Ormond Beach Car Accident Attorneys

Representing Injured Victims in Ormond Beach, FL

Car accidents are a leading cause of injury and death in the United States. At Politis & Matovina, P.A., we know that car accidents can be devastating. If you or someone you love was involved in a crash, you may be facing a long road to recovery. You may be unable to work, and you may be struggling to pay your medical bills. You may also be dealing with significant pain and suffering.

Our Ormond Beach car accident lawyers are here to help. We have been serving the needs of injured individuals and their families throughout the state of Florida since 1993. We know the law, and we know how to fight for the full, fair recovery you are owed. When you choose our firm, you can be confident that you are choosing a team that is dedicated to your best interests.

Call (386) 333-6613 or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation. We are available 24/7 to take your call.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Ormond Beach, FL

Knowing what to do after a car accident can be difficult, especially if you are seriously injured. However, taking the right steps can help protect your health and your right to recover compensation.

After a car accident, you should:

• Call 911: If you are able, call 911 and report the accident. The dispatcher will send police and emergency medical personnel to the scene. The police will create an accident report, which can be helpful when filing a claim with the insurance company.
• Seek Medical Attention: Even if you do not think you were seriously injured, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible after a car accident. Some injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries and internal organ damage, may not be immediately apparent. A doctor can evaluate your condition and recommend any necessary tests or treatments.
• Exchange Information: If you are able, exchange information with the other driver. You should get their name, contact information, driver's license number, and insurance information. You should also get the names and contact information of any passengers in the other vehicle, as well as the names and contact information of any eyewitnesses to the crash.
• Document the Scene: If you are able, take pictures of the accident scene, including any damage to the vehicles involved, any visible injuries, and any traffic signs or signals. You should also write down your recollection of the accident while it is still fresh in your mind.
• Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company: You should report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. However, you should avoid giving a recorded statement or accepting a settlement offer until you have spoken to an attorney.
• Call a Car Accident Lawyer: An attorney can help you understand your rights and guide you through the process of filing a claim. They can also handle all communication with the insurance company on your behalf.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Car accidents can be caused by a variety of factors. In some cases, multiple factors contribute to the crash. For example, a driver who is speeding and texting while driving may cause a rear-end collision. In other cases, a single factor may be to blame. For example, a driver who is under the influence of alcohol may cause a head-on collision.

Some of the most common causes of car accidents include:

• Distracted Driving: Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents in the United States. Distracted driving can include any activity that takes a driver's attention away from the road, including texting, talking on the phone, eating, drinking, talking to passengers, grooming, using a navigation system, and adjusting the radio.
• Drunk Driving: Drunk driving is another leading cause of car accidents. In Florida, a driver is considered legally drunk if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is .08% or higher. However, even a BAC below the legal limit can impair a driver's ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.
• Speeding: Speeding is a factor in nearly one-third of all fatal car accidents in the United States. Speeding is dangerous because it reduces a driver's ability to react to changing road conditions. It also increases the distance it takes for a vehicle to come to a complete stop.
• Reckless Driving: Reckless driving is another leading cause of car accidents. Reckless driving can include any type of dangerous driving behavior, such as tailgating, changing lanes without signaling, running red lights or stop signs, and failing to yield the right of way.
• Aggressive Driving: Aggressive driving is a form of reckless driving. It involves any type of driving behavior that is likely to endanger other people or property. Aggressive driving can include speeding, tailgating, changing lanes without signaling, running red lights or stop signs, and failing to yield the right of way.
• Driver Fatigue: According to the National Sleep Foundation, drowsy driving is responsible for more than 100,000 car accidents each year. Drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as drunk driving. It can impair a driver's ability to safely operate a motor vehicle, slow their reaction time, and cause them to fall asleep at the wheel.
• Poor Road Conditions: Poor road conditions can also cause car accidents. For example, if a road is poorly designed, it may not be able to safely accommodate the flow of traffic. If a road is not properly maintained, it may have potholes or other hazards that can cause a driver to lose control of their vehicle.
• Defective Auto Parts: Defective auto parts can also cause car accidents. For example, if a vehicle's brakes fail, the driver may be unable to stop in time to avoid a collision. If a vehicle's airbags fail to deploy, the driver may be seriously injured in a crash. If a vehicle's tires blow out, the driver may lose control of the vehicle.

Common Car Accident Injuries

Car accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor to severe. Understanding common injuries can help victims recognize potential health issues and seek appropriate medical attention.

• Head and Brain Injuries: Concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and skull fractures can have devastating consequences.
• Neck and Back Injuries: Whiplash, herniated discs, and spinal cord injuries are prevalent due to the sudden impact of a collision.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Sprains, strains, and muscle tears often occur from the force of the accident.
• Broken Bones: Limbs, ribs, and collarbones are commonly fractured in car accidents.
• Internal Injuries: Organ damage, internal bleeding, and other internal injuries can be life-threatening.
• Burns: Caused by airbags, hot liquids, or fires, burns can range from minor to severe.
• Psychological Injuries: Anxiety, depression, and PTSD are common emotional responses to traumatic events.

