Car Accident Lawyer Orlando, FL

What Services Does an Orlando Car Accident Lawyer Offer?

Investigate
Life isn’t always like TV. Law enforcement isn’t always able to spend a lot of time trying to get to the bottom of car accidents. Police will take statements and offer their opinion of the scene in a report, but there could be more to the story – your story.

Car accident attorneys are like a private investigator., helping find proof of what happened to you. This includes gathering evidence such as police reports, eyewitness statements, photographs of the accident scene, any available video footage, and more. They might look into whether there have been recalls on any vehicle parts involved in the accident, or the condition of the road where the accident occurred.

Attorneys may also collaborate with accident reconstruction experts to analyze the sequence of events leading up to the crash. Their goal is to establish who was at fault for the accident, what factors contributed to it, and the real extent of damages suffered by their client.

Preserve Your Story
Car accident attorneys assist their clients in obtaining medical records, hospital bills, and documentation of any treatments or therapies received as a result of injuries sustained in an accident. Attorneys may also help clients gather documentation of lost wages, vehicle repair estimates, and other expenses incurred due to the accident. As you focus on your treatment and healing, you might forget how many costs were adding up.

A car accident attorney Orlando residents can trust will make sure you’re reimbursed for the real cost of your accident.

Negotiate With Insurance Companies
Once the necessary evidence and records have been collected, car accident attorneys can enter into negotiations with insurance companies on behalf of their clients.

Attorneys leverage their knowledge of personal injury law and insurance policies to negotiate with insurance adjusters and pursue the maximum possible settlement for their clients.

Having legal representation makes it much harder for insurance companies to take advantage of you. Insurance providers – even your own – are focused only on their bottom line and that means minimizing your payout.

Advocate For Clients in Court
In cases where insurance companies are unwilling to offer a fair settlement or deny liability altogether, car accident attorneys prepare to take the case to court. A good Orlando car accident attorney will pursue justice for their clients to hold negligent parties accountable for their actions.

This involves drafting legal documents, gathering additional evidence, and preparing arguments to present before a judge and jury. Attorneys may depose witnesses, consult with expert witnesses, and engage in discovery proceedings to strengthen the case and establish liability.

A Montlick Orlando auto accident lawyer provides ongoing support and guidance to their clients throughout the legal journey. We offer personalized legal advice, answer questions, and address concerns to make sure our clients feel informed and empowered every step of the way.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Orlando?

Typically, car accident attorneys operate under a contingency fee model, meaning they only receive payment if they successfully secure compensation for you.

In a contingency fee setup, your attorney will receive a portion of the money they recover in your case as their fee. It’s kind of like when you use tax software to prepare your taxes, and the software company takes their fee out of your tax refund when you receive it. Should your attorney fail to obtain any compensation for you, you generally won’t be obligated to pay them any legal fees.

Contingency fee arrangements enable recovering accident victims to obtain legal representation without upfront expenses or fees at an already stressful and expensive time. This structure also motivates car accident attorneys to advocate for their clients and strive for the highest possible payout.

Montlick attorneys don’t work on any expensive retainers. We’re not interested in charging for a phone call or helping big corporations. We fight for everyday folks, and will doggedly pursue your case for a win.

Can I Sue For Car Accident Injuries In Orlando?

Yes, depending on the circumstances and the extent of your damages. But first, you need to understand Florida’s unique Personal Injury Protection (PIP) auto insurance laws.

You might have heard that Florida is a “no fault” auto insurance state. The system was designed to make insurance payouts to victims faster and more efficient. It is called “no fault” because a person who is injured in a car accident will receive a payout from their own insurance no matter who caused the accident.

Florida drivers are required to have a minimum of $10,000 in medical and disability benefits and $5,000 benefits in death benefits. Your auto insurance plan will determine how much you or your loved ones are eligible to receive if you are injured or killed in an accident.

If you’ve been hurt because of the negligent actions of others you should seek legal representation to get the money you need for recovery.

