Car Accident Lawyer Melbourne, FL
Why You Need an Experienced Melbourne Car Accident Attorney
Following a car accident, one of your top priorities should be to hire a professional car accident lawyer. Melbourne, FL attorneys at Platt Cole Russell & Simpson PLLC are committed to helping you seek compensation and justice.
Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident can be very stressful. Securing payments from Florida’s complex no-fault insurance system requires legal experience. Matters can also become more complicated if you need to seek additional compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. Hiring a personal injury attorney in Melbourne can help you secure higher settlements and fair compensation.
Our legal team will protect your rights while you recover from car accident injuries. Call us today at (321) 725-3425 to schedule a free case evaluation with our Melbourne, Florida attorneys.
Common Types of Car Accident Cases We Handle Across Brevard County
Our Melbourne motor vehicle accident attorneys represent people throughout Brevard County, Florida. Whether you were injured in a rear-end accident, a head-on collision, or another type of accident, we can help. Our legal team takes the time to understand what happened, review the evidence, and explain your legal options. We will advocate on your behalf and pursue fair compensation for losses resulting from the accident.
Rear-End Collisions on US-1 and I-95
Rear-end collisions on US-1 and I-95 in Florida are among the most common accidents that our team handles. Depending on the severity of the crash, these crashes can result in minor injuries, life-threatening injuries, or even death. An experienced car accident lawyer can review your case to determine the cause of the collision, then hold the responsible parties accountable.
Hit-and-Run Accident
According to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles organization, approximately 25% of all crashes involve hit-and-run incidents. A hit-and-run is when a collision occurs and the other driver flees the accident scene. This type of accident can involve serious bodily injuries or fatalities. Our Melbourne car accident lawyers can help you get the fair settlement you deserve.
Drug or Drunk Driving Accident
Drug and alcohol consumption can severely affect reaction time, judgment, and overall ability to control a vehicle. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs increases the chance of a serious accident. Melbourne drunk driving accident lawyers help car accident victims hold drunk drivers accountable.
Commercial and Company Vehicle Accident
Commercial and company vehicle accidents can raise complex questions about accident liability. These cases may include trucks, vans, or other vehicles used to provide services or transport passengers. When you need a commercial vehicle accident attorney in Melbourne, call us. Our dedicated team can explain the role of the company, the drivers, and other third parties in preventing auto accidents.
Texting and Distracted Driving Accident
Distractions can easily cause reckless driving that endangers everyone on the road. Various types of visual, manual, and cognitive distractions can lead to serious injuries. Common types of distracted driving include driving while texting, eating, applying makeup, and interacting with passengers or pets. Our Melbourne, FL distracted driving accident attorneys hold distracted drivers accountable for their negligence.
Multi-Vehicle Pileup Accident
Multi-vehicle pileup accidents are common in Brevard County. In these situations, fault will likely be shared among multiple drivers, making it difficult to determine liability. Experienced attorneys understand how to handle these complex cases and determine responsibility among multiple parties.
High-Speed Car Crash
Speeding directly impacts the severity of vehicle collisions. The greater the vehicle’s speed, the more forceful the impact. This means that high-speed collisions result in greater damage and more severe injuries. Our Melbourne car accident lawyers can handle high-speed car crash cases with care. We work closely with clients to gather evidence, assess injuries, and document the financial and personal losses caused by the crash.
Auto Accident Involving Pedestrian or Cyclist
Pedestrians and bicyclists have no protection from the impact of a car. A small mistake by the driver can lead to significant injuries and a lengthy medical recovery. In such cases, legal representation is all the more necessary to secure adequate compensation for resulting damages. Our pedestrian and bicyclist accident attorneys in Melbourne provide the assistance you need.
Fatal Car Accident
State statistics show that more than 3,000 fatal crashes occur yearly in Florida. If you lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, you may be eligible for compensation. A civil trial law attorney can help you recover damages for loss of consortium, funeral costs, and more. Discuss your wrongful death claim with attorneys at Platt Cole Russell & Simpson PLLC today.
Personal Injury Protection Required For Car Insurance in Florida
In the state of Florida, all drivers must carry $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection, which covers 80% of medical bills and 60% of lost wages. If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident, you must seek treatment within 14 days to qualify for PIP benefits.
When to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Brevard County
Filing a car accident lawsuit may become necessary when insurance claims do not sufficiently cover your medical costs and other losses. Alternatively, you may need to file a lawsuit to claim compensation from insurance companies or uninsured drivers. Whatever your circumstances, our car crash lawyers can help.
Permanent Injuries and Severe Injuries Requiring Extensive Medical Treatment
Permanent or severe injuries that require extensive medical treatment can leave you facing long-term challenges and medical expenses. Catastrophic injury attorneys in Melbourne understand the lasting impact these injuries can have. Our team works hard to secure compensation to aid your recovery and help you adjust to life-changing conditions.
