Why Trust Wooten, Kimbrough, Damaso & Dennis, P.A. with Your Orlando Car Accident Case?
Choosing the right Orlando car accident lawyer can make a significant difference in the outcome of your car accident 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: We’ve helped the injured since 1966 and 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 car 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 car 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 an Auto Accident Case
Building a strong case requires meticulous attention to detail and comprehensive evidence collection. Our Our Orlando car accident attorneys employAdded: Geographic reference and secondary keyword meticulous attention to detail and comprehensive evidence collection. strategies include:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 in Orlando
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
- 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
- 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.
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.
Contact an Orlando Car Accident Lawyer from Wooten, Kimbrough, Damaso, and Dennis, P.A., 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
How much is my car accident case worth in Orlando?
The value of your Orlando car accident case depends on several key factors including the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and whether you suffered permanent impairment. Most Florida car accident settlements range from $15,000 to $100,000+ for moderate injuries, with catastrophic injury cases potentially reaching $500,000 or more. Your compensation may include six types of damages: past and future medical expenses, past lost earnings and future earning capacity, and past and future pain and suffering (if you have a permanent injury). Property damage and out-of-pocket expenses are also recoverable. Because Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule, if you’re found more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover any compensation—and if you’re less than 50% at fault, your award is reduced by your fault percentage. The average settlement in Florida is approximately $52,900, but your specific case value requires a detailed evaluation of your injuries, insurance coverage available, and the strength of evidence proving the other driver’s negligence. Contact us through our online form for a free case evaluation where we can assess the true value of your Orlando car accident claim.
How long does it take to settle a car accident case in Orlando?
Most Orlando car accident cases settle within 3 to 18 months, though the exact timeline depends on the complexity of your injuries and the insurance company’s willingness to negotiate fairly. Simple cases with clear liability and moderate injuries may resolve in 3-6 months, while cases involving severe or permanent injuries, disputed fault, or multiple parties can take 12-18 months or longer. Several factors affect your settlement timeline: the time needed to reach maximum medical improvement (you shouldn’t settle until you understand the full extent of your injuries), the complexity of proving fault and gathering evidence, insurance company delay tactics, and whether trial becomes necessary if negotiations fail. Florida law requires your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) to pay initial medical bills and lost wages quickly, but recovering additional compensation beyond PIP—especially for pain and suffering—takes longer. Once you reach a settlement agreement, Florida law requires insurance companies to pay within specific timeframes. Our Orlando car accident attorneys work aggressively to expedite your case while ensuring you don’t accept a premature settlement that fails to account for ongoing medical needs or future complications. We handle all negotiations and push back against insurance company stalling tactics to get you fair compensation as quickly as possible.
Do I really need a lawyer for my Orlando car accident, or can I handle it myself?
While Florida law doesn’t require you to hire a car accident lawyer, attempting to handle your case alone significantly reduces your chances of fair compensation—especially when dealing with Orlando’s complex no-fault insurance system. Insurance companies have teams of adjusters and lawyers working to minimize payouts, and studies consistently show that accident victims with attorneys recover substantially more compensation than those negotiating alone, even after legal fees are deducted. Without an attorney, you risk several costly mistakes: accepting a lowball early settlement before understanding your injury’s full impact, missing Florida’s serious injury threshold requirements needed to recover pain and suffering, failing to document permanent injuries properly, getting tricked by insurance adjusters into statements that harm your claim, and missing the two-year statute of limitations or other critical deadlines. Our Orlando car accident lawyers protect you from these pitfalls by conducting thorough investigations, working with medical professionals to document permanent injuries, handling all insurance company communications, identifying all available insurance coverage including underinsured motorist policies, and negotiating aggressively while prepared to take your case to trial. We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing upfront and no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. Our fees come as a percentage of your settlement, and the liable parties typically cover these costs as part of your damages. Given that we’ve recovered millions for Orlando car accident victims since 1966, hiring experienced legal representation is the smartest financial decision you can make after a crash.
What is Florida’s no-fault insurance law and how does it affect my car accident claim?
