Car Accident Lawyers in Citrus County, FL

When a car accident disrupts your life in Citrus County, you need legal advocates who understand both Florida’s complex auto accident laws and the unique driving challenges facing our Nature Coast community. At Lowman Law Firm, our Citrus County car accident lawyers 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 Crystal River office at 600 SE US Hwy 19 and our Inverness office at 508 W Main St, we serve accident victims throughout the Nature Coast region. With Citrus County experiencing 670 traffic crashes in early 2023, resulting in 505 injuries and eight fatalities, having local legal representation can make the difference between a fair settlement and financial hardship.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Citrus County

Citrus County’s unique characteristics create specific risks for drivers that our attorneys encounter regularly. The combination of seasonal tourist traffic, rural highways, and a large retirement population creates a complex driving environment where accidents can occur without warning.

High-Speed Highway Collisions

US-19, one of Florida’s most dangerous highways, runs directly through Citrus County, creating opportunities for serious accidents. The highway’s high speed limits, multiple access points, and heavy commercial traffic make it a frequent location for devastating crashes. Our attorneys regularly handle cases involving rear-end collisions, side-impact crashes, and multi-vehicle accidents along this corridor.

Tourist and Seasonal Driver Issues

Citrus County attracts thousands of visitors to its springs, wildlife refuges, and coastal areas. Unfamiliar drivers often cause accidents by making sudden turns, driving below speed limits, or becoming confused at intersections. These situations frequently lead to rear-end collisions and intersection accidents.

Rural Road Hazards

Many of Citrus County’s roads traverse rural areas with limited lighting, narrow shoulders, and wildlife crossings. Accidents involving deer, wild boar, and other animals are common, as are single-vehicle crashes where drivers lose control on curves or encounter unexpected obstacles.

Intersection Accidents

Complex intersections in Crystal River, Inverness, and other population centers create opportunities for T-bone collisions and turning accidents. Older drivers, who make up a significant portion of Citrus County’s population, may have slower reaction times or vision issues that contribute to intersection crashes.

Types of Car Accident Cases We Handle

Rear-End Collisions

The most common type of accident in Citrus County, rear-end collisions often occur in stop-and-go traffic along US-19 or when drivers are following too closely. While these accidents may seem minor, they frequently cause serious neck and back injuries that require extensive treatment.

Head-On Collisions

Among the most dangerous accidents, head-on collisions on rural two-lane roads can result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities. These crashes often involve impaired drivers, medical emergencies, or drivers who fall asleep at the wheel.

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.

Single-Vehicle Accidents

Rollover accidents, crashes into trees or fixed objects, and run-off-road incidents are common on Citrus County’s rural highways. These accidents may involve mechanical failures, road defects, or driver impairment.

Multi-Vehicle Pileups

Chain-reaction accidents involving multiple vehicles can occur during heavy traffic periods or in poor weather conditions. These complex cases often involve multiple insurance companies and require thorough investigation to determine fault.

Understanding Florida’s Car Accident Laws

Florida operates under specific laws that directly impact your car accident case. Our Citrus County attorneys help clients navigate these complex regulations while protecting their rights to fair compensation.

No-Fault Insurance System

Florida requires all drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance, which provides immediate medical benefits regardless of who caused the accident. However, PIP benefits are limited to $10,000 and often insufficient for serious injuries. Understanding when you can pursue additional compensation beyond PIP requires skilled legal guidance. Learn about what your personal injury protection covers and what happens when PIP benefits are exhausted.

Comparative Negligence

Under Florida’s comparative negligence system, you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident. Your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault, making skilled legal representation crucial for minimizing assigned blame and maximizing recovery. Learn more about how partial fault works in Florida for a car accident and understand what is comparative negligence.

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 Citrus County residents must file their claims within two years of their accident date to preserve their right to compensation.

Serious Injury Threshold

To pursue compensation beyond PIP benefits, Florida law requires that you suffer a “serious injury” as defined by statute. This includes permanent injury, significant scarring or disfigurement, or death. Our attorneys help clients understand whether their injuries meet this threshold.

Compensation Available for Car Accident Victims

Car accident victims in Citrus County 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

Immediate Steps After a Citrus County 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:

1. Ensure Safety: Move to a safe location if possible and turn on hazard lights
2. Call 911: Report the accident and request medical attention if anyone is injured
3. Document Everything: Take photos of vehicles, damage, road conditions, and the accident scene
4. Exchange Information: Collect names, contact information, insurance details, and driver’s license numbers
5. Gather Witness Information: Obtain contact details from anyone who saw the accident
6. Seek Medical Attention: Visit a doctor even if you feel fine, as some injuries may not appear immediately
7. Contact Our Office: Call (352) 651-1111 or (352) 617-7777 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. Understanding the most common causes of auto accidents can also help prevent future incidents.

Common Car Accident Injuries

Car accidents in Citrus County can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor bruises to life-threatening trauma. Understanding these injuries helps victims recognize the importance of seeking immediate medical attention.

Whiplash and Neck Injuries

The sudden jolting motion in car accidents frequently causes whiplash, straining muscles and ligaments in the neck. While often considered minor, whiplash can cause chronic pain and require months of treatment. Learn more about recognizing the early warning signs of whiplash and how to recover from whiplash.

Back and Spinal Injuries

Impact forces can damage vertebrae, discs, and the spinal cord itself. These injuries may result in chronic pain, mobility issues, or paralysis in severe cases.

Head and Brain Injuries

Concussions and traumatic brain injuries can occur when the head strikes objects in the vehicle or from the rapid deceleration of impact. These injuries may have long-lasting cognitive and emotional effects.

Broken Bones

The force of collision can fracture ribs, arms, legs, and other bones. Complex fractures may require surgery and extensive rehabilitation.

Internal Injuries

Blunt force trauma can damage internal organs, causing internal bleeding or organ dysfunction that may not be immediately apparent.

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 Citrus County car accident lawyers 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.

Proudly Serving All of Citrus County

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