Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyers Melbourne, FL
An auto accident can turn your life upside down in an instant – medical bills, missed work, and an insurance company that’s already working against you. At Platt Cole Russell & Simpson, PLLC, our Melbourne motor vehicle accident lawyers level the playing field.
Serving Melbourne and Brevard County since 1997, our law firm knows what your case is truly worth, not just today’s expenses, but future medical costs, lost earning potential, and the pain and suffering you’ve endured. Unlike auto injury attorneys who rush to settle, we’re fully prepared to take your case to trial if that’s what it takes to get you the compensation you deserve.
Insurance companies know which law firms will fight and which ones won’t. They know us, and they know we fight.
Your consultation is free, and you pay nothing unless we win.
Schedule Your Free Consultation → or call us directly at 321-725-3425.
Legal Representation for Auto Accidents in Brevard County, Florida
After an auto accident in Brevard County, it is normal to feel overwhelmed. Our experienced car accident lawyers in Melbourne understand what you are going through. No matter if the crash was a minor fender bender or a major collision, we’re here to help. Following a car accident, our team will help you understand your legal options and provide experienced guidance every step of the way.
Contact our firm today for a consultation and learn how we can help you move forward after a car accident in Melbourne.
We handle the following and more:
Car Crash Resulting In Serious Injuries
A motor vehicle collision resulting in serious injuries, such as broken bones, nerve damage, or long-term impairment, is an especially serious matter under Florida law. According to Florida statute 316.027, serious bodily injury means an injury that creates a substantial risk of death, deformity, or lengthy loss of function. In cases like these, your personal injury protection (PIP) may not adequately cover your recovery costs. Our car accident lawyers in Melbourne, FL, can help you pursue compensation through a personal injury claim.
Pedestrian Hit By Vehicle
Being struck by a vehicle as a pedestrian can have life-threatening consequences. Although pedestrian accidents make up a small portion of total car accident cases in Florida, these accidents account for approximately 20% of crash-related fatalities. If you were injured as a pedestrian or have lost someone to a pedestrian accident, rely on our pedestrian accident lawyers for help.
Bicycle Accident
Bicyclists are among the most vulnerable road users. They are not as well-protected as those driving or riding in typical passenger vehicles and cannot maneuver as quickly to avoid accidents. Due to their smaller size, distracted and negligent drivers may fail to notice someone riding on a bicycle. If you have been struck by a vehicle while riding your bike, it can be challenging to navigate what comes next. For legal help, contact a bicycle accident attorney in Melbourne, FL.
Motorcycle Crash
Under Florida law, motorcyclists are considered to be vulnerable road users. It is easy to understand why this is the case. Motorcycle accidents can lead to severe injuries and property damage. Our Melbourne motorcycle accident lawyers are dedicated to helping you or your loved ones after a motorcycle crash. Contact our legal team today to begin building your personal injury case.
Commercial Truck Accident
Commercial truck accidents in Brevard County, present serious safety concerns given the area’s mix of busy highways, industrial corridors, and tourist traffic. Major routes like US-1, I-95, and SR-528 (the Beachline Expressway) see heavy freight traffic connecting the Space Coast to distribution hubs across the state, increasing the risk of collisions involving large commercial vehicles. Given the complexity of liability in commercial trucking cases, which can involve numerous parties, collisions often lead to significant legal and insurance proceedings.
Fleet and Company Vehicle Accidents
A fleet or company vehicle accident can be far more complex than other types of auto accidents. This is because more than one party may be responsible. If you were hurt in an accident involving a work vehicle, you need legal representation to determine liability, handle the other driver’s insurance company, and pursue fair compensation for your medical expenses.
Rideshare Accidents (Uber, Lyft, and Shuttle Vans)
When you get into a rideshare, you expect it to be the safe choice, but that is not always the case. Uber and Lyft accidents involve multiple parties and insurance companies, making them complicated. A passenger injured in a rideshare accident, no matter if the driver or another motorist causes it, may be eligible for financial compensation. Our Melbourne car accident lawyers are here to help.
Bus Accidents (Public, School, and Charter)
Many factors contribute to bus accidents, including driver fatigue and passenger behavior. Depending on the type of bus involved in the accident, multiple parties may share liability for the accident. The bus driver, the bus company, other drivers, or even local schools or municipalities may share responsibility. Our Melbourne car accident attorneys can hold the liable parties accountable.
