Accident Lawyer Florida: Don’t Get Sidelined 2025
Why You Need an Accident Lawyer in Florida Right Now
An accident lawyer Florida can help you recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering after a car crash, motorcycle accident, or other injury caused by someone else’s negligence. In Florida, you have just two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury claim. The state’s no-fault insurance system requires you to first use your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, making the process complex. Here’s what you need to know:
Key Steps After a Florida Accident:
- Seek medical attention immediately (required within 14 days for PIP coverage)
- Call 911 and get a police report if anyone is injured or property damage exceeds $500
- Document everything – photos, witness info, insurance details
- Contact your insurance company within 24 hours
- Consult a Florida accident lawyer before accepting any settlement offer
Florida is one of the most dangerous states for drivers, with thousands of fatalities and over 200,000 injuries annually. Navigating Florida’s insurance system and legal requirements can feel overwhelming when you’re already dealing with medical bills and lost income.
Insurance companies employ adjusters and lawyers to minimize payouts. Without experienced legal representation, you may settle for far less than your case is worth or miss critical deadlines that bar your claim.
I’m Thomas W. Carey, a board-certified civil trial accident lawyer in Florida. Since 1988, my team at Carey Leisure Carney has guided over 40,000 injury cases, securing multi-million-dollar results. We provide personalized representation to injury victims throughout the Tampa Bay area and beyond.
Understanding Your Legal Rights After a Florida Accident
After a Florida accident, understanding your rights under the state’s unique “no-fault” insurance system is the first step to protecting yourself. Knowing how this system works is key to navigating the aftermath of a collision.
At the heart of this system is Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance. Regardless of who caused the accident, your own PIP coverage is your first line of defense. It covers 80% of your medical costs and 60% of your lost income, up to your policy limit (typically $10,000).
A crucial tip: you must seek medical attention within 14 days of your accident for your PIP coverage to apply. To learn more, explore our guide on What is PIP Insurance Florida.
Florida law also requires drivers to carry $10,000 in property damage liability (PDL). While the no-fault system streamlines minor injury claims, if your injuries are severe, you may be able to pursue a claim against the at-fault driver for additional damages. This is where an experienced accident lawyer Florida becomes invaluable.
At the scene, prioritize safety, call 911 if needed, and exchange insurance information. Document everything with photos and get a copy of the police report. Avoid admitting fault. Before speaking to any insurance company, consult an experienced accident lawyer Florida to protect your rights. For a full checklist, see our page on What to do after a car accident Florida.
Types of Personal Injury Cases a Florida Accident Lawyer Handles
Our board-certified attorneys at Carey Leisure Carney handle a wide range of personal injury cases for clients in Clearwater, Largo, New Port Richey, and surrounding areas:
- Car Accidents: The most common claims, often caused by distracted driving or speeding.
- Truck Accidents: Devastating collisions with complex liability. Learn more on our Truck accidents page.
- Motorcycle Accidents: Riders often face severe injuries due to limited protection.
- Pedestrian Accidents: Victims of vehicle-pedestrian collisions often suffer catastrophic or fatal injuries.
- Slip and Fall Accidents: Property owners must keep their premises safe. If you were injured by a hazard, you may have a claim. See our Slip and fall accidents guide.
- Rideshare Accidents: Uber and Lyft accidents involve complex insurance and liability issues.
- Wrongful Death: Families can pursue a claim for damages when a loved one’s death is caused by negligence. Our guide to Wrongful death provides vital information.
- Medical Malpractice: Victims can seek compensation when a healthcare professional’s negligence causes harm.
- Dog Bites: Florida law holds dog owners strictly liable for injuries their pets cause.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Florida
Many Florida accidents are caused by preventable human errors that constitute negligence.
- Distracted Driving: A leading cause of crashes, linked to over 155,000 crashes and 344 deaths in Florida in 2021.
- Speeding: A factor in nearly 18,000 collisions in 2021, increasing both the risk and severity of accidents. See the Speeding collision data.
- Impaired Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs causes thousands of crashes and over 1,000 deaths annually in Florida. We fight for victims of these preventable tragedies. Learn more on our Drunk Driving Accident Attorney page.
- Aggressive Driving: Road rage and reckless maneuvers contributed to over 14,000 accidents and 132 deaths in 2021.
- Drowsy Driving: Fatigue behind the wheel is as dangerous as impairment, causing numerous fatalities and serious injuries each year.
- Failure to Yield: Disregarding right-of-way rules is a frequent cause of collisions, especially at intersections.
