Orlando Car Accident Lawyer

Why Trust Wooten, Kimbrough, Damaso & Dennis with Your Orlando Car Accident Case?

Choosing the right Orlando car accident lawyer can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Here’s how our Orlando personal injury law firm stands out:

• Proven Track Record: We’ve recovered millions of dollars for our clients and have established ourselves as trusted advocates for car accident victims, including both local residents and tourists.
• No Win, No Fee: Our firm operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case.
• Extensive Experience: With over 100 years of combined legal experience, we have the knowledge and resources to fight for the fair compensation you deserve, whether you’re dealing with catastrophic injuries, wrongful death, or the complexities of Florida’s no-fault insurance laws.
• Deep Knowledge of Insurance Processes: Navigating the complexities of insurance claims can be challenging, whether you’re a local resident or a visitor unfamiliar with Florida’s no-fault system. Our deep understanding of insurance company processes allows us to advocate strongly on your behalf, ensuring that your rights are protected.
• Expert Negotiators: Our Orlando personal injury attorneys have extensive experience in dealing with insurance companies and their tactics to minimize payouts, ensuring you receive the maximum compensation possible.
• Comprehensive Case Handling: We handle all types of auto accident cases, from rear-end collisions to complex rollover accidents, with a deep understanding of Orlando’s unique driving challenges.
• Support for Tourists and Visitors: Orlando is a major tourist destination, and we frequently assist out-of-town visitors who have been involved in car accidents while on vacation. Whether you live in Florida or are visiting from another state or country, our team is equipped to manage your case efficiently and effectively, even after you’ve returned home.
• Holistic Support: We understand that auto accidents can have far-reaching consequences beyond physical injuries. Many accident victims experience emotional trauma, anxiety, and financial stress. Our attorneys provide compassionate guidance to help you navigate these challenges.
• Personalized Legal Representation: We pride ourselves on our commitment to our clients and our ability to deliver results. We tailor our legal representation to your unique needs, offering aggressive advocacy and compassionate support through every step of the process.
• Experience with Various Types of Accidents: Our experience extends beyond car accidents to include motorcycle, commercial vehicle, pedestrian, bicycle, and truck accidents, allowing us to provide comprehensive representation no matter the circumstances of your case.
• Specialized Knowledge: Our attorneys bring specialized knowledge in handling cases involving Lyft, Uber, and other ride-sharing services, as well as delivery trucks and taxis, ensuring all aspects of your accident are thoroughly addressed.

We pride ourselves on our commitment to our clients and our ability to deliver results. We understand the challenges that Orlando car accident victims face, and we are dedicated to providing personalized legal representation tailored to your unique needs.

Contact us today for a free consultation by calling (407) 843-7060 or filling out our contact form if you’ve been injured in a car accident in Central Florida.

 

How We Build Evidence in a Auto Accident Case

Building a strong case requires meticulous attention to detail and comprehensive evidence collection. Our strategies include:

1. Investigate the Accident Scene 

Thoroughly examining the scene to gather physical evidence and document conditions. This may include taking photographs of the scene, measuring skid marks, and collecting debris from the accident. Our attorneys may also work with accident reconstruction experts to determine the cause of the crash and identify any contributing factors.

2. Collect Witness Testimonies

Interviewing witnesses to obtain accurate accounts of the accident. Witnesses can provide valuable insights into how the accident occurred and who was at fault. Your attorney will take statements from all relevant witnesses and may also use their testimony to challenge the other party’s version of events. Additionally, we guide our clients on the importance of gathering information at the scene and cooperating with first responders—without admitting fault—as these actions can significantly impact the strength of the case.

3. Review Medical Records 

Analyzing your medical records to document the extent of your injuries. Your medical records will be a key piece of evidence in your case, as they provide a detailed account of your injuries and the treatment you received. Your attorney will work with medical experts to ensure that your injuries are properly documented and that the long-term impact of your injuries is fully understood.

DID YOU KNOW?

If your injuries are severe and meet Florida’s “serious injury” threshold (e.g., permanent injury, significant scarring), you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver to cover expenses beyond PIP, including pain and suffering. Our attorneys have a deep understanding of how to build strong cases that meet this threshold, and we have successfully helped many clients recover compensation beyond what PIP offers.

4. Expert Consultations

Working with experts to reconstruct the accident and assess the long-term impacts of your injuries. Expert testimony can be crucial in proving negligence and establishing the full extent of your damages. Your attorney may consult with accident reconstructionists, medical experts, and economists to build a strong case on your behalf. For example, in rollover accidents, our team will investigate vehicle stability, road conditions, and the performance of safety features like seatbelts and airbags, as these factors are critical in determining liability.

5. Documentation

Compiling all relevant documents, including police reports, insurance records, and repair estimates. Thorough documentation is essential to building a strong case, and your attorney will ensure that all relevant evidence is collected and organized. Thorough documentation is also crucial for a successful car accident claim, as it supports the legal process and helps in meeting the required statutes of limitations.

By building a solid foundation of evidence, we can present a compelling case that demonstrates the other party’s negligence and the full extent of your damages. Our goal is to secure the maximum compensation possible for you and your family.

Types of Compensation Available in Car Accident Cases

When you are injured in a car crash, you may be entitled to various types of compensation, depending on the circumstances of your case.

The types of compensation available may include:

• Medical Expenses: This includes all past, present, and future medical costs related to your injury, such as hospital bills, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any necessary medical equipment. It’s important to keep detailed records of all medical expenses, as these will be used to calculate the total amount of compensation you are entitled to.
• Lost Wages: If your injury prevents you from working, you may be entitled to recover compensation for the income you’ve lost during your recovery period. This can also include compensation for any future loss of earning capacity if your injury impacts your ability to work long-term. Your attorney will work with financial experts to determine the full extent of your lost wages and future earning capacity.
• Pain and Suffering: This type of compensation addresses the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and your injuries. It considers factors like the severity of the pain, the duration of your recovery, and the impact on your quality of life. Pain and suffering are often difficult to quantify, but your attorney will use their experience to calculate a fair amount based on the specifics of your case.
• Property Damage: Compensation for any damage to your vehicle or personal property as a result of the accident. This may include the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle, as well as any personal items that were damaged in the crash.
• Other Out-of-Pocket Expenses: This can include transportation costs to medical appointments, home care services, and any other expenses directly related to your injury. For example, if you need to hire someone to help with household chores while you recover, these costs may be included in your claim.

Understanding the full extent of the compensation available can be complex, which is why having an experienced car accident lawyer on your side is crucial.

Your Orlando car accident attorney will work to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation available for all of your damages, including those that may not be immediately apparent.

Did You Know?

Our car accident lawyers specialize in handling the complexities of Florida’s no-fault insurance system and are experienced in dealing with insurance companies that may attempt to minimize your payout. We work tirelessly to ensure that all medical expenses are covered and that you receive full compensation for any additional damages, including those beyond what PIP and MedPay cover. Our knowledge of the local insurance landscape allows us to effectively advocate for our clients and secure the best possible outcomes.

Common Car Accident Injuries

A car crash can lead to severe injuries to nearly any part of the body. The severity and type of injuries suffered depend on factors such as whether you were wearing a seatbelt, whether the car had airbags, and if it was a low-speed crash or a high-speed collision.

Serious injuries you may sustain in a motor vehicle accident include:

• Burns
• Broken bones
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Neck or back damage
• Joint or muscle injury/damage
• Whiplash
• Disability
• Scarring
• Loss of limbs
• Paralysis
• Spinal cord injuries
• Fatal accidents

In some cases, injuries from an auto accident allow the injured party to pursue a claim for compensation. Unfortunately, doing so through the negligent party’s insurance company may be problematic as they’ll likely be looking out for their own interests.

At this time, it’s crucial to work with an experienced Orlando car accident lawyer to make the best of this challenging situation. An attorney will represent your claim and work to ensure you receive a fair outcome.

Common Causes of Orlando Car Accidents

Orlando is a bustling city with a growing population and a steady influx of tourists. Unfortunately, this means that Orlando car accidents are all too common on our roads. Understanding the common causes of car accidents can help you stay safe and may also be relevant to your case if you’ve been involved in an accident.

Some of the most common causes of motor vehicle accidents in Orlando include:

• Distracted Driving: One of the leading causes of car accidents, distracted driving includes activities such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, or using in-car technology while driving. Even a momentary lapse in attention can lead to a serious collision.
• Speeding: Excessive speed reduces a driver’s ability to react to sudden changes in traffic conditions and increases the severity of an accident. Speeding is a major contributing factor in many car accidents, particularly on highways and busy streets.
• Drunk Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a significant problem in Orlando. Impaired drivers have slower reaction times, impaired judgment, and reduced coordination, making them more likely to cause accidents.
• Reckless Driving: Aggressive driving behaviors such as tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, and ignoring traffic signals can lead to dangerous situations on the road. Reckless driving is often associated with road rage and can result in serious accidents.
• Weather Conditions: Orlando’s weather can be unpredictable, with sudden rainstorms creating slick roads and reducing visibility. Wet roads can cause vehicles to hydroplane, leading to accidents. Drivers must adjust their speed and driving habits to account for adverse weather conditions.
• Tourist Drivers: Orlando attracts millions of tourists each year, many of whom are unfamiliar with the area’s roads and traffic patterns. Tourist drivers may be more prone to making mistakes, such as missing exits, making sudden lane changes, or driving at inconsistent speeds.
• Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, uneven pavement, and poorly marked lanes can contribute to auto accidents. In some cases, government entities responsible for road maintenance may be held liable for accidents caused by hazardous road conditions.
• Dangerous Intersections: Certain intersections in Orlando, such as State Road 436 and State Road 50, are known to be particularly hazardous, with a high frequency of accidents. If you frequently travel through these intersections, consider alternative routes, and exercise extra caution.

Whether your accident involved a negligent driver, a commercial truck, or occurred while using a ride-sharing service, we have the experience to handle the unique challenges these cases present.

Contact Our Orlando Car Accident Lawyers Today

Navigating the aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. An experienced car accident lawyer is here to help you every step of the way. Our legal team is dedicated to securing the best possible outcome for your case and ensuring that your rights are protected. If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Orlando or the surrounding area, contact us today for a free consultation. Call (407) 843-7060 or fill out our online contact form. Let us help you get the fair compensation you deserve.

Additionally, our attorneys recommend registering with the Florida Highway Patrol’s DAVID (Driver And Vehicle Information Database) system. In the event of a severe accident, your loved ones would receive immediate notification. This proactive step is free, and the personal information you provide is kept private, accessible only to law enforcement agencies. Our team is committed to your safety and well-being, and we encourage all our clients to take advantage of this important resource.

Areas We Serve: Orlando, Kissimmee, and Central Florida

At Wooten, Kimbrough, Damaso & Dennis, P.A., we are dedicated to helping clients involved in car accidents across Central Florida, including Kissimmee, Orlando, and the surrounding areas. If you were injured in a car accident while driving through Kissimmee—whether you’re a local resident, visiting from out of town, or just passing through—our experienced Kissimmee car accident lawyers are here to assist you. We understand the specific road conditions and traffic challenges in Kissimmee and are committed to securing the compensation you deserve, no matter where the accident occurred.

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents in Orlando, FL

Do I Need to Hire a Car Accident Attorney?

While you will never be required to hire a lawyer for legal matters, we strongly recommend you work with an attorney during your car accident case. This is primarily because there is a significant risk of accidentally misrepresenting yourself without appropriate legal representation. Your attorney can help ensure you are represented fairly and favorably, which helps maintain the compensatory value of your case.

You can win compensation for your attorney fees and legal services in addition to your other losses. This means the liable parties will most likely cover your payments, and you won’t have to pay out of pocket.

How Do You Calculate Pain and Suffering in a Car Accident?

Pain and suffering are divided into two categories: (1) past pain and suffering and (2) future pain and suffering. Past and future pain and suffering include inconvenience, emotional anguish, physical pain, humiliation, trauma, aggravation, and loss of enjoyment of life. In order to collect on damages for pain and suffering in an auto accident, there must be some sort of permanent injury resulting from that auto accident.

A permanent injury may be a lifetime impairment, disability, or significant scarring or disfigurement. Once it is shown that there is a permanent injury, then damages for past and future pain and suffering can be evaluated. Although, it is important to note that pain and suffering are subjective and individualized, so damages vary on a case-by-case basis.

Who Pays for Damages in Florida No-Fault?

In most no-fault cases, your auto insurance will likely cover your damages, including medical bills, property damage, wage loss, and non-economic losses. Most policies have an upper limit of what they are willing to pay for your costs, but you can file a claim against the liable parties. This means you have the option to cover damages beyond your car insurance policy limit without compromising your personal financial stability.

Who Will Pay My Medical Bills While My Car Accident Case is Still Pending?

Typically, your medical bills will be paid with your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) through your car insurance policy first. PIP covers 80% of all necessary and reasonable medical expenses up to the limits of coverage for bodily injuries sustained as a result of an auto accident. The State of Florida requires that every car owner has a minimum of $10,000 of PIP.

Any remaining medical expenses would be paid through the patient’s own health insurance; however, some people may also have Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay). MedPay is elective insurance that would apply to an insured’s medical treatment for auto accident injuries.

It is important, however, to read your insurance policies so that you know which insurance would pay your medical expenses first, your personal health insurance, or MedPay. Also, any expenses not covered by insurance would be your responsibility to pay.

What Kind of Damages Can I Recover After a Car Accident in Orlando?

There are six (6) types of damages that you may be able to recover from a car accident: (1) past medical expenses; (2) future medical expenses; (3) past lost earnings; (4) loss of future earning capacity; (5) past pain and suffering; and (6) future pain and suffering.

Pain and suffering are recoverable only where there is some sort of permanent injury. Other than personal injury, a person could also recover for damage to his or her vehicle as well as other out-of-pocket expenses incurred as a result of the car accident.

How Much Will an Orlando Car Accident Lawyer Charge?

Many personal injury attorneys will charge a percentage of winnings for their services, which will be discussed before agreements are made. However, the Orlando car accident lawyers from Wooten, Kimbrough, Damaso & Dennis work on a contingency fee basis and offer free consultations, meaning you will not necessarily pay legal fees.

Your attorney will only collect any payment if you win your case. Additionally, car accident cases are generally eligible for compensation, including recovery for legal fees and services. This means liable parties are most likely to pay these fees, and you are unlikely to pay for our support at any point during the process.