Airport Shuttle and Public Transit Collisions
Airport shuttle and public transit collisions can cause severe injuries and raise complicated legal questions about who is at fault. Determining fault may require reviewing company safety records, driver conduct, and insurance policies. An experienced attorney can investigate the crash, gather evidence, and build a strong case to prove fault and liability.
Scooter, ATV, and Golf Cart Accidents
If you have been in an accident with a scooter, ATV, or golf cart, our attorneys will represent your best interests. Although these vehicles are smaller and typically not as fast as more common vehicles, you should not underestimate the impact these accidents can have. Scooters, ATVs, and golf carts offer little protection. Accident victims can easily suffer broken bones, head injuries, or lasting pain. Our team provides victims with strong legal support through every stage of the recovery process.
Watercraft, Ferry, and Boating Accidents
Florida has many waterways across the state that residents and visitors enjoy exploring. Unfortunately, negligence and recklessness can lead to accidents involving ferries, boats, and various watercraft. Our attorneys are experienced in maritime law and boating accident claims. With skilled legal support, victims and their families can hold negligent parties accountable.
Brevard County Auto Insurance Claims Assistance
Florida is a no-fault state, which means your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage should help pay for some of your medical expenses after an auto accident, no matter who caused it. Having the right legal assistance is crucial in dealing with the no-fault system.
Whose Insurance Pays for Car Accident in Florida?
Following a car accident in Florida, you may wonder whose insurance will pay out for your car’s damage or for your injuries. Insurance coverage depends on the type of damage and who is at fault.
PDL and PIP Insurance: Florida No-Fault, Who Pays For Car Damage?
Under Florida’s no-fault insurance system, every vehicle must carry at least $10,000 in PIP and $10,000 in Property Damage Liability (PDL) coverage. Your PIP insurance will cover 80% of medical treatment after a crash, regardless of fault. Your PDL will cover damages you cause to another person’s car or property.
When to Take Legal Action Against the Other Driver's Insurance Company or At-Fault Party Directly?
In most situations, you should consider legal action if insurers deny your claim, delay payment, or offer a settlement that doesn’t cover your damages. If the at-fault driver was uninsured or underinsured, our personal injury attorneys in Melbourne, FL can help you file a claim to recover damages. It may also be time to take legal action against the at-fault driver if they caused serious injuries and financial harm.
Melbourne Auto Insurance Lawyers Providing Legal Support for Complex Cases
Our Melbourne car accident lawyers provide legal support to clients facing insurance disputes and complex liability issues in Brevard County. After an accident, it is important to seek medical attention. You’ll need medical records of your injuries, medical treatment, and out-of-pocket expenses when seeking payment from an insurance company. Our dedicated team will help by gathering evidence, reviewing police reports, and collecting witness statements. Once we have the necessary documentation, we can negotiate with insurers who try to deny you fair payment.
Here are common but complex types of auto accident claims in Melbourne, FL:
- injury exceeds PIP benefits
- fault disputes, pileups, and complex liability
- commercial vehicle accidents
- auto insurance claim denials and bad faith tactics
- hit-and-run and uninsured motorist accidents
- rental car and out-of-state driver accidents
- no-fault insurance claims and disputes
- government vehicle accidents
- fatal collisions
Serious Injuries Exceed PIP Limits For Medical Bills
If serious or catastrophic injuries exceed the PIP limits for medical bills following a crash, our legal team can assist you in filing a lawsuit to recover additional compensation for damages. In Florida, your PIP coverage will only cover up to a specific percentage of medical expenses and lost wages. Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may need more compensation to cover necessary medical treatments. When your costs exceed this limit, you may have the right to pursue a claim against the at-fault driver.
Disputed Fault, Multi-Vehicle Collisions, and Complex Liability
Cases involving disputed fault require experienced legal counsel to help sort out. Matters can become more complex for multi-vehicle collisions or in cases with complicated liability issues. Our Melbourne auto insurance lawyers understand how to handle these complex situations. We examine police reports, medical records, and evidence from the accident scene to help determine liability.
