Matthew Boren

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Top 6 Car Accident Attorneys in Orlando

Expert Lawyers Committed to Getting You Justice After an Accident

When you’re searching for the right car accident attorney, don’t be misled by paid listings on directories.

Our goal is simple—to connect you with the best attorneys who will fight for your rights, not just those who paid for visibility. Below are our top picks of trusted Orlando car accident attorneys, starting with the firm we believe delivers unmatched expertise and care.

Matthew Boren Personal Injury Law

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At the top of the list is Matthew Boren Personal Injury Law, where clients are treated like family. With years of experience handling car accident cases, this firm is dedicated to getting you the compensation you deserve. From the moment you contact them, their team of seasoned attorneys will guide you through the legal process, ensuring your case is handled with care and determination. Contact us today to get a free consultation and see how we can help you.

 Zachary Leacox

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Maher Law Firm is renowned for its success in car accident litigation.

Zachary Leacox is a dedicated attorney at Norden Leacox, specializing in personal injury law. He is known for his commitment to client advocacy and achieving favorable outcomes in complex legal cases. With a strong educational background, including a Juris Doctor degree from the University of North Carolina School of Law, Zachary combines legal expertise with a passion for helping those in need.

Zachary’s approach is characterized by thorough preparation and a deep understanding of the legal landscape, enabling him to effectively represent clients in various personal injury matters. He is committed to providing personalized service and ensuring that each client feels supported throughout their legal journey. His experience and track record of success highlight his ability to navigate challenging situations with professionalism and integrity.

Overall, Zachary Leacox embodies the values of dedication and client-centered service that define Norden Leacox, making him a valuable asset to those seeking justice and compensation for their injuries.

Jeffrey M. Byrd

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Jeffrey Byrd is a seasoned attorney at Aggressive Attorneys, specializing in personal injury law. Known for his tenacity and commitment to client advocacy, he focuses on helping individuals who have been harmed due to negligence. With a comprehensive legal background and a strong educational foundation, Jeffrey approaches each case with meticulous attention to detail.

His practice is characterized by a client-centered philosophy, where he prioritizes open communication and tailored strategies to meet the unique needs of each client. Jeffrey is dedicated to achieving optimal results, leveraging his negotiation skills and legal expertise to navigate the complexities of personal injury claims effectively. His reputation for diligence and aggressive representation makes him a trusted choice for clients seeking justice and compensation for their injuries.

P.A, David Paul

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David Paul is an experienced attorney at PKB Law Firm, specializing in personal injury and workers’ compensation cases. He is known for his unwavering commitment to advocating for clients and helping them navigate the complexities of the legal system. With a strong educational background and a focus on client care, David provides personalized legal support tailored to each individual’s needs.

David’s approach is characterized by thorough case preparation and a strategic mindset, which enables him to effectively represent clients in negotiations and court. His dedication to achieving justice and compensation for those injured due to negligence is evident in his track record of successful outcomes.

Mayer Law Firm

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Maher Law Firm is dedicated to providing high-quality legal representation in personal injury, workers’ compensation, and employment law cases. With a strong commitment to client advocacy, the firm aims to help individuals navigate the complexities of the legal system and secure the compensation they deserve.

The firm’s attorneys are known for their extensive experience and personalized approach, ensuring that each client receives tailored support throughout their legal journey. They prioritize clear communication and transparency, empowering clients with the information they need to make informed decisions.

Overall, Maher Law Firm strives to create a supportive environment, focusing on achieving successful outcomes while standing up for the rights of those who have been injured or wronged. Their reputation for diligence and integrity makes them a trusted choice for individuals seeking legal assistance.

Jason Recksiedler

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Jason Recksiedler is a personal injury attorney at 1st Choice Law, known for his dedication to advocating for clients who have suffered injuries due to negligence. With a solid educational background and extensive experience in the legal field, Jason is committed to helping clients navigate the complexities of personal injury claims.

He focuses on providing personalized legal support, ensuring that each client receives the attention and care they deserve. Jason’s approach combines thorough case preparation with strong negotiation skills, aimed at achieving favorable outcomes for his clients. His reputation for integrity and a client-centered approach makes him a trusted ally for those seeking justice and compensation.

Choose Wisely for Your Future

Your choice of a car accident attorney will significantly impact the outcome of your case. Don’t leave it to chance. Contact Matthew Boren Personal Injury Law today, and let us be your trusted guide through the legal process, ensuring you get the justice and compensation you deserve.

The Top 5 Injury Lawyers in Orlando

Unveiling the Champions of Justice for Your Personal Injury Case

When you’re searching for the best personal injury lawyer, don’t settle for those who just pay to rank at the top. Unlike paid directories like Avvo, Google, or Yelp, where visibility often depends on deep pockets, we’re here to guide you to real excellence. We don’t accept payments for top spots; our only goal is to help you find the right attorney who will truly represent your best interests.

In the moments after an accident, every decision matters. The attorney you choose could shape the outcome of your recovery and future. That’s why we’ve handpicked the best injury lawyers in Orlando, starting with a firm that has built its reputation on more than just flashy ads—it’s built on results.

Matthew Boren Personal Injury Law

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When it comes to personal injury law, Matthew Boren is a name that stands above the rest. With years of experience representing accident victims, this firm is committed to ensuring you get the compensation and justice you deserve.

Known for a relentless pursuit of justice and compassion for clients, Matthew Boren’s team is laser-focused on your recovery and success.

Click here to schedule your free consultation. We won’t stop until we’ve secured the best outcome for you.

Newsome Melton

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Newsome Law is a personal injury law firm dedicated to advocating for clients who have suffered injuries due to negligence. The firm emphasizes a client-centered approach, focusing on providing personalized legal support and effective representation throughout the legal process.

With a team of experienced attorneys, Newsome Law handles a wide range of cases, including auto accidents, medical malpractice, and product liability. They prioritize clear communication and thorough case preparation, ensuring clients are informed and empowered in their legal journeys.

The firm’s commitment to achieving justice and fair compensation for its clients is evident in its track record of successful outcomes. Overall, Newsome Law strives to create a supportive environment for clients, helping them navigate the complexities of personal injury law with confidence.

Wooten Kimborough

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WHKPA (Woods, Houghton, Kauffman, and Pomeranz Attorneys) is a law firm focused on providing comprehensive legal services in personal injury and civil litigation. The firm prides itself on a client-centered approach, ensuring that each client’s unique needs are met with personalized attention and dedicated support.

With a team of experienced attorneys, WHKPA handles a variety of cases, including auto accidents, medical malpractice, and workers’ compensation. They emphasize thorough preparation and strategic advocacy, aiming to achieve favorable outcomes for their clients.

The firm’s commitment to excellence and integrity is reflected in their track record of success, making WHKPA a trusted choice for individuals seeking justice and fair compensation in their legal matters.

Dellecker Wilson King McKenna Ruffier & Sos LLP

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DWK Law is a dedicated law firm specializing in personal injury and workers’ compensation cases. The firm is committed to providing clients with personalized legal representation and support throughout the legal process.

With a team of experienced attorneys, DWK Law emphasizes thorough case preparation and strategic advocacy to achieve the best possible outcomes for their clients. They handle a wide range of cases, including auto accidents, medical malpractice, and workplace injuries, focusing on securing fair compensation for those affected by negligence.

The firm values clear communication and client education, ensuring that clients feel informed and empowered. DWK Law’s reputation for diligence and integrity makes it a reliable choice for individuals seeking justice in their personal injury claims.

Keith Mitnik

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Keith Mitnik is a prominent attorney specializing in personal injury law. With a strong focus on advocating for clients who have suffered due to the negligence of others, he brings extensive legal experience and a commitment to achieving justice.

Mitnik is known for his thorough preparation and strategic approach to each case, ensuring clients receive personalized attention and support throughout the legal process. He handles a variety of cases, including auto accidents, medical malpractice, and product liability, aiming to secure fair compensation for his clients.

His reputation for integrity and tenacity in the courtroom makes him a trusted choice for those seeking to navigate the complexities of personal injury law. Overall, Keith Mitnik is dedicated to empowering clients and achieving positive outcomes in their legal matters.

Don’t Settle for Less – Get the Justice You Deserve with Orlando’s Top Personal Injury Attorney

Choosing the right attorney is the first step in protecting your future after an accident.

At Matthew Boren Personal Injury Law, our results speak for themselves, but more importantly, so do our clients. Don’t just trust directories filled with paid placements—trust a team that puts you first. We’re ready to fight for you. Schedule a consultation today and let us handle the rest.

How To Handle Your Personal Injury Claim:

1) Seek Medical Treatment Immediately

The first and most important step is to get medical treatment immediately. Either the emergency room or urgent care the day of the accident is very important. The longer that you wait for medical treatment the more difficult it will be later to prove your injuries. Waiting to “see how I feel” is the most common mistake people make in a personal injury claim. Get immediate medical treatment and make sure that every injury and every part of your body that was injured is reported to the doctor, even if the pain or discomfort is relatively minor. By accurately reporting all the major and minor symptoms we get an excellent medical report from the doctor to help prove your case.

2) File Before Statute of Limitations

It is crucial to file your property damage claim before the statute of limitations expires. Every state has its own time limits for filing legal claims, and missing this deadline can result in the dismissal of your case, no matter how strong it is. Being aware of these legal timeframes is essential to protecting your rights.

In Florida, for instance, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases typically requires claims to be filed within four years of the accident. If you miss this deadline, you may forfeit your right to recover damages, leaving you with no legal recourse. Make sure you act promptly and consult with an attorney to avoid this critical pitfall.

3) Understand Your Insurance Coverage

You need to know the amount of bodily injury coverage carried by every at-fault driver and owner in addition to the amount of uninsured motorist coverage that you carry on your policy. In Florida, there is no requirement that a person carry bodily injury coverage on their policy. Meaning that if that driver causes a collision and injures you, there is no coverage on their policy to pay your medical expenses, lost wages or non-economic damages (also called pain and/or suffering). If you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage on your own policy, then you are allow to make a claim against that coverage if the at-fault driver either does not carry bodily injury coverage OR they do not carry enough coverage.

  • Example 1: You have a $50,000.00 injury. The at-fault driver carries $25,000.00 in bodily injury coverage. You don’t carry any underinsured motorist coverage on your own policy. Unfortunately, you could only recover the $25,000.00 in bodily injury coverage and you would not be fully compensated for this injury.
  • Example 2: You have a $50,000.00 injury. The at-fault driver carries $100,000.00 in bodily injury coverage. This is easy! You would be able to make the full recovery from the at-fault party.
  • Example 3: You have a $50,000.00 injury. The at-fault driver carries $10,000.00 in bodily injury coverage. You carry $100,000.00 in underinsured motorist coverage In this case you would recover $10,000.00 from the at-fault party and $40,000.00 from your insurance for a total recovery of $50,000.00.
  • Example 4: You have a $50,000.00 injury. The at-fault driver carries $10,000.00 in bodily injury coverage. You carry $25,000.00 in underinsured motorist coverage. In this case you would recover $10,000.00 from the at-fault party and $25,000.00 from your insurance for a total recovery of $35,000.00 and you would not be fully compensated.
  • Example 5: You have a $50,000.00 injury. The at-fault driver carries no bodily injury coverage.
    You carry no underinsured motorist coverage. In this case unfortunately you would not be able to make any recovery in this case. You can see that it is very important to carry uninsured motorist coverage.

4) Understand Your PIP Coverage

PIP coverage is standard on a Florida insurance policy. If you were in your own vehicle or someone else’s vehicle that has PIP, that coverages extends to you. PIP coverage in Florida pays for 80% of medical bills up to a $2,500.00 limit or $10,000 limit depending on the injury (although most cases in Florida qualify for the full $10,000.00). This coverage is paid directly to the medical provider. PIP also pays 60% of lost wages as well as mileage to and from doctor’s appointments up to the $10,000.00 limit. PIP is primary meaning that even if you have health insurance, PIP pays first. After PIP exhausts to the full limit, health insurance will usually begin paying your medical bills. The same goes for Medicare and Medicaid. Both of these health coverages will pay only after PIP exhausts.

Sometimes you need to show proof to a health insurance provider that pip has exhausted before they begin to pay. It is best practice to provide your PIP information as well as your health insurance information to any medical provider when they start treatment so if PIP exhausts the medical provider can immediately begin billing the health insurance. PIP pays regardless if you were at fault or not at-fault. PIP does not pay for non-economic damages also called pain and suffering.

That is what the bodily injury coverage of the at-fault driver or owner pays as well as any uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage that you have. Any medical expenses that are not paid by PIP and any amount of unpaid medical expenses are part of your damages in a personal injury case and should be made in any demand for settlement. If your total medical expenses were $25,000.00, PIP would pay the $10,000.00 and you could include the remaining $15,000.00 as part of your damages in a personal injury case.

5) Lost Wages Recovery

PIP also pays 60% of lost wages up to the $10,000.00 limit. Any lost wages that are unpaid are part of your damages in a personal injury case and should be made in any demand for settlement. Lost wages are pretty straightforward in a case when you work hourly and have missed work completely. You usually can submit your time sheet and a doctor’s note showing that you could not work for a specific period of time.

Lost wages are much more complex in cases where someone is self-employed, owns their own business or is just starting a business. When your wage is not computed hourly you may have to compare tax returns, showing profit/loss statements, bank statements or use alternative methods to show wages that you have lost. Lost wages are real claims that sometimes can be difficult to prove. If you have an extensive lost wage claim you should discuss with an attorney the best way to prove this lost wage claim so you are reimbursed the full amount of your wages.

Additionally, if you have lost the ability to earn money in the future, or have a reduced ability to earn money because of the accident, that is also a type of lost wage claim. If you have a physically demanding job such as carpenter or plumber and suffer a knee injury making you unable to work as long as you were able to work in the past, you have a claim for loss of future earning ability. Even though you are able to work, you will not be able to make as much as you could have because of the injury. This would also apply to sedentary jobs and injuries such as a traumatic brain injury, eye injury or even a back/neck injury that makes working at a computer for long periods more difficult.

6) Health Insurance Liens

Many people do not know that if a health insurance company pays for a medical bill in an accident that they are entitled to subrogation, which means that you have to pay them back out of the settlement. How much you have paid them depends on the type of health insurance plan that you have. Sometimes you have to pay them back the full amount, sometimes just a percentage of the amount and sometimes you do not have to pay them back at all.

Subrogation only applies to a settlement for injuries. You do not have to pay anything back for treatment that is not related to the accident. It is very important that you do not settle your case until you fully understand the subrogation rights of your health insurance. Subrogation also applies to Medicaid, Medicare, Tricare, Veterans Administration, etc. Virtually any service that acts as health insurance has some right of subrogation. You can be sued for not paying your health insurance and they can refuse to pay for any medical treatment in the future.

7) Determining Permanent Impairment

Florida law does require you to prove you have a 1) Significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function, 2). Permanent injury within a reasonable degree of medical probability or 3). Significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement in order to make a claim for non-economic damages. Medical expenses and lost wages do not require the finding of permanency. So you don’t need to prove a permanent injury to receive medical expenses, future medical costs, lost wages or loss of earning capacity. Proving a permanent injury is usually easy in serious cases with multiple surgeries, spinal or brain injuries or severe fractures. But it can be difficult to prove this in smaller to moderate injury cases.

You may only have an MRI finding of a disc bulge in your lumbar or cervical spine or a small partial tear of a tendon. Those injuries can still be very painful and debilitating injury but will be more difficult to prove they are permanent. The insurance companies hire their own doctors to testify at trial. Many times these doctors have testified for this insurance company for many years and made hundreds of thousands of dollars as an expert witness. These doctors routinely testify that Plaintiffs have fully healed for their injury even when they are still having significant pain.

They also routinely testify that the injury existed before the accident and was a “pre-existing” injury. You want to make sure that you have all your medical records, expert reports and radiology reports prepared and reviewed for your case. An experienced attorney will also be able to receive discovery and cross-examine the expert witness about how much money they have made for insurance companies or lawyers testifying as an expert witness against Plaintiffs.

