Every day, Floridians and tourists alike find themselves caught in the aftermath of car accidents, facing physical injuries, emotional stress, and financial hardship. Whether it’s a fender-bender or a severe collision, knowing how to secure proper legal representation can be the difference between mounting stress and achieving justice.
At Wooten, Kimbrough, Damaso & Dennis, P.A., we’ve spent decades standing up for accident victims across the state. Our Florida personal injury law firm is here to provide comprehensive, compassionate legal guidance to help clients navigate the aftermath of auto accidents.Â
Why Choose Wooten, Kimbrough, Damaso & Dennis, P.A., for Your Florida Car Accident Case?
When dealing with the aftermath of a car accident, selecting the right legal team can make all the difference. We have a proven record of fighting for injured Floridians.
Our firm has helped the injured since 1966, negotiating to win millions in compensation for our clients. From navigating Florida’s no-fault insurance system to negotiating with insurance companies, we’re equipped to handle every aspect of your case. Whether you’re a resident or a tourist, our contingency fee structure ensures you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Our Florida car accident lawyers also understand that accidents impact more than your physical health. Emotional trauma, anxiety, and financial strain are all common challenges, and our team is here to help you overcome them. We pride ourselves on personalized legal representation, tailoring our approach to meet your needs. You’re not just another case to us but a unique individual with specific needs, and we’re here to address them.
What Are Common Car Accident Injuries in Florida?
Car accidents often leave victims with traumatic injuries that require extensive medical care and long-term recovery efforts. Injuries can result from high-speed collisions, rollovers, or even minor accidents.
Some of the most common injuries sustained in Florida car accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage and paralysis
- Broken bones and fractures
- Burns and lacerations
- Soft tissue injuries like whiplash
- Permanent disability or scarring
These injuries frequently lead to mounting medical bills and loss of income, making legal action a necessity. Partnering with an experienced car accident attorney ensures your case is negotiated effectively, maximizing your chances of securing fair compensation.
What Are the Leading Causes of Car Accidents in Florida?
Florida’s bustling roads and millions of annual tourists contribute to the state’s high rate of car accidents. Recognizing the most common causes of collisions can help you stay safer behind the wheel.
- Distracted driving: Activities like texting, eating, or using in-car technology take drivers’ attention off the road, leading to accidents
- Speeding: Excessive speed lessens reaction time and increases the severity of crashes, particularly on highways and busy streets
- Drunk driving: Alcohol and drugs impair coordination and judgment, causing devastating accidents
- Reckless driving: Behaviors like tailgating, weaving through traffic, or ignoring traffic signals put everyone at risk
- Weather conditions: Sudden rain storms create slick roads, and Florida’s unpredictable weather often contributes to accidents
- Tourist drivers: Florida’s roads are frequented by out-of-state drivers unfamiliar with local traffic patterns, leading to confusion and errors
Understanding these causes can provide context for your accident and help a car accident lawyer build a strong case for compensation.
Steps to Take After a Florida Car Crash
The hours and days following a collision can be staggering, but knowing what to do afterward can protect your rights and strengthen your case. After any car crash, follow these steps to ensure you get the help you need:
- Check for injuries and call 911 if necessary
- Document the scene
- Exchange information with all involved parties
- File a police report
- Seek medical attention
- Contact an experienced car accident attorney
Taking these actions promptly can also help ensure you meet any legal deadlines and avoid complications with your case. Your proactive steps now could make a critical difference in securing the compensation you deserve.
How Florida’s No-Fault Insurance Laws Affect Your Car Accident Case
Florida’s no-fault insurance system requires all drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, which pays for medical costs and lost income regardless of fault. However, these benefits are often limited and may not cover the full extent of your damages.
If your injuries meet the state’s serious injury threshold, you may pursue additional compensation through a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver. Serious injuries include:
- Significant and permanent loss of bodily function
- Permanent injury within a reasonable degree of medical probability
- Significant scarring or disfigurement
- Death
An experienced Florida car accident lawyer can evaluate your injuries and guide you through the process of seeking fair compensation.
Compensation Available for Florida Car Accident Victims
The financial impact of a car accident can be devastating, but compensation may be available to cover your losses. Depending on the details of your case, you may recover damages for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
Partnering with one of our experienced car accident attorneys ensures that all elements of your losses are accounted for and presented effectively. We pride ourselves on our commitment to our clients across Florida and our ability to deliver results.
Get Personalized Legal Help
Since 1966, our board-certified attorneys have personally handled thousands of injury cases with exceptional care and attention. Each case receives collaborative support from our entire team.
Speak With a Dedicated Florida Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, the Wooten, Kimbrough, Damaso & Dennis, P.A., legal team is here to help. We realize the extent of the challenges you face after sustaining painful injuries and are committed to securing the best possible outcome for your case.
Our firm’s aggressive approach against opposing insurance companies ensures that clients receive the support they need to move forward. Call our Florida office at (407) 843-7060 or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation with one of our talented Florida car accident lawyer today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Car Accident Claims
Below are answers to some of the questions we hear most often from injured drivers and passengers across Florida.
Do I have a valid car accident case in Florida?
You may have a valid case if another driver’s negligence, such as speeding, distracted driving, or impaired driving, caused or contributed to your accident and resulting injuries. Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule, so you can still pursue compensation even if you share some fault, as long as you are found 50% or less responsible for the crash.
What is the statute of limitations for filing a car accident lawsuit in Florida?
The statute of limitations for car accident cases in Florida is two years, however, the time frame is dependent on the unique details and factors surrounding your specific case. This deadline generally runs from the date of the crash, and missing it typically bars you from pursuing compensation through the courts.
How much does it cost to hire a Florida car accident attorney?
Our firm represents car accident clients on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing upfront and owe no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. This arrangement lets injured drivers and passengers pursue their claims without added financial pressure.
Can family members recover damages if a Florida car accident results in death?
Yes. If a car accident results in death, surviving family members may be able to pursue a separate wrongful death claim in addition to, or instead of, a personal injury claim, depending on the circumstances. A Florida wrongful death claim can address funeral costs, lost income, and loss of companionship or support.
How does Florida’s no-fault insurance law affect my car accident claim?
Florida requires drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, which pays a portion of medical bills and lost income after a crash regardless of fault. If your injuries meet Florida’s serious injury threshold, such as permanent injury or significant scarring, you may be able to pursue additional compensation from the at-fault driver beyond what PIP covers.
What happens if the other driver was uninsured or underinsured?
If the at-fault driver lacks adequate insurance, you may be able to recover compensation through your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, if you carry it. Florida has one of the highest rates of uninsured drivers in the country, making UM/UIM coverage an important protection for anyone injured in a crash.
How is fault determined after a Florida car accident?
Florida uses a modified comparative negligence standard, meaning fault can be divided among multiple parties, and your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are found more than 50% responsible for the accident, you are barred from recovering damages, which makes gathering strong evidence of the other driver’s negligence important.
Legally Written and Reviewed by a Managing Partner
Wooten, Kimbrough, Damaso, and Dennis, P.A.
Our content is written and reviewed by our founding attorneys Butch Wooten, Orman Kimbrough, Mike Damaso, and Tom Dennis. Helping the injured since 1966, they’ve successfully handled thousands of personal injury cases across Florida. Whether you’re a Florida resident or an out-of-state visitor injured in Florida, we’re dedicated to providing clear and reliable information to help you navigate your legal options confidently.