Florida Statutes § 95.11(3)(a) sets a typical two-year window for personal injury cases, starting on the date of the accident, and Florida Statutes § 95.11(4)(d) sets a two-year window period for wrongful death cases, starting on the date of the victim’s death.
Can an Orlando Car Accident Attorney Help Me Deal With Insurance Companies?
Yes! You don’t necessarily need to go to court to get the compensation you deserve. With a skilled car accident attorney, Orlando victims are less likely to leave money on the table during the frustrating process of negotiating with insurance companies. Here’s how a Montlick attorney make this journey less of a headache:

1. Starting your claim promptly: Due to Florida’s short statute of limitations on personal injury cases, it’s crucial to start your claims process without delay. The first offer of an insurance payout might not adequately compensate you, so initiating early allows time to consider the benefits of further legal action. Insurance companies are aware of this window, and will often try to delay a claim. Experienced Orlando car accident attorneys know better.
2. Estimating a reasonable settlement: Montlick personal injury lawyers have a deep understanding of the nuances of accident-related damages. We can help you pursue a fair settlement that reflects all of the challenges you’ve endured.
3. Writing comprehensive demands: All correspondence with insurance companies should be documented in writing. An Orlando car accident attorney can compose succinct but thorough documents outlining the rationale behind your requested settlement.
4. Responding to counter-offers: It’s almost always unwise to accept the initial offer presented by an insurance company. Understand that their motivation lies in minimizing payouts. With Montlick Injury Attorneys by your side, you gain insight into the fairness of their offer and have a skilled lawyer request adjustments if necessary.

What Damages Can I Claim in an Orlando Car Accident Lawsuit?

With the help of a passionate accident attorney, Orlando accident victims can seek compensation not just for medical care, but for many other kinds of losses, too. Here’s a rundown of the types of damages you may be able to claim if you or a loved one have been involved in a car accident in Florida:

• Economic Damages Accident victims can be eligible to receive compensation for the costs of being injured. From the initial doctor’s or ER visit, to all of the treatments that might follow on your healing journey, your Orlando auto accident lawyer can work to take as much worry off your mind as possible by fighting for compensation that covers things like:
  • Medical treatments
  • Appointments and hospital stays
  • Prescriptions
  • Co-Pays
  • Lost wages and benefits from missing work hours
  • Inability to pay for living expenses
• Non-Economic Damages Many losses in car accidents are obvious, but victims can also seek compensation for unseen injuries. A car accident attorney Orlando residents can rely on will communicate the true emotional narrative of your case to the court. Non-economic damages can include:
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of enjoyment in life
• Punitive Damages If an at-fault driver acted recklessly or with gross negligence, Orlando accident victims can potentially sue for punitive damages. Punitive damages will be affected by how compelling a narrative Orlando car accident attorneys can lay out for the court.
• Wrongful Death Damages If a victim was killed due to the negligence or recklessness of another party, their family may be able to seek wrongful death damages to cover the costs associated with the victim’s death, such as funeral and obituary expenses, even the lost wages that the victim would have contributed to their household .

Can I Sue for Property Damage After an Orlando Car Accident?

Florida law FL Stat § 324.022 requires every driver to have at least $10,000 of property liability coverage. After an accident, property damage costs will usually be paid by your own insurance policy, but if another driver was at fault and you have a severe injury and property damage, you might be able to seek reimbursement from the other driver’s insurance company.

Florida prohibits “split” action in injury lawsuits, meaning that victims can’t sue an at-fault driver for property damage and then later go on to seek injury claims. That’s why many Orlando car accident attorneys will decline a case that has seemingly only resulted in property damage.

It’s advisable to get legal counsel before initiating a property damage claim. An experienced Orlando car accident attorney can assess whether filing an injury claim or pursuing property damage costs would optimize the amount of money you can seek.

What Are Common Injuries in an Auto Accident in Orlando?

A car accident is one of the most traumatic things a body can go through. Because of all the variable forces and factors, your body can be hurt in a lot of different ways. Here are some of the more severe injuries seen by the average Orlando car accident lawyer:

Neck Strain
The sudden halting of your vehicle causes your neck to rapidly move back and forth. This abrupt motion can lead to the tearing or straining of neck joints, muscles, or tendons. Symptoms of this injury frequently encompass:

• Neck discomfort
• Rigidity
• Decreased neck movement range
• Headaches
• Vertigo
• Fatigue
• Sleep disturbances
• Shoulder and lower back pain

Head Trauma
It’s common for car crash survivors to sustain head traumas as well. Particularly, traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are common after severe accidents. One instance is a concussion, resulting from trauma to the brain due to sudden stops, unforeseen momentum, or impact with car components. Some people might downplay a concussion, but this invisible injury can have long-lasting effects.

Another form of TBI is a contusion, akin to a bruise on the brain causing bleeding and swelling around it. A skull fracture may also occur, involving the breakage of a part of the skull bone. Penetrating injuries, when an object pierces the skull and impacts the brain, are possible during such accidents.

