Florida Car Accident Lawyer

Florida car accidents can happen anywhere, anytime. One moment you're driving down the highway, and the next thing you know, your car is facing the wrong direction, you are covered in broken glass, and your heart is racing. What happened? What should you do next? How much is this going to cost? Do you need a Florida car accident lawyer?

After an accident in Florida, most crash victims are overwhelmed. If you were injured in a car accident, you might be facing extreme pain, extensive medical treatment, future medical expenses, lost wages, and an uncertain future. When you have questions and concerns about a potential car accident claim, trust the Florida car accident lawyers at Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, to help you recover.

Why Choose Dolman Law Group for Your Florida Car Accident Injury Claim

After a car accident, devote your time and energy to healing from your injuries. Dealing with auto insurance companies only detracts from your rehabilitation and adds unneeded stress. Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, knows how to communicate and negotiate with insurance companies to get the best outcome for a client's situation.

The skilled Florida car accident lawyers at Dolman Law Group have extensive experience advocating for car accident victims. Two decades of client advocacy and a dedication to professional excellence have led to numerous regional and national accolades for the firm. Dolman Law Group's legal team members belong to elite organizations like the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Also, National Trial Lawyers, Super Lawyers, and Best Lawyers have recognized many firm members.

Our Florida car accident lawyers are committed to helping car accident victims seek justice and recover losses related to the accident and their injuries.

We cannot guarantee a specific outcome, but here are some examples of recent results for car accident cases we’ve handled:

$5,000,000 for a car accident victim who suffered severe burn injuries
$1,875,000 for a car accident victim who sustained a mild brain injury and back injury requiring a spinal fusion surgery
$1,580,000 for a car accident victim who sustained two herniated discs
$1,000,000 for a car accident victim who sustained various injuries
$775,000 for a father and son who sustained car accident injuries
$750,000 for a car accident victim who sustained a subdural hematoma and rotator cuff injury
$425,000 for a car accident victim who sustained a lower back injury
$380,000 for a car accident victim who sustained a herniated disc in a rear-end crash
$270,000 for a car accident victim who sustained a Chiari malformation and herniated disc
$220,000 for a car accident victim who suffered a central disc profusion due to a T-bone crash
$150,000 for a car accident victim who sustained a herniated disc

Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, has the knowledge and resources to help you with your Florida car accident claim. We aren't intimidated by insurance companies and the questionable tactics they employ to avoid paying claims or their large legal teams. One of our seasoned attorneys can handle your Florida car accident injury claim while you focus on healing.

With offices across both Florida coasts, you can easily reach Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, to help with your Florida car accident claim.

We have offices in:

Aventura
Boca Raton
Bonita Springs
Bradenton
Clearwater
Cocoa Beach
Doral
Fort Lauderdale
Jacksonville
Largo
New Port Richey
North Miami Beach
Orlando
Palm Harbor
Spring Hill
St. Petersburg
Tallahassee
Tampa

Contact Our Florida Car Accident Lawyers Today

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Compensation in Florida Accident Claims

If you get injured in a Florida car accident because of negligence, Florida law permits you to seek compensation for damages related to the accident and your injuries. Each car accident claim has distinctive circumstances that affect the amount and type of damages someone can recover in a settlement or jury verdict.

Examples of damages commonly included in Florida car accident claims include compensation for:

Medical expenses, including ambulance and emergency room services, surgery, hospital stay, X-rays, diagnostic tests, medication, follow-up care, and travel costs to and from medical appointments
Estimated future medical expenses when a Florida car accident leads to a severe or permanent injury that requires more treatment, additional surgeries, or around-the-clock care in a long-term nursing care facility
Rehabilitation expenses for specialized therapies and treatments like physical therapy, occupational therapy, behavioral therapy, and other treatments that help car accident victims cope with the physical and mental challenges associated with their injuries
Lost income from time away from work because of a Florida car accident, injuries, and healing
Estimated future lost income when a Florida car accident causes permanent injuries that prevent someone from returning to their job or working in the future
Physical and emotional pain and suffering
Reduced quality of life
Loss of consortium with a spouse
Scarring and disfigurement

Many factors impact the amount and type of damages a car accident victim could receive. They include:

Scope of Injuries

The most severe injuries typically result in higher claims. Certain types of injuries also increase the value of a car accident claim. For example, someone who breaks a leg in a car accident will likely receive less compensation than someone who sustains permanent brain damage after sustaining head trauma. Severe injuries cause more pain and suffering, providing grounds for compensation beyond medical bills and lost income.

Amount of Economic Loss

The economic losses a car accident victim incurs correlate to their injuries. Severe injuries have higher medical treatment costs and require people to take more time away from work, drastically adding to their economic loss.

Florida car accident victims also face vehicle repair or replacement costs. Sometimes they need outside help for lawn care, pool maintenance, child care, and anything else they can no longer do after their injuries.

Chances for a Full Recovery

Those with little chance of fully recovering often receive more compensation from a settlement or jury award. Some car accident victims face ongoing challenges related to their injuries, such as chronic pain. This is especially true with neck and back injuries. Those who sustain broken bones sometimes deal with arthritis and other debilitating conditions.

An experienced Florida car accident attorney from Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, can review your case, uncover the facts surrounding the accident, gather relevant documents, and reach out to experts, if necessary, to advise you on the amount and type of compensation you might receive for your claim.

Statute of Limitations for Florida Car Accident Claims

Those who suffer injuries in a Florida car accident can bring a lawsuit against the responsible party for up to two years after the accident. Eligible survivors who lose a loved one in a Florida car accident have two years to bring a wrongful death lawsuit to recover damages related to their loss.

Although you have ample time to take action, consult an attorney immediately after a Florida car accident. Missing the statute of limitations deadline often leads to missing the chance to recoup losses related to a car accident and injuries. Courts rarely hear cases beyond the statute of limitations unless exceptional circumstances exist. Then you lose all leverage for negotiating a settlement with the other side.

Perhaps more importantly, take swift action because the quality of evidence to support your claim can diminish as time passes. If you wait too long, your lawyer might not obtain traffic or security surveillance footage showing the accident, among other critical evidence.

Eyewitnesses to the accident forget the details if you can even locate them. The sooner you meet with an attorney, the sooner they can build a strong case, giving you the best chance for a positive outcome.

Common Injuries in Florida Car Accident Claims

Our firm serves clients who have suffered many injuries in Florida car accidents.

Here are some examples of common injuries that might give rise to a Florida car accident claim:

Fractures. Broken bones might not immediately seem like a reason to hire a lawyer after a car accident. However, some people sustain multiple fractures or suffer complex injuries requiring one or more surgeries. Some car accident victims who suffer breaks face chronic pain or discomfort at the site of their injury.

Brain injuries. Car accidents are one of the leading causes of traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Some brain injuries heal, but others leave victims with permanent brain damage. This translates into lifelong problems with cognitive and bodily functions. The struggles depend on which part of the brain suffered trauma.
Back and neck injuries. Car accidents can lead to painful injuries along the spinal column, like bulged discs and cracked vertebrae.
Amputation. Car accidents sometimes lead to crushed limbs, especially at high speeds. If doctors cannot restore blood flow, accident victims face amputation.
Internal injuries. Florida car accidents can lead to serious internal injuries, such as organ damage, bleeding, and broken ribs.

Fighting the Insurance Company After a Florida Car Accident

Insurance carriers don't stay in business by paying out each claim they receive. They use every strategy they can to deny a claim or reduce its value. Once the insurance company receives a claim, they will assign a representative to investigate the accident and finalize approval.

Having an experienced Florida car accident attorney in your corner protects you from insurance company games.

Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, know how to handle communications and negotiations with insurance companies to protect client rights and get the best possible outcome.

Where Do Car Accidents Occur in Florida?

Florida is one of the most dangerous states in the country, reporting more car accident claims than most states in the nation. Here, accidents occur at an alarming rate. From local state roads to busy freeways and highways, Florida drivers are more likely to get into a serious or fatal car accident than most other states. When car accident victims are facing an uncertain future, they need a dedicated Florida Car Accident Lawyer who will protect their rights.

