Highway accidents in Florida are often devastating, as they typically occur at high speeds, increasing the severity of injuries and property damage.
The presence of commercial vehicles and large trucks adds another layer of danger, as their size and weight can lead to catastrophic outcomes in an accident.
A highway accident lawyer in Florida can seek compensation if negligence played a role in the crash. The Schiller Kessler Group has recovered over $250 million for clients injured in accidents.
Our car accident lawyers in Florida are dedicated to helping victims pursue damages for medical expenses, lost income, and other losses. Contact us for a free consultation.
How Negligence Causes Highway Accidents
Highway accidents often occur because of negligence or reckless behavior that puts others at risk. These accidents can lead to severe injuries and significant financial losses, especially when high speeds, large vehicles, or hazardous conditions are involved.
Negligence-based factors that contribute to highway accidents include:
- Speeding: High speeds reduce reaction time and increase the likelihood of a forceful impact and more severe injuries.
- Distracted driving: Any action that diverts attention from the road increases the likelihood of collisions.
- Impaired driving: Drivers who operate vehicles under the influence of alcohol or drugs have slower reactions and reduced judgment.
- Fatigue: Drowsy drivers can doze off, especially on long highway stretches, leading to accidents.
- Failure to adjust driving in harsh weather: Rain, fog, or slippery roads can contribute to accidents. Drivers who fail to adjust their speed or maintain control of their vehicles can cause collisions.
- FMCSA violations: Large trucks and other commercial vehicles are harder to maneuver, take longer to stop, and can cause catastrophic damage in crashes, especially if the commercial driver or trucking company violated Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations.
Our Florida personal injury lawyers investigate these factors when determining fault and building a case for accident victims.
More people choose The Schiller Kessler Group because they know that we're a cut above other personal injury law firms.
Serious Injuries and Personal Injury Lawsuits in Florida Car Accident Cases
In Florida car accident cases, victims are required to meet certain criteria to pursue a personal injury lawsuit beyond the limits of their Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage.
Under Florida Statutes § 627.737, a victim must have sustained a serious or permanent injury to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
Serious or permanent injuries are defined as:
- Significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function.
- Permanent injury within a reasonable degree of medical probability.
- Significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement.
- Death resulting from the accident.
Personal Injury Protection Coverage in Florida
PIP coverage, which is required for Florida drivers, provides compensation for reasonable medical expenses and a portion of their wages while they are out of work, regardless of who was at fault. However, it has coverage limits and does not cover non-economic damages.
To recover additional compensation, such as for long-term medical costs, emotional distress, or loss of enjoyment of life, the victim must meet the serious injury threshold and file a third-party injury lawsuit.
Since highway accidents are more likely to result in serious injuries that meet the legal threshold, you may easily exhaust your PIP coverage.
Our Florida highway accident attorneys can help you determine whether you can pursue damages beyond your PIP coverage.
No matter what time of day it is, you can contact The Schiller Kessler Group to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
Florida Laws That Affect a Car Accident Case
Florida recently enacted tort reform that introduced significant changes impacting personal injury cases.
Recently, the deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit has been shortened from four years to two years under Florida Statutes § 95.11(5)(a). Injured individuals generally have to take legal action within two years of the date of the incident.
Filing beyond this statute of limitations will likely result in losing the right to pursue compensation.
Modified Comparative Negligence
Florida has replaced its pure comparative negligence system with a modified comparative negligence rule. Under this system, an injured party cannot recover damages if they are found to be more than 50% at fault for the accident.
Our Florida Highway Accident Attorneys Work on Contingency
At The Schiller Kessler Group, we work on a contingency fee basis. Our personal injury clients pay no upfront fees, and we only collect our payment if we successfully recover compensation on your behalf.
With this approach, you can focus on your recovery without worrying about out-of-pocket legal expenses. Our Florida highway car accident attorneys take on the financial risk, ensuring that our interests align with yours. If no compensation is recovered, you owe us nothing.
Through our contingency arrangement, we make high-quality legal representation available to injured individuals.
Seek Medical Care After a Highway Accident
After a highway accident, seeking medical care is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your health and your legal case. Even if you feel fine immediately after the crash, some injuries, such as whiplash, may develop.
A thorough medical evaluation can identify these issues early and ensure you receive the treatment you need.
Prompt medical care also provides documentation for a personal injury claim, as well. Failing to seek medical attention may allow insurance companies to argue that your injuries were unrelated to the crash or less severe than claimed.
Let Our Highway Accident Lawyers Help You Build Your Case
At The Schiller Kessler Group, we are proud to have served over 30,000 clients, providing the legal support they needed after suffering injuries due to another party’s negligence.
Our firm also provides personalized attention and maintains clear, prompt communication, so clients are always informed about the progress of their case. We also bring strategic insight through an attorney with prior experience defending major insurance companies.
This background gives us insight into how insurers operate, strengthening our ability to advocate effectively on behalf of our clients. Contact us today for a free consultation.
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