When a car accident disrupts your life anywhere in Florida, you need legal advocates who understand both the state’s complex auto accident laws and the unique driving challenges facing residents across the Sunshine State. At Lowman Law Firm, our Florida car accident attorneys have spent over two decades helping collision victims secure the compensation they deserve while navigating the aftermath of serious crashes with skill and compassion.
Operating from our conveniently located offices throughout Central Florida, including Brooksville at 31 S Main St, Spring Hill at 11029 Spring Hill Dr, Dade City at 14233 7th St, Crystal River at 600 SE US Hwy 19, and Inverness at 508 W Main St, we serve accident victims throughout Florida. With the state experiencing 331,903 car accidents in 2024 alone—equating to approximately 1,082 crashes per day—and ranking third nationally for the highest number of car accidents, having skilled legal representation has never been more critical.
Immediate Steps After a Florida Car Accident
The actions you take immediately after a car accident can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation. Follow these crucial steps to protect your rights:
- Ensure Safety: Move to a safe location if possible and turn on hazard lights
- Call 911: Report the accident and request medical attention if anyone is injured
- Document Everything: Take photos of vehicles, damage, road conditions, and the accident scene
- Exchange Information: Collect names, contact information, insurance details, and driver’s license numbers
- Gather Witness Information: Obtain contact details from anyone who saw the accident
- Seek Medical Attention: Visit a doctor within 14 days, as required by Florida law for PIP benefits
- Contact Our Office: Call us immediately before speaking with insurance companies
Learn more about 7 things to do immediately following an auto accident and avoid 10 mistakes people make following an auto accident.
Compensation Available for Car Accident Victims
Car accident victims in Florida may be entitled to comprehensive compensation for their losses, including both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
- Medical Expenses: Emergency room visits, surgery, hospitalization, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment
- Lost Wages: Income lost due to inability to work during recovery
- Property Damage: Vehicle repair or replacement costs
- Future Medical Care: Ongoing treatment, therapy, and medical equipment
- Lost Earning Capacity: Reduced ability to earn income due to permanent injuries
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and Suffering: Physical pain and discomfort caused by injuries
- Emotional Distress: Anxiety, depression, and psychological trauma
- Loss of Enjoyment: Inability to participate in activities you previously enjoyed
- Scarring and Disfigurement: Permanent changes to appearance
- Loss of Consortium: Impact on relationships with family members
Our Florida Offices Serving Accident Victims Statewide
We’re Your “Florida Car Accident Lawyer Near Me”
Why Florida Residents Trust Lowman
- Statewide Knowledge, Local Expertise – With offices throughout Central Florida, we understand the unique challenges facing drivers across the Sunshine State. From I-4’s notorious reputation as one of America’s deadliest highways to the tourist-heavy corridors of US-19 and the rural dangers of State Road 60, our attorneys know where accidents happen and why. Florida’s population of over 22 million residents, combined with millions of annual visitors, creates a complex driving environment that requires local legal knowledge. Our understanding of Florida’s diverse geography, from urban Miami-Dade County’s 59,978 annual crashes to the rural highways of North Florida, helps us build stronger cases and achieve better outcomes for our clients.
- Two Decades of Excellence – Our firm’s commitment to car accident victims spans more than 20 years, during which we’ve successfully recovered millions of dollars in compensation for injured drivers and passengers throughout Florida. We’ve helped families rebuild their lives after devastating crashes, ensuring they receive the medical care and financial support they need during recovery. With Florida experiencing over 331,000 crashes annually and ranking third nationally for accident frequency, our track record of success provides the advocacy you need.
- Personalized, Compassionate Representation – At Lowman Law Firm, we believe every client deserves individual attention and respect. We take the time to understand your unique situation, explain your legal options clearly, and keep you informed throughout every step of the legal process. Whether you’re a longtime Florida resident or a visitor injured while enjoying our state’s attractions, you’ll never feel like just another case number with our team.
Understanding Florida’s Car Accident Laws
No-Fault Insurance System
Florida requires all drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance of at least $10,000, which provides immediate medical benefits regardless of who caused the accident. However, PIP benefits are often insufficient for serious injuries. The coverage pays 80% of medical expenses, 60% of lost wages, and includes a $5,000 death benefit. Understanding what your PIP covers and what happens when PIP benefits are exhausted requires skilled legal guidance.
