Orlando FL Car Accident Lawyers
Orlando Car Accident Lawyers Helping Victims Recover Compensation
A car accident can be devastating for you and your loved ones. Even minor accidents take time to recover from. There are several steps on the road to recovery, and the Orlando car accident lawyers at Pardy & Rodriguez are here to help. Unfortunately, many insurance companies don’t want to live up to their promises. Accident victims like yourself need to hire legal representation to recover what they are rightfully owed.
Our priority is helping your family get back to the life you knew before the car accident.
What is a Car Accident?
A car accident has many different terms that we all use. We may say “traffic collision,” or a “motor vehicle accident,” or a “car crash.” But it all means basically the same thing; a motor vehicle collides with another vehicle, bicycle, a stationary object, pedestrian, or an animal.
Some car accidents may have only damage to the vehicle; others might have severe injuries or death. Many factors contribute to car accidents, and sometimes these accidents have legal consequences.
Who Caused Your Orlando Car Accident?
However, when it comes to negligence and personal injury, we don’t believe there are “accidents.” The negligent actions or inactions of another person or party are far too often to blame for motor vehicle crashes. One or more of the following parties could be liable for your injuries resulting from a crash.
Other Drivers
Driver error, whether intentional or unintentional, contributes to many collisions. Drivers have a duty to obey traffic laws and drive with care. If they fail to do one or both of these things, they can cause severe injuries or even fatalities. Driver actions that can cause a car accident include:
- Speeding
- Failing to yield
- Failing to stop at a stop sign
- Disobeying traffic lights
- Distraction, such as talking on a cellphone, texting, eating, or adjusting the sound system or GPS
- Failing to maintain a safe vehicle
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Failing to drive safely in adverse weather conditions or construction zones
Manufacturers
Sometimes vehicle or vehicle part manufacturers fail to provide safe products for drivers. When this happens, the defective part can make the car unsafe to drive. In some instances, a defective part is the cause of the collision. Our Orlando car accident lawyers are experienced in handling these types of claims and holding the responsible parties accountable.
Local Municipalities
Different local municipalities are in charge of public roads. This could be the state, city, or county. They are responsible for making sure the roads are safe, the traffic lights are functioning correctly, and road repairs are made when necessary. If they fail to adhere to their responsibilities, there is a greater risk of an accident. They could be held liable for any resulting injuries and damages.
Your Orlando car accident lawyer will conduct a full investigation to find out how your car accident occurred and who should be held accountable. You might be wondering why you need to determine who caused your accident. If you can’t pinpoint who the responsible party is, it’s unclear who should pay for your losses. If you hold someone accountable who didn’t contribute to the cause of the accident, you won’t be able to recover compensation.
Do You Have a Legal Case for Your Orlando Car Accident?
Far too many individuals who have been injured in an accident don’t seek the legal help they need. Perhaps they don’t think they have a case, assume that the insurance company will provide them with fair compensation, or think a legal claim will cause them additional hassle and headaches. The best thing you can do to protect yourself after a car crash is to contact an Orlando car accident lawyer as soon as possible.
We offer free, confidential consultations. When you come into our office and meet with one of our well-versed attorneys, they will review all the critical facts in your case. If you have a valid claim and we can help you, we will tell you. If you don’t have a valid claim and we don’t believe we can help you, we will also let you know. Either way, you haven’t spent a dime to find out, and you will walk away with a solid plan to deal with your situation.
To have a valid legal case, you or your lawyer must be able to prove the following with evidence:
- Duty: The at-fault party owed you a duty of care
- Breach: The at-fault party breached their duty of care to you
- Injuries: Their breach caused your accident and injuries
- Damages: You suffered damages resulting from your injuries
Consider the following example:
Donna was driving to work on I-4 when a delivery truck driver rear-ended her. She suffered whiplash injuries, a broken kneecap, and a mild concussion. As a result, she incurred medical expenses, pain and suffering, and was unable to go to work or participate in the activities she once enjoyed for several months.