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), more than 3,000 people die in car-related traffic accidents every year in Florida, and 212,000 suffer injuries. While these accidents occur on virtually every road in every county, some counties are more dangerous than others. For example:

According to one study, Bay County, Orange County, Monroe County, and Okaloosa County have the most distracted drivers
Orlando is one of the most dangerous cities, with 30,000 car accidents every year
Residents in Hollywood, located between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, have a 15% risk of being in a car accident. It is the third most dangerous city for drivers in Florida.
Hialeah is the second most dangerous driving city in Florida, with the likelihood of getting into a car accident topping 26%.
Fort Lauderdale is the most dangerous city to drive in due to its increase in tourism and partying beachgoers.

Did you know that six of America's 10 most dangerous highways are in Florida? Other dangerous roads and intersections include:

I-75
I-4
Alton Road and Dade Boulevard
Pines Boulevard and South Flamingo Road
A1A and Las Olas
Northeast 2nd Avenue and 36th Street

With offices throughout the state, our Florida car accident attorneys personally know the roads, the most dangerous areas, and the car accident victims in our neighborhoods who we want to help. Our car accident lawyers are here for you, 24/7, whenever you need us.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Florida

Put your health first after suffering injuries in a Florida car accident. However, while you heal, you can support your Florida car accident claim and give yourself the best chance to recover the most damages for your injuries.

These guidelines make it more challenging for the insurance carrier to avoid financial liability for your Florida car accident:

Attend all doctor appoints and other medical appointments that are part of your treatment plan, so the other side cannot dispute your injuries.

Keep all medical bills, paystubs, receipts, and other documents that prove economic loss related to your car accident and injuries.
Obtain a copy of the official traffic crash report from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
Record how your injuries affected your life in a daily journal, including physical pain, economic hardship, and changes in your daily routine.

Bring all the information above to your initial consultation with a lawyer from Dolman Law Group, so they can review your situation and determine the viability of your claim. You should also share any other relevant information, including photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and eyewitness information.

Reported Car Accident Cases Involving Injuries in Florida

Source: www.flhsmv.gov/

A Respected Florida Car Accident Lawyer & Florida Law Firm Can Help You Recover Fair Compensation

Although many people refer to these situations as car accidents—and you may even hear a Florida accident attorney use that phrase—many car crashes are not accidental at all. An accident implies that there is no at-fault driver in the collision. When a person is driving while intoxicated or texting and driving, or if an auto manufacturing company knows its steering system is defective, the car crash is probably not an accident and might have been prevented.

Even worse, when your car accident in Florida results in serious impairment, disfigurement, or pain and suffering, you may find that this crash has completely destroyed your life and irreparably changed your future. You might face unimaginable struggles and crippling medical expenses in the blink of an eye.

This is why it's essential to hire an experienced car crash attorney who can help you get the compensation you deserve for your car accident injury. Our Florida car accident lawyers have an impressive track record of successfully resolving hundreds of Florida personal injury cases for our clients.

Potential Damages in a Florida Personal Injury Claim

Accident injury victims may incur many losses from a motor vehicle collision, particularly medical expenses. With the rising medical care costs, treating any type of injury can get expensive. Even moderately insignificant auto accident injuries can require a trip to the emergency department, medication, diagnostic tests, physical therapy, follow-up visits, and more.

Catastrophic injuries, like those to the neck and back or even the brain, may require hospitalization, surgeries, or even long-term care or assistance. Having skilled attorneys who will consider all of your past and future medical bills will ensure you receive the maximum amount of financial recovery for your injuries.

Lost Income

Many injuries can keep you from working for a while or prevent you from returning to your previous job. When you're saddled with medical bills and personal expenses, lost wages can seriously impact your finances.

You deserve compensation for lost income if you miss work due to injuries or medical treatments. In addition, if your injuries are permanent and force you to stop working or seek a lower-paying job, you may recover compensation for future lost earning ability.

