Auto Accident Attorney at Schrier Law Group

At Schrier Law Group, we are your go-to partners for navigating the auto accident laws of Florida. With over 37 years of personal injury experience, we have developed the expertise to provide unmatched legal representation for those injured in auto accidents. We know the impact of an auto accident on your life – physical, emotional, and financial.

We understand Florida’s auto accident laws, so we can handle all types of cases, from minor fender benders to severe motor vehicle accidents. We know how important it is to have an experienced auto accident attorney by your side, especially in a state like Florida, where the legal system and insurance companies can be overwhelming.

By choosing Schrier Law Group, you’re not just hiring an attorney; you’re partnering with experienced auto accident and injury attorneys who will protect your rights and get you the compensation you deserve.

Our success and knowledge of the legal system and judges in Florida auto accident cases show our commitment to excellence and justice in personal injury law.

Why Paul?

• Expert Advice: Get expert advice from Paul’s years of experience in auto accident cases to get advice specific to your situation.
• Personalized Service: Paul provides personalized attention so you understand your rights and options for getting compensation.
• Get the Most: With a proven track record of getting great results, Paul will work hard to get you the most for your injuries, lost wages, and other damages.

Auto Accidents in Florida

Many factors contribute to auto accidents in Florida and they can range from minor fender benders to severe crashes. Some of the most common causes are distracted driving, speeding, impaired driving, and bad weather, each adding to the mix of motor vehicle incidents in the state.

Latest Auto Accidents Statistics in Florida

According to FLHSMV, there were 393,856 crashes in Florida, and in 2023 alone, 3,398 fatalities and 251,576 injuries resulted from those crashes. March and April 2023 were the highest months of the year for crashes.

Common Causes of Auto Accidents in Florida

Auto accidents in Florida are caused by many factors, part of a national trend but with state specific challenges.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is one of the common causes of vehicle crashes. This includes texting, using in-car technology, eating, or any activity that takes your eyes off the road. In 2022, 104,336 crashes were caused by distracted drivers.

Speeding

Speeding is another big cause of auto accidents in the state. Speeding reduces reaction time and increases severity of accidents resulting in more injuries and higher fatality rates. Florida’s diverse population and tourist traffic contributes to varying driving behaviors that often lead to speed related accidents. There were 24,697 accidents caused by speeding & aggressive speeding in Florida in 2022.

Impaired Driving

Impaired driving is still a big problem. Alcohol and drugs impair motor skills, reaction time, and judgment. Despite strict laws and enforcement, DUI accidents still pose a big risk on Florida’s roads. In 2023, there were 5,413 crashes involving alcohol and drugs in Florida.

Weather

And Florida’s weather, heavy rain and hurricanes, can create hazardous driving conditions that lead to accidents. Wet roads, low visibility and unpredictable weather requires defensive driving and contributes to 956,835 auto accidents.

Elderly Drivers

Beyond these factors, Florida has its own unique challenges, with a high number of elderly drivers and tourists who are not familiar with local roads. Elderly drivers may have limitations that affect their driving abilities. Tourists may make navigation errors or be unfamiliar with state laws, adding to the complexity of auto accident causes in Florida. In 2022, there were 317 fatalities and 43,249 accidents caused by drivers 70 and older.

Understanding these many causes is key to prevention and legal recourse. When accidents happen the specific circumstances and causes become critical to legal claims especially in determining fault and navigating Florida’s no-fault insurance system.

Florida’s auto accident law is unique because of its no-fault insurance system. Under this system, after an auto accident, each driver’s insurance covers their losses regardless of who was at fault. This is to reduce the number of minor lawsuits in court and speed up the process of getting compensation for injuries and damages.

However, the no-fault law does not eliminate the need for legal help. Serious injuries or disputes over fault can still lead to complex legal issues. That’s where comparative negligence comes in.

