Auto Accident Lawyer at Schrier Law Group

At Schrier Law Group, we are your committed partners in navigating the complexities of auto accident law in Florida. With over 37 years of experience in personal injury law, we’ve honed our expertise to offer unprecedented legal representation for those affected by auto accidents. We understand a car accident’s impact on your life, encompassing physical, emotional, and financial challenges.

Our understanding of Florida’s unique auto accident laws enables us to handle various cases, from minor collisions to severe motor vehicle accidents. We recognize the importance of having an experienced auto accident lawyer by your side, especially in a state like Florida, where the legal system and insurance frameworks can be particularly daunting.

By choosing Schrier Law Group, you’re not just securing an attorney; you’re partnering with dedicated auto accident and injury attorneys committed to safeguarding your rights and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.

Our track record of success and knowledge of the legal systems and judges in representing Florida’s auto accident victims underscores our dedication to excellence and justice in personal injury law.

Why Consult With Paul?

• Expert Guidance: Benefit from Paul’s extensive experience in handling auto accident cases to receive knowledgeable advice tailored to your unique situation.
• Personalized Attention: Paul provides a personalized approach, ensuring you understand your rights and the options available for seeking compensation.
• Maximize Your Compensation: With a proven track record of securing favorable outcomes, Paul works tirelessly to ensure you receive maximum compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and other related damages.

Understanding Auto Accidents in Florida

Various factors influence auto accidents in Florida and can range in severity from minor fender-benders to catastrophic collisions. Some of the most common causes include distracted driving, speeding, impaired driving, and adverse weather conditions, each contributing to the diverse landscape of motor vehicle incidents in the state.

Latest Statistics on Auto Accidents 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, typically during spring break, had the highest number of crashes.

Common Causes of Auto Accidents in Florida

Auto accidents in Florida are caused by multiple factors, reflecting a broader national trend while showcasing unique state-specific challenges.

Distracted Driving

Among the common causes, distracted driving is a significant contributor to vehicular incidents. This includes texting, using in-car technologies, eating, or any activity that diverts attention from the road. In 2022, there were 104,336 crashes caused by distracted drivers.

Speeding

Speeding is another prevalent cause of auto accidents in the state. Exceeding speed limits reduces the driver’s reaction time and increases the severity of accidents, leading to more significant injuries and higher fatality rates. Florida’s diverse demographics and tourist influx contribute to varied driving behaviors that often result in speed-related accidents. There were 24,697 accidents caused by speeding & aggressive speeding in Florida during 2022.

Impaired Driving

Impaired driving remains a critical concern, with alcohol and drugs significantly impairing motor skills, reaction times, and judgment. Despite strict laws and enforcement efforts, DUI-related accidents continue to pose a severe risk on Florida’s roads. In 2023, there were 5,413 crashes involving alcohol and drugs in Florida.

Weather

Additionally, Florida’s weather conditions, including heavy rainstorms and hurricanes, can create hazardous driving conditions that lead to accidents. Wet roads, limited visibility, and unpredictable weather patterns necessitate cautious driving and contribute to 956,835 auto accidents.

Elderly Drivers

Beyond these factors, Florida faces unique challenges due to its high volume of elderly drivers and tourists unfamiliar with local roads. Elderly drivers may face limitations that affect their driving capabilities, while tourists might be prone to navigation errors or unfamiliarity with state driving laws, contributing to the complexity of auto accident causes in Florida. In 2022, there were 317 fatalities and a total of 43,249 accidents caused by drivers 70 and older.

Understanding these varied causes is essential for both prevention and legal recourse. When accidents occur, the specific circumstances and causes become critical components of legal claims, particularly in establishing fault and navigating Florida’s no-fault insurance system. At Schrier Law Group, our deep comprehension of these factors enables us to provide thorough and empathetic legal representation to auto accident victims, ensuring they receive informed and effective advocacy.

How Florida Approaches Car Accidents

Florida’s legal framework for auto accidents is distinctive due to 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 approach aims to reduce the number of minor lawsuits in courts, streamlining the compensation process for injuries and damages.

However, the no-fault law does not eliminate the need for legal assistance. Significant injuries or disputes over fault can still lead to complex legal challenges. That’s where understanding comparative negligence becomes crucial.

Understanding 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 seek compensation, but your percentage of fault will reduce it. For instance, if you’re deemed 20% responsible for an accident, your compensation would be reduced by 20%. This nuanced approach underscores the importance of having knowledgeable auto accident lawyers who can navigate these intricacies and advocate for your rightful compensation. Schrier Law Group’s experienced attorneys can guide you through this process to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries.

With Schrier Law Group, you benefit from a team that is well-versed in Florida’s unique auto accident and insurance laws. Our expertise enables us to represent our clients effectively, ensuring they understand their rights and the legal pathways available for seeking justice and compensation following 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 shaped 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 it varies based on the claim type. These laws directly affect how and when you can pursue compensation after an auto accident, emphasizing the need for timely and informed legal action. An attorney can help navigate these complexities, ensuring your rights are protected and you pursue all available compensation avenues.

Schrier Law Group’s Experience with Auto Insurance

Paul Schrier’s deep understanding of Florida’s auto accident laws has made him an esteemed expert witness for insurance companies, such as Geico, showcasing his expertise and experience. His comprehension of legal complexities, combined with years of practice, positions him uniquely to provide top-tier legal representation. Hiring Paul Schrier means choosing a lawyer with a proven track record of navigating the complex landscape of Florida’s auto accident statutes, ensuring clients receive knowledgeable and effective legal advocacy.

Common Injuries in Auto Accidents

Auto accidents can lead to a range of injuries, from minor bruises and whiplash to severe traumas like brain injuries and spinal cord damage. Even if symptoms seem minor, getting a medical evaluation immediately after an accident is crucial. Early diagnosis can uncover hidden injuries and start necessary treatment, impacting health outcomes and the legal process of claiming compensation. This medical record also plays a vital role in legal claims, providing evidence of the injuries sustained and their link to the accident.

• Whiplash/Soft Tissue Injury: Common in rear-end collisions, whiplash affects the neck muscles and ligaments. It can cause long-term discomfort and may require physical therapy. Its documentation is crucial for compensation claims.
• Concussions: A type of traumatic brain injury caused by a blow to the head, concussions can have lasting cognitive effects and require a thorough medical examination and possibly long-term care.
• Broken Bones: Fractures can range from simple breaks to compound fractures requiring surgery. The severity affects the compensation, particularly if it leads to long-term impairment.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: These can lead to partial or complete paralysis, requiring significant medical intervention and possibly lifelong care, impacting the claim’s value substantially.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): More severe than concussions, TBIs can affect brain function long-term and may require extensive rehabilitation, influencing the 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, requiring varying degrees of medical attention and potentially impacting mobility and daily activities.
• Internal Injuries: Auto accidents can cause internal bleeding or damage to organs, which might not be immediately apparent but are life-threatening and can significantly influence 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 potentially leading to scarring or disfigurement.
• Lacerations and Abrasions: Cuts and scrapes can occur from shattered glass or metal, sometimes necessitating stitches and leading to infection risk, which can impact the victim’s recovery and the claim.
• Psychological Injuries: Accidents can also lead to mental health issues like PTSD, anxiety, or depression, which might require psychological counseling and can be included in compensation claims.
• Dislocations and Joint Injuries: Impact from a car accident can lead to dislocated joints or other serious joint injuries, necessitating medical intervention, possibly including surgery, and impacting long-term mobility.
• Amputations: Severe accidents may result in traumatic amputation of limbs or extremities, requiring immediate emergency care, long-term rehabilitation, and potentially affecting 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, leading to serious complications like compartment syndrome, necessitating urgent medical care and possibly resulting in long-term or permanent damage.
• Facial Injuries: Accidents can cause various facial injuries, from dental damage to severe disfigurement, affecting senses like sight or smell and requiring specialized medical treatments or surgeries.
• 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 possibly requiring specialized medical treatment or assistive devices.

The Process of Claiming Maximum Compensation

Understanding Compensation Calculation for Auto Accidents

When you’ve been involved in a car accident, understanding how compensation is calculated is crucial to ensure you receive the full amount you deserve. At Schrier Law Group, we meticulously assess every aspect of your case to secure maximum compensation.

Compensation typically covers various damages, including:

• Medical Expenses: From emergency care to ongoing treatments, we ensure all your medical costs are accounted for in your claim.
• Lost Wages: If the accident impacts your ability to work, compensation for lost income is essential. We fight to recover both 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 seek compensation for repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other personal property affected.

Step-by-Step Guide to Filing a Claim

When you entrust Schrier Law Group with your auto accident case, our experienced team guides you through a comprehensive claim filing process, ensuring every detail is meticulously handled to optimize your compensation.

1. Initial Consultation: Our journey together begins with a thorough consultation where our car accident lawyers understand the nuances of your case, discussing the incident, your injuries, and the impact on your life.
2. Investigation: We conduct an exhaustive investigation, gathering all necessary evidence, including police reports, medical records, witness statements, and more, to build a robust case.
3. Documentation: Our team meticulously documents all your losses, from medical expenses and lost wages to pain and suffering, ensuring a comprehensive claim is prepared.
4. Filing the Claim: With all evidence and documentation in place, we file the claim on your behalf, dealing with insurance companies and all legal formalities to alleviate your burden.
5. Negotiation: Our seasoned attorneys engage in rigorous negotiations, leveraging the detailed preparation to fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.

The Role of Mediation in Resolving Auto Accident Cases

While many car accident cases settle out of court, a significant number proceed to mediation, a process where both parties attempt to reach an agreement with the help of a neutral third party.

Mediation is a crucial step in resolving auto accident cases, offering a quicker and less adversarial alternative to court proceedings. During mediation, both parties, accompanied by their legal representatives, meet with a neutral mediator to discuss the case and negotiate a settlement.

At Schrier Law Group, we prepare our clients thoroughly for mediation, ensuring they understand their rights and the strengths of their case. Our attorneys advocate tirelessly on behalf of our clients, presenting compelling evidence and negotiating skillfully to secure fair settlements without the need for a trial. This approach saves time, money, and emotional stress while still achieving the compensation our clients deserve for their injuries and losses.

Our goal during mediation is to secure a fair settlement without needing a trial. However, our commitment to your best interest means we are fully prepared to proceed to court if necessary.

Statistically, many auto accident cases find resolution in mediation, benefiting from a faster, less adversarial process. However, the percentage can vary, and our approach is always tailored to the specifics of your case, prioritizing your best outcome.

Choosing Schrier Law Group means you have a dedicated team ready to navigate each phase of your claim, from initial filing to mediation or trial if needed.

Why Legal Representation is Crucial

Auto accident claims are inherently complex, entangled with intricate legal statutes, detailed negotiations with insurance companies, and the challenge of accurately assessing compensable damages. Here’s why skilled legal representation is indispensable:

Navigating Legal Complexities

The legal landscape surrounding auto accidents is fraught with complex laws that vary significantly by jurisdiction. Florida’s specific statutes, especially regarding comparative negligence and no-fault laws, require a nuanced understanding that seasoned attorneys from Schrier Law Group provide.

Assessing All Damages

Properly evaluating all potential damages—economic, non-economic, and sometimes punitive—is crucial. Experienced lawyers ensure that no compensable aspect is overlooked, including future medical expenses, ongoing care needs, and the full impact of pain and suffering.

The Role of an Attorney in Maximizing Compensation

Dealing with Insurance Companies: Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. Skilled attorneys counter these tactics, ensuring that the compensation reflects the true extent of your losses and injuries. Schrier Law Group attorneys are adept at negotiating with insurance companies, preventing them from undervaluing or denying legitimate claims.

• Legal Advocacy and Representation: From gathering evidence to representing your interests in court if necessary, an attorney advocates for you at every step. This representation is critical not only in fighting for your rights but also in leveling the playing field against well-resourced insurers and opposing legal teams.
• Maximizing Compensation: An attorney’s expertise is key in identifying and quantifying all possible avenues of compensation. This comprehensive approach ensures that settlements or awards are not just adequate but fully representative of the victim’s experiences and losses.

Empowering Your Legal Journey with Schrier Law Group

At Schrier Law Group, we understand that the aftermath of an auto accident can be overwhelming. Our mission is to alleviate this burden, providing you with top-tier legal representation that navigates the complexities of your claim, confronts insurance companies with tenacity, and secures the maximum possible compensation for your losses.

With many years of steadfast service in Florida, Schrier Law Group embodies the legal ally you need to confront the challenges of auto accident claims. Contact us to experience how our dedicated car accident attorneys can transform your legal journey, turning adversity into a path toward recovery and justice.