Property Damage

Car repairs can cost a lot of money. You can request compensation for vehicle repair costs and diminished value after a crash caused by someone else's negligence. If appropriate, property damages should be a part of any car accident claims you file.

A Florida Car Accident Lawyer Can Help Recover Compensation for Your Pain and Suffering

To receive compensation in Florida for your losses that exceed your PIP coverage, you must bring a personal injury claim against the negligent party's insurance company. Your attorney will divide your damages into economic damages (like medical bills, lost wages, etc.) and non-economic damages (like physical pain and emotional suffering, loss of quality of life, etc.).

In a Florida car accident claim, you can request compensation for out-of-pocket losses like medical bills and future wages. These are easily calculated by adding up the bills and doing some simple math for the lost wages.

However, crash victims can also suffer other damages during a car accident. You may have the right to seek more subjective losses, including the value of the physical pain you experienced and the emotional or mental suffering the crash caused. Pain and suffering are difficult to define and even more challenging to prove in court.

Two Types of Pain and Suffering

As your attorney builds your case, they will evaluate your specific experience of pain and suffering based on what you tell your attorney and anything you have to document. There are two types of pain and suffering: physical and mental.

Physical pain and suffering refer to the bodily pain you experienced from surgery, during recovery, while in rehab, and any physical pain you will experience for the rest of your life.
Mental pain and suffering refer to the emotional anguish or emotional trauma you suffered from your car accident (like PTSD) and emotions like fear and depression you sustained after the wreck.

Pain and suffering are often more difficult to pursue than documented expenses like medical bills. A seasoned Florida car accident attorney knows how to explain to the jury (or during negotiations with the insurance company) how the car accident has affected you and caused your pain and suffering. Additional evidence, like a psychiatric exam, is also helpful to prove your emotional distress.

Recovering the Most Compensation After Your Florida Car Accident

Recovering compensation for automobile accident-related losses can be complex in Florida because the law sets out different requirements depending on your situation. After a crash, a car accident attorney may need to bring legal action through:

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance: Florida law mandates that drivers carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance to cover their medical costs, lost income, and other qualified expenses up to a certain amount, regardless of who caused the accident.
A negligent driver's insurance: If another party caused your wreck, you might hold their insurance company liable for damage to your vehicle and any medical expenses or losses exceeding your PIP coverage.
An auto accident lawsuit: If your injuries are severe, you may have the right to seek compensation through the civil court system by filing a car accident lawsuit against the liable party.

At Dolman Law Group, we know how to investigate and gather evidence after an accident. Our car accident lawyers will skillfully advocate for the compensation you deserve with your PIP insurance company, another driver's insurer, or, if necessary, in court.

We will always explore every option for you to receive the maximum settlement amount in your case.

Our Florida Car Accident Attorneys Don't Get Paid Unless You Recover Your Losses

When a firm says that they don't collect any fees unless they win, they mean they are working on a contingency fee basis. Most attorneys who do not work in the personal injury industry charge their clients based on the time and labor of the attorneys and their staff.

However, a personal injury attorney charges based on how much they recover for their client in a settlement or trial verdict. This means that no money is required upfront for the attorney to take the case, and the client will not have to pay anything until their case is over.

Dolman Law Group does not require clients to pay anything upfront, opting instead to deduct fees and expenses from the final settlement. This cost depends on whether your case is settled out of court in negotiations or if it requires a trial to get you compensation. A trial is more time and labor-intensive, so the fees are slightly higher.

Some of the costs you can expect to pay once your case is settled include court filing fees, expert witness fees, and the cost of obtaining your medical records.

Your Dolman Law Group Florida car accident attorney will thoroughly explain exactly how you will be billed and how that payment will affect your final recovery amount. It is vital that you understand what expenses and fees you will incur and how they are applied to your case, so if you have any additional questions, do not hesitate to ask.

What Caused Your Florida Auto Accident?

If your case involves serious injuries, you might exceed your own no-fault PIP insurance coverage and seek monetary damages from the at-fault party's insurance company. Or you might recover your losses directly from the responsible party by filing an automobile accident lawsuit. In these situations, you must prove that the party was liable for causing the accident to prevail on a claim.