Comparative Negligence

In Florida, comparative negligence assigns fault to each party involved in an auto accident based on their actions. Even if you are partially at fault, you can still get compensation, but your percentage of fault will be reduced. For example, if you’re 20% responsible for an accident, your compensation will be reduced by 20%. This is why it’s important to have auto accident lawyers who understand these complexities and can advocate for your fair compensation. Schrier Law Group’s attorneys can help you through this process to get you the compensation you deserve.

With Schrier Law Group, you get a team that is knowledgeable in Florida’s auto accident and insurance laws. Our expertise allows us to represent our clients effectively so they understand their rights and the legal options available to them to get justice and compensation after an auto accident in Florida.

Florida Laws and Statutes Related to Auto Accidents & How They Can Affect Your Case

In Florida, auto accident law is governed by the no-fault insurance system, which requires drivers to carry personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. This coverage pays for the policyholder’s injuries regardless of fault. The statute of limitations for auto accident claims in Florida is generally four years but varies depending on the type of claim. These laws affect how and when you can pursue compensation after an auto accident, so it’s important to take timely and informed legal action. An attorney can help you navigate these complexities so your rights are protected and you get all the compensation you’re entitled to.

Schrier Law Group’s Auto Insurance Experience

Paul Schrier’s knowledge of Florida auto accident law has made him an expert witness for insurance companies like Geico. He understands the legal nuances and has years of experience. Hiring Paul Schrier means hiring an attorney who has navigated the complexities of Florida auto accident statutes and can provide you with experienced and knowledgeable legal help.

Auto Accidents Injuries

Auto accidents can cause a variety of injuries, from minor bruises and whiplash to major traumas like brain injuries and spinal cord damage. Even if symptoms seem minor, get medical attention right away after an accident. Early diagnosis can uncover hidden injuries and start treatment, which can impact health outcomes and the legal process of getting compensation. This medical record will also be important in legal claims to prove the injuries and how they relate to the accident.

• Whiplash/Soft Tissue Injury: Common in rear-end collisions whiplash affects the neck muscles and ligaments. Can cause long term discomfort and may require physical therapy. Documentation is key for compensation claims.
• Concussions: A type of traumatic brain injury caused by a blow to the head, concussions can have long-term cognitive effects and require a thorough medical exam and possibly long-term care.
• Broken Bones: Fractures can be simple breaks or compound fractures requiring surgery. Severity affects the compensation especially if it leads to long term impairment.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Can cause partial or complete paralysis, requiring significant medical intervention and possibly lifelong care, and can impact the value of the claim.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): More severe than concussions, TBIs can affect brain function long-term and may require extensive rehabilitation. Can impact compensation due to the injury’s impact on quality of life.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Besides whiplash other soft tissue injuries like strains, sprains and contusions are common. Require varying degrees of medical attention and can impact mobility and daily activities.
• Internal Injuries: Auto accidents can cause internal bleeding or damage to organs, which may not be immediately apparent but are life-threatening and can impact a legal claim.
• Burns: In cases of fire or exposure to hot surfaces/fluids in an accident, burns can range from minor to severe, requiring specialized treatment, and can lead to scarring or disfigurement.
• Lacerations and Abrasions: Cuts and scrapes can occur from shattered glass or metal. Sometimes require stitches and can lead to infection risk which can impact the victim’s recovery and the claim.
• Psychological Injuries: Accidents can also cause mental health issues like PTSD, anxiety, or depression, which may require psychological counseling and can be included in compensation claims.
• Dislocations and Joint Injuries: Impact from a car accident can cause dislocated joints or other serious joint injuries, requiring medical intervention, possibly including surgery, and can impact long-term mobility.
• Amputations: Severe accidents can cause traumatic amputation of limbs or extremities, requiring emergency care and long-term rehabilitation, which can impact the victim’s quality of life and employment capabilities.
• Crush Injuries: When part of the body is caught between two forces, crush injuries can occur and cause serious complications like compartment syndrome, requiring urgent medical care, which can result in long-term or permanent damage.
• Facial Injuries: Accidents can cause various facial injuries, from dental damage to severe disfigurement, which can affect senses like sight or smell and require specialized medical treatment or surgery.
• Hearing Loss: The impact or loud noises during an accident can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss, impacting the victim’s quality of life, and may require specialized medical treatment or assistive devices.