The following are common signs of head injuries to be mindful of following a collision:

• Headaches
• Nausea
• Dilated pupils
• Confusion
• Difficulty focusing
• Light or sound sensitivity
• Sluggish reflexes
• Weariness
• Limb numbness
• Diminished balance
• Emotional distress
• Personality changes
• Seizures

Back Strain
Car accident victims might suffer from back strains due to the collision’s impact. One common back injury is a herniated disc, occurring when a portion of the spinal cushion (disc) situated between spinal bones (vertebrae) slightly shifts, bulging out of its usual position, sometimes irritating nearby nerves. This results in pain, numbness, or weakness in the back, shoulders, arms, or legs, contingent on the disc’s location in the spine.

Another common back injury post-accident is a spinal fracture, arising when your upper body moves forward while the lower body stays in place due to wearing a seatbelt. This can cause a flexion-distraction fracture, breaking the back or middle part of your vertebrae. Car crashes can also induce burst fractures, crushing the vertebra in multiple spots, dispersing bone fragments and causing spinal injuries.

Fractured Bones
Car accidents frequently lead to broken bones due to the blunt force your body experiences on impact. Any bone in your body could fracture during a collision, but the most common bones affected include:

• Legs
• Arms
• Hands
• Feet
• Fingers
• Nose
• Jaw
• Collarbone

Sometimes, it’s obvious when a bone is fractured, as with a compound fracture (when the bone breaks through the skin), or you can clearly see the bone is bulging or an odd shape. Sometimes, it’s less clear that you’ve sustained this severe injury. In such cases, indications of a broken bone, such as swelling, bruising, redness, loss of function, and pain, should be considered.

Lacerations, Abrasions, and Bruises
Rarely can one emerge unscathed from a car accident without a few cuts or bruises. You might incur a minor cut or bruise on your head from the airbag deployment, for instance. Conversely, if the airbag didn’t deploy, your head might hit the steering wheel, potentially resulting in a larger bruise or cut. Similarly, if your head or limbs collide with your car’s windows or broken glass, such injuries are commonplace.

Loose objects within your vehicle at the time of the crash could transform into projectiles, causing cuts, scrapes, and bruises. Common items include cell phones, books, coffee mugs, purses, and sunglasses.

Seek medical care as soon as possible after an accident. Many of these types of car accident injuries are not obvious immediately, especially if you’re in a state of shock and full of adrenaline.

Failing to seek medical care can also hurt your case later on. Under Florida’s PIP laws, insurance claimants generally have 14 days to seek treatment or they could be ineligible for insurance payouts. If you do pursue a lawsuit related to your injuries, medical documents from soon after the accident are seen as better evidence in court.

Orlando’s Most Dangerous Roads and Intersections

Like so many of the Sunshine State’s larger cities, Orlando’s growth has severely outpaced its road infrastructure. Disney World was not yet a twinkle in Walt Disney’s eye when construction began on the interstate highway system. The massive theme park and its competitors bring over 74 million visitors a year to the city, according to Visit Orlando, and the numbers have continued to rise.

Heavy traffic and outdated road layouts contribute to Orlando’s accident rates. Many of these tourists are driving here from other states, or renting a car to get around the sprawling city. Distracted drivers who aren’t familiar with the area can turn dicey roads into deadly roads.

An analysis by WFTV9 found the roads that had the most accidents in each district of the city. These are the most treacherous roads in Orlando, by the numbers:

• South Semoran Boulevard
• North Semoran Boulevard
• W. Colonial Drive
• Mills Avenue
• Orange Blossom Trail
• Kirkman Road

Defensive driving experts also warn against these intersections in the Orlando area:

• State Road 50 and State Road 436: Witnessing hundreds of crashes per year, this crossing stands out as one of Orlando’s most perilous. Its constant congestion and tricky lane shifts add to its risk factor.
• Colonial Drive and John Young Parkway: Another critical junction in Orlando, Colonial Drive and John Young Parkway has experienced a notable surge in accidents recently. Drivers navigate through heavy traffic and frequent lane adjustments here.
• Orange Blossom Trail and Oak Ridge Road: Near major shopping hubs, this crossing contends with constant traffic, earning a reputation for danger. Fatal accidents have sadly become a recurring theme in recent years.
• Kirkman Road and Vineland Road: Positioned close to Universal Orlando Resort, this junction faces heavy traffic during peak tourist seasons. Pedestrian-related accidents have been an all-too-common occurrence here.
• Lee Road and Interstate 4: Close to popular shopping destinations, this intersection has seen its share of fatal accidents.

