OVIEDO CAR ACCIDENT LAWYERS
The aftermath of a car accident can be tumultuous, leaving you suffering from physical pain, emotional distress, and financial uncertainty. If you are injured in a car accident in Oviedo, you need strong legal representation.
Our Oviedo personal injury lawyers can navigate the complexities of your claim and help you receive the compensation you deserve. Let our Oviedo car accident lawyers at Chubb Law fight for your rights and help you recover from this harrowing experience.
What You Need to Know About Car Accidents
Car accidents are a pervasive issue in the United States, causing significant injury and loss of life each year. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately six million car accidents occur annually, resulting in tens of thousands of fatalities. In Florida, the statistics are equally concerning, with a substantial number of accidents and tragic losses reported yearly. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), there were more than 378,400 motor vehicle collisions in the state last year, which resulted in more than 244,600 injuries and 3,000 fatalities.
Understanding Car Accidents in Seminole County
Oviedo and other areas in Seminole County are growing regions in Central Florida with a large influx of commuters, tourists, and commercial vehicles that increase the likelihood of accidents. Busy roads like I-4 and Central Florida GreeneWay see a high number of accidents due to distracted drivers, speeding, and adverse weather conditions.
The FLHSMV reports nearly 6,000 crashes, with almost 4,000 injuries and 40 fatalities in 2024. This local accident data highlights the pervasive nature of car accidents in our area and emphasizes the importance of having an experienced legal advocate after a crash.
Car Accident Statistics
Florida consistently ranks among the states with the highest number of car accidents. In 2022, the state was ranked third-highest for the number of car accident fatalities, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). As illustrated by the FLHSMV’s data, Seminole County is no exception.
Key Legal Concepts in Car Accident Lawsuits
Successfully navigating car accident claims in Florida requires understanding these key legal concepts:
● Negligence: Negligence is the central legal principle in most car accident cases. To establish negligence, you must prove that the other driver owed you a duty of care, that they breached that duty through careless or reckless behavior, and that their breach of duty directly caused your accident and resulting injuries.
● Duty of care: All drivers must operate their vehicles with reasonable care and consideration for other drivers and pedestrians.
● Breach of duty: A breach of duty occurs when a driver fails to exercise the level of care expected of a reasonable person under similar circumstances.
● Causation: To establish a successful claim, you must prove that the other driver’s negligence was the direct and proximate cause of your accident and resulting injuries. This means that the accident would not have occurred “but for” the other driver’s negligent actions.
Legal Rights of Car Accident Victims
If you have been injured in a car accident in Oviedo, you have certain legal rights. These rights include:
● The right to compensation: You may recover compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and other losses resulting from the accident.
● The right to seek legal representation: You can hire an auto accident attorney to represent your interests and advocate for your rights throughout the legal process.
● The right to fair treatment: You have the right to be treated fairly by insurance companies and other parties involved in your claim. You can challenge an unfair insurance settlement and file a legal action if necessary.
Damages You Can Recover from Car Accidents
Depending on your accident’s circumstances and the extent of your injuries, you may be eligible to recover various types of damages:
● Economic damages: These cover tangible financial losses, such as past, present, and future medical expenses and lost wages, property damage, and rehabilitation costs.
● Non-economic damages: These compensate for intangible losses, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of consortium, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life.
● Punitive damages: The court may award these damages in rare cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct to punish wrongdoers and deter similar behavior.
Insurance Coverage for Car Accidents
Florida is a no-fault state, meaning your insurance policy’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) covers your medical expenses and lost wages up to a specific limit, regardless of fault. However, serious injuries that meet particular criteria can allow you to step outside the no-fault system and file a claim against the at-fault driver for additional damages. This step may be required to obtain full compensation for your injuries.
Common Types of Car Accident Cases We Handle in Oviedo
Our Oviedo auto accident law firm handles a variety of car accident cases, including:
● Rear-end collisions
● Head-on collisions
● T-bone accidents
● Rollover accidents
● Truck accidents
● Motorcycle accidents
● Pedestrian accidents
● Bicycle accidents
● Rideshare accidents
● Drunk driving accidents
● Distracted driving accidents
● Hit-and-run collisions
● Multi-vehicle pileups
● Accidents involving uninsured or underinsured drivers
Common Causes of Car Accidents
Several factors contribute to car accidents in Oviedo. Some of the most common causes include:
● Distracted driving: Texting, talking on the phone, eating, applying makeup, or adjusting the radio while driving can divert attention from the road, leading to accidents.
● Drunk driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs judgment, reaction time, and coordination, significantly increasing the risk of accidents.
● Speeding: Exceeding the speed limit reduces a driver’s ability to react to hazards and increases the severity of accidents.