How to Get the Most Compensation

How is Compensation Calculated for Car Accidents

When you’ve been in a car accident, knowing how compensation is calculated is key to getting the most you can get. We go over every detail of your case to get you the maximum.

Compensation covers:

• Medical Bills: From emergency care to ongoing treatment we make sure all your medical expenses are included in your claim.
• Lost Wages: If the accident prevents you from working, lost income compensation is critical. We get you past and future lost wages.
• Pain and Suffering: Beyond the tangible losses, you’re entitled to compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
• Property Damage: We also get you compensation for repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other personal property.

How Can We File a Claim

When you hire Schrier Law Group for your auto accident case, our experienced team will guide you through the claim filing process step by step to make sure every detail is taken care of to get you the most out of it:

1. Initial Consultation: Our journey begins with a thorough consultation where our car accident lawyers will go over the details of your case, the accident, your injuries, and how they have affected your life.
2. Investigation: We do a thorough investigation, gathering all the evidence, police reports, medical records, witness statements, and more to build your case.
3. Documentation: Our team documents all your losses, medical bills and lost wages to pain and suffering to make sure a complete claim is prepared.
4. Filing the Claim: With all the evidence and documentation in place, we file the claim on your behalf, dealing with insurance companies and all the legal paperwork so you don’t have to.
5. Negotiation: Our experienced attorneys negotiate hard, using all the preparation to get you the most you can get.

What is Mediation in Auto Accident Cases

While many car accident cases settle out of court some do go to mediation, a process where both parties try to reach an agreement with the help of a neutral third party.

Mediation is an important part of the auto accident process, a quicker and less hostile alternative to court. During mediation both parties, with their lawyers, meet with a neutral mediator to discuss the case and negotiate a settlement.

At Schrier Law Group, we prepare our clients for mediation so they know their rights and the strength of their case. Our attorneys fight for our clients, present strong evidence, and negotiate to get them a fair settlement without a trial. This saves time, money, and stress while still getting them the compensation they deserve for their injuries and losses.

Our goal in mediation is to get a fair settlement without a trial. But we’re committed to you, so we’re prepared to go to court if necessary.

According to statistics many auto accident cases settle in mediation, a faster and less hostile process. But the percentage can vary and our approach is always case specific to get you the best outcome.

Why You Need a Lawyer

Auto accident claims are complicated, involving complex laws, insurance company negotiations, and calculating what’s compensable. Here’s why you need a lawyer:

Laws and Regulations

The legal world of auto accidents is full of complex laws that differ by jurisdiction. Florida’s laws, especially comparative negligence and no-fault laws, are particularly tricky. 

All Damages

Evaluating all damages – economic, non-economic and sometimes punitive is key. Experienced lawyers make sure no compensable aspect is missed, including future medical bills, ongoing care needs and full impact of pain and suffering.

What an Attorney Can Do to Get You More

Dealing with Insurance Companies: Insurance adjusters are trained to pay out as little as possible. Experienced attorneys counter these tactics so the settlement reflects the full extent of your injuries and losses. Schrier Law Group attorneys know how to negotiate with insurance companies so they don’t lowball or deny legitimate claims.

• Legal Advocacy and Representation: From gathering evidence to representing you in court if needed, an attorney advocates for you every step of the way. This is important not only to fight for your rights but to level the playing field against big insurance companies and opposing lawyers.
• Getting You More: An attorney’s expertise is crucial in finding and quantifying all possible sources of compensation. This comprehensive approach means settlements or awards are not just enough but full for what you’ve been through.

Get Started with Schrier Law Group

After an auto accident, the process can be overwhelming. At Schrier Law Group, we want to take that burden off your shoulders. Our mission is to give you top-notch legal representation that handles your claim, fights the insurance companies, and gets you the most compensation for your losses.

With many years of service in Florida, Schrier Law Group is the legal ally you need to face auto accident claims. Contact us to see how our car accident attorneys can help you turn adversity into recovery and justice.