SANFORD CAR ACCIDENT LAWYERS
If you have been injured in a car accident in Sanford, Florida, you are not alone. Car accidents are a leading cause of injury and death in the United States, and Seminole County is no exception. Car accidents can disrupt lives in an instant, leaving victims with physical injuries, emotional trauma, and significant financial burdens. At Chubb Law, our Sanford personal injury lawyers understand the challenges that come with recovering from a car accident.
If you are injured in a car crash, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our Sanford car accident lawyers are dedicated to helping you get the compensation you deserve.
What You Need to Know About Car Accidents
Florida is one of the busiest states in the nation for vehicular traffic, leading to a high incidence of car accidents. Sanford is no exception. With its growing population, traffic congestion is a common issue, increasing the likelihood of collisions.
Car accidents can happen in an instant, and the consequences can be devastating. Even seemingly minor car accidents can result in severe injuries. Understanding the legal nuances of Florida car accidents can significantly impact your claim. From dealing with insurance adjusters to navigating Florida’s comparative negligence laws, having a skilled auto accident attorney, like Mitch Chubb, on your side can help protect your rights.
Understanding Car Accidents in Seminole County
Seminole County’s roadways present unique challenges for drivers. Intersections near I-4, US-17, and SR-417 are frequent sites of collisions due to heavy traffic flow. Local weather conditions like sudden rainstorms can also create hazardous driving situations.
Further, Seminole County’s proximity to popular tourist destinations results in a mix of local and out-of-state drivers, some of whom may not be familiar with Florida’s traffic laws. This combination of factors makes car accidents a persistent concern for residents and visitors.
Car Accident Statistics
Florida’s car accident statistics paint a stark picture of the risks associated with driving in Sanford and throughout the Sunshine State. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), more than 348,400 car accidents were reported in 2024, resulting in 3,021 fatalities and 244,681 injuries. Nearly 6,000 of these collisions occurred in Seminole County.
Key Legal Concepts in Car Accident Lawsuits
Understanding some key legal concepts is essential if you are considering filing a car accident lawsuit in Sanford. These concepts include the following:
● Negligence: Negligence is the cornerstone of most car accident claims and involves proving that the at-fault driver failed to act with reasonable care.
● Duty of care: All drivers owe others a duty of care on the road, meaning they must drive safely and responsibly. Breaching this duty, whether through reckless driving or inattention, can establish liability.
● Causation: You must show that the other party’s negligent actions directly caused your injuries to recover damages.
● Damages: You must clearly demonstrate the extent of your economic and non-economic losses to secure fair compensation.
Understanding these legal concepts can help you successfully pursue car accident claims in Florida.
Legal Rights of Car Accident Victims
You have several legal rights as a Florida car accident victim. These rights include the following:
● The right to seek medical treatment for your injuries
● The right to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party
● The right to seek compensation for all your damages, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage
● The right to representation by a Sanford auto accident attorney who can help you navigate the legal process and fight for your rights
At Chubb Law, we will ensure that you fully understand your rights and help you pursue justice aggressively.
Damages You Can Recover from Car Accidents
The types of accident compensation you can recover after a collision fall into three main categories.
Economic damages include tangible financial losses such as:
● Hospital bills and rehabilitation costs
● Lost income during recovery
● Property damage repair or replacement costs
Non-economic damages compensate for intangible losses, including:
● Physical pain and suffering
● Emotional distress and anxiety
● Loss of enjoyment of life
Claims for punitive damages are reserved for cases involving egregious misconduct, such as drunk driving.
Insurance Coverage for Car Accidents
Florida’s no-fault insurance system requires all drivers in the state to carry a minimum amount of car insurance. This minimum coverage includes:
● Personal injury protection (PIP): This coverage pays for 80% of your reasonable and necessary medical expenses up to $10,000, regardless of who is at fault for the accident. You must carry a minimum of $10,000 in PIP coverage.
● Property damage liability (PDL): This coverage pays for the damage caused to other people’s property in an accident that you or someone driving your vehicle causes. You must carry a minimum of $10,000 in PDL coverage.
Failure to carry continuous, minimum coverage can result in your driver’s license and registration being suspended for up to three years and a $500 reinstatement fee.
Reviewing your insurance policy to understand your coverage after being injured in a car accident is essential. The experienced team in our car accident law firm can help you comprehend your coverage and discuss your options for recovering compensation.
Common Types of Car Accident Cases We Handle in Sanford
Our Sanford car accident attorneys at Chubb Law have extensive experience handling a diverse range of car accident cases, including:
● Rear-end collisions: Rear-end accidents are one of the most common types of car accidents. They can occur when a driver fails to maintain a safe following distance.
