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Auto Accident Lawyers in Ocala, FL
Ocala is known as Florida’s Natural Wonder, and for good reason. Our pristine natural springs, Ocala National Forest, and endless outdoor activities make our city one of the most scenic in the Sunshine State. Ocala is also known as the Horse Capital of the World and is home to more horses than anywhere in the US. Whether you’re an equestrian, outdoorsy type, or a first-time homebuyer looking for a great place to call home, Ocala is Florida’s hidden gem.
With more visitors and a growing population, Ocala has also been victim to an increase in car accidents. Busy roads like I-75, Silver Springs Boulevard, and Pine Avenue are known for being a traffic nightmare. According to the FLHSMV, there were 7,132 crashes in Marion County during 2021 alone, and 6,676 of those involved significant injuries.
The Ocala car accident lawyers at Farah & Farah are ready to assist you. With a deep knowledge of local laws and extensive experience, our legal team can help you get the compensation you deserve. Call us for a free case review at (352) 205-4023.
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What Should You Do Immediately After a Car Accident in Ocala?
If you’ve been in a car accident, stay calm and call 911 immediately. If you are seriously injured, stay still and seek medical attention as soon as possible. If you can after a car accident, take the following steps:
- DO NOT ADMIT FAULT.
- Trade information with other parties.
- Take photos and videos of the accident scene.
- Contact your insurance but do not provide any statements.
- Contact our car wreck lawyers in Ocala, FL for a free case review.
Why Hire an Ocala Car Accident Attorney?
You should focus on healing after your car accident, not fighting for compensation alone. Our Ocala car accident attorneys have deep ties to the community and a thorough understanding of the legal landscape in Ocala, which gives us the resources to advocate for you effectively. We will:
- Investigate the accident
- Gather strong evidence
- Negotiate your settlement
- Determine who is liable
- Act as a middleman between you and bad-faith insurance companies
- Escalate your case to court, if necessary.
When Should You Contact an Ocala Car Accident Lawyer?
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, it’s essential to contact a lawyer immediately. Don’t give any statements to insurance or accept any settlement offers without first consulting with a legal professional. Our lawyers will help you navigate your legal options and ensure that you’re treated fairly during the claims process.
What Is the Statute of Limitations on an Ocala Car Accident?
The statute of limitations is the time limit for filing a car accident claim. In Florida, you have four years from the accident date to file your claim, as outlined in Florida Statutes section 95.11(3)(a). However, the time frame for filing a claim may be different in your case due to unique circumstances.
To ensure that you can file your claim within the allotted time, it’s important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible. Contact our Ocala car accident lawyers for a free case review.
What Are The Most Common Car Accident Injuries?
Injuries that typically occur during a car accident include whiplash, neck and spine trauma, knee trauma, shoulder damage, foot and ankle injuries, lacerations, and road rash.
In more serious accidents,more severe injuries can occur such as fractures, crush injuries, internal bleeding, soft tissue damage, disfigurement, loss of limbs, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord injuries, paralysis, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Who Is Liable for Your Injuries in an Ocala Car Accident?
Establishing liability in a car accident case requires a thorough analysis of the specific circumstances of the incident. There is no universal rule for determining fault, but your attorney can use the following factors to help determine liability in your case:
- Breach of duty of care. Proof of negligence on the road can be used to determine liability for an accident.
- Causation. This negligence directly caused your injuries.
- Florida’s Comparative Negligence Statute. This mandates that parties involved in the accident may be held partially responsible if they played a role in causing the accident.
Who Pays Your Medical Bills After a Car Accident?
If you were injured in a car accident in Ocala, you might have been taken to HCA Florida Ocala Hospital or AdventHealth Ocala. You may have had to pay for emergency room care, imaging, and follow-up visits, which can add up quickly.
While the party responsible for the accident should ultimately cover these costs, it can take some time to reach a settlement. To help with initial expenses, your PIP insurance may cover up to $10,000 worth of medical costs.
What Happens if You Don’t Have Auto Insurance?