Emergency Medical Condition Requirement
Under recent changes to Florida law, you can only receive the full $10,000 in PIP coverage if a qualified medical provider determines you had an “emergency medical condition” resulting from the crash. Without this determination, coverage is limited to $2,500, making immediate medical attention crucial.
Modified Comparative Negligence
As of March 2023, Florida follows a modified comparative negligence system. You can recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident, but if you’re found more than 50% responsible, you’re barred from recovery. Understanding how partial fault works is essential for protecting your rights.
Serious Injury Threshold
To pursue compensation beyond PIP benefits, Florida law requires that you suffer a “serious injury” as defined by statute. This includes significant permanent loss of an important bodily function, permanent injury within a reasonable degree of medical probability, significant permanent scarring or disfigurement, or death.
Statute of Limitations
Since March 2023, Florida reduced the statute of limitations for personal injury claims from four years to two years. This change means Florida residents must file their claims within two years of their accident date to preserve their right to compensation.
Understand What’s Important In Your Florida Car Accident Case
Working with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often contact accident victims within hours of crashes, seeking recorded statements or quick settlements. These companies are profit-driven businesses that aim to minimize payouts, making legal representation crucial for protecting your rights.
Common Insurance Company Tactics
- Quick Settlement Offers: Low initial offers before the full extent of injuries is known
- Recorded Statements: Attempts to get victims to say something that can be used against them later
- Claim Denials: Disputing liability or the extent of injuries to avoid payment
- Surveillance: Following accident victims to find evidence contradicting injury claims
- Medical Record Requests: Seeking extensive medical histories to find pre-existing conditions
How Our Attorneys Protect You
Our Florida car accident attorneys level the playing field by handling all communications with insurance companies, conducting thorough investigations, and negotiating aggressively for maximum compensation. We prepare every case for trial, which often leads to better settlement offers. Learn about whether you should take a car accident settlement offer,
What Sets Our Car Accident Practice Apart
Immediate
Response
Car accident cases are time-sensitive, with evidence disappearing quickly and witness memories fading. When you call our offices, we immediately begin protecting your rights and preserving crucial evidence.
Thorough Investigation
We conduct comprehensive investigations involving accident reconstruction specialists, medical experts, and other professionals. We examine police reports, interview witnesses, and analyze all available evidence to build the strongest possible case.
Medical Network
We maintain relationships with healthcare providers throughout Florida who understand the unique needs of accident victims. This ensures our clients receive appropriate treatment while building the medical documentation necessary for successful claims.
Trial Preparation
While approximately 95% of personal injury cases resolve through settlements, we prepare every case for trial. This preparation demonstrates our commitment to fighting for fair compensation and often leads to better settlement offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Car Accidents
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Florida’s modified comparative negligence law allows you to recover compensation even if you were partially responsible, as long as you’re less than 51% at fault. Your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. Learn more about how partial fault works in Florida.
Should I accept the insurance company’s first offer?
Insurance companies often make low initial offers before the full extent of injuries is known. It’s generally advisable to consult with an attorney before accepting any settlement. Read about whether you should take a car accident settlement.
How long do I have to file a claim?
Florida’s statute of limitations for car accident claims is now two years from the accident date (reduced from four years in March 2023). However, it’s important to contact an attorney as soon as possible to preserve evidence and protect your rights.
What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?
If you’re hit by an uninsured driver, you may still recover compensation through your own uninsured motorist coverage. Learn about what to do if you’ve been hit by an uninsured driver.
How much will hiring an attorney cost?
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for your case. This arrangement ensures everyone has access to quality legal representation regardless of their financial situation.
What if my injuries don’t appear right away?
Some injuries, particularly soft tissue damage and concussions, may not manifest symptoms for days or weeks. Seek medical attention within 14 days as required by Florida law, and document all symptoms. Learn why you should receive immediate medical treatment after an accident.
What if my PIP benefits run out?
When PIP benefits are exhausted before your treatment is complete, you may be able to pursue additional compensation from the at-fault driver or through other insurance coverage. Learn about what happens when PIP benefits are exhausted.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Florida
Florida’s unique characteristics create specific risks for drivers that our attorneys encounter regularly. The combination of heavy tourist traffic, seasonal populations, diverse demographics, and dangerous highways creates a complex driving environment where accidents can occur without warning.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is the leading cause of car accidents in Florida, with activities like texting, eating, and adjusting controls causing serious collisions. Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reports that one in seven crashes is caused by distracted driving, though these estimates are likely low.