● Head-on accidents: Head-on collisions are often the most serious type of car accident. They can occur when a driver crosses over into oncoming traffic.
● Side-impact collisions (T-bone accidents): Side-impact collisions can occur when one vehicle strikes the side of another vehicle. These accidents can result in severe injuries.
● Rollover accidents: Rollover collisions are more common in SUVs and trucks. They can occur when a vehicle loses control and flips over.
● Accidents with motorcycles: Motorcycle accidents can be particularly dangerous because motorcyclists are more vulnerable to injury because of their lack of external protection.
● Accidents with trucks: Truck accidents can involve large commercial trucks, such as semi-trucks and tractor-trailers. These accidents can cause severe injuries and property damage because of trucks’ weight and size.
● Collisions with pedestrians: Pedestrian accidents can have devastating consequences for pedestrians and drivers. The FLHSMV reports that there were nearly 200 pedestrian crashes in Seminole County last year.
● Accidents with bicycles: Bicycle accidents are becoming increasingly common, with 160 occurring in Seminole County in 2024, according to the FLHSMV. These accidents can result in serious injuries for cyclists.
● Uber/Lyft accidents: You may have unique legal rights and options if you are injured in a rideshare accident.
● Hit-and-run accidents: Hit-and-run collisions occur when a driver leaves an accident scene without providing their information. These accidents can be particularly challenging to investigate and resolve, but the team at our auto accident law firm can help you pursue all available options for recovering compensation.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
There are many different factors that can contribute to car accidents. Some of the most common causes of car accidents include:
● Distracted driving: An article by the FLHSMV reports that a distracted driver causes one of seven crashes in Florida. Distractions can include texting, talking on the phone, eating, applying makeup, and adjusting the radio.
● Drunk driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol caused 423 fatalities in Florida in 2022, according to the Florida Department of Health. Intoxicated drivers are significantly more likely to cause accidents because of their reduced coordination, impaired judgment, and decreased alertness and reaction times.
● Speeding: The National Safety Council (NSC) reports that speeding was a factor in 29% of all traffic fatalities in 2022, killing approximately 33 people daily. Speeding makes it more difficult to control your vehicle and increases the risk of an accident.
● Reckless driving: Reckless driving includes behaviors such as weaving in and out of traffic, running red lights, and tailgating.
● Following too closely: Tailgating can leave you little or no time to react if the car in front of you stops suddenly.
● Adverse weather conditions: Seminole County can experience several adverse weather conditions, like rain, flooding, and high winds. These conditions can increase the risk of accidents.
● Poor road conditions: Potholes, debris, and other road hazards can cause accidents.
● Defective vehicles: Defective vehicles or parts can cause a malfunction, leading to an accident.
WHAT TO DO AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT
If you are involved in a car accident, there are several things you should do to protect your health and legal interests:
● Check for injuries: Check yourself and any passengers for injuries. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately.
● Move your vehicle to a safe location: If possible, move your vehicle to the side of the road to avoid further accidents.
● Exchange information with the other driver: Exchange your name, contact information, insurance information, and driver’s license information with the other driver.
● Gather evidence: Take pictures and videos of the accident scene, including the damage to your vehicle and the other vehicle. If there were any witnesses to the accident, get their contact information.
● Seek medical attention: Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you do not think you are injured. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
● Contact your insurance company: Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as you can.
● Contact a Sanford auto accident law firm: Consult our car accident lawyers before speaking with insurance adjusters.
THE COST OF CAR ACCIDENTS
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), car accidents cost Americans $340 billion. These costs include medical bills, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and loss of consortium. The cost of some car accidents is devastating and life-changing. Chubb Law’s auto accident lawyers work tirelessly to calculate and recover the full scope of your damages.
The Car Accident Claim Process in Florida
Navigating Florida’s car accident claim process can be complex. The steps include:
● Initiating a PIP claim: File a claim with your insurer for immediate coverage of medical expenses.
● Investigating the accident: Our attorneys will collect evidence to establish fault and calculate damages.
● Negotiating with insurers: Our lawyers will handle communications to secure a fair settlement.
● Filing a lawsuit: Our car accident attorneys may pursue litigation to protect your rights if negotiations fail.
Building a Strong Case for a Car Accident Claim
You will need a strong case to succeed in a Seminole County car accident claim. A strong case relies on the following:
● Thorough documentation: These include medical records, police reports, and witness statements.
● Expert testimony: Experts are specialists who can validate injury or economic loss claims.
● Effective advocacy: Our experienced Sanford auto accident lawyers know how to counter insurance company tactics.
Florida Personal Injury Statute of Limitations
Florida law requires you to file your car accident claim within two years of the accident. Missing this deadline can prevent you from recovering compensation. There are some exceptions to this deadline, so it is crucial to consult a skilled Sanford car accident law firm as soon as possible.
