In an average year, there are around 400,000 car accidents in the State of Florida that cause about 250,000 injuries. In the Orlando metropolitan area, there were over 20,000 injuries and 206 deaths suffered in a car accident in 2022. A car accident victim may suffer more than physical injury. Often, a victim also faces financial challenges and lives with lasting psychological trauma following a car accident. When another party causes or contributes to a car accident, they may be required to pay an injured victim for all the injuries suffered by the victim.
If you were injured in an Orlando car accident, talk to the experienced Orlando car accident attorneys at Malik Law to find out what legal options you have. Our committed and compassionate attorneys understand the myriad ways in which a car accident can negatively impact the life of an injured victim. Our Orlando car accident attorneys are committed to putting their experience, resources, and dedication to work for you to ensure that the at-fault party is held accountable, and that you are properly compensated for all your injuries.
What Causes Orlando Car Accidents?
With about two million permanent residents and over 70 million visitors each year, Orlando sees more than its fair share of traffic daily. Unfortunately, that means that collisions are a frequent occurrence. Among the most common causes of Orlando car accidents are:
- Speed. Data compiled by the National Highways Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) tells us that speed continues to play a role in one in three car accidents nationwide.
- Distracted driving. Because Orlando is an extremely popular tourist destination, the city’s roadways are packed with out-of-town drivers at all times of the day and night. These drivers are often distracted by cell phones, maps, and the city’s many visible tourist attractions.
- Driving under the influence. On average, at least one person is killed every week in an impaired driving accident in Orange County.
- Fatigued driving. Someone is killed in a drowsy driving accident, on average, every 90 minutes across the United States. Experts liken fatigued driving to driving under the influence in terms of the risk posed to other motorists.
- Aggressive driving. As many as half of all car accidents involved one or more motorists exhibiting aggressive driving behavior. The risk of a collision increases when motorists are frustrated because of heavy traffic – something that occurs regularly in Orlando.
What Should I Do After an Orlando Car Accident?
Most people are unsure what to do following a car accident; yet, what you do in the minutes, hours, and days following an Orlando car accident will directly impact how well you heal and your ability to recover compensation for your injuries. Important steps to take following an Orlando car accident include:
- Submit to a thorough medical examination. You may not believe you were seriously injured in the crash; however, some of the most serious injuries common in car accidents do not always produce visible symptoms right after the accident. Getting a complete medical evaluation done as soon as possible after the accident ensures that hidden injuries are diagnosed, and all injuries are treated. It also established a clear nexus between your injuries and the car accident which will be helpful if you pursue a car accident lawsuit.
- Report the collision. Florida law requires anyone involved in a car accident to contact the police and report the accident if the accident caused injury or property damage estimated to exceed $500. Along with complying with the law, reporting an accident ensures that you have documentation showing the name and contact information for all involved drivers and often for witnesses as well.
- Document the collision and your injuries. Never risk further injury; however, if you can take pictures of the accident scene, do so or return later and record the scene. Be sure to get photos of traffic lights, construction work, landscaping, and anything else you feel contributed to the collision. In addition, begin collecting documentary evidence of your injuries, including physical injuries (doctor bills, hospital invoices, prescription receipts), financial costs (lost wages, repair estimates for your vehicle), and emotional trauma (keeping a daily pain diary).
- Consult with Orlando car accident attorneys. Healing physically, financially, and emotionally after a car accident can take time. To make sure you can focus on healing while also protecting your right to compensation, consult with an experienced Orlando car accident attorney as soon as possible.
How Does Florida’s No-Fault Insurance Impact My Car Accident Lawsuit?
Florida is one of many states that has a “no-fault” insurance law. Florida’s no-fault insurance law requires all drivers to carry a minimum amount of Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance coverage. When a driver is involved in an accident, the driver’s own PIP coverage kicks in and covers medical bills and lost wages, regardless of who caused the accident. PIP coverage, however, only covers 80 percent of your medical bills up to $10,000, 60 percent of your lost wages up to $10,000, and pays nothing for emotional trauma.
To recover compensation that exceeds that provided by your own PIP coverage, you must meet the Florida “serious injury” threshold. If your injuries qualify, you may leave the no-fault insurance system and pursue a traditional personal injury lawsuit where you may recover additional compensation for your physical injuries, lost wages, and emotional trauma. The serious injury threshold requires you to suffer one or more of the following:
- Significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function.
- Permanent injury within a reasonable degree of medical probability.
- Significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement.
- Death.
Am I Entitled to Compensation for My Orlando Car Accident Injuries?
If another party caused or contributed to the car accident that caused your injuries and you meet the serious injury threshold, you could recover both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages refer to the objective expenses related to your injuries, such as medical and hospital bills, lost wages, and vehicle repairs. Non-economic damages are more subjective and include compensation for things such as emotional trauma, scarring and disfigurement, and mental distress. If you are the surviving family member of someone who was fatally injured in an Orlando car accident, you may be entitled to compensation as the claimant in a Florida wrongful death lawsuit.
Contact Orlando Car Accident Attorneys
At Malik Law, P.A. we know how a car accident can disrupt your life and cause lasting physical and emotional damage. Our experienced Orlando car accident attorneys are committed to using our experience and resources to make sure you are fully and fairly compensated for all your injuries. If you were injured in an Orlando car accident, we can help. Call us at 407-500-1000 or submit our online form today. One of our experienced Orlando car accident attorneys will explain your rights to you and discuss your legal options at no cost.