Severe Injuries Resulting in Scarring or Disfigurement
Severe injuries can result in scarring or disfigurement, which may impact your quality of life. In some cases, disfigurement may require ongoing medical evaluation. When you are hurt in a car accident, documenting every stage of recovery is important for your claim. Melbourne auto accident lawyers can pursue compensatory damages through a personal injury lawsuit.
Car Accident Causing Fatal Injury to Family Member
If someone dies at the hands of a negligent driver, the surviving family members may have the right to file a wrongful death claim. A Melbourne, FL wrongful death attorney can help you recover fair compensation for the harm your family has suffered.
Car Wreck With Medical Bills Exceeding PIP Coverage Limits
When a car wreck leaves you with medical bills that exceed your PIP coverage benefits, you may want to consider legal action to pursue additional compensation. Our dedicated team will evaluate your medical records and calculate damages before helping you pursue compensation.
How the Florida Modified Comparative Negligence Law Affects Melbourne Car Accident Claims
Florida now uses a modified comparative negligence law, which means you cannot obtain compensation if you are 51% or more at fault for a vehicle accident. If you are less than 51% at fault, your award decreases by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault, courts will reduce your settlement by 20%. This makes it very important to show what the other driver did and why they should be held financially responsible.
Florida Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims
If you are hurt in a Florida car accident, you need to take legal action before time runs out. For a personal injury claim, you must act within two years from the date of the crash to file suit. If your car or property was damaged but you weren’t hurt, you usually have four years to bring a claim for property damage. When you lose a loved one in a traffic accident, you must start a wrongful death lawsuit within two years from the date of death. Missing these deadlines means you forfeit your right to seek money through a civil lawsuit.
Financial Compensation in Brevard County Car Accident Cases
The total value of your recoverable damages depends on several factors. The court will consider the severity of your injuries, whether you were partially at fault, and whether the other driver was particularly negligent. Experienced lawyers calculate damages carefully to ensure you receive maximum compensation. They base their calculations on your bills, consultations with medical experts, and their understanding of personal injury law.
Financial compensation can cover economic losses, including health-related costs such as hospital stays, surgery, rehabilitation, and other medical expenses. You can also recover lost wages due to missing work or lost earning capacity. Non-economic damages cover losses that do not have a set value, such as emotional distress or pain and suffering. When the at-fault driver commits intentional misconduct or gross negligence, the court may also award punitive damages.
Dangerous Roads and Intersections in Melbourne, FL
You can’t always anticipate what other drivers may do on the road. However, learning which places in Melbourne have more crashes can help you stay safe. Accidents occur more frequently in the following locations:
- US Highway 1
- Interstate 95 corridor
- Wickham Road and Eau Gallie Boulevard intersection
- Babcock Street corridor
- Palm Bay Road and Malabar Road
In these areas, slow down, pay close attention, and watch for unsafe driving.
Steps to Take If You Were Injured in a Car Accident in Brevard County
Knowing what to do after a car accident is crucial to your safety. First, call 911 for medical help. If you can, move away from traffic and to a safe location. Turn on your hazards.
Next, you should call the police. The police will evaluate the scene and make a record of it. If you are able, gather evidence before leaving the accident scene. This can include witness statements, photographs of the accident, and any other relevant information. Get the other driver’s insurance information.
After the accident, you should seek medical attention immediately. Even if you do not feel injured or think you have only suffered minor injuries, you may need medical help. Later, you should notify your insurance. Gather more evidence, including a copy of the police report and your medical records. Then, contact a Melbourne auto accident lawyer.
How Our Car Insurance Lawyers in Melbourne, FL, Hold Insurance Companies Accountable
When insurers try to dispute insurance claims or deny payments in bad faith, you can seek help from a local professional. Our Melbourne insurance dispute lawyers hold insurance companies accountable following vehicle accidents. Whether you’re having trouble with your own insurance or the other driver’s insurance company, we’ll fight for your interests. We closely investigate insurance claims to ensure you get the payment you’re entitled to. Our team will speak to the insurance company on your behalf and stand up for your rights so you can focus on healing.
Locations Our Brevard County Car Accident Lawyers Serve
The Platt Cole Russell & Simpson PLLC team serves clients across central Florida. Call our law firm for legal assistance in Melbourne, Palm Bay, Cocoa Beach, Titusville, and Brevard County. Our attorneys provide personalized attention, ensuring that we build a strong case that suits your unique situation. We answer your questions, explain your options, and guide you through the next steps of the legal process.
Contact a Melbourne Car Crash Attorney For a Free Consultation
When a car accident flips your life upside down, you do not have to handle everything on your own. Consult with a Melbourne car accident attorney at Platt Cole Russell & Simpson PLLC. Our compassionate attorneys have served countless victims harmed by someone else’s negligence. With our legal experience and knowledge of personal injury law, we can help you pursue maximum compensation from those responsible for your injuries.
Our lawyers work on a contingency-fee basis so that clients can focus on healing without extra stress. Call us at (321) 725-3425 or complete our online contact form to schedule a free case evaluation with our team.