Navigating the Florida Personal Injury Claim Process
Navigating Florida’s personal injury claim process is challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. An experienced accident lawyer Florida can guide you through every step, making a significant difference in your case’s outcome.
One of the most important factors is the statute of limitations. In Florida, a recent law change means you now have just two years from the date of your accident to file most personal injury lawsuits. Missing this deadline can permanently bar you from recovering compensation, which is why contacting an accident lawyer Florida immediately is crucial.
Once you hire us, we begin a thorough case evaluation, gathering evidence and documenting your medical treatments to build a strong case and determine fair compensation. We then handle all negotiations with insurance companies, whose goal is to pay as little as possible. While many cases are resolved through a settlement (an agreement outside of court), we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This readiness often encourages a fairer offer. A verdict is a decision made by a judge or jury after a trial. Learn more about the journey at The Litigation Process and see typical timelines with How Long Does It Take to File a Lawsuit.
Understanding Florida’s Comparative Negligence Law
Florida’s “modified comparative negligence” rule affects how much compensation you can receive if you were partly at fault for the accident. Here’s how it works: you can still recover damages as long as you are found 50% or less at fault. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you have $100,000 in damages but were 20% at fault, you would receive $80,000.
However, if you are found to be more than 50% at fault (51% or more), you are barred from recovering any damages. This “50% fault bar” makes it vital to have a skilled accident lawyer Florida to challenge unfair blame and protect your right to compensation. Learn more in our guide on Comparative Negligence.
What to Do After an Accident with an Uninsured Driver
Unfortunately, many Florida drivers are uninsured. Official statistics show that about 6.6 percent of drivers are uninsured, meaning over a million vehicles may lack proper coverage. See the data here: 6.6 percent of drivers are uninsured.
This is where Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage on your own policy becomes critical. This optional coverage pays for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering if the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough to cover your costs. Even when filing a UM claim with your own insurer, they may try to minimize the payout. An experienced accident lawyer Florida can manage your UM claim to ensure you receive the full benefits you deserve. For a breakdown, see our guide: Uninsured vs Underinsured Motorist Coverage Explained.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Florida Accident?
After an accident, understanding the available compensation is a key step toward rebuilding your life. In Florida, damages fall into two main categories: economic damages and non-economic damages.
Economic damages are tangible, calculable costs. They include:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and future lost earning capacity
- Property damage
- Funeral and burial expenses in wrongful death cases
Non-economic damages compensate for intangible losses that are just as real. These include:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental distress, anxiety, or PTSD
- Loss of quality of life
- Loss of companionship in wrongful death cases
For a detailed look at how these losses are calculated, visit our guide on Compensation for Pain and Suffering in Florida What You Need to Know.
The financial toll of serious injuries is staggering. The Average cost of disabling injuries from a car accident is $155,000, a figure that often exceeds standard insurance limits. An experienced accident lawyer Florida ensures all your damages are accounted for. Learn more about valuing your claim at What Is My Personal Injury Case Worth.
The Role of Punitive Damages in Florida
In cases of extreme wrongdoing, Florida courts may award punitive damages. These are not meant to compensate you, but to punish defendants for gross negligence or intentional misconduct—actions showing a reckless disregard for human safety. Examples include a drunk driver with multiple DUIs or a company that knowingly used unsafe equipment. Learn more from our Gross Negligence Law Complete Guide.
Florida law generally caps punitive damages at three times the compensatory damages or $500,000, whichever is greater. You can review the law here: Florida’s statutory caps on damages. While not awarded in every case, they can substantially increase recovery and hold wrongdoers accountable.
Common Injuries and Their Potential Costs
We frequently see clients with whiplash, broken bones, severe lacerations, internal organ damage, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries (TBI). The costs associated with these injuries can be overwhelming.
A mild TBI can cost $85,000, while severe cases can reach $3 million. Spinal injuries are also incredibly expensive, with surgeries often exceeding $100,000-$150,000. Even a broken arm can cost up to $16,000. These figures highlight why you need an experienced accident lawyer Florida to fight for the full value of your claim. Insurance companies know these costs and will try to minimize their payout. We level the playing field. For more on specific injuries, see our resources for Traumatic Brain Injury Attorney and Spinal Cord Injury Attorney.
Why You Need an Experienced Accident Lawyer Florida
While you’re healing from an accident, battling insurance companies and complex legal procedures is the last thing you need. An experienced accident lawyer Florida is essential to manage your claim and fight for your best interests.
Insurance companies are businesses focused on profit, and their adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. A lawyer acts as your champion, fighting insurance companies by countering the tactics they use to deny or devalue claims.
