Most people are aware that motor vehicle crashes continue to be a significant safety threat throughout the US, but data on car wrecks sheds some light on the severity of the problem. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) reports that there are almost 403,000 total crashes every year statewide, leading to more than 3,100 fatalities and 236,000 injuries. Annually, around 180 people are killed and 23,000 victims are hurt in the 31,500 collisions that occur in Orange County alone.
An auto accident can be life-changing, which means retaining solid legal representation is critical for obtaining the compensation you deserve. The lawyers at Payer Law have the experience and knowledge necessary to guide you through the process, so please contact our office to schedule a free consultation with an car wreck attorney. You might also benefit from reviewing some basics about how these cases work.
Summary of Florida Auto Accident Laws
Liability in traffic collisions is typically based upon the legal concept of negligence, which requires you to prove that you were injured because the other motorist failed to exercise reasonable care when driving. However, Florida is a no-fault state for purposes of auto collisions. Drivers are required to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance coverage, and your own insurance company is the source you will turn to for compensation. You do not need to prove fault to obtain coverage from your insurer, but there are limitations on the monetary damages you can recover.
It is important to note that you can overcome the no-fault rules if you suffered permanent injuries as defined by law. In such a case, you would seek compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurer. You can claim a wider range of damages, but you do need to prove the essential elements of negligence.
Motor Vehicle Collision Legal Process
Whether you are working with your own or the other driver’s insurer, the process starts with filing an insurance claim. If the company refuses to pay fair compensation, you will need to sue in civil court. Our Orlando car wreck lawyers at Payer Law will support your rights to ensure you receive amounts for:
- Economic Damages: This category includes medical costs, lost wages, and out-of-pocket costs to treat your injuries.
- Noneconomic Damages: Commonly known as pain and suffering, these damages are subjective and personal to the victim’s experience. You cannot recover noneconomic damages when filing a claim under your PIP coverage, so it is important to explore options through a third-party insurance claim.
Consult with an Orlando Car Wreck Attorney Today
If you were hurt or lost a loved one in a vehicle accident, time is of the essence to retain skilled legal counsel to assist with your remedies. Our team at Payer Law will tackle the complexities in dealing with an insurer and litigation, so please contact our Orlando, FL office to learn more. You can set up a no-cost case evaluation with an Orlando car wreck lawyer by calling 407-307-2979 or visiting us online.
