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The car accident itself lasts just seconds. Its impact may affect you and your family for the rest of your lives. Because of the negligence of another person or entity, your life and health are turned upside down. In Indian River County, you need the services of a good car accident lawyer to help rebuild your life by holding those responsible for your injuries liable.
A Vero Beach auto accident attorney at our law firm will fight for you so that you may receive the maximum compensation you deserve for your injuries. Call today for a free consultation with Kogan & DiSalvo.
Florida Statute 627.7407 outlines Florida as a no-fault state. This means that when traffic accidents occur, the injured party’s own auto insurance carrier can provide compensation for their medical expenses and lost income, no matter who caused the accident. Unless the accident caused serious injuries, the other driver will not be held liable.
However, if the plaintiff’s injuries meet the “serious injury” threshold, they may be able to seek compensation in civil court. This threshold may apply if the plaintiff suffered:
Since these circumstances are vague and can be left open to interpretation, our seasoned team of car accident lawyers in Vero Beach could increase the chances that a plaintiff is given a fair settlement or a jury award to cover their injuries.
Leading causes of car accidents include:
In South Florida, certain weather conditions contribute to car accidents. While ice and snow are not an issue, thunderstorms accompanied by pouring rain occur frequently. High wind gusts can cause a loss of vehicle control. Poor road conditions play a role in some accidents. Under these circumstances, the government agency responsible for road maintenance may be liable.
The most frequent types of car accidents and their aftermath include:
Common serious car accident injuries include:
Victims may also develop PTSD after an accident. The effects may include flashbacks, nightmares, mood swings, inability to sleep, fear of being in a car or in the area where the accident occurred, and other emotional and psychological symptoms.
Under Florida law, there are five elements pertaining to negligence. To succeed in a car accident lawsuit, all of these elements must be in place and proven.
The first is the establishment of a duty of care. When driving, motorists have a duty of care to keep others safe to the best of their abilities. When another driver causes an accident causing an injury, they have usually breached that duty of care. That breach is the second element regarding negligence.
It is not unusual for a car accident victim to be partly at fault for the crash. Under Florida’s recently revised modified comparative fault law, the third element regarding negligence, the jury determines the percentage of each party’s fault. If the plaintiff is found to be 50% or more at fault for the accident, they cannot recover anything. If the plaintiff is found to be 49% or less at fault, they are able to recover.
Next is establishing the cause of your injuries. Generally, this element is not difficult. For example, if the other driver had not been speeding, they would not have crashed into your car, causing your injuries.
Finally, your lawyer must show that you suffered damages. This is also not difficult to prove if you were seriously injured.
Liability is a crucial concept in any motor vehicle accident, determining who is responsible for the damages and injuries that result. In a car accident case, establishing liability is essential for car accident victims to secure compensation for their losses. A Vero Beach traffic accident lawyer plays a vital role in proving liability, ensuring that the at-fault party is held accountable.
In Florida, which follows a comparative negligence rule, liability can be shared among multiple parties. This means that even if a victim is partially at fault for the accident, they can still recover damages, though their compensation will be reduced by their percentage of fault. For example, if a victim is found to be 20% responsible for the accident, their compensation will be reduced by that amount.
Insurance companies often try to shift as much blame as possible onto the victim to reduce their payout. This is why it’s crucial to have an experienced car accident lawyer handling your insurance claim. A skilled Vero Beach car accident lawyer will gather evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, and expert testimony, to establish the other party’s liability.
Understanding and proving liability is key to ensuring that car accident victims receive the compensation they deserve to cover medical bills, lost wages, and other related expenses.
Compensation, or damages, falls into economic and non-economic categories. Quantifying the former is straightforward, such as the amount of wages lost during your recuperation. The latter is more subjective and depends on individual circumstances.
Economic car accident damages may include:
Non-economic damages include:
The average car accident settlement in Vero Beach, FL, typically ranges between $10,000 and $80,000. However, as a general idea, in personal injury cases involving severe or catastrophic injuries, settlements can reach into the millions. The settlement amount in a personal injury claim is influenced by various factors, which Vero Beach car accident attorneys carefully evaluate to ensure fair compensation.
Key factors that can impact the settlement amount include:
Each personal injury case is unique, and our Vero Beach motor vehicle attorneys work diligently to maximize the settlement based on the specifics of the case.
Most car accident claims are settled. However, if the insurance company fails to agree to a reasonable settlement, the victim may take their personal injury lawsuit to the trial stage. A trial involves both sides delivering opening statements, presenting evidence and witnesses, and presenting closing arguments. The case then goes to the jury to decide. Since trials are costly and time-consuming, pre-trial settlements are common. Such settlements require both parties to agree to the settlement terms before the trial starts.
Generally, the statute of limitations in Florida for filing a car accident lawsuit is two years from the date of the collision.
In a worst-case scenario, a car accident victim dies from their injuries. Surviving family members can file a wrongful death lawsuit against the parties responsible for the loss of their loved one. In Florida, only the personal representative of the estate may file a wrongful death lawsuit. That representative, also known as an executor, files the wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of surviving family members.
The statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death lawsuit is two years from the death date.
Compensation in a wrongful death case may include:
Our experienced personal injury lawyers at Kogan & DiSalvo in Vero Beach, FL will investigate your car accident claim thoroughly. We will determine which parties or entities are liable for the collision. We will find medical experts to make sure your injuries receive proper treatment.