One of our most important roles is calculating the true value of your case. We look beyond immediate bills to include future medical needs, lost earning capacity, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering. This expert evaluation helps you avoid lowball settlement offers that won’t cover your long-term needs.
We steer complex procedures for you, ensuring all deadlines and paperwork are handled correctly. Furthermore, having an experienced accident lawyer Florida brings the threat of a jury trial to negotiations. Our reputation as trial-ready attorneys often compels insurers to offer fairer settlements to avoid the cost and uncertainty of court. For a deeper look, see Why You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer.
How to Choose the Right Florida Accident Lawyer
Choosing the right lawyer is a game-changer. Here’s what to look for:
- Board Certification: This is a rare recognition of exceptional competence and experience. Our firm has board-certified civil trial attorneys, a distinction held by only about 2% of Florida lawyers.
- Experience and Case Results: Look for a proven track record in cases like yours. Our team has over 100 years of combined experience and has secured multi-million-dollar results.
- Client Reviews: These offer real-world insight into a firm’s service and effectiveness.
- Contingency Fee Structure: This means you pay no upfront fees, and the lawyer only gets paid if they win your case.
- Personalized Service: Avoid “settlement mills” that churn through cases. Choose a firm that offers direct access to your attorney. For more guidance, see How Do You Go About Choosing a Lawyer.
How a Florida Accident Lawyer Gets Paid
Most personal injury lawyers, including Carey Leisure Carney, work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no upfront fees. Our fee is entirely contingent on winning your case—if we don’t secure compensation for you, you owe us nothing.
When we win, our fee is a pre-agreed percentage of the final settlement or verdict. We also advance case costs (like filing fees and expert witness fees), which are reimbursed from the settlement. We believe in full transparency and will explain all financial aspects clearly. Learn more at How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Personal Injury Attorney.
Frequently Asked Questions about Florida Accident Claims
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Florida?
The answer to this critical question recently changed. For most personal injury claims based on negligence, Florida’s statute of limitations was reduced in 2023. You now have only two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit, down from four years.
This shortened timeframe makes it vital to contact an accident lawyer Florida immediately. While rare exceptions exist, it’s safest to act quickly to preserve evidence and protect your rights. The timeline for other claims, like medical malpractice, can be even more complex. Learn more at How Long Do You Have to File a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit in Florida.
How do rideshare accidents differ from regular car accidents in Florida?
Rideshare accidents involving Uber and Lyft are more complex than typical car crashes due to their layered insurance policies. The available coverage depends on the driver’s status at the time of the accident:
- App off: The driver’s personal auto insurance applies.
- App on, waiting for a request: A lower level of rideshare company insurance may apply.
- App on, en route to a passenger or with a passenger: A substantial commercial policy (often up to $1 million) from the rideshare company typically applies.
Determining who is liable and which policy applies is a puzzle. An experienced accident lawyer Florida who handles rideshare claims is crucial to steer these situations and pursue compensation from the correct sources. For a detailed guide, see our Rideshare Accident Lawyer Complete Guide.
What are the most dangerous roads in Florida?
Florida is known for having some of the nation’s most dangerous roads. Interstate 4 (I-4), particularly the stretch near Orlando, is frequently cited as one of the deadliest highways in the U.S. You can find more on its reputation here: Interstate 4’s reputation.
Within our service areas of Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and the greater Tampa Bay region, other roads pose significant risks. U.S. 19 and major interstates like I-75 and I-275 see heavy traffic and a high number of accidents. While Miami-Dade County reports the most crashes statewide, vigilance is essential on any Florida road.
Don’t Face the Aftermath Alone: Contact a Board-Certified Attorney
The aftermath of an accident is daunting, filled with physical pain, financial strain, and emotional distress. Navigating Florida’s complex insurance laws and facing aggressive insurance companies alone can jeopardize your claim. Your focus should be on healing, not legal battles.
An experienced accident lawyer Florida is your essential guide and advocate. We understand the law, have extensive experience with insurance companies, and prepare every case for trial to ensure you receive maximum compensation.
At Carey Leisure Carney, we offer a unique combination of elite legal expertise and personalized service. Our team includes Board-Certified civil trial experts, a distinction held by only a small percentage of Florida attorneys, signifying the highest level of skill. With over 100 years of combined experience, we have secured multi-million-dollar awards for thousands of clients. We provide direct access to your attorney, so you are never just a case number.
If you were injured in an accident in Clearwater, Largo, New Port Richey, Spring Hill, St Petersburg, Trinity, or Wesley Chapel, don’t go it alone. Let our dedicated team fight for you.
Contact / Schedule Consultation today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We are ready to help.