Should I get a lawyer after a car accident in Florida?

If you have been injured in a car accident that is (completely or at least partially) the fault of the other motorist or another party, retaining an attorney is the single most effective move you can make to protect your future. Car accident injuries can lead to significant losses, from physical disability to financial hardships. Having a lawyer ensures you’re ready to manage the claims or litigation process and pursue the compensation you deserve. An attorney’s guidance is particularly important when your case involves serious injuries, multiple defendants, commercial auto insurance policies, comparative negligence, disputes over liability or the extent of your damages, and other complications. However, even relatively straightforward cases still benefit from professional legal representation, with a lawyer streamlining the legal process through thorough case preparation, strong documentation of negligence and damages, and effective management of negotiations or litigation.

How much does an attorney charge for a car accident in Florida?

Most personal injury cases in Florida are handled on a contingency basis, which means there are no upfront fees for legal representation. We recognize that the financial hardships resulting from an accident can be a huge stressor, and we’re committed to reducing your stress, not adding to it. We handle every aspect of our clients’ claims throughout the legal process, and they owe nothing until we succeed in securing them financial compensation.

How much can someone sue for in a car accident claim in Florida?

In Florida, compensation for a car accident is intended to make you as whole as possible, addressing a wide range of economic and non-economic losses. You can sue for compensation that covers losses such as your current and future projected medical expenses, wage loss, loss of future earning capacity, other out-of-pocket expenses, and pain and suffering. Because every case is different, the value of your claim depends on your individual circumstances. There are currently no caps on the amount of compensatory damages you can be awarded in Florida, which means you won’t face arbitrary statutory limits on your financial recovery. However, factors like the amount of insurance coverage available and limits that apply specifically to claims involving government entities can still impact your case. It’s important to identify all potential defendants and sources of insurance coverage, build strong claims against each defendant, and document all of your damages extensively to ensure you receive the maximum compensation you’re entitled to. In certain cases, we may also be able to pursue punitive damages, which are intended to punish a defendant for particularly heinous conduct.

How long does it take to settle a car accident case in Florida?

The timeline for resolving a car accident case varies depending on how complex an individual case is, including factors such as: The extent of your injuries and damages (including medical bills and wage loss) The number of potential defendants and insurance policies The evidence that exists to establish the defendants’ negligence Whether comparative negligence is a factor in your case The insurance company’s level of cooperation Whether your case enters litigation and goes all the way to trial The most straightforward car accident claims may be resolved in as little as several months, while many cases will take a year or potentially multiple years to conclude. Our firm works proactively to keep your case moving forward, reducing delays as much as possible while concentrating on getting the results you deserve.

Florida Car Accident Lawyer | Auto Accident Attorney Northwest Florida

Auto Accident Attorney in Northwest Florida Fiercely Fighting for Victims’ Rights

Collisions of all kinds occur on Florida’s roadways, leading to life-changing injuries. Even the safest, most defensive driver can’t always anticipate the actions of a negligent motorist. If you’re facing car accident injuries because of another drivers’ careless actions, it’s time to consult a Florida car accident lawyer at Dan Stewart Law Firm about your rights and how to pursue the financial compensation you deserve.

As a longtime auto accident attorney in Northwest Florida, Dan Stewart has spent decades assisting the injured in recovering the resources they need to afford their medical costs, make up for lost income, and address long-term consequences of injuries. We offer free initial consultations and representation without upfront fees, so there’s nothing standing in the way of getting the legal assistance you need. Contact us today for immediate assistance and compassionate support.

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Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Florida

If you’re in a car accident in Florida, common practices like failing to report the crash to the police, delaying medical care, and speaking with an insurance adjuster without first understanding your legal rights could be big mistakes. After a car accident, it’s important to:

Get to safety
Call 911 to report the accident
Remain at the scene until the police arrive
Gather information from other motorists and witnesses
Document the scene through photos, videos, and notes
Undergo a thorough medical evaluation as soon as possible
Consult an attorney for help understanding your rights and options
Notify the relevant insurers, including your own, keeping in mind that the insurance companies are not on your side
Document everything, from medical appointments and missed time at work to out-of-pocket costs and the ways your injuries affect your quality of life

You don’t have to face the aftermath of a car crash alone. Dan Stewart Law Firm is here to help, providing immediate and caring legal support for car accident victims and their families.

Types of Car Accident Cases Our Firm Handles in Northwest Florida

When another driver’s careless actions behind the wheel leave you injured, you don’t have to simply accept this unfair situation as a setback you can’t change. You have the legal right to seek financial compensation for your losses through an auto insurance claim or civil legal action. Our firm assists injured car accident victims in obtaining the compensation they deserve for accidents of all kinds.

Negligence behind the wheel can lead to many types of accidents, including:

Head-on collisions
Rear-end crashes
Side-impact (T-bone) accidents
Sideswipe accidents
Rollover accidents
Multiple vehicle accidents
Car accidents involving pedestrians
Car accidents involving motorcycles
Car accidents in involving bicycles

Even a single-vehicle accident may provide grounds for a personal injury claim in specific situations—when a vehicle malfunction or unsafe road condition, rather than operator negligence, caused the crash or when a passenger suffers injuries through any other party’s negligence, including the driver’s.

The types of negligence that commonly cause car accidents on Florida’s roads include:

Drunk driving
Distracted driving
Drowsy driving
Aggressive driving (road rage)
Speeding
Tailgating
Unsafe lane changes
Failure to yield
Failure to obey traffic signs and signals

While most car accident cases are filed against negligent drivers, other defendants may bear liability in certain situations. When hazardous road conditions are the cause of a crash, you may have a claim against the party responsible for those conditions, such as a company that caused an oil spill or a government entity that failed to maintain the road in safe condition. Vehicle and auto parts manufacturers may be held liable when malfunctions such as faulty brakes, engine defects, or defective tires cause accidents.

