A car accident can leave you dealing with painful injuries, vehicle repairs, and unexpected medical expenses. If another driver’s reckless or negligent actions caused your crash, a Winter Park, FL car accident lawyer with Matthew R. Boren, Attorney at Law can help you pursue compensation for your losses. Reach out today to discuss your case and find out how we can assist you in getting back on your feet.
Florida Car Accident Laws and How They Impact Your Case
Florida follows a no-fault insurance system under Florida Statutes § 627.7407, meaning that after an accident, your own personal injury protection (PIP) insurance covers medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who caused the crash.
However, PIP coverage is limited, and many accident victims find that their damages exceed their policy limits. To seek additional compensation, you must meet Florida’s serious injury threshold, which allows victims to file a lawsuit if they suffer permanent disability, significant scarring, or other life-altering injuries.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Winter Park
Car accidents happen for many reasons, but some causes are more common than others. Distracted driving, speeding, and reckless behavior are among the top contributors to crashes in Winter Park. When drivers fail to follow traffic laws or act negligently behind the wheel, they put everyone on the road at risk.
The Dangers of Distracted Driving in Florida
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents in Florida. Texting, talking on the phone, eating, and adjusting in-car entertainment systems all take a driver’s focus away from the road. Even a momentary lapse in attention can lead to serious collisions, especially at high speeds or in congested areas.
Speeding and Reckless Driving Accidents
Speeding increases the force of impact in a crash, making injuries more severe and reducing the time drivers have to react to hazards. Drivers who exceed speed limits or fail to adjust to weather conditions, traffic congestion, or road hazards put themselves and others at risk.
Impaired Driving and Its Impact on Car Accidents
Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or prescription medications impairs judgment, reaction time, and coordination. Even a small amount of alcohol can affect a driver’s ability to make safe decisions. In Florida, a driver is legally impaired if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher, but impairment-related accidents can happen at even lower levels.
Failure to Yield and Intersection Collisions
Intersections are some of the most dangerous places on the road, as they require drivers to follow right-of-way rules, obey traffic signals, and remain alert to pedestrians and cyclists. When drivers fail to yield, run red lights, or make unsafe left turns, serious T-bone and head-on collisions can occur.
Accidents at intersections often result in whiplash, broken bones, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and spinal cord damage. If a driver’s failure to yield or disregard for traffic signals caused your crash, you may be able to file a claim for compensation to cover your medical expenses and long-term recovery needs.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Car Accident?
A car accident can result in significant financial losses including the costs of medical treatment, your loss of income, and vehicle repairs. If another driver’s negligence caused your injuries, you have the right to seek compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Understanding what you can recover in a personal injury claim can help you determine the best path forward. Examples of potentially recoverable damages include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement or permanent disability
- Emotional distress
Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Winter Park
A car accident can be disorienting, but taking the right steps immediately afterward can protect your health and your legal claim. Reporting the crash, documenting evidence, and seeking medical attention are all critical actions that can strengthen your case and improve your chances of recovering compensation. Some of the most important steps to take immediately after the wreck include:
- Call 911 and report the accident – Contacting law enforcement ensures that an official police report is filed, which can serve as crucial evidence in your case. The report will document details such as weather conditions, driver statements, and officer observations.
- Seek medical attention immediately – Even if you do not feel seriously injured, some conditions like concussions or internal injuries may not show symptoms right away. A medical evaluation creates a record of your injuries, which is essential for your claim.
- Take photos and videos at the scene – Capture images of vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signals, and visible injuries. If possible, record a video of the entire accident scene to provide context for how the crash occurred.
- Gather witness contact information – If bystanders saw the accident, ask for their names and phone numbers. Witness testimony can provide an unbiased account of what happened and may help establish fault.
- Exchange information with the other driver – Collect the other driver’s name, insurance details, and vehicle registration. Avoid discussing fault or apologizing, as these statements could be used against you later.
- Keep records of all accident-related expenses – Save receipts for medical treatments, vehicle repairs, and any other costs related to the accident. These documents help prove your financial losses when seeking compensation.
- Consult with a car accident lawyer before speaking to insurers – Insurance companies may try to minimize your claim, so having legal representation can protect your rights. An attorney can handle negotiations and ensure you receive the fair compensation you deserve.
Why You Should Avoid Speaking to Insurance Companies Alone
After a car accident, insurance adjusters may contact you to discuss the crash and your injuries. While they may seem helpful, their goal is to protect the insurance company’s bottom line, not to ensure you receive fair compensation. They may ask leading questions or request a recorded statement in an attempt to reduce the payout on your claim.
Get Legal Help From a Winter Park, FL Car Accident Lawyer
A car accident can turn your life upside down in an instant, leaving you with physical pain, emotional distress, and financial burdens. If another driver’s recklessness caused your crash, you do not have to face the aftermath alone. A Winter Park, FL car accident lawyer with Matthew R. Boren, Attorney at Law, is ready to fight for your rights. Contact us today to explore your legal options and take the first step toward securing the compensation you need.