The delivery truck driver owed Donna and other drivers on the road a duty of care. They were following too close and speeding on the highway. Their negligence caused the accident, which caused Donna’s injuries. Her injuries led to her damages. Donna hired an Orlando car accident lawyer to help her recover compensation. Her lawyer negotiated a full and fair settlement on her behalf.
Do I Need an Orlando Car Accident Lawyer?
Insurance companies are supposed to make claimants and customers “whole” again after an accident. This means they need to put them back in the same position they were in before the accident. While they can’t turn back the clock and make it as if the collision never happened, they need to compensate you for your damages.
You need to remember that insurance companies have the same goal as any other company. They are in business to make money. If they pay all of their claimants what they are fairly owed, they won’t make as much money. To accomplish their goal, they hire insurance adjusters who will use many different tactics to ensure they pay claimants as little as possible. These tactics include:
- Contacting you as soon as possible to get you to settle before you hire a lawyer and find out what your claim is really worth
- Requesting a recorded statement and then twisting your words or asking leading or confusing questions to serve their agenda
- Delaying the processing of your claim
- Asking you to voluntarily give them the right to access your previous medical records
- Telling you that you don’t need to hire a lawyer
- Downplaying your injuries
- Claiming you received unnecessary medical care
When you hire an attorney, you no longer have to deal directly with any insurance companies. Your attorney and their office will communicate with them. If you must talk to them for any reason, your attorney will be present to ensure your legal rights are respected.
You don’t have to hire an attorney after sustaining injuries and property damage in a car accident. You have the right to represent yourself. However, studies show that claimants involved in a car accident with legal representation typically receive more compensation than those who represent themselves.
Not only can you potentially receive more compensation but hiring a lawyer has other benefits as well. Letting them take care of your claim allows you more time to heal from your injuries. They can also help you keep track of your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
Our Orlando car accident lawyers can:
- Help ensure that you protect your case
- Determine who is liable for your injuries
- Identify and value your damages
- Protect you from the tactics of the insurance company
- Negotiate a fair settlement or litigate your case if necessary
When Should I Reach Out to an Experienced Orlando Car Accident Lawyer?
It’s in your best interest to reach out to an Orlando car accident lawyer as soon as possible after your accident. Of course, getting the medical attention you need should take priority. However, securing legal representation soon can increase the value of your claim.
Florida state law imposes a deadline, legally known as the statute of limitations, as to how long you have to litigate your case. For car accident cases, the deadline depends on who is at fault and if the accident resulted in a fatality. If a driver is at fault for carelessly injuring someone, the injured individual has four years from the date of their accident to file a lawsuit.
It’s important to note that your deadline might be extended to five years if you have a claim against an uninsured motorist. Also, there are crucial deadlines to utilize your PIP coverage (no-fault benefits), which can be as little as 14 days. If you miss any of these deadlines, it will be detrimental to your case. You may even lose the right to seek compensation through the court system.
Another reason to talk to an experienced Orlando car accident lawyer sooner rather than later is that evidence can be destroyed or lost. You need evidence to prove each point in your claim. The sooner you have a lawyer on your side, the sooner they can begin collecting and preserving evidence on your behalf. Evidence might include:
- Witness statements and contact information
- Pictures of the accident scene and your injuries
- Police report
- CCTV footage
- Driving and maintenance logs for commercial truckers
If you are missing valuable pieces of evidence to prove your claim, you likely won’t get a full and fair settlement.
What Should You Do as a Car Accident Victim?
The most important thing is your wellbeing and the wellbeing of those around you. Check for injuries, and call for help. If anyone has an injury, keep them calm, but do not move them.
It is a good idea to call the police, even if there are no serious injuries. The police will help determine what happened, assess injuries, and create a police report that you will need later on to file with your insurance carrier. Do not leave the scene! Plus, don’t move your vehicle unless it interferes with traffic.
Click here to go to our page with steps to take if you or your family has a car accident.
In some cases, especially if there are injuries or property damage, you should consider hiring an experienced Orlando car accident attorney.