Determining liability in any type of accident can be more complicated than you may think. Most negligent drivers don't admit to drinking or texting and won't accept responsibility at the scene of a car accident. At Dolman Law Group, we regularly initiate investigations into the cause of vehicle accidents to identify when our clients have the right to take additional legal action.

These investigations can require extensive resources and may involve reviewing substantial records, surveillance videos, witness interviews, and the analysis of an accident reconstruction expert. We have the tools and resources to determine whether someone else may be liable for your crash.

Common Causes of Florida Car Accidents

In general, drunk driving and distracted driving are the top causes of Florida car collisions. However, there are many types and causes of automobile accidents that Dolman Law Group can successfully handle on your behalf, including:

Distracted Driving

Despite rules against texting and driving in Florida, distracted driving continues to be a significant and growing problem on the roadways. While drivers may claim to know the risks of distracted driving, they continue to engage in activities that take their eyes or minds off the road.

Drunk Driving

Similarly, every driver should fully recognize how life-threatening a drunk driving accident can be. Still, police continually arrest drivers under the influence of alcohol, and they only catch a small percentage of the drunk drivers out on the roads.

Aggressive Driving and Road Rage

No one likes traffic, and we all seem to be in a hurry. Unfortunately, even though the traffic in South Florida can be frustrating, some drivers allow their frustration and impatience to escalate into belligerent driving and road rage. Such behaviors can include weaving through traffic, tailgating, or intimidating other drivers to get out of the way.

Some aggressive drivers even intentionally cause harm to others on the road. If you are injured by an aggressive driver, we can help you prove their legal liability and hold them accountable for their reckless driving and reckless actions.

Violating Traffic Laws

The Florida Traffic Code is extensive and sets out many road rules that you must learn to obtain a driver's license. Even though there are lesser-known traffic laws, everyone driving should fully comprehend Florida safety regulations and always comply with these laws.

Speeding, ignoring traffic lights or stop signs, disobeying right-of-way rules, failing to yield, and many more violations can lead to serious accidents and injuries.

Defective Auto Parts

Sometimes, a driver will lose control of their car, and they might be blamed for the accident, even though they were not at fault. For example, if a driver loses control because their brakes, tires, steering system, or some other part malfunctions, the responsible party may be the auto or parts manufacturer.

When a defective auto part causes a crash, the companies that manufactured and sold that part might be considered the responsible parties and held accountable for their actions. Unfortunately, seeking compensation from a corporation is often significantly more challenging than an individual. Having a respected car accident law firm on your side can help secure your rights and earn you the compensation you're entitled to.

Road Hazards

We all know that the weather in Florida can wreak havoc on the roadways. State and local government agencies are generally responsible for the upkeep and repair of Florida roads unless the road is privately owned.

Drivers who suddenly hit a large crack, pothole, or another severe hazard might lose control of their car and collide with other vehicles. In this case, the agency that neglected the road might be held liable. Since Florida law sets out particular procedures for legal claims against the government, you need a collision lawyer experienced in handling the legal process in these cases.

These are only some of the many possible causes of car accidents in Florida. Not only do you need to know what caused your crash, but you also need to have sufficient evidence to prove who was negligent. The evidence needed to prove liability will differ from case to case.

The seasoned auto accident attorneys at Dolman Law Group fully understand liability evidence, and we'll use the time and resources necessary to gather the evidence to verify your claim and hold the negligent parties responsible for your losses.

Accident Injuries in Florida Car Crashes

At Dolman Law Group, we are proud to help injured Florida car crash victims like you. Our law offices have successfully represented accident survivors who suffered from injuries such as:

Traumatic brain injuries
Spinal cord injuries
Fractures
Soft tissue injuries
Back and neck injuries
Disfigurement
Internal organ damage

We work with your medical team to fully evaluate your injuries when seeking compensation. We want to know how your injuries will affect your future and your ability to get your life back on track. If you have a permanent disability, we want to be sure we collect the money you need to handle everything your future entails.

