Orlando Car Accident Lawyer

At DWK Law, we represent injury victims on a contingency basis, meaning you only pay fees and costs if we obtain a settlement in your favor or win a trial verdict for you. We aim to make the process as straightforward, easy, relaxed, and efficient as possible for you.

If you have been in a car crash, things might seem scary and confusing, especially if you’re hurt. But if you stay calm and follow these steps, you can take care of yourself and improve your chances of getting the help you need. Here are some recommended steps to help you.

1. Call 911

The police will look into what happened and make a report. This report is important for dealing with insurance and figuring out who is responsible for the accident.

2. Speak with the police

When the police come, tell them what happened. Be honest and polite, but don’t say it’s your fault, even if it feels like it because the other driver’s insurance could use that against you. We want to be sure all the evidence is collected before addressing the issue of fault.

3. Collect evidence

After the crash, take pictures with your phone of everything – stop signs, the location of the cars, marks on the road, and anything important. Write down the names and contact info of anyone who witnessed the crash. Keep all the papers from the car, like insurance and registration, and any medical bills.

4. See a doctor

Even if you feel okay, you might have hidden injuries. Going to a doctor can help prove if you have been injured, which is important for insurance. It’s also good to check for problems that might show up later. When you see your doctor, please share with the doctor each body part that is hurting and describe all of your symptoms from head to toe.

5. Notify your insurance

Be honest with your insurance company, but don’t say it’s your fault. Just tell them what happened and what got damaged or hurt. You must be thorough when discussing all of your symptoms.

6. Speak with a lawyer

An Orlando car accident lawyer can help you figure out what to do. We know the laws, can help you understand your rights and will handle talking to the insurance company for you. If things get serious and the insurance company refuses to pay your debts, we will take the matter to court. Not all Orlando car accident lawyers have the diligence and experience needed to win in court, but DWK Law does. As our 35-year track record illustrates, we are here for you every step of the way.

In Florida, residents involved in a crash must immediately contact law enforcement if there are injuries, fatalities, or at least $500 in estimated vehicle or property damage. If you are unable to call the police at the scene, you can complete a “Driver Report of Traffic Crash (Self Report)” online or download the form.

Florida has a deadline, known as the statute of limitations, for filing a personal injury lawsuit. Typically, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a formal lawsuit. However, it’s advisable to act quickly, as essential evidence may disappear over time. Additionally, you are required to notify your insurance company right away of a potential claim or it may result in the insurance company refusing to provide coverage for the accident.

Florida law allows car crash victims to recover economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages cover financial costs such as medical expenses, lost income, transportation costs, and ongoing therapies. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and scarring.

Please note that these are not the only damages that may be available in your case. Connect with a skilled Orlando car accident lawyer from DWK Law to learn more.

Determining fault is crucial for an insurance claim. Your accident attorney will investigate the circumstances, potentially uncovering surprising facts that may lead to additional options for recovery. Proving liability involves demonstrating that another driver’s negligence directly contributed to the accident, resulting in your injuries.

Another driver

Often, another driver displaying unsafe driving habits is responsible for an accident. This scenario is most straightforward in an accident.

A government entity

Streets, highways and some sidewalks are often maintained by government entities. Failure to properly manage these routes for drivers and pedestrians can lead to the responsible agency being accountable. Proving this liability is often challenging, so you can benefit from the experience of a car accident lawyer in Orlando.

Other parties may be liable

Particularly in accidents involving transport services and company automobiles (or ride-share services like Lyft and Uber), determining fault can be extremely frustrating, requiring an in-depth investigation into all parties involved. These can include:

• The vehicle owner
• The distributor practicing improper loading procedures
• Auto parts manufacturers
• Auto maintenance departments
• Companies that disregard safety procedures

Let DWK Law sort through the complexities of multifaceted industries to help you secure the compensation you deserve.

What happens if both drivers are at fault?

Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule, assigning each driver a percentage of fault. Compensation is then determined based on their degree of liability.

For instance, let’s say you’re found to be 40% at fault. If the total settlement is $100,000, you would receive $60,000.

However, due to recently passed laws in 2023, if you are more than 50% at fault, barred from receiving compensation. Let’s say you’re found to be 60% at fault in the collision, with the verdict being $100,000. In this case, you would not be entitled to receive compensation, as the jury found you more than 50% at fault. This is why it is imperative that you hire an experienced Orlando car accident attorney to investigate your claim as soon as possible.

To qualify for an insurance claim, victims must show that another driver’s negligence caused the accident, directly resulting in their injuries. Our trusted car accident lawyers can assemble evidence, counter defenses, and provide invaluable services to increase the chances of a successful injury claim.

Simple actions that divert a driver’s attention, including texting or eating, are among the most common causes of crashes in Orlando, but that’s hardly the beginning. Unfortunately, many motorists drive while intoxicated, or they engage in aggressive driving or speeding, all of which are dangerous behaviors that often result in collisions.

Your skilled Orlando car crash attorney can gather vital information to support personal injury claims resulting from these accidents.

An accident attorney can provide strategic assistance, helping you obtain compensation for damages and injuries. We navigate complex cases, investigate accidents, and ensure your rights are protected throughout the process.

Car accident injuries have the potential – and often are – life-altering, even if they initially seem minor. The attorneys with DWK Law see all kinds of injuries in car accidents, but these are the most common:

• Soft tissue injuries: Bruises, strains, sprains, and stress injuries
• Cuts and lacerations
• Broken bones
• Back injuries, including spinal cord damage
• Neck injuries and whiplash
• Organ damage
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)

“Dos” when dealing with insurance

Answer basic questions

Provide essential information to begin your claim.

Refer to your attorney

Direct the adjuster to speak with your car accident lawyer.

“Don’ts” when dealing with insurance

Avoid social media

Refrain from posting about the incident on social media, as it can be used against you.

Don’t give statements without an attorney

Statements can be used to shift blame, so consult your car accident lawyer before giving any statements.

Avoid using the word “accident”

The term may lessen the responsibility of the at-fault driver.

Dellecker, Wilson, King, McKenna, Ruffier & Sos, LLP has been advocating for accident victims since 1989. With over three-and-a-half decades of experience, we have helped victims obtain recoveries for medical bills, lost time at work, rehabilitation, pain and suffering, and, in some cases, punitive damages. Our firm is listed in the Martindale-Hubbell Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers, showcasing our dedication to excellence.