Orlando Car Accident Lawyer

111 North Orange Avenue, Suite 800

Orlando, Florida 32801

407-289-0000

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles releases a report on statistics of traffic accidents that occur in the state each year. According to the most recent report, which was updated on 9/23/2016, so far there has been a total of 279,521 total accidents in the state. Of the crashes so far, there have been 117,086 injuries and 2,110 traffic fatalities.

Unfortunately, these accidents happen every day. There are times when automobile accidents are caused due to the negligence of another driver, which will leave you as a victim. Aside from emotional shock that automobile accidents cause, they can also result in serious injuries and even death.

Injuries that occur from an automobile accident can be devastating. They can result in physical pain and suffering and have a major impact on your financial situation. If an automobile accident has caused you injuries that have resulted in missed work, then you are entitled to seek compensation for lost wages. Furthermore, you are also entitled to receive compensation for pain and suffering as well as medical bills.

Common Causes of Automobile Accidents in Orlando, FL

There are certain factors that can lead to an automobile accident, which include:

• Driving speed - If an individual is driving too fast or too slow it could result in an accident.
• Drunk driving - Driving under the influence can hinder an individual's ability to safely operate an automobile.

Reckless or careless driving - This could include texting or talking on the phone. One study reported that individuals who text and drive are more impaired than those who drive under the influence of alcohol. This could also include failure to observe traffic lights, stop signs, and other traffic ordinances.

Florida has a No-Fault Law

According to Florida law, all drivers are required to have automobile insurance. Florida statue 627.730, which is known as the No-Fault Law, has control of automobile accidents in Florida. The law states that if an individual is involved in an automobile accident, the insurance company is responsible to pay for medical bills and lost wages up to a set amount. When the other driver is at fault, you will only be able to file a lawsuit if threshold requirements are met. Threshold requirements include, but are not limited to, substantial or permanent loss of a major bodily function, disfigurement or significant scarring, certain types of permanent injury, and death.

If you are injured in an automobile accident and the driver who was at fault does not have automobile insurance or limited coverage, then you may be able to receive uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage. Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM) bodily injury coverage will cover expenses that include, but are not limited to, lost wages and medical expenses that were due to the accident.

What to do if You are Involved in an Automobile Accident

If you are a driver, passenger, or pedestrian who was involved in an automobile accident, it can be a life changing event. All it takes is a second for victims to incur injuries, which could result in costly medical bills, lost wages, more. There are times when legal action is necessary involving an automobile accident. There are even instances where an individual can be charged with manslaughter if he or she is at fault for the accident. When you are a victim of an automobile accident, knowing what to do is vital.

Collect Information

If anyone witnessed the accident, try to get their contact information. You should also collect insurance information for the other driver, which includes their insurance company and insurance policy numbers.

Collect vehicle information on the other vehicle and any other vehicles that were involved in the accident.

If you are able, take photographs of the scene and write a description of the accident. This information can be extremely useful when you are trying to prove an accident claim.

You should also ask the police for a copy of the police report.

Visit a Doctor

Although you may feel alright right after the accident, you still need to see a doctor for examination. There are many injuries that do not surface for days or weeks after the accident, and a doctor may be able to recognize these injuries during your visit.

Contact an Attorney

If you have been injured as a result of an automobile accident, then you should contact an attorney. As the victim, you have the right to seek compensation for pain and suffering, medical bills, lost wages, and more. When you have an experienced attorney at your side, you will have an easier time getting the compensation you deserve.