Establishing Negligence in a Florida Car Accident Case
To recover compensation for your injuries, you must prove that the other party was negligent by failing to exercise reasonable care. You can prove negligence by showing that they breached their duty of care to you and directly caused your injuries and damages.
COMPARATIVE FAULT IN A CAR ACCIDENT CLAIM
Under Florida’s modified comparative negligence rule, you can recover damages if you are not more than 50% responsible for the accident. If you are partially at fault, the court will reduce your recovery by your percentage of fault.
LIABILITY IN CAR ACCIDENTS
Determining liability involves examining several factors. These include the following:
● Traffic laws and regulations
● Eyewitness accounts
● Physical evidence, such as skid marks and vehicle damage
In some cases, there may be several parties to blame for your accident and resulting injuries. Our law firm will investigate and identify all liable parties to help you recover the maximum compensation possible.
WHY YOU SHOULD CHOOSE CHUBB LAW FOR YOUR CAR ACCIDENT CASE
Chubb Law’s Sanford car accident lawyers have extensive experience handling a variety of car accident cases. We are dedicated to helping you obtain the maximum compensation they deserve. Here is why you should choose our Sanford law firm for your car accident case:
● We have a 99.9% success rate.
● We have a five-star rating on Google.
● We have recovered millions for our personal injury clients.
● We promise you 110% commitment.
● We offer you unlimited communication with your legal team.
● We make decisions based on your direction.
Personal injury FAQ
What are some Common Car Accident Injuries?
Remember, we have car insurance for a reason. Insurance is there for when an accident occurs. If you were in a car accident and it wasn’t your fault, we can help you make an insurance claim. If you’re hurt in a car accident, you will likely incur medical expenses, medical bills, loss of income, property damage to your car and pain and suffering. We can help you receive all that you are entitled to.
- Fractured or broken bones
- Herniated discs
- Spinal injuries
- Whiplash
- Brain Injury
- Closed head injuries
- Headaches
- Paralysis
How is Chubb Law different?
We could list all the awards we’ve received or tell you how much better our results are than other law firms– but that’s not what makes us different. We are different because we truly care about our clients. Because we care, you won’t feel like you’re one of 10,000. You will feel heard and prioritized. You will feel confident in your legal team. You will feel like you’re in the right place.
How much does it cost to start a case? I heard it’s free? How do you make money?
It doesn’t cost anything to start your case and you will never pay us anything out of your own pocket. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay us only if we win your case. Our fee comes in the form of a percentage of the settlement or verdict amount we obtain.
Do I really need an attorney or should I just work things out with the insurance?
We tell people all of the time, “if insurance companies would just treat people right there would be no need for what we do.” Unfortunately, most of the time insurance companies don’t treat people right. The only way to ensure you are protecting your rights is to consult with an attorney.
Should I take an insurance offer?
No. Not without consulting an attorney. We make all clients an “Increased Offer Guarantee.” If there is an offer on the table from the insurance company at the time of hiring us, we guarantee we will increase it, or we will waive our fee.
I already have an attorney, can I change attorneys?
Yes. In the state of Florida, you can change attorneys mid-case. In fact, you can fire your current lawyer for practically any reason. The Florida Supreme Court has set out “10 Basic Rights” that every client is entitled to from their lawyer. Read more about those here.
Mitch’s 8 Promises
1
Full-story, free consultation.
Our initial conversation does not have a time limit. We want to connect and hear your full story.
2
110%
We are selective in the cases we take so we can give 110% to those we do.
3
$0 out-of-pocket fees.
You will never pay us anything out of your own pocket. There are never upfront costs on your case. We only get paid if we win your case.
4
Unlimited.
Our clients are guaranteed unlimited communication with their legal team.
5
Proactive communication.
We consistently communicate with you to keep you updated on your case.
6
You call the shots.
You call the shots, we lead the way. We never make decisions against your desires.
7
Increased offer guarantee.
If there is an offer on the table from the insurance company at the time of hiring us, we guarantee we will increase it, or we will waive our fee.
8
The “why should I hire an attorney guarantee.”
When you hire us, not only will we handle everything, but the result we get will leave you with more in your pocket— even after attorney’s fees.
Contact Us Today for a Free Case Evaluation
Do not wait to seek legal help if you or a loved one has been injured in an accident. Contact our Seminole County personal injury law firm today to schedule a free, no-obligation case evaluation. During your consultation, we will review the details of your case, explain your rights and legal options, and provide you with honest and straightforward advice about how to proceed.
Remember, you do not have to face this difficult time alone. Let Mitch and Christopher fight for you so you can focus on your recovery and move forward with your life.