How Much Is My Auto Accident Case Worth?

Many people who are injured in car accidents want to know how much their case is worth. However, it is impossible to determine the value of a car accident claim without first reviewing the details of the case. The value of a car accident claim will depend on a variety of factors, including the severity of the injuries, the cost of the medical treatment, the impact of the injuries on the victim's life, and the amount of available insurance coverage.

Some of the damages that may be available in a car accident claim include:

• Medical Expenses: You may be entitled to compensation for all past and future medical expenses related to the accident. This can include the cost of emergency medical treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, prescription medications, physical therapy, and more.
• Lost Wages: If you were unable to work while recovering from your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for all past and future lost wages. If you are unable to return to work, you may also be entitled to compensation for the loss of your future earning capacity.
• Property Damage: You may be entitled to compensation for the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle, as well as any other personal property that was damaged in the accident.
• Pain and Suffering: You may be entitled to compensation for the physical pain and emotional suffering you endured as a result of the accident and your injuries.
• Mental Anguish: You may be entitled to compensation for any mental anguish you experienced as a result of the accident and your injuries. This can include anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• Disfigurement/Scarring: If you were left with permanent disfigurement or scarring as a result of the accident, you may be entitled to compensation.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries have prevented you from participating in activities you once enjoyed, you may be entitled to compensation for the loss of enjoyment of life.

At Politis & Matovina, P.A., we can review the details of your case and help you understand what types of compensation you may be entitled to. We can also help you understand what your case may be worth. Our Ormond Beach car accident attorneys can then help you fight for the full, fair recovery you are owed.

Why You Should See a Doctor Right Away

After a car accident, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. In Florida, you generally have 14 days to seek medical attention after a car accident. If you do not see a doctor within this time frame, you may not be able to recover compensation for your medical expenses.

It is important to note that this 14-day rule only applies to medical expenses. If you do not see a doctor within 14 days of the accident, you may still be able to recover compensation for other damages, such as lost wages and pain and suffering.

It is also important to note that you should see a doctor as soon as possible after a car accident, even if you do not think you were seriously injured. Some injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries and internal organ damage, may not be immediately apparent. A doctor can evaluate your condition and recommend any necessary tests and treatments.

How Long Do You Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Florida?

In Florida, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a car accident lawsuit. If you do not file a lawsuit within this time frame, you may be barred from recovering compensation for your injuries.

It is important to note that this four-year time limit only applies to car accident lawsuits that are filed in Florida's civil court system. If you are filing a lawsuit against a government entity, such as a city or county, you may have to file a notice of claim within a matter of months. If you are filing a lawsuit against a government entity, it is important to speak to an attorney as soon as possible.

It is also important to note that you should not wait until the last minute to file a car accident lawsuit. The longer you wait, the more difficult it may be to gather the evidence needed to prove your case. For example, if you wait too long, the other driver's insurance company may no longer have access to the accident report. This can make it more difficult to prove that the other driver was at fault for the accident.

How Can a Car Accident Lawyer Help?

After a car accident, you may be wondering if you need a car accident lawyer. While you are not legally required to have an attorney represent you, it is generally in your best interest to have one on your side.

A car accident lawyer can help by:

• Investigating the accident: An attorney can investigate the accident and gather the evidence needed to prove liability. This can include the accident report, any available video footage, and any available eyewitness testimony.
• Calculating the full extent of your damages: An attorney can help you understand what types of compensation you may be entitled to and what your case may be worth. They can also help you calculate the full extent of your damages, including any future damages you may incur as a result of your injuries.
• Filing a claim: An attorney can help you file a claim with the insurance company. They can also handle all communication with the insurance company on your behalf.
• Negotiating a settlement: An attorney can negotiate with the insurance company to try to reach a fair settlement. If the insurance company is unwilling to offer a fair settlement, an attorney can prepare your case for trial.
• Representing you in court: An attorney can represent you in court and present your case to a judge and jury. They can also cross-examine the other driver and any other witnesses who testify against you.

At Politis & Matovina, P.A., we know that car accidents can be devastating. We also know that the insurance company is not on your side. Our Ormond Beach car accident lawyers can help you fight for the full, fair recovery you are owed. We can handle all communication with the insurance company on your behalf, and we will not hesitate to take your case to court if necessary.

Call Our Firm Today for a Free Consultation

If you or someone you love was involved in a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation. However, the insurance company is not on your side. They will do everything they can to pay you as little as possible, or nothing at all. You need an experienced car accident lawyer on your side.

At Politis & Matovina, P.A., we have been serving the needs of injured individuals and their families throughout the state of Florida since 1993. We know the law, and we know how to fight for the full, fair recovery you are owed. When you choose our firm, you can be confident that you are choosing a team that is dedicated to your best interests.

Call (386) 333-6613 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with our Ormond Beach car accident lawyers. We are available 24/7 to take your call.