8) Injury and Case Valuation

This is one the most difficult things for an inexperienced person to evaluate. And honestly even two very experienced attorneys, looking at the exact same case, would likely have slightly different case values (probably close, but not identical). It is also very difficult to evaluate your own case because we are not our best critic when it comes to injuries. Injury cases are unfortunately evaluated more on what the medical records say versus the actual pain complaints of the injured person.

This is because juries always tend to be skeptical of a plaintiff’s pain complaints and if there is any conflict with the medical records or expert testimony, they tend to believe the record or the expert. Generally, case are evaluated on the amount of property damage (minor, moderate, heavy and severe), whether there were any bone fractures, ligament tears or tendon tears, whether any surgeries happened or if any surgeries are recommended, all MRI and X-ray findings, the severity of the injuries initially, the current severity of injuries, past and future wage loss, total medical expenses, potential future medical expenses and future impairment.

If you have questions about the value of a case, it is best to contact a lawyer for a free evaluation. It is relatively easy to compute the value of a small case with perhaps one hospital visit and small medical bills, but when a plaintiff has had several weeks or months of treatment, has MRI findings suggestive of a permanent injury, and 6 months after the accident is still in pain, this is just too complex of a case for a non-trained person to evaluate. You wouldn’t try to rebuild your own transmission in your car without training, nor should anyone without training try to evaluate a complex personal injury case. Most all of us can add air to our tires or perform simple maintenance, but wouldn’t want to attempt a complex repair. When it comes to handling a personal injury case the reasoning is identical.

9) Know When to Settle and When to Go to Court

Deciding whether to settle or take your property damage claim to court can be a tough decision. Many claims are resolved through settlements because it’s often quicker and less costly than a court battle. However, there are times when taking the case to court is the best option, especially if the insurance company is offering a settlement that doesn’t cover the full extent of your damages.

According to statistics on Florida personal injury claims, only a small percentage of these cases go to court. When they do, it’s usually because the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement. In such cases, having an experienced attorney by your side can make all the difference in ensuring you receive what you’re entitled to. Understanding your rights and carefully weighing the potential benefits of going to court versus settling will help you make the best decision for your situation.

10) Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer

If you have suffered a serious injury, it is very difficult to handle a personal injury case on your own and if you make a mistake, it is much more costly in a serious case versus a minor case. An attorney can determine all the available insurance coverage that an untrained person may be unable to find. An attorney can also help you bring the most value to your case. We know exactly how insurance companies will evaluate the case and which factors have the most value versus which factors make very little difference. Many times I see non-attorneys arguing a fact which helps their case very little while abandoning a very significant issue which would really boost their case.

Additionally, insurance companies know that a non-lawyer has virtually no chance in filing their own lawsuit. Insurance companies will never pay an unrepresented person the same amount as a person with a reputable experienced attorney. Insurance companies usually have claims adjusters dedicated to only handling unrepresented persons. They follow a script and offer you very little money early on with a hope that you accept it and void any chance of getting a real settlement down the road. And unfortunately many people accept this without thinking or knowing the real value of their case.

Handling a minor injury case on your with small policy limits is possible. If the injury is minor and the coverage is very small then you don’t run a risk of losing very much if you make a mistake or undervalue your case. That would be a case without any fractures, tendon or ligament tears and no permanent scarring or disability. For instance a case with an initial hospital visit and no follow up treatment for several weeks. Or a case where you only had 2-3 total medical treatments over a few months, relatively small medical bills and your injury has resolved. Even though a lawyer may be able to get more or advise you on what you can do to get more, these are cases that a person can settle on their own without worrying about sacrificing a lot of value.

It is wise to at least obtain a free consultation with an attorney early on in the case to get some idea of your case value and help decide if this is something you want to handle on your own. Consultations are free and a few minutes with an experienced attorney can save you hours and hours of research on your own and greatly reduce the anxiety of the process.

If you need help in evaluating your personal injury claim or just have questions about the process, feel free to reach out to my office with the form below. We will be in touch with you shortly. I try to handle every single case personally and give you one on one time with myself. Not time with a case manager, or with a paralegal.. but time with an experienced attorney. A consultation is free and I can usually help you with just a few minutes of advice. If you fill out the form completely and give me exact details it will help me respond to you timely and accurately.

How To Handle Your Vehicle Repair Claim:

Step 1: How Is The At-Fault Party Determined In Florida?

