Florida Car Accident Attorney
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Florida: What You Need to Know
Florida is notorious for its high rate of car accidents. Our car accident attorney at Fenderson Law Firm understands that many factors might contribute to a collision. Some of the most common causes of car accidents in Florida include:
Distracted driving: This is one of the leading causes of car accidents across the United States. Drivers who are distracted by texting, talking on the phone, or even eating and drinking while driving are at a higher risk of causing an accident.
Speeding: Exceeding the speed limit is another major cause of car accidents in Florida. When drivers go above the recommended speed limit, they have less time to react to unexpected situations on the road, making it more likely for them to lose control and cause an accident.
Drunk driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is never a good idea and can have serious consequences, including car accidents. In Florida, it is illegal to operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher.
Reckless driving: This includes behaviors such as tailgating, weaving in and out of lanes, and ignoring traffic signals. These actions not only put the driver at risk but also endanger other drivers on the road.
Poor weather conditions: Florida is known for hurricanes and sudden rainstorms, which can create hazardous driving conditions. Drivers who do not adjust their speed or take necessary precautions during inclement weather are more likely to cause an accident.
Protect Your Rights After a Car Accident
No matter what caused your accident, your insurance company may not have your best interests at heart. It is important to seek legal representation from a trusted car accident attorney in Florida to make sure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
Contact our Florida firm today to schedule a free consultation so we can hear your story and explain how we can help you seek the full compensation you deserve. From our Orlando and Jacksonville office locations, we're proud to work with clients throughout North and Central Florida
Who Can Be Liable in a Car Accident?
At Fenderson Law Firm, our car accident lawyer is adept at conducting thorough investigations to identify all parties who may be liable for your accident. This comprehensive approach allows us to pursue maximum compensation for your injuries and losses. Contact us today for a free consultation so we can get started.
Determining liability in a car accident is often more straightforward than in a truck accident, but it can still be complex due to the potential involvement of multiple parties. Several entities can potentially be held accountable, depending on the specific circumstances of the accident:
Drivers
Driver negligence can include behaviors such as speeding, impaired driving, distracted driving, or failure to adhere to traffic regulations. If the driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they might be held liable for the accident.
Vehicle owner
If the car involved in the crash was borrowed or rented, the vehicle owner could be held liable, especially if they allowed an unqualified or impaired driver to operate it.
Manufacturer
In some cases, the car itself may have had manufacturing defects or mechanical failures that contributed to the accident. If defective parts or poor workmanship led to the crash, the manufacturer or the company responsible for vehicle maintenance could be accountable.
City or municipality
Poorly maintained roads, missing signage, or malfunctioning traffic signals can cause or contribute to an accident. In such cases, the entity or municipality responsible for road maintenance or traffic management could be held liable.
What if I Was Partially at Fault for My Accident?
Florida is now a modified comparative negligence state. That means if you are found more than 50 percent liable, you are barred from making any recovery for your damages. Under this system a jury or a judge can assign partial fault to the parties involved. The person making the claim cannot be over 50 percent liable.
Under this system, the jury or trial court assigns a percentage of fault to each party involved in the accident. Your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to you. For example, say the other driver was texting and driving and blew threw a red light. However, you were speeding at the time of the accident. The jury or trial court may find that the other driver was 90% at fault and you were 10% at fault. If your total damages are $100,000, you would still be entitled to receive $90,000 in compensation.
Work with a seasoned attorney to minimize your fault percentage and maximize compensation. At Fenderson Law Firm, we know how to gather meaningful evidence that the defense may look over, consult a variety of experts, and build a strong case to hold negligent parties accountable and secure justice, regardless of your partial responsibility.
Common Types of Car Accidents in Florida
Each type of accident brings its own set of challenges in proving liability and damages, which is why having an attorney experienced in handling a wide variety of car accident cases is crucial for securing a fair financial settlement.
It's a common misconception that only serious accidents warrant legal action. In reality, any car accident can cause physical, emotional, and financial harm. Some of the most common types of car accidents include:
Rear-end collisions
Often a result of following too closely or sudden stops, these accidents can lead to whiplash and other injuries.
T-bone accidents
Occur when the side of a vehicle is impacted by the front or rear of another, typically at intersections.
Head-on collisions
Among the deadliest accidents, these happen when two vehicles collide front-to-front.
Sideswipe accidents
When the sides of two parallel vehicles touch, often due to merging or lane departure.
Hit and run accidents
Incidents wherein one party leaves the scene without providing contact information or aid.
Single-car accidents
Accidents involving only one vehicle which can include rollovers or collisions with stationary objects.
Multiple vehicle pile-ups
Large accidents involving several vehicles, often on highways, leading to complex liability issues.
Vehicle Rollovers
Typically involving taller vehicles like SUVs, leading to serious injuries or fatalities.
Accidents involving pedestrians or bicyclists
Often serious and require thorough investigation to determine right of way and liability.
Commercial truck accidents
Involve heavy vehicles with the potential for severe damages and intricate commercial insurance policies.
Reliable Representation After a Fatal Car Accident
Losing a loved one in a car accident is an irreplaceable loss that no amount of money can mend. Seeking legal recourse can hold the responsible parties accountable and offer crucial financial support during this challenging period.
According to Florida Statutes Section 768.20, the personal representative of the deceased person's estate, often named in the will or appointed by the court if no will exists, typically files the claim. This representative acts on behalf of the deceased's estate and the surviving family members who may be entitled to compensation.
The eligible parties to receive compensation generally include the decedent's spouse, children, parents, and any relatives or adopted siblings.
The damages recoverable in a wrongful death claim can cover a wide range of losses, including medical and funeral expenses, loss of earnings, loss of companionship, as well as mental pain and suffering for the surviving family members.
Our experienced car accident attorney will handle every layer of your case and work tirelessly to secure the maximum compensation available. We believe that you shouldn't have to suffer any more than you already have due to someone else's negligence, and we are committed to fighting for your rights. Our team is here for you, every step of the way.
Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims in Florida
It's important to note that time is of the essence when it comes to filing a car accident claim in Florida. According to Florida Statutes Section 95.11, the statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death claims is generally two years from the date of the accident.
If you fail to file a lawsuit within this time frame, you may lose your right to seek compensation forever. However, there are exceptions that can shorten or extend this deadline depending on specific circumstances, such as if the victim was a minor at the time of the accident or if there is evidence of fraud or concealment by the at-fault party.
Don't wait until it's too late to take legal action. Contact our experienced car accident attorney today for a free consultation. We serve communities throughout North Florida, including Jacksonville, Pensacola, Tallahassee, Gainesville, Ocala, and Panama City, as well as Central Florida, including the areas of Orlando, Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Lakeland, Deltona, Largo, and more.
Car Accident Attorney Serving Clients Across Florida
At the Fenderson Law Firm, we understand the physical, financial, and emotional toll that a car accident can take on victims and their families. Our dedicated team is committed to providing reliable legal representation and compassionate support to clients throughout North and Central Florida. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident due to someone else's negligence, contact our firm today for a free consultation.
