Orlando Motor Vehicle Accident Attorney
Motor vehicle accidents remain a top cause of death and disability throughout the US, but you may not fully grasp the severe risks until you review some disturbing statistics. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), there are more than 400,000 total crashes statewide every year. Almost 32,000 of these collisions occur in Orange County, leading to almost 180 fatalities and 23,000 injuries. Victims and their families suffer devastating losses, physically, emotionally, and financially.
It may come as some comfort to know that you have rights if you were hurt or lost a loved one in an auto collision. Because the legal process can be complicated, it is wise to rely on our team at Payer Law to pursue all available remedies. Please contact us to schedule a complimentary case evaluation with an Orlando motor vehicle accident attorney today. An overview may also be helpful for understanding the general concepts.
Liability in Florida Auto Collision Cases
Though the details and underlying causes may vary, most car accidents are the result of driver negligence. This term has a very specific meaning in the practice of law, since it requires you to prove that the other motorist breached the duty to exercise reasonable care when driving. Examples of driver negligence include:
- Speeding;
- Drunk or drugged driving;
- Failure to yield;
- Texting, talking on the phone, or other unlawful cell phone use; and
- Ignoring red lights, stop signs, and other traffic signage.
You should note that Florida follows the rule of no-fault for purposes of car crashes. The law requires all motorists to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, through which you would seek compensation through your own insurance company. It is not necessary to prove the elements of negligence, but your monetary damages will be limited.
Recovering Compensation After a Car Accident
Many injured victims who suffer permanent injuries will qualify to file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurer instead of seeking compensation under their PIP policy. The advantages of filing a third-party claim are significant: Limitations on PIP do not apply when you pursue the responsible motorist’s insurer for monetary damages. As such, you may qualify to recover:
- Costs for medical treatment;
- Lost wages;
- Pain and suffering;
- Emotional anguish; and
- Losses based upon how your injuries impact personal relationships.
Still, filing a claim is more than just filling out some forms. Insurance companies fight to protect their own profits and paying out claims affects their bottom line. You can trust our Orlando motor vehicle accident lawyers at Payer Law to advance your interests and obtain fair compensation for your losses.
Contact an Orlando Motor Vehicle Accident Attorney to Discuss Options
As you can see, the legal process for recovering compensation after a car collision can be complex. Instead of trying to handle matters on your own, trust Payer Law to enforce your rights. For more information, please call our Orlando, FL office at 407-307-2979 or visit our contact us page. We can set up a free case review with an Orlando motor vehicle accident lawyer.