A simple rear end accident is usually a pretty clear liability case. Conversely, cases such as sudden lane changes on the interstate or accidents at controlled intersections can be more difficult to prove liability. If the liability is clear then the insurance company for the at-fault party will usually pay your vehicle repairs, towing and rental charges. If the liability is not clear OR the at-fault person does not have insurance then you may need to use your own insurance so that you can get your repairs done immediately. You can only use your own insurance for your vehicle repairs if you have “Collision” coverage and you will likely have to pay your deductible.

Step 2: Do I Use my Insurance or the Other Party’s Insurance?

If you are not at fault, it is generally best to use the at-fault insurance coverage. If they do not have sufficient coverage or liability is not clear, then you have the option to use your own insurance to fix your vehicle as long as your carry collision coverage. It is not always an easy decision to decide if you want to use the at-fault insurance or your own insurance coverage.

Sometimes the property damages exceed the insurance limit for the at-fault party. The Florida minimum is $10,000.00 in property damage coverage. Therefore if the repairs, towing and rental do not exceed $10,000.00 usually the at-fault insurance coverage is sufficient to pay the claims. If the claim exceeds this amount, and the at-fault party only carries the minimum, then you may need to consider using your insurance so you can receive the full amount of the claim.

  • Example #1: Your brand new SUV worth $30,000.00 is totaled. The at-fault party carries only $10,000.00 in property damage coverage. In this case you will need to use your insurance because the at-fault party doesn’t have enough coverage.
  • Example #2: Your brand new SUV worth $30,000.00 is totaled. The at-fault party carries $50,000.00 in property damage coverage. You should have no problem using the at-fault party insurance because his insurance limits are enough to fully cover your vehicle.
  • Example #3: Your brand new SUV worth $30,000.00 is totaled and your vehicle was pushed into another car whose vehicle is also totaled. The at-fault party carries $50,000.00 in property damage coverage. Your damages are $30,000.00 and their damage is $30,000.00. The combined damage of $60,000.00 exceeds his coverage so you should use your own coverage.
  • Example #4: Your brand new SUV worth $30,000.00 is totaled. The at-fault party carries $10,000.00 in property damage coverage. You do not have collision coverage on your policy. You have no choice but to use his insurance for vehicle damages because your policy doesn’t have collision coverage (hint: always have collision coverage unless your vehicle is worth very little AND you can afford to completely replace it). You won’t be able to recover the full amount of your vehicle damages.
  • Example #5: Your brand new SUV worth $30,000.00 is totaled. The at-fault party does not have any insurance coverage. You HAVE collision coverage on your policy. You have no choice but to use your insurance for vehicle damages and you will have to pay your deductible.
  • Example #6: Your brand new SUV worth $30,000.00 is totaled. The at-fault party does not have any insurance coverage. You do NOT have collision coverage on your policy. This is very bad.

Your car will not be reimbursed by any insurance company. You have the right to sue the at-
fault driver personally but may have difficultly recovering your damages (hint: always have collision coverage unless your vehicle is worth very little AND you can afford to completely replace it).

Step 3: What does the insurance company cover?

The at-fault insurance is required to pay the reasonable cost for repairs or if the car is totaled (not fixable) they will be required to pay the actual cash value of the vehicle. They also must pay for a rental car while your vehicle is not available for use or reimburse you for the loss of use of your vehicle. If your vehicle is repaired and the value of the car is reduced after the accident, you can make a claim for this loss of value (diminution in value). If you use your own insurance, what the insurance will pay depends on what type of coverage you have. You also have to pay your deductible initially.

If you have rental car coverage they will pay according to the coverage you have (sometimes a daily rate maximum or a total maximum), but if you do not have rental coverage then they are not required to pay for your rental. If you go through your own insurance company but are not at-fault, your insurance company will try to obtain your deductible back through a process called subrogation. It can take several weeks or months. But generally if you are not at-fault and the other insurance company has sufficient coverage, you will be reimbursed for your deductible.

Step 4: How Do I Choose a Body Shop After a Car Accident?