Should I Hire a Florida Car Accident Attorney After a Minor Car Accident?

Even if you're involved in an accident where there was minor damage to your vehicle or you don't feel immediate pain, you should still seek medical care and hire a car accident attorney, especially when someone else's negligence caused the crash.

Research has shown several types of injuries that people can sustain in minor car crashes don't appear until days later. For example, you might be in a rear-end accident and have no evident physical injury. You're probably not hurt, right? Not necessarily.

Many of us consider a bodily injury a laceration, a brain injury, or a broken bone. These are wounds that can affect us for a lifetime. However, we may dismiss stretched ligaments, bruising, or strained tendons as minor injuries.

If your neck and body violently snapped forward and back during the crash, you will likely discover agonizing back pain in days due to whiplash or other injuries following the collision. At the scene, your body will produce adrenaline to protect itself, but this hormone will also mask your injury. Experienced lawyers will suggest you see a doctor as soon as possible to ensure you don't have hidden injuries.

Finally, if you can drive from the crash scene and decline to make an insurance claim or file a police accident report (or both), you may find it challenging to bring your personal injury claims later or in front of a judge. This is true even if you have a doctor or a healthcare professional on your team because the other party will argue your injuries were not related to the crash in question.

An experienced car accident attorney can look over your claim and help you seek maximum compensation for your case. That way, you can avoid paying out-of-pocket expenses for your hospital bills and repair bills for any vehicle damage.

Insurance Companies Are Looking Out for Their Own Bottom Line

If you file a claim with your insurance carrier, their insurance representative might offer you a quick settlement. You may think this method comes with the least amount of hassle and will help you get your car fixed more quickly. However, the settlement amount may not be enough to cover the car repairs, and you may find out that you have injuries you didn't expect.

Unfortunately, when you accept an insurance settlement, you sign away any future rights to compensation or legal action. It is common for accident victims to believe the insurance company has their best interest in mind; however, the insurance industry operates like any other business. It is looking out for its bottom line and will attempt to pay as little money as possible.

Florida Car Accident FAQs

If you have sustained injuries in a Florida car accident, Florida law permits you to take legal action against the driver or other party responsible for your accident and injuries. You might not know how to file a claim after a Florida car accident.

Always consult our attorneys to find out if you have a viable claim. Until you have the chance to meet with a team member at Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, the answers to the following frequently asked questions about Florida car accidents provide preliminary information about the legal process of recovering compensation for your injuries.

Do I Have to Report a Car Accident to My Insurance Company if It Wasn’t My Fault?

Yes. First, Florida is a no-fault insurance state. If you registered your vehicle in Florida, you must purchase $10,000 each in property damage liability (PDL) and personal injury protection (PIP) coverage to comply with the state’s insurance laws.

Regardless of who causes an accident, everyone involved must file a claim with their auto insurance carrier under their no-fault coverage. PIP coverage also extends to others in the same household as the primary policyholder. For example, if your child visits home for the weekend from college and gets in an accident with your vehicle, they are also covered under PIP.

Second, regardless of no-fault insurance laws, immediately report accidents to your insurance company. Many policies have clauses that require policyholders to report an accident any time their coverage might apply. Failure to inform the carrier of an accident could result in policy cancellation or nonrenewal.

How Does a PIP Insurance Claim Impact My Florida Car Accident Lawsuit?

A PIP insurance claim should reduce car accident claims. After an accident, those involved must exhaust their no-fault insurance options before bringing a claim or lawsuit against the other side.

Florida PIP insurance covers up to 80 percent of medical treatment costs and 60 percent of lost income up to the policy limit. Car accident victims cannot claim the same amount of damages twice. If you exhaust your policy limit and have a viable claim for more compensation, your lawyer will subtract PIP benefits payments from your demand for damages.

How Do I Know if My Florida Car Accident Injuries Warrant Hiring an Attorney?

It’s best to follow your instincts. If you think you need a lawyer, you probably do. It costs nothing to meet and discuss your case. It’s easy to know if you need an attorney at the extremes. If you had minor injuries, didn’t have to miss work for more than a day or two, or did not exceed your PIP policy limit, you might not have a viable negligence claim, but run your case by an attorney to make sure.