Types of Accidents Our Orlando Car Accident Lawyers Handle
Over 35 years of professional experience between law partners Pardy and Rodriguez means we have the experience, knowledge, and technical expertise to handle even the most complicated car accident cases. Indeed, there are very few types of car accident cases that we do not have experience with. However, your case is unique and deserves our very best care, hard work ethic, and attention to detail from expert car accident injury lawyers in Orlando, FL.
Learn More about Types of Car Accidents
Hit-and-Run Accidents
A hit and run is a horrible event to go through. A hit and run case needs special attention to detail, and with our courtroom experience, we know exactly how to help you and your family recover from your tragic losses.
Rear-Ended Accidents
A rear-ended accident can happen to anyone. They make up 1 of every three accidents. We understand it is stressful, inconvenient, and in some cases, painful.
Car Crash
Some car crashes may have only damage to the vehicle; others might have severe injuries or death. There are many factors that contribute to car crashes, and sometimes these accidents have legal consequences.
Drunk Driving Accidents
Here in Florida, a suspected drunk or impaired driver must submit to a breath, urine and/or blood test. It is very important if you are in an accident, and you suspect the other driver is impaired, that you involve the police immediately.
Running Red Light Accidents (Stop Sign Accidents)
The most common excuse a driver has for running a red light is being in a hurry. That is no reason to put you and your loved ones in harm’s way.
Distracted Driver Accidents
Proving someone was a distracted driver is not easy, so its essential to contact the police right away, and hire an experienced distracted driving attorney. Let’s be clear, a distracted driving case is not easy. But it helps to understand how the law in Florida looks at these cases.
Texting or Cellphone Use While Driving Accidents
The NHTSA says “Sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for 5 seconds. At 55 mph, that’s like driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed.” Those 5 seconds might mean your family has been put in harms way. Let us help you recover from your loss.
Ride Share (Uber/ Lyft / Taxi) Accidents
Even though rideshare companies carry a $1million dollar policy, they will fight any claim against it. You may also need to file a claim against the driver’s personal insurance company. That’s why you need to have a very experienced rideshare lawyer helping you through this time.
Tractor-Trailer Accidents
Trucking companies have big money and lots of experience defending their negligent drivers. In an accident involving a tractor trailer, you must have a very experienced tractor trailer lawyer helping you through this time. Our attorneys aren’t afraid to stand up to large trucking companies and their legal teams.
Truck Accidents
Trucks are heavy, and need a driver to pay extra attention to the road. Unfortunately, not all truck drivers are careful. As a result, a truck accident can be devastating for you and your loved ones.
Motorcycle Accidents
Because motorcycle accidents generally involve more serious injuries, and even death, we treat your case respectfully, and with our full attention to detail. Motorcycle accident cases can be very complex, and have different legal issues than other accidents.
Fleet Driver Accidents (Commercial Vehicle / Construction Vehicle Accidents)
Businesses or government agencies own large fleets of vehicles, and have money and lots of experience defending their negligent drivers. A Fleet driver that causes an accident is usually an accident they could have prevented.
Proving Your Orlando Car Accident Case
After a car wreck, you might worry about how you will recover from your injuries, or have transportation, or even how to report an accident to your insurance company. Maybe you are worried about losing your job or how you will provide for your family.
We understand that you’re worried about your future, and we will do everything we can to get you back on track. From reporting your accident to dispersing your settlement, you can count on us every step of the way. Our attorneys have a proven track record of advocating for car accident victims of all types. Whether you have minor to moderate injuries, or severe or permanent injuries, we are here to help. We will do everything in our power to help you recover physically and financially from your accident.
When you’ve been involved in a car wreck, you should contact skilled Orlando car accident lawyers like us at Pardy & Rodriguez as soon as possible. With law offices in Orlando, Kissimmee, Poinciana, Tampa, Sarasota, and Haines City, we are conveniently located near you. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation. Our lawyers are waiting to help you.
Bonus Fact:
Florida has one of the highest rates of car crashes in the US. If you want to learn more, click here to read some statistics offered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.