Commercial Vehicle or Truck Involvement
Commercial vehicles are involved in a disproportionate number of serious accidents, largely due to their size, weight, and the demanding nature of the job. Determining liability in these cases can be complex, as responsibility may extend beyond the driver to include the trucking company, maintenance contractors, cargo loaders, or even manufacturers if a mechanical defect contributed to the accident.
Insufficient Payouts from Commercial Vehicle Insurers
If you have received an insufficient payout from a commercial vehicle insurer that fails to cover the full extent of your losses, you need skilled legal representation. We can address all of the facts, evidence, and policies to negotiate for a higher settlement.
Insurance Company Bad Faith, Lowball Offers, and Claim Denials
Our firm protects clients from unfair insurance tactics such as bad faith, low settlement offers, or wrongful claim denials. We will review the insurer’s conduct, identify policy violations, and take legal action when the company fails to act in good faith. By challenging these practices, our attorney will help you secure the compensation you deserve under Florida law.
Uninsured Motorist and Hit-and-Run Accidents
Accidents involving an uninsured driver or a hit-and-run can complicate the claims process. In these cases, an attorney will step in to locate potential sources of coverage, including uninsured motorist benefits or personal policies. Our Melbourne auto accident attorneys handle all communication with insurers, build a case to prove your losses, and fight for you.
Florida PIP Insurance: Out-of-State Accident and Rental Car Insurance Issues
When a crash or accident happens outside of Florida or in a rental vehicle, questions can arise about how your PIP coverage applies. An auto insurance lawyer can clarify which policies provide coverage, whether your PIP benefits go beyond the state, and how to handle a rental car’s insurance. Our attorneys ensure all claims are filed properly and work to recover payment for medical treatment, property damage, and other accident-related losses.
Florida No-Fault Insurance Disputes
Disputes under Florida’s no-fault insurance system can happen when companies delay or deny benefit coverage for medical treatment or lost income. These situations call for an experienced team of attorneys. By building strong evidence and negotiating directly with the insurer, our lawyers help you secure the compensation you are entitled to under Florida law.
Government Liability and Sovereign Immunity in Florida
Crashes involving government vehicles or public agencies in Florida are subject to strict sovereign immunity laws that limit when and how victims can seek compensation. Legal representation is essential to meet deadlines, file the required notices, and determine liability against the responsible agency. With guidance from our team, you can go through the claims process, pursue valid compensation for medical treatment, and ensure compliance with Florida’s procedural requirements.
Fatal Auto Accidents
Fatal auto accidents carry a level of complexity that sets them apart from other motor vehicle incidents. Establishing the cause of a fatal collision can be challenging, as multiple factors often converge. For surviving family members pursuing wrongful death claims in Brevard County, navigating the legal landscape requires identifying all liable parties, dealing with insurance companies that aggressively defend against large payouts, and meeting strict filing deadlines under Florida law.
Damages Our Melbourne Auto Accident Attorney Team Can Recover
A Melbourne car accident lawyer can help you recover various economic and non-economic damages following a crash. This includes health-related costs, such as initial medical treatments, medications, rehabilitation expenses, and more. Compensation can also cover property damage, lost wages, and reduced earning capacity. You may be able to recover damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life. If you can provide proof that the at-fault driver is guilty of intentional misconduct or gross negligence, the court may award you punitive damages in addition to other compensation.
Florida Auto Accident Statute of Limitations
Under Florida law, accident victims must act quickly to protect their rights. The Florida Statute of Limitations for personal injury is two years from the date of the accident or crash. A lawsuit must be filed within two years, or you will lose the right to seek compensation through the court system.
Although the Florida Statute of Limitations for property damage can be up to four years in some cases, the limitation period is shorter for car accidents. Acts of negligence, including car accidents, fall under a two-year limitation. For this reason, it is important to contact an auto accident lawyer as soon as you can after a crash.
Contact a Melbourne Auto Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
Following an auto accident, figuring out legal representation may be the last thing you want to think about. However, you should seek an experienced lawyer as soon as possible. Attorneys will protect your legal rights and work hard to help you obtain the compensation you need to recover from injury, property damage, and lost wages. Trust our experienced team to guide you through the legal process of recovering damages following a car accident. Our attorneys have experience in a wide range of auto accident cases, including rear-end collisions, red light crashes, DUI cases, and more.
We work diligently to advocate on your behalf. Call us today at (321) 725-3425 or use our online contact form to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced auto accident attorneys.