida Turnpike, as well as in tourist areas, school zones, parking lots, intersections, shopping districts, and busy urban centers across the state.

Why You Should Work with a Florida Auto Accident Lawyer

Many people hesitate to contact an lawyer after a crash, wondering whether or not working with an lawyer is really necessary. While you have no legal obligation to contact a lawyer, doing so can improve your chances of recovering the maximum amount of money that you are owed, and can also provide you with a sense of confidence and comfort throughout the process. Here are some important ways that our Florida car accident lawyer helps you after a car accident:

Investigating your accident. Fault in a crash is not always clear, and even when it is, the right evidence must be collected to prove it. Fault, or negligence, can have a big impact on the amount of money that you receive in a settlement offer, and unless you prove the negligence of the other driver (or other at-fault party), you may be unable to recover compensation at all. The investigation starts as soon as we learn around your accident, collecting all evidence. This includes physical evidence, pictures of the accident scene, police reports, video footage, witness statements, and more.

Filing your claim. Filing can be confusing. You may not know how to file your claim after an accident, or against whom. This is especially true if the accident was caused by a party other than another driver, such as the manufacturer of a defective auto part. Our Florida car accident lawyers help you file your claim against the appropriate party in a timely manner.

Proving damages. If you are injured in a crash and suffer losses, you may assume that the insurance adjuster responsible for processing your claim will recognize this and you’ll be compensated. Unfortunately, you will need to prove the full extent of your losses in order to recover any compensation. Our Florida car crash lawyers can assist you in gathering medical bills, working with experts, and proving damages.

Negotiating for a fair settlement offer. Frequently, insurance adjusters offer claimants less than they deserve, hoping that the claimant will take the money in desperation and frustration. When your settlement offer does not address the full amount of damages you have suffered, we will aggressively negotiate for a more suitable settlement amount.

Taking your claim to court. When a settlement cannot be reached, our Florida car accident lawyers will be prepared to take your case to court.

Why Choose The Pendas Law Firm

The Pendas Law Firm is recognized statewide for advocating aggressively for car accident victims. Our attorneys have earned honors from Super Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers Top 100, and the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. We represent clients in both English and Spanish and serve people in Orlando, Miami, Tampa, Jacksonville, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Naples, Fort Myers, Daytona Beach, Ocala, Melbourne, and beyond. With decades of combined experience, we understand Florida’s insurance laws and how to build cases that maximize recovery.

If you have never been in a car accident, you may be shocked when you find out how expensive, time consuming and frustrating it can be to get back on your feet and back on the road. Most of us are totally unprepared for the disruption an accident can cause to our regular routine. Frequently, people find that they appear to be alright at the accident scene, only to find themselves in debilitating pain within a day or two. Many of our clients don’t have health insurance or disability insurance (almost half of all working Americans don’t) and don’t know where to turn to get treatment for their pain or to help pay the bills when they are out of work.

We, at The Pendas Law Firm, are accustomed to helping our clients through these difficulties. Our staff is skilled at dealing with law enforcement, health service providers and insurance company adjusters to make your transition back to health as smooth as possible. We can quickly analyze your insurance coverage and the insurance coverage of the person who caused the accident and let you know what your options are. Our Florida accident lawyers take the time to personally and thoroughly explain the law so that you know what to expect. We pride ourselves in our ability to take on tough cases that other lawyers can’t or won’t.

Florida Car Accident FAQs

How long do I have to file a claim?

Victims generally have two years from the accident date.

Do I need to use my PIP coverage first?

Yes. Florida requires PIP to be used before other claims.

Can I recover compensation if I share fault?

Yes. Compensation may be reduced depending on your percentage of fault.

Should I talk to the insurance company?

Not before speaking with an attorney.

What if the at-fault driver is uninsured?

You may still have options through your uninsured motorist coverage.

What should I bring to my consultation?

Photos, medical records, bills, and insurance information.

Will my case go to court?

Most cases settle, but trial is possible.

Do soft tissue injuries qualify for compensation?

Yes. They can still affect your health and ability to work.

What if symptoms appear later?

Seek medical attention immediately. Delayed symptoms are common.

Do you serve Spanish-speaking clients?

Yes. We proudly serve clients in English and Spanish.

Serving Clients Across Florida

The Pendas Law Firm is located in Orlando, Ocala, Daytona, Melbourne, Tampa, Bradenton, Fort Myers, Naples, Jacksonville, Miami, Fort Lauderdale & West Palm Beach and serves accident victims throughout the state of Florida.

Orlando
Tampa
Bradenton
Fort Myers
Jacksonville
Miami
Fort Lauderdale
West Palm Beach
Naples
Daytona Beach
Ocala
Melbourne
Gainesville
Tallahassee
St. Petersburg
Clearwater

Contact Our Florida Car Accident Lawyers

If you were injured in a car accident anywhere in Florida, The Pendas Law Firm is here to help. Our experienced Florida car accident attorneys investigate your case, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation with a dedicated Florida car accident lawyer who will stand with you every step of the way.