We will handle all negotiations with the insurance companies while you recuperate from your injuries. An insurance company’s business model involves settling for as little as possible but relatively quickly. What sounds like a reasonable amount to you–especially if you have no income due to the accident and no vehicle–is probably far less than the amount you will need to pay your medical expenses and get your life back on track. Insurance companies are notorious for lowball offers. Never agree to an insurance settlement before speaking with a personal injury attorney.
At Kogan & DiSalvo, we know the value of your claim based on your injuries and circumstances. If the insurance company refuses to settle for a reasonable amount, we will pursue litigation.
If you or someone you know was seriously injured in a car accident because of another party’s negligence or recklessness, contact a personal injury lawyer in Vero Beach at Kogan & DiSalvo today. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. As we work on a contingency basis, you pay no fee unless you receive compensation.
Total reviews: 1090 |
Average rating: 4.9
Rock Nroll
Malik Hylton
Outstanding Legal Representation – Highly Recommend Kogan & DiSalvo!
I cannot say enough great things about Kogan & DiSalvo Personal Injury Lawyers! From the very beginning, their team was professional, compassionate, and incredibly knowledgeable. They guided me through every step of my case, always keeping me informed and making me feel confident that I was in the best hands.
Their attention to detail and dedication to their clients are truly unmatched. They fought tirelessly to ensure I received the compensation I deserved, and the outcome exceeded my expectations. What sets them apart is their genuine care for their clients—they treat you like family, not just another case.
If you’re looking for a personal injury law firm that is skilled, trustworthy, and committed to getting results, I highly recommend Kogan & DiSalvo. They are simply the best!
A. Christine
I had the pleasure of being able to follow my attorney Paul S., over from his prior firm. Which was the Best decision made considering Paul was very hands on and empathetic to the complications this whole ordeal has accident has caused. Completely changed my quality of life/families lives too!!
Paul always made me up to date, informed when available, and less alone through the entire process by simply showing compassion and empathy especially in my family’s time of need by listening and being a call away!
I am forever grateful and will never use any other firm than Kogan & DiSalvo. Especially without my favorite attorney by my side!
Thanks a million FAm, especially you Paul S
A. Shipley
Tampa Florida 33510
Thomas Clark
They always take your call. They are very friendly and caring. They do their best to keep you updated throughout the entire process. Thank you
Joshua Keefe
Best personal injury attorney in Delray Beach!!
Leeann Gibbs
The team and attorneys here are very thorough and knowledgeable. They have a proactive approach to all that they do and ensure everything is taken care of throughout the whole process. I highly recommend them to anyone in need of a car accident lawyer
Tabitha Cook
After speaking with them on the phone, I can assure you these guys know what they’re doing. The level of knowledge and professionalism they show, along with the personal touch, and care they give, is what truly sets them apart from other personal injury lawyers in Tampa.
Andrea Drury
Fantastic communication.
Terrese Franklin
Very knowledgeable and caring attorneys and team here at Kogan & DiSalvo Personal Injury Lawyers.
Brandon Martinez
Very honest company and great customer service.
I highly recommend contacting them!
5 stars!!
Maria Cavaliere
This layers work with you, guide you all the way through the whole process and then hand you, your reward. Thanks Kogan & DiSalvo
Kalvin Moquete
Awesome legal team and services. Jay London was amazing and definitely a 5 star experience! Thank you!
Kellie Thrift
I had the privilege of working with Attorney Paul Silvestri and Litigation Paralegal Debra Tejada, who I fondly refer to as the A+++ Team! In August 2023, my husband and I were rear-ended just 10 days after relocating back to Florida. It was a particularly stressful time, and the insurance company was uncooperative. However, Attorney Silvestri expertly navigated the complexities of my case, utilizing his vast legal knowledge to advocate on my behalf. Debra was consistently attentive, answering all my questions with both intelligence and a warm, personable demeanor. I truly felt that both of them were deeply committed to not only resolving my case but also to ensuring my well-being throughout the process. Thanks to their hard work and dedication, my case has now been successfully settled, and I am extremely satisfied with the outcome. My heartfelt thanks to both of you!
Silvana Rodriguez
Leslie was the one handling my case and she gave me updates and Guided me thru out the process of my case she handle everything and made me feel like someone care. Very happy with the service she provided it thank you !!
Reginald
Very detailed oriented
Sherri Varn
Kogan and DiSalvo contacted me consistently and listened carefully to what I said about the crash and the loss of our beautiful truck. They were able to work with all parties and the settlement was more than my husband and I thought it would be. Thank you!
otrenche1
I can tell you guys how gratefull we are with the service ,treatment , professionalism , and the results we have, they treat you like family .we strongly recommend them 👌. Thank you guys , the Trenche Family .
DeborahAnn G
I wish they had a 10 star review options. The professionalism and client relationship was amazing. Jenn would inform me of every step of my case as well as answer questions I may have. My lawyer Jay could frequently call with updates as well. Jenn and Jay made this process so smooth. I highly recommend this group for your lawyer needs.
ozzie estremera
They are very helpful with my recovery I can’t say enough thank you to my team
Bob Richardson
I receive quick response whenever I had any questions . I felt like I was receiving good advice, and I am pleased with the outcome of this settlement. They seem to be very caring for my needs.
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