If the collision involved a driver of a commercial vehicle acting in the course of their work duties, you may be able to hold their employer accountable for your injuries.

Whether the crash that injured you occurred on a major highway or in a parking lot, whether your injuries are downright catastrophic or simply impact your ability to live your life as usual, a Florida car accident lawyer at Dan Stewart Law Firm can help you move forward through compassionate, dedicated legal representation.

The Importance of Hiring a Trusted Auto Accident Attorney in Northwest Florida

Recovering the compensation you deserve for car accident injuries means giving yourself every possible advantage in the legal process. The greatest advantage you could have is a dedicated injury lawyer who is prepared to fight for you, handling complex legal matters while making the claims process as stress-free as possible.

Knowledge of How Florida Car Accident Laws Apply to Your Case

There are specific state laws and legal procedures that could affect your case. One benefit of entrusting your claim to an experienced Florida car accident lawyer is that you can count on us to consider how laws like the following impact your claim:

Florida’s no-fault auto insurance system: Under Florida’s no-fault insurance system, each driver’s own auto insurance covers their medical bills regardless of who caused the accident through their personal injury protection (PIP) benefits. However, since the maximum PIP coverage amount in Florida is only $10,000, a significant injury can easily exceed PIP coverage limits. We can help you secure compensation for medical expenses that exceed these limits.
The statute of limitations: In Florida, car accident victims typically have only two years to file a lawsuit, although certain exceptions exist, as in the case of injured minors. Missing this deadline could keep you from recovering any compensation for your losses, so it’s important to begin pursuing your case promptly.
Comparative negligence: Following legislative changes in 2023, Florida now applies a modified comparative negligence rule to injury claims. Under this model, you may be able to recover compensation for your losses even if you were partially at fault for the accident, as long as you were not more than 50% at fault. Your financial recovery will be reduced by the percentage you are found to be at fault.

Overlooking these important factors could negatively affect your claim, but our diligence and extensive knowledge of state law ensures that we’re ready for whatever challenges could arise in your case.

The Skills to Minimize the Stress of the Legal Process

From fielding phone calls from insurance adjusters to managing paperwork and demands for documentation, the claims process can be a hassle. When you’re already dealing with painful injuries, the frustrating process of rehabilitation, and numerous worries about your health and finances, managing an injury claim can be overwhelming.

Let our firm take this burden off your shoulders, handling the claims or lawsuit process for you while you focus on physical recovery without distractions. By managing every stage and step of the process, we’re working consistently toward a successful outcome and providing peace of mind when you need it most.

How Dan Stewart Law Firm Can Help

At Dan Stewart Law Firm, our proven approach to effective car accident injury representation involves:

A free initial consultation where we cover your rights in detail and assess your potential claim
A thorough investigation that allows us to identify all defendants and gather evidence
Management of insurance company interactions, paperwork, deadlines, and documentation
Skillful negotiations focused on securing a settlement that fully addresses your losses
Legal document drafting and filing when needed, such as if the case proceeds to litigation
Representation in all legal proceedings
Preparation of your claim for a potential trial and, if needed, strong presentation of your case in court

Behind our record of results is a history of hard work, dedicated advocacy, trial readiness, and diligent case preparation.

Why Choose Dan Stewart Law Firm as Your Florida Car Accident Lawyer?

For injured car accident victims seeking legal help they can count on, Dan Stewart Law Firm provides experienced representation that is prepared to take cases all the way to trial when needed. Recognizing the challenges you’re facing, our compassionate team is committed to making attorney consultations more convenient for the injured.

Decades of Successful Client Advocacy

Our firm has served injured clients throughout Northwest Florida since 1981, assisting more than 20,000 clients. With our recoveries exceeding $100 million, we’ve successfully secured compensation that has provided the resources our clients need to face life after a car accident. Our decades of legal practice give us plenty of experience to draw from in developing an effective strategy for you and overcoming any obstacles that arise.

Willingness to Fight for You in Court

Although many car accident claims resolve without a trial, it’s only through diligent preparation that your case has the best possible foundation for a successful outcome. We prepare every case for the possibility of a trial, and we’re ready to take your case all the way and fight for you in the courtroom if that path offers you the best opportunity for recovering the compensation you deserve. Even if your case doesn’t go to trial, diligent preparation can help pave the way for effective settlement negotiations, providing leverage that helps us obtain a fair settlement for you.

The Convenience of Home Visits Featuring “The 4U Mobile”

Meeting with an attorney is in your best interests after a serious injury, but a car accident can make even this step more complicated. Whether because your injuries limit your mobility or because the damage to your car affects your access to reliable transportation, you may not be easily able to come to our office. We’ll come to your home or the hospital to meet you with “The 4U mobile,” a dedicated RV complete with all facilities needed to meet in person.

Car Accidents Areas Served

Contact a Florida Car Accident Lawyer at Dan Stewart Law Firm Today for a Free Case Review

No matter how seriously your car accident injury has affected your life, having dedicated legal guidance on your side can make a meaningful difference during this difficult time. We’re here to fight for everything you’re entitled to while minimizing the stress of the claims process.

For help from an auto accident attorney in Northwest Florida, contact Dan Stewart Law Firm online or call 850-972-8002 today.

Florida Car Accident Lawyer