Florida Statute 324.021 requires all motor vehicles registered in the state to have proof of financial responsibility in order to cover up to $10,000 in damages caused by an accident. All drivers in Florida must have auto insurance to comply with this law. If the driver is found to be at fault or partially at fault for the accident, they may be liable for the other person’s property damage, medical bills, and injuries up to $10,000. However, if the driver was not at fault and is uninsured, the vehicle they are driving may provide coverage.
If you have been in a car accident and are uninsured, contact a car accident attorney to review your case and determine the best course of action.
What if the At-Fault Party Doesn’t Have Car Insurance?
In Florida, it is illegal to drive without car insurance. But some drivers are uninsured or underinsured, and if you are involved in an accident with one of them, they will face legal penalties. Usually, these parties don’t have many assets, so filing a direct claim against them may not give you the results you want. Your car insurance company should be your first source of compensation to cover immediate costs.
As an insured driver in Florida, you are entitled to PIP insurance and Property Damage Liability coverage, both of which are worth up to $10,000. PIP insurance should be enough to cover your initial expenses, like medical bills and lost income. But you may need additional compensation to get your life back on track after a car accident. Talk to our Ocala auto accident lawyers to learn about your legal options.
What Is PIP Insurance?
Personal Injury Protection insurance, also known as PIP or no-fault insurance, covers up to $10,000 worth of initial costs after an accident, such as medical expenses and lost paychecks.
While all drivers in Florida are required to have this insurance, some insurance companies may make it difficult for you to receive the compensation you’re entitled to. If you’re having trouble getting the compensation you need, our Ocala car accident attorneys can help you navigate the process.
What Damages Can You Pursue After a Car Accident?
There are many economic and non-economic damages that you may be entitled to after an accident. While PIP insurance might help you with expenses in the meantime, there are many other types of compensation available to you in a car accident case.
Many people only think about seeking compensation for economic damages like medical expenses after they’ve been in a car accident. But, there is a wide range of damages that can be pursued in a case:
- Economic damages
- Non-economic damages
- Punitive damages
What Is the Average Settlement for a Car Accident in Ocala?
It’s difficult to predict the exact amount of your settlement without knowing the specifics of your car accident. In general, typical settlements for car accident victims average out to $23,900 for those with serious injuries less than $10,000 for those with less serious injuries.
If you want to get a better understanding of what damages you might be able to recover, our car accident lawyers in Ocala, FL, offer free case reviews.
How Long Will It Take To Settle Your Car Accident Case?
It is important to remember that each auto accident is unique, so the amount of time it takes to settle a claim may be more or less than the national average. Nonetheless, the average time for car accident victims to receive a settlement is 10.7 months.
For a free case review, contact our Ocala auto accident lawyers.
How Do You Get a Temporary Rental Car After an Accident in Ocala?
If your car was damaged severely in the accident, you might need to rent a car to get around until your car is repaired. While your insurance may cover the cost of a rental car, this will depend on the terms of your policy. A car accident lawyer in Ocala, FL, can help you find a rental car and explore your legal options.
What if You’re in an Accident in a Rental Car?
Being involved in a collision while driving a rental car adds an extra layer of complexity to the claim process because the rental car company is also involved. If you were in this situation, make sure to contact the rental car company’s emergency number right away and file a claim with your own insurance company. If your credit card provides additional rental car coverage, be sure to contact them as well. You’ll also need to file a claim with the rental car company itself.
What Are the Common Causes of Car Accidents in Ocala?
While poor road conditions, inadequate signage, and bad weather can all contribute to auto accidents, the majority of accidents are caused by driver error. Common causes of Ocala car accidents may include:
- Reckless driving.
- Speeding.
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Distracted driving.
- Tailgating.
- Drowsy driving.
Our Ocala Car Accident Attorneys are Ready to Serve Your Case
We’ve all sat in traffic on I-75, Blitchton Road, College Road, and other dysfunction junctions. Sadly, with a bigger number of drivers in Ocala, there is a higher number of severe accidents occurring.
If you are suffering financial and emotional consequences from a car accident, our car accident attorneys in Ocala, FL, can help. You do not need to take on the insurance companies alone.
Let us handle the legal aspects of your case so you can focus on your recovery. Call us for a free case review at (352) 205-4023.
Types of Car Accident Cases We Handle in Ocala, FL
Our Ocala car accident attorneys have expertise in handling all types of car accident cases, including:
