Urban areas like Fort Myers have seen significant growth in recent years, leading to more traffic and, unfortunately, more accidents. If you’ve been injured in a crash, a Fort Myers car accident lawyer can help you understand your options.
At The Schiller Kessler Group, we know how difficult recovery can be after an accident. Our team has over three decades of experience assisting families through the pain, financial stress, and challenges that follow an accident.
As a trusted Fort Myers personal injury lawyer, we’ve helped many accident victims across Florida. We’re here to guide you through the legal process and support you during this difficult time. Let us put our experience to work for you.
Why Hire a Fort Myers Car Accident Lawyer?
Working with the right lawyer can significantly affect the outcome of your case. Our lawyers are dedicated to helping you secure fair compensation. Here’s how we can assist:
- We stand up to insurance companies that try to reduce your claim.
- Our team will collect strong evidence to support your case and strengthen your claim.
- We defend you from unfair blame and tactics meant to undermine your case.
With our team managing the legal side, you can focus on your recovery. We take pride in our past case results and are ready to work toward a successful outcome for you. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more.
More people choose The Schiller Kessler Group because they know that we’re a cut above other personal injury law firms.
How Much Financial Compensation Can I Recover from a Car Accident?
Each car accident case is different, and the amount of financial compensation you can recover depends on the details of your accident.
Our Fort Myers car accident lawyers will review several factors that can influence the value of your claim, including:
- The severity of your injuries and whether they are permanent
- How much physical pain you’ve endured
- The need for ongoing medical care or rehabilitation
- Whether your injuries have affected your ability to work or earn a living
- The time it will take to recover fully
- Emotional distress or trauma caused by the accident
- The circumstances of the crash and whether you share any responsibility
To explore your options and pursue the compensation you deserve, connect with our team for personalized support.
No matter what time of day it is, you can contact The Schiller Kessler Group to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
What Damages Can I Recover After a Car Accident?
In Florida, damages from a car accident are divided into economic and non-economic categories.
Economic damages cover your financial losses, which may include:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Costs for physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Nursing care and vehicle repairs
Non-economic damages may also apply to those with severe injuries. These compensate for the personal impact of the accident, such as:
- Emotional distress and anxiety
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Physical disfigurement or scarring
In rare cases, punitive damages may be available if the at–fault party‘s actions were especially reckless or intentional. These damages aim to hold them accountable for their conduct.
How Should You Handle the Insurance Adjuster?
It’s important to be cautious when communicating with an insurance company after an accident. Adjusters are trained to minimize payouts and may ask questions designed to downplay your claim.
You might receive a quick settlement offer, but it’s often far less than what your damages are worth. Be mindful of even casual questions like “How are you doing?” A simple answer like “I’m fine” could be used to suggest your injuries aren’t serious.
To protect yourself, it’s best to refer any communication from the insurance company to your attorney. Your lawyer can handle the negotiations and help you avoid accidentally saying something that could harm your case.
What Happens if I’m Partially At Fault for a Car Accident in Florida?
If you’re involved in a car accident, other parties may try to place some of the blame on you. In Florida, being partially at fault could reduce the amount of compensation you receive.
According to Florida’s modified comparative negligence law, you can still recover damages if you’re less than 51% at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced based on your share of the blame.
If you’re found to be more than 50% responsible, you won’t be eligible to receive any compensation. It’s important to have legal support to protect your rights and help minimize any unfair claims of fault.
How Much does It Cost to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
Most car accident attorneys in Fort Myers, including our team, work on a contingency fee basis. This means you won’t have to pay anything upfront, and you only owe attorney fees if we successfully recover compensation for you through a settlement or verdict.
The fees are a set percentage of the amount we recover, so there’s no financial risk for you. This allows you to focus on your recovery while we work to get you the maximum compensation possible.
We’re happy to explain this in more detail during your free case review. Reach out to us today to learn how we can help you with your case.
Whatdoes PIP Insurance Cover?
In Florida, all drivers are required to carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. This no-fault coverage allows you to seek compensation from your insurance after an accident, regardless of fault.
PIP covers up to 80% of reasonable medical expenses, which may include:
- Hospital stays
- Surgery
- Rehabilitation
- X-rays
- Treatment
- Nursing care
In addition, PIP provides disability benefits that cover up to 60% of your lost wages.
If your injuries are serious or your expenses exceed your PIP limits, you may be able to take legal action against the at-fault driver to recover the rest of your losses.
How Will You Know If You Should Accept a Settlement Offer?
Insurance companies often delay and offer lower settlements than what’s needed to cover all your damages. People injured in car accidents may feel pressured to accept these offers, especially when facing mounting medical bills.
Having a Fort Myers car accident attorney by your side can make a big difference. Our team fights to negotiate fair settlements that fully address your needs. We understand how to deal with insurance companies and won’t settle for less than you deserve.
If the insurance company’s offer isn’t fair, we’re fully prepared to take your case to court and pursue the compensation you’re entitled to. Reach out to us for help making the right decision on your settlement.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Car Accident?
Anyone who contributed to a collision can be held responsible for the injuries and damages caused.
This might include:
- A careless driver
- A pedestrian or bicyclist
- A truck driver or motorcyclist
- A manufacturer of a faulty auto part
- A government agency
- A mechanic or property owner
Determining liability depends on the specific details of your accident. Our legal team will review your case and identify who should be held accountable for your injuries. Reach out to us for help with your claim.
Common Types of Auto Accident Injuries
Car accidents can cause a variety of injuries, depending on the nature of the crash and the speed involved.
In Fort Myers, we often see clients who have suffered:
- Whiplash and neck injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and concussions
- Burns and crushing injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Soft tissue injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Nerve damage
- Amputations and paralysis
In the most severe cases, accidents can lead to catastrophic injuries or even the loss of a loved one. If you’re dealing with any of these injuries or wrongful death, we’re here to help you hold the responsible party accountable.
What Should You Do After a Car Crash in Fort Myers?
You can protect your rights and health by taking these steps after a car crash:
- Stop your vehicle and remain at or near the scene. You’re required to exchange information if there’s injury, death, or property damage.
- Call 911 to notify the police. This is necessary for most Florida accidents, and an official report can help with any future claims. You can also request medical help if anyone is hurt.
- Collect evidence if you can. Take photos or videos of the scene, including vehicle positions, road conditions, and any damage.
Avoid admitting fault or apologizing. Get a medical evaluation, even if you feel fine, and then reach out to our car accident lawyers for further assistance.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Car Accidents?
Most car accidents happen due to negligence. Accidents are more likely when drivers are distracted or rushing.
Distracted driving is one of the top causes. Common distractions include texting, eating, or talking with passengers, all of which can take a driver’s attention away from the road.
Speeding also plays a major role in accidents. Driving over the speed limit or too fast for road conditions, like rain or traffic, can lead to devastating crashes.
Other causes of accidents include:
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Tailgating
- Driver fatigue
- Aggressive driving or road rage
- Failing to yield
- Poor weather or road conditions
If you’ve been injured in an accident due to someone else’s negligence, our Fort Myers car accident attorneys can help.
We Handle All Types of Car Accident Cases
Car accidents can happen in various ways. For example, a head-on collision might occur if a driver is distracted, goes the wrong way on a one-way street, or falls asleep behind the wheel. These types of crashes can lead to severe injuries or even fatalities.
Rear-end collisions are common and often involve a distracted driver hitting the vehicle in front of them. While some may be minor “fender benders,” others can be much more serious, depending on speed and other factors.
We also handle cases involving:
- Hit-and-run accidents
- T-bone collisions
- Rollovers
- Sideswipe crashes
- Highway and intersection accidents
- Multi-vehicle pileups
- Uninsured or underinsured drivers
- Airbag-related injuries
If you’ve been hurt in an accident, our team is here to help you.
Proving Negligence in a Car Accident Case
To recover compensation in Florida, car accident victims must prove that the other party was responsible for their injuries. Even if you didn’t do anything wrong, this can sometimes feel frustrating.
That’s where we come in. While you focus on healing, our team will handle the legal work to identify the negligent parties and build your case.
Negligence in a car accident occurs when:
- The other driver had a duty of care to drive safely
- They breached that duty by acting carelessly
- Their actions directly caused the accident
- You suffered injuries or other damages as a result
We’re here to help you hold negligent parties accountable and get the support you need.
How We Build Evidence in a Car Accident Case
Our Fort Myers car accident lawyers conduct thorough investigations to gather key evidence for your accident claim.
We focus on collecting:
- Video footage and photos
- Police reports
- Medical records
- Vehicle damage, skid marks, and scene data
- Eyewitness statements
- Expert testimony
After a car accident, it’s essential to stay at the scene and call 911. Make sure to exchange information with the other driver.
Once you’ve received medical attention, contact us for guidance on your legal options and how we can help with your accident claim and hold the negligent driver accountable.
How Long do You Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Florida?
The time limit for filing a lawsuit is known as the statute of limitations. In Florida, most injury cases have a two–year statute of limitations. However, if your accident happened before March 24, 2023, you still have up to four years to file.
It’s important to act within this timeframe. Once the statute of limitations passes, you’ll lose the opportunity to seek compensation from the liable parties.
If you’re dealing with insurance claims or unsure about your timeline, it’s helpful to consult a personal injury attorney. We’re here to guide you through the process and protect your rights.
How a Fort Myers Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You Recover
Car accidents are overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with injuries, medical costs, and insurance claims. The physical and financial strain can make recovery even harder.
Speaking with an experienced Fort Myers car accident lawyer can help. At The Schiller Kessler Group, we’ve secured compensation for over 30,000 Florida injury victims and will handle the legal details while you focus on healing.
Unlike other law firms, we’re ready to take your case to court if needed. With us, you’ll have strong legal support every step of the way. Contact us today. Let us fight for you and help you move forward with your life.
Injured? Call The Aggressive Attorneys Today