You have the right to use your repair shop of choice. They at-fault insurance company must provide a rental or reimburse you for the rental expenses that you have to pay. They do not cover fuel, tolls or additional insurance on the vehicle. They will also only cover the rental for a reasonable amount of time to fix the vehicle, so make sure that the repair shop completes the repairs timely. Insurance companies often have preferred shops they will suggest that you use. You are not required to use their preferred shop. Sometimes that is not a bad option if it is a reputable because if there is a problem with repairs they will usually guarantee the repairs and the rental. Regardless it is very important to use a professional and reputable body shop who will be able to get the repairs done quickly.

Step 5: Who Pays For My Rental Car After An Accident?

The at-fault insurance company is responsible for a rental or loss of use. The insurance is required to provide you a similar vehicle to your own, usually based on vehicle size, type and capacity. If you have a 7 seat large SUV they are required to provide you a similar large SUV. Many times an insurance company will try to put you in an economy rental and if your damaged vehicle was a luxury vehicle, pickup truck or large SUV then you deserve more than an economy rental. Some insurance companies do not provide rental but instead provide loss of use. This is legal. In the alternative, they must provide you compensation for a rental.

Insurance companies often try to pay you a base or economy rate for loss of use. In this situation I like to show them the actual cost of a rental during that time period for a vehicle of similar size. Additionally, if you are without your car for some time before they provide a rental, then you get loss of use for that time you didn’t have a car. If it took the insurance company a week to investigate and finalize liability then they still owe you loss of use for that week even if they started paying the rental after that time. Florida law is clear that you are entitled to damages for loss of use of a motor vehicle even though a substitute vehicle was not rented. Only the price of the rental is covered and not fuel, tolls or additional insurance on the vehicle.

Your own insurance will usually cover you while you are in the rental as this vehicle is considered a “temporary replacement vehicle”. You are not required to purchase the additional rental insurance offered by the rental company, but this is your option. You are responsible for the rental vehicle when it is in your custody, so if somebody backs in to you in a parking lot and takes off the rental car will charge you for the damage. The insurance will pay for rental/loss of use for a reasonable repair period, or in a total loss situation, until the date you receive the total loss check. If the body shop takes twice as long as to repair the vehicle as they should have or if you don’t timely complete the total loss paperwork the insurance can try to not pay you rental or loss of use for this additional time.

Step 6: What If My Car is Deemed a Total Loss?

A total loss is when the cost to repair your vehicle exceeds 80% of the value of the vehicle. In this case, the insurance company owes you the actual cash value of the vehicle plus sales tax and tag transfer. The condition of your vehicle including mileage affects the actual cash value of the vehicle. Depending on the insurance company, the actual cash value can vary significantly. You need to do your own research on the value of your car and make sure you are being offered fair value by the insurance company. In a total loss the insurance will typically only cover the rental for a few days after the total loss paperwork is complete and you have the check.

They do not have to pay until you are able to buy another car. If your vehicle is being totaled it is a good idea to start shopping for a car quickly because the rental will not be available indefinitely. Once your vehicle is totaled it is very difficult to obtain a title for this vehicle ever again. Please think twice about trying to keep a vehicle and get it fixed yourself after being totaled. This is very difficult and I never recommend anyone trying to do this because it is possible they vehicle will never pass inspection.

Step 7: What Does Diminution In Value Mean?

This is the diminished value of a vehicle after repairs. Generally, this claim is only made when extensive damages are done to the vehicle OR it is a very expensive vehicle that even a small repair can reduce value. These are difficult claims and insurance companies are very tough to negotiate with on these claims. You need to have documentation about how your vehicle has been reduced in value since the property damage repairs and submit this to the insurance company. It is rare that even a substantial accident devalues a car more than 10 to 20% of the overall value unless the vehicle is extremely rare.

Step 8: Do I Have To Give a Statement To My Insurance?

Be vary careful when reporting a loss to any insurance company, including your own, especially if they request a recorded statement. These facts can be used against you later. If you are injured you need to be especially careful in reporting a loss because it can affect not only your property damage but also your injury claim. Insurance companies may try to contact you very early to obtain a statement from you about what happened and may catch you off guard. They will also tell you they “need” to have a statement when many times you aren’t legally required to give a statement.

Step 9: How Do I Decrease Stress After a Car Accident?