High-Speed Highway Collisions
Florida’s extensive highway system, including I-95, I-75, I-4, and the dangerous US-19 corridor, sees frequent serious accidents. High speed limits, heavy commercial traffic, and multiple access points make these highways particularly hazardous for collision victims.
Tourist and Seasonal Traffic
Florida attracts millions of visitors annually, creating unique hazards with unfamiliar drivers navigating local roads, increased traffic volume during peak seasons, and drivers distracted by scenic attractions or GPS navigation systems.
Impaired Driving
Alcohol and drug impairment significantly increases accident risks throughout Florida. The state’s vibrant nightlife and entertainment districts contribute to impaired driving incidents, particularly during evening hours and weekends.
Weather-Related Conditions
Florida’s frequent thunderstorms, fog, and sudden weather changes create hazardous driving conditions. The state’s “100 Deadliest Days of Summer” from Memorial Day to Labor Day are particularly dangerous for drivers.
Aggressive Driving and Road Rage
Aggressive driving behaviors including speeding, tailgating, and unsafe lane changes contribute to numerous serious accidents throughout the state. Florida’s growing population and increasing traffic congestion exacerbate these behaviors.
Types of Car Accident Cases We Handle
Rear-End Collisions
The most common type of accident in Florida, rear-end collisions often occur in stop-and-go traffic or when drivers follow too closely. While these accidents may seem minor, they frequently cause serious neck and back injuries requiring extensive treatment. Learn more about average settlements for back and neck injuries.
Head-On Collisions
Among the most dangerous accidents, head-on collisions can result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities. These crashes often involve impaired drivers, medical emergencies, or drivers who fall asleep at the wheel on Florida’s rural highways.
Side-Impact Crashes
T-bone accidents at intersections can cause severe injuries, particularly to passengers on the side of impact. These accidents frequently result from red light violations, failure to yield, or drivers who misjudge gaps in traffic.
Multi-Vehicle Pileups
Chain-reaction accidents involving multiple vehicles can occur during heavy traffic periods on Florida’s busy highways. These complex cases often involve multiple insurance companies and require thorough investigation to determine fault. Learn more about who’s at fault in a 3-car pile up.
Hit-and-Run Accidents
Florida experiences approximately 86,922 hit-and-run crashes annually, with 18,010 involving injuries and 271 fatalities. Seventy-six percent of these fatalities involve pedestrians or bicyclists, making legal representation crucial for tracking down responsible parties.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Accidents
With many drivers lacking adequate insurance coverage, uninsured motorist claims have become increasingly important. Our attorneys help clients understand their coverage options and pursue maximum compensation when struck by inadequately insured drivers.
Common Car Accident Injuries
Whiplash and Neck Injuries
The sudden jolting motion in car accidents frequently causes whiplash, straining muscles and ligaments in the neck. Learn more about early warning signs of whiplash and how to recover from whiplash.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Head trauma from impact with steering wheels, dashboards, or airbags can cause concussions and traumatic brain injuries requiring extensive medical treatment and long-term rehabilitation.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Impact forces can damage vertebrae, discs, and the spinal cord itself, potentially resulting in chronic pain, mobility issues, or paralysis in severe cases.
Broken Bones and Fractures
The force of collision can fracture ribs, arms, legs, and other bones. Complex fractures may require surgical repair with pins, rods, and extensive rehabilitation to restore function.
Internal Injuries
Blunt force trauma can cause internal bleeding, organ damage, and other life-threatening injuries that may not be immediately apparent after an accident.
Contact Our Florida Car Accident Attorneys
If you’ve been injured in a car accident anywhere in Florida, don’t delay seeking legal representation. The sooner you contact our office, the sooner we can begin protecting your rights and building your case for maximum compensation.
Available 24/7 for Your Free Consultation
We’re available around the clock to discuss your case and provide the skilled legal representation you deserve. Contact us today for your FREE consultation – remember, you pay nothing unless WE WIN your case.
At Lowman Law Firm, we understand that car accidents can turn your life upside down in an instant. We’re here to handle the legal complexities while you focus on healing and getting your life back on track. Contact one of our convenient Florida offices today and let us put our decades of knowledge to work for you.
Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of your situation. Trust the dedicated car accident attorneys at Lowman Law Firm to fight for the compensation you deserve. Call any of our offices now or visit one of our convenient locations to get started with your free case evaluation.
For additional information about personal injury law, visit our personal injury resources page or read our blog for helpful articles about car accident safety and legal rights. You can also learn more about should I get a personal injury attorney and review our frequently asked questions.
