Auto Accident Injury in Orlando, FL

Have you suffered an injury due to a car accident in Orlando? If so, your life may never be the same again. Injuries from a car accident can interfere with your ability both to work and to enjoy everyday activities. They can also be incredibly painful. As such, you need an auto accident attorney who understands the laws in and around Orlando, FL that will fight for your legal rights and help you receive the financial compensation you deserve.

Auto Accident Injury Statistics in Orlando, Florida

According to the National Safety Council, in 2019 about 4.4 million people suffered serious injuries in motor vehicle accidents and an estimated 38,000 were killed. In 2018, the Sunshine State saw over 400,000 crashes according to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Both motorcycle and pedestrian-related incidents tallied over 9,000. Over 40% of total accidents resulted in injury while nearly 3,000 caused fatalities. Of the fatalities, nearly 400 were attributed to drivers ages 21-29.

What to Do After an Auto Accident

It’s important to be prepared in the event you are a victim of a car accident. Below are the steps to remember immediately after your crash.

Receive Immediate Medical Attention

What is the most important step that you need to take after an auto accident? You need to receive immediate and proper medical treatment. You may believe that the injuries sustained after an auto accident are minor. Proper medical treatment helps ensure that you have not sustained any internal injuries that you may not be aware of.

File a Police Report

Even if no one sustained injuries, you still need to call 911 and request law enforcement assistance. When officers arrive, jot down each one’s name and badge number. Answer their questions honestly, but don’t volunteer any unasked for information, especially your thoughts on exactly what happened or who caused the car accident. Be sure to ask the officers for the number of their police report. Also ask when and where you can get a copy of it, including how much it will cost you.

A Florida Traffic Crash Report, Long Form will be filed by an investigating officer in any of the following incidents:

  • Death or injury
  • Hit-and-run
  • Severely damaged vehicle
  • Involves commercial vehicle
  • $500 or more in apparent damage

In less severe cases, you may be able to self-report a crash in place of an officer writing and submitting the report. Processed crash reports may take up to 10 days to become available for order. Reports are available online, by mail, or in person at the Florida Highway Patrol station closest to the crash site.

Gather the Appropriate Documentation

While waiting for officers to arrive after a car accident, collect information from all other drivers involved in the accident, including the following:

  • Full name, address, phone number and email address
  • Driver’s license state and number
  • Auto insurance company name, policy number and phone number

Use your cell phone to take pictures of each driver’s license, auto insurance card, your vehicle and each additional vehicle involved in the car accident. Don’t rely on verbal communication. Having as much information as possible will only help you and your case later on. Try to keep this exchange as civil and friendly as possible. However, do not apologize for causing the accident or indicate in any way that you think you may have caused it. 

Recovering Damages After an Auto Accident Injury

After surviving a car accident, the emotional and economic toll it takes can be staggering. You are not only dealing with the mental anguish that comes with being involved in a crash, but you may also be experiencing severe physical harm as well.

Common injuries associated with motor vehicle accidents include:

  • Burn injuries
  • Back and neck injuries, such as whiplash
  • Brain and head injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Spinal injuries
  • Soft tissue injuries

According to the CDC, vehicle accidents cost Florida an estimated $4.4 billion in 2018. Young adults ages 20-34 are responsible for nearly half of the total cost, calculated to be over $2 billion. Overall medical costs came out to $46 million. Over 22,000 crashes resulted in injury and more than 17,000 resulted in property damage in Orange County in 2018.

Hiring a car accident lawyer ensures you have the financial ability to cover any losses that have occurred as a result of a crash. An auto accident attorney will also help you handle the paperwork that you will have to complete from insurance companies. This boosts your odds of receiving the insurance compensation you deserve.

Auto Accident Laws in Florida

Liability Laws for Orlando

When car accidents happen, it is essential to determine who bears responsibility for the resulting damage and medical bills. Determining fault impacts everything from your insurance claim and level of liability to the amount of confusion you may endure during the claims process.

Florida requires you to have insurance that will cover medical expenses or property damage irrespective of who caused them, known as “no-fault” insurance. However, an involved party may take direct action against another party in cases of severe injury. In these cases, liability for damages will be determined through a comparative negligence framework whereby the at-fault party will be required to pay damages based on their percentage of fault in causing the accident.

Statute of Limitations in Orlando

Each state has its own tort laws that determine the statute of limitations on a claim. In some states, this gives you just one year to file a claim in court, while some others may give you up to six years. From the date of a traffic accident, the state of Florida gives you a window of four years to take action. For accidents involving publicly-owned vehicles, you have just 90 days to take up action in pursuit of damages. This is why it is important to consult with an attorney immediately after your car crash. Don’t wait and risk losing out on any compensation they can recover.

Work With an Experienced Auto Accident Lawyer Near Orlando, FL

After a car accident, you have enough to worry about. We can help you find an auto accident attorney for your unique case. Get the financial restitution that you deserve if you’re the victim of someone else’s conduct.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in Florida!

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