Florida’s no-fault insurance law requires all drivers to carry at least $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, which pays 80% of medical expenses and 60% of lost wages up to policy limits—regardless of who caused the accident. This means your own insurance pays your initial bills even if the other driver was 100% at fault. However, PIP only covers economic losses (medical bills and wages), not pain and suffering, and $10,000 is rarely enough for serious injuries. You can “step outside” Florida’s no-fault system and sue the at-fault driver for additional compensation if you meet the serious injury threshold, which includes: permanent injury, permanent scarring or disfigurement, significant or permanent loss of an important bodily function, or death. If your injuries meet this threshold, you can pursue full compensation including pain and suffering, future medical costs, lost earning capacity, and all damages beyond PIP limits. This is where having an Orlando car accident attorney becomes critical—we know how to properly document and prove permanent injuries to meet Florida’s threshold requirements. Many insurance companies will argue that injuries aren’t “permanent” to avoid paying additional compensation. We work with medical professionals who can establish the permanent nature of your injuries and maximize your recovery beyond the limited PIP benefits. Understanding the three “boxes” of coverage is essential: Box 1 is your PIP (required), Box 2 is Bodily Injury liability coverage from the at-fault driver (not required in Florida, so many drivers don’t have it), and Box 3 is your optional Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. Because many Florida drivers lack adequate insurance, having UM/UIM coverage is crucial—and we always investigate all available coverage sources to maximize your compensation.
Can I still get compensation if the other driver doesn’t have insurance in Orlando?
Yes, you can still recover compensation even if the at-fault driver has no insurance, but it requires having the right coverage on your own policy and experienced legal help to navigate the complexities. Your recovery options when hit by an uninsured driver include: your Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage if you purchased this optional coverage (this is why UM coverage is the most important insurance you can buy in Florida), your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) which covers 80% of medical bills and 60% of lost wages up to $10,000 regardless of fault, your health insurance for medical bills exceeding PIP coverage, your collision coverage for vehicle damage, and potentially suing the at-fault driver personally if they have assets (though many uninsured drivers lack resources to pay a judgment). Because Florida doesn’t require drivers to carry Bodily Injury liability insurance—only PIP—an alarming number of Orlando drivers have no insurance to compensate you for injuries they cause. This is precisely why purchasing UM/UIM coverage is critical. If you don’t have UM coverage and the at-fault driver is uninsured, your only option may be your PIP benefits and pursuing the driver’s personal assets, which is often unsuccessful. In hit-and-run accidents where the driver flees, your UM coverage also applies if the driver cannot be identified. Our Orlando car accident lawyers immediately investigate all available insurance coverage, including reviewing your policy to identify UM/UIM benefits you may not know you have. We’ve successfully recovered substantial compensation for clients hit by uninsured drivers by maximizing all available coverage sources. We also help clients understand how to avoid this situation in the future by ensuring they have adequate UM/UIM coverage on their policies—protection that many insurance agents fail to adequately explain when selling policies.
How is pain and suffering calculated in an Orlando car accident case?
Pain and suffering compensation in Orlando car accident cases is divided into two categories: past pain and suffering (from the accident until settlement) and future pain and suffering (the ongoing impact for the rest of your life). To recover pain and suffering damages in Florida, you must prove a permanent injury—defined as a permanent impairment, disability, or significant scarring/disfigurement resulting from the accident. This is Florida’s “serious injury threshold” that allows you to step outside the no-fault system. Without a documented permanent injury, you cannot recover pain and suffering regardless of how much you hurt initially. Once permanent injury is established, pain and suffering encompasses multiple factors: physical pain and discomfort, emotional distress including anxiety, depression, and PTSD, inconvenience and disruption to your daily life, loss of enjoyment of life and inability to participate in activities you once enjoyed, humiliation or embarrassment from visible injuries or disabilities, and trauma from the accident itself. Calculating the dollar value of pain and suffering is highly subjective and case-specific, but attorneys and insurance companies typically use several methods: the multiplier method (multiply your medical expenses by 1.5 to 5 depending on injury severity), the per diem method (assign a daily dollar value for each day you experience pain), and comparison to similar cases and jury verdicts in Florida. Severe permanent injuries like traumatic brain injury, paralysis, amputation, or disfiguring burns generally warrant higher multipliers (4-5x medical expenses or higher), while moderate permanent injuries might use lower multipliers (1.5-3x). Our Orlando car accident attorneys work with medical professionals to thoroughly document both the physical and psychological impacts of your permanent injuries. We present compelling evidence to insurance companies and juries about how your injuries affect every aspect of your life—from your career and relationships to simple daily activities. Because pain and suffering often represent the largest component of serious injury settlements, having experienced attorneys who know how to maximize this compensation is essential to recovering the full value of your Orlando car accident claim.
Legally Written and Reviewed by a Managing Partner
Wooten, Kimbrough, Damaso & 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.