Property damage can be a very difficult process. You are stressed from the accident, you don’t have a vehicle and you need to go to work or pickup your children. Even for someone with experience in property damage claims they are not easy. Insurance companies are always trying to find a way to save money off the claim by paying you less for repairs, less value for total loss, not providing a similar rental vehicle, using old parts and trying not to replace necessary parts. Knowing exactly what an insurance company is legally required to pay is important in making sure you get the full value for your claim.

For support during this challenging time, consult an Altamonte Springs car accident lawyer who can guide you through the process and help you fight for fair compensation.

Step 10: Can Matthew Boren Help Me?

Even for a trained and experienced professional, handling property damage claims is frustrating and exhausting. Many times I have to call supervisors of insurance companies because the handling adjuster just will not pay what they should. Sometimes insurance adjusters don’t know the law and sometimes they purposely ignore it. It is a fight for every single dollar sometimes.

If you need help with this process, feel free to reach out to my office with the form below. We will be in touch with you shortly. We understand that time is of the essence with property damage claims and will do our best to reach out to you as soon as possible. A consultation is free and I can usually help you with just a few minutes of advice. If you fill out the form completely and give me exact details it will help me respond to you timely and accurately.

Getting a Crash Report

Obtaining a crash report in Altamonte Springs, FL is one of the first steps to establish liability and to get an insurance company to provide you a rental car and pay for your vehicle damages. It will also give you the information to identify how much bodily injury coverage is available in a personal injury case which is extremely important. The crash report will identify the insurance company and policy number for the at-fault party and which you may not have if you did not receive a driver exchange of information from the investigating officer.

Additionally, often an insurance company will require the crash report for their liability investigation which they must complete prior to paying any of your towing expenses, rental car expenses and vehicle repairs. It can also help identify other parties and other insurance policies than can reimburse you for your losses. Getting a crash report is often the very first thing I do when I help clients pursue their property damage and their personal injury claims.

Crash reports are only available to certain persons (parties involved in the accident, their Altamonte Springs car accident attorneys, the parties’ insurance companies, etc.) and not to the general public for 60 days. After this time they are usually available to the public.

Crash reports usually cost between $2.00 to $14.00 depending on the agency and the length of the report. Some crash reports are available online and some must be requested directly to the law enforcement agency. Most reports are available by mail and can also be picked up in person to speed up the process.

Where to Request Crash Reports in and Around Altamonte Springs

This headline clearly indicates the content and provides a geographic focus for readers looking to obtain crash reports.

1) Altamonte Springs Police Department

  • Location: 225 Newburyport Ave, Altamonte Springs, FL 32701
  • Website: Altamonte Springs Police Department Crash Reports
  • Request Process: You can request crash reports in person at the police department or through their online portal. Be prepared to provide details like the date, location, and parties involved in the crash. You may need to wait a few days after the crash for the report to be available.

2) Seminole County Sheriff’s Office

  • Location: 100 Eslinger Way, Sanford, FL 32773
  • Website: Seminole County Sheriff’s Office Records
  • Request Process: Crash reports can be obtained in person, by mail, or online. Reports may take up to 10 days to be available, and you will need to provide specific information such as case numbers or accident details.

3) Florida Highway Patrol (Orlando Office)

  • Location: 133 South Semoran Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32807
  • Website: Florida Highway Patrol Crash Reports
  • Request Process: Reports can be requested online via the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) portal. You’ll need the crash date, location, and driver details. You may also visit the Orlando FHP office for in-person requests.

4) Orlando Police Department

  • Location: 1250 W South St, Orlando, FL 32805
  • Website: Orlando Police Department Crash Reports
  • Request Process: The Orlando Police Department allows crash report requests in person or online. Reports are usually available 7 to 10 days after the incident. You will need to provide identification and case-specific details to obtain a report.

For more detailed information on the request process and eligibility, you can refer to the official websites of the agencies listed above.

Get In Touch

Matthew R. Boren
1101 N. Kentucky Ave #300
Winter Park, FL 32789
Phone: 407-636-4681
Fax: 407-647-1055

Hours of Operaton

Monday – Friday: 9am – 5pm
Saturday – Sunday: by appointment only

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