● Reckless driving: Aggressive driving behaviors, such as tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, running red lights, and failing to yield the right-of-way, can lead to serious accidents.
● Drowsy driving: Driving while fatigued can impair judgment, reaction time, and coordination, making it as dangerous as driving under the influence.
● Adverse weather conditions: Rain, fog, wind, and flooding can significantly reduce visibility and traction, increasing the risk of accidents.
● Road hazards: Potholes, debris, and construction zones can create unexpected hazards for drivers.
● Defective vehicle parts: Faulty brakes, tires, or other vehicle components can contribute to accidents.
WHAT TO DO AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT
If you are involved in a car accident, taking the following steps is crucial to protect your rights and strengthen your legal claim:
● Ensure safety: Check your well-being and that of any passengers. Call 911 immediately if anyone is injured.
● Move to a safe location: If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location off the roadway to avoid further accidents.
● Exchange information: Exchange contact and insurance information with the other parties involved in the accident.
● Document the scene: Take photos and videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, skid marks, and any visible injuries.
● Seek medical attention: It is essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you do not feel seriously injured. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
● Contact your insurance company: Notify your insurance company of the accident as soon as possible, but avoid making detailed statements without consulting an injury lawyer.
● Consult with an auto accident law firm: Contact our experienced Oviedo car accident attorney, Mitch Chubb, to discuss your legal options and protect your rights.
THE COST OF CAR ACCIDENTS
The financial impact of car accidents is staggering. The costs can quickly escalate from emergency medical care and ongoing treatment to lost wages and property damage. Victims often face additional expenses, such as rehabilitation, home modifications, and counseling. A report published by NHTSA indicates that the economic cost of motor vehicle accidents totals nearly $340 billion yearly, which is equal to $1,035 for every person living in the United States. Our car accident lawyers can help maximize your compensation to cover these expenses and protect your financial stability.
The Car Accident Claim Process in Florida
Filing a car accident claim in Seminole County typically involves the following steps:
● Reporting the accident: Notifying your insurer and providing basic information
● Gathering evidence: Collecting documentation, such as medical records, accident reports, and photographs
● Negotiating with insurance adjusters: Presenting a strong case to secure a fair settlement
● Filing a lawsuit: Taking the case to court to pursue the compensation you deserve if we cannot reach a fair settlement
Building a Strong Case for a Car Accident Claim
Building a strong car accident claim requires gathering and presenting compelling evidence, including:
● Detailed documentation: Including photos, videos, and accident reports
● Medical records: To demonstrate the extent of your injuries and the treatment required
● Eyewitness testimony: Statements from those who saw the accident occur
● Expert opinions: Accident reconstruction specialists and medical experts who can strengthen your claim
Having legal representation from an experienced Oviedo car accident law firm is also crucial. We can navigate complex legal issues and effectively present your case.
Florida Personal Injury Statute of Limitations
Florida’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is typically two years from the accident date, meaning you generally have two years to file a lawsuit after the accident occurs. However, there may be exceptions to this deadline, so consulting a car accident attorney as soon as possible to discuss your specific situation is crucial. It is also critical to act promptly to preserve your right to compensation. Missing this deadline can result in a dismissal of your claim, regardless of how strong your case may be.
Establishing Negligence in a Florida Car Accident Case
As mentioned above, establishing negligence is crucial in a Florida car accident case. To prove negligence, you must demonstrate that the other driver:
● Owed you a duty of care
● Breached that duty of care
● Directly caused your accident and resulting injuries because of their breach of duty
COMPARATIVE FAULT IN A CAR ACCIDENT CLAIM
Florida follows a comparative fault system in car accident cases. This means that if you are 50% or less at fault for the accident, you may recover compensation for your injuries. However, the court will reduce your recovery in proportion to your degree of fault.
LIABILITY IN CAR ACCIDENTS
Determining liability in a car accident can be complex. Sometimes, liability may be clear-cut, such as when one driver runs a red light and causes a collision. However, in other cases, liability may be more difficult to determine, particularly when multiple drivers are involved or when there are conflicting accounts of the accident. Having a skilled auto accident lawyer is essential to properly investigating the accident and determining all potentially liable parties.
WHY YOU SHOULD CHOOSE CHUBB LAW FOR YOUR CAR ACCIDENT CASE
Chubb Law brings big law firm knowledge and small law firm attention to each case. Here is why clients trust us:
● We are recognized as a Super Lawyer, Rising Star, Million Dollar Advocate, and Top 40 Under 40 Trial Lawyer.
● We have a 99.9% success rate.
● We have recovered more than $25 million in compensation for our clients.
● We guarantee unlimited communication with our legal team.
● We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we win your case.
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.