Always hire a Florida car accident attorney if:

Your car accident injuries hospitalized you.
You missed work because of your injuries.
The accident caused a permanent condition or injury.
You cannot work because of your injuries.
A hit-and-run driver or uninsured driver caused the accident and your injuries.

Err on the side of caution. A skilled Florida car accident lawyer from Dolman Law Group can review your case and advise you on the best action for your situation.

Can I Sue Someone if My Family Member Died in a Florida Car Crash?

Yes. If your loved one died in a Florida car crash due to negligence, Florida law permits the estate to bring a wrongful death lawsuit against the responsible party.

A personal representative of the deceased's estate must file the lawsuit on behalf of eligible family members. This usually includes the spouse and children, and other dependents. Parents can file a wrongful death claim for minor children and may seek damages in some situations involving adult children.

Recoverable damages for a Florida wrongful death lawsuit after a car accident varies based on the relationship with the deceased and the situation.

Surviving family members could receive compensation for:

Lost support and services from the date of the accident to the date of death
Estimated future loss of support and services
Loss of companionship and protection for a spouse
Mental pain and suffering from the date of injury for a spouse and minor children
Lost parental companionship, instruction, and guidance for minor children
Paid medical bills and funeral expenses

If you lost a loved one in a Florida car accident, the compassionate lawyers at Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, can answer your questions about a wrongful death lawsuit.

How Much Is My Florida Car Accident Claim Worth?

We cannot guarantee a specific value of your claim. Each case has different circumstances that increase or decrease its value, and you can be sure the insurance company will think the value of your claim is much lower than what your lawyer thinks.

The type and severity of your injuries, disputes over liability, insurance policy limits, and whether your case goes into litigation affect the amount of money you could receive. Massive medical bills and extensive time away from work typically lead to more money because they drastically increase a car accident victim’s economic and noneconomic loss.

Can I Sue for Damages if a Hit-and-Run Driver Causes a Car Accident?

It depends. You can't sue the driver if you can't find them. In these cases, you must file a claim under your uninsured motorist (UM) policy if you have one. If your insurance carrier approves your claim, you could recover damages up to your policy limit. Additionally, your lawyer might identify other pathways to seek additional compensation.

If the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) or other law enforcement agency locates the hit-and-run driver, you can bring a lawsuit against them. However, many hit-and-run drivers leave the accident scene because they are uninsured. You might find collecting difficult, even if you win your case. Get a lawyer involved after a Florida hit-and-run car accident injures you.

Can I Sue the State of Florida for Damages After a Car Accident?

Yes. You can sue the Florida government, a county, or a city after a car accident if it occurs because of negligence.

However, bringing a lawsuit against a government agency comes with some caveats:

You cannot directly sue a state employee. You must sue the state if a driver hits your car while in a state vehicle.
State law caps damages.
Cases against the state for a car accident cannot include claims for punitive damages.

Besides a government employee driving a vehicle and causing an accident, poor road maintenance or design is the other situation where it might make sense to sue Florida government or another government entity. Cities, towns, and the state have a legal duty to maintain roads and traffic control devices.

For example, if you were injured in a car accident because of a malfunctioning stoplight, you might have a viable claim against the government entity responsible for maintenance. Your attorney can review your case and guide your legal options to recover compensation.

Will My Florida Car Accident Case Go to Trial?

It's highly doubtful you will have to go to court for your Florida car accident case. Most car accident claims in Florida and throughout the United States settle before trial. Most car accident victims settle before their lawyers formally file a lawsuit. Litigation is expensive, and typically, both sides want to avoid the extra time and costs of going to trial.

Although it’s unlikely, you should always be prepared for the possibility of going to trial. At the very least, you might have to give a deposition—formal testimony under oath with your lawyer present conducted outside of the courtroom. Settlement negotiations do not always proceed as one would hope.