What makes Orlando roads so dangerous?

Outdated Infrastructure: Central Florida’s population is expanding at a rate that outpaces the development of infrastructure projects. Additionally, state planners often neglect addressing traffic issues until years after land development has already led to an unsustainable situation.

Tourists and Snow Birds: Besides tourists, there are often many people driving around the Orlando area that are not necessarily used to the roads. Senior retirees unfamiliar with the region can also be affected by slower reflexes, reduced strength and flexibility, poor eyesight and hearing, or undiagnosed dementia while driving. Tourists and snowbirds often lack confidence in their navigation, leading to increased caution and a higher likelihood of making impromptu decisions. This uncertainty can escalate into panic, especially in heavy traffic conditions, creating a recipe for disaster.

High Speeds: Large portions of I-4 maintain a speed limit of 65 mph, which isn’t necessarily problematic in rural stretches with limited urban traffic. However, such areas are uncommon along I-4, considering its relatively short length of 132 miles. Only a few brief segments avoid urban or suburban landscapes. Speed limits decrease in and around Orlando, but locals often exceed 65 or 70 mph since they are accustomed to the highway, unlike visitors. Issues unfortunately happen when a local traveling at high speeds suddenly encounters a tourist moving 20 to 30 mph slower.

What Should I Do If I’ve Been in A Car Accident in Orlando?

1. Check for Injuries and Safety: Your first priority after a car accident is to assess yourself and others involved for injuries. Check for any signs of trauma or discomfort, and if necessary, call emergency services immediately. Safety should be the top concern, so if you or anyone else requires medical attention, ensure that medical professionals are contacted promptly. If able, move your vehicle out of the way of traffic. Under FL Stat § 316.061 (2022) it is a misdemeanor not to stop your car at an accident scene, even if it seems like only the vehicles involved have been damaged.
2. Notify Law Enforcement: Section 316.065, Florida Statutes, requires the driver of a vehicle involved in a crash involving injury or at least $500 estimated property damage to immediately contact local law enforcement. Even if the accident seems minor, having an official police report can be invaluable for insurance claims and legal proceedings. When the authorities arrive, provide them with accurate details about the accident, but refrain from admitting fault or assigning blame. Allow the officers to conduct their investigation and document the scene thoroughly.
3. Document the Scene: While waiting for the police to arrive, gather as much evidence as possible from the accident scene. Take photos of the vehicles involved, including their positions, damages, and any relevant road conditions. Capture images of skid marks, traffic signs, and any other factors that may show what contributed to the accident. Additionally, collect contact information from witnesses who can provide statements about what they observed.
4. Exchange Information: Exchange contact and insurance information with the other parties involved in the accident. Obtain the names, phone numbers, addresses, and insurance policy details of the drivers and passengers. Be sure to provide your own information as well. Avoid discussing fault or liability with the other parties, as this can complicate matters during the claims process.
5. Seek Medical Attention: Even if you do not immediately feel injured, it’s essential to seek medical evaluation following a car accident. Some injuries, such as whiplash or internal trauma, may not manifest symptoms until hours or days later. A medical professional can assess your condition, document any injuries, and recommend appropriate treatment. Prompt medical attention not only ensures your well-being but also creates a record of injuries linked to the accident, strengthening your claim.
6. Contact an Experienced Attorney: Reach out to a knowledgeable Orlando car accident lawyer as soon as possible following the accident. An attorney specializing in personal injury law can offer guidance and representation throughout the entire claims process. They can advocate for your best interests when dealing with insurance companies and legal proceedings.
7. Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company: Notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. Provide them with accurate details about the incident while avoiding speculation or admission of fault. They only need to know that it happened. If they have follow-up questions, you can refer them to your attorney.

Montlick Attorneys Are Here To Defend You, Not Take More of Your Money.

Find a car accident lawyer Orlando, FL residents can count on. Montlick Injury Attorneys pride ourselves on fighting for people, not corporations. If you have been injured in a car accident in Orlando or been affected by the tragic loss of a loved one, call 1-800-529-6333 or dial #WIN^® (#946) from your mobile phone.

We don’t get paid until you do. We’re in this together. Call today for a free consultation.