Liability disputes, disagreements over the extent and scope of injuries, and the inability to reach a number that satisfies both sides sometimes lead to trial. Once you meet with a lawyer, they will evaluate your claim and give you a better idea if your situation has a higher chance of leading to litigation.

How Long Will it Take to Settle or Litigate My Florida Car Accident Claim?

Timeframes for car accident cases vary greatly based on the facts of a claim. If liability is clear and injuries are undeniable, you may settle faster. Waiting to learn someone's long-term prognosis from doctors and specialists can cause delays.

You don't want your lawyer to rush a settlement if there is a chance you have a permanent injury or your injuries are severe enough that you need more medical treatment. Once you know the full scope of your injuries, your lawyer can place an appropriate value on your claim. They have the leverage they need to negotiate.

Litigation will follow if both sides can not agree on a number. This includes preparing for trial, depositions, and other administrative duties that add months to the timeline of a car accident claim.

Multi-vehicle accidents also complicate things and can delay settlement or force litigation. More than one plaintiff or defendant usually results in lawyers passing the blame around. In cases with major liability disputes, catastrophic injuries, and/or multiple parties, settling or litigating your case could take two years or longer.

Should I Accept an Early Settlement Offer from Another Driver’s Insurance Carrier?

It's your choice whether to settle, but it's always best to let a lawyer review the offer before you decide. Insurance carriers sometimes make early predatory settlement offers to rush the process and avoid a larger payout later on. Accepting an offer too soon could leave you in a dire situation.

Settlements require waiving your right to seek future compensation for the same injuries and event. If you find out you need surgery, need ongoing treatment, suffer a permanent disability, or cannot return to work, you cannot go back to the insurance company to ask for more money.

It's in your best interest to let a lawyer read through the offer and advise you on your options. Often, car accident attorneys use early lowball settlement offers as a negotiation starting point. Your lawyer can review the facts of your case, discuss the likelihood of a full recovery, and place a fair value on your claim. With a realistic idea of your potential long-term challenges, your lawyer can better advocate for maximum compensation for your injuries.

Can I Afford to Hire a Florida Car Accident Lawyer?

Yes, you can. Everyone deserves the opportunity to recover damages after falling victim to negligence. It’s standard industry practice for personal injury law firms to accept new clients on a contingent fee basis. This means your lawyer doesn’t get paid unless they recover damages from a settlement or jury verdict in your favor.
If you prevail in your claim, expect your lawyer to deduct attorney costs and other representation costs before giving the balance to you. You do not have to pay an upfront fee to retain a Florida car accident lawyer like you would for a divorce attorney, tax lawyer, business attorney, or criminal defense lawyer.

Contact a Florida Car Accident Lawyer You Can Trust

Matthew A. Dolman, Attorney — Matthew Dolman, Florida Car Accident Lawyer

Aren't sure if you need an experienced car accident lawyer? Don't worry! During a FREE consultation with one of our compassionate and dedicated car accident lawyers, we can discuss your unique circumstances and your possible accident injury claim.

We want to get to know you better, so we can help you explore all your legal options. But, then, the legal path you take is up to you!

Our car crash attorneys will never pressure you into filing an auto accident claim. Instead, we offer solid and valuable legal counsel to help you maximize the compensation you deserve. You owe it to yourself to protect your future and learn more about your legal options.

With offices across both Florida coasts, you can easily reach Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, at (727) 451-6900 or write to us using our online contact page.

Our team of experienced and dedicated auto accident lawyers provides exemplary service throughout the United States. Office locations include:

Here's what Natasha from Clearwater said about us on Google:
“I was in a car accident and not sure what to do. I called dolman law group and they were very helpful. The staff is very nice and treats you like no other. Lauren kept me updated the entire case. I am happy with the outcome. ”
Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Check out all of our Google reviews!

*The above information was written and reviewed by either Attorney Matthew Dolman or another injury lawyer at the Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA which has a combined 90 plus years of experience practicing Florida personal injury law. Matthew Dolman himself has been practicing personal injury law in Clearwater and St. Petersburg for the last fifteen (15) years. The information provided comes from extensive research and years of experience trying legal cases in courtrooms throughout Florida.