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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: 1149 |
Average rating: 4.9
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Phillip Pond
Great service, highly skilled and knowledgeable, very professional and good at what they do.
david eddinger
Very easy to talk to and explain everything clearly to make sure you understand how things will be taken care of.
Eric B
I had a great experience working with Dan and Lauren. They were extremely professional, courteous, and always responsive—no matter how many times I called, they took the time to answer my questions and provide clarity. Their dedication and professionalism truly stood out. I highly recommend them—a great team you can trust.
Alisa Grant
I’ve seen first hand, from a friend, the kind of top tier support and dedication that Kogan and DiSalvo Personal Injury Lawyers give to their clients. They are professional, aggressive, highly experienced and knowledgeable, and overall just some good honest hard working attorneys. Also, the team and staff here are just as amazing. Very communicative, always reachable, and never answer with an attitude or with an un-empathetic tone. Each time she had spoken to them, she never felt rushed or as if she was just another number to them. We recommend them 10/10!
Jason T Childs
Great to deal with, great customer services.They really care about their clients and their needs
matthew crampton
A law firm that is actually for the people, a law firm that has your best interests, and a law firm that fights for you and the justice you deserve. They do not stop until they get you every single thing you deserve. You definitely want these guys in your corner.
purple lillies
You never really stop to think about what just really happens after a car accident.. And I can now tell you that I did, and that having a skilled, dedicated, and trustworthy car accident lawyer is definitely at the top of your priorities and needs. There is so much that goes on, so much that is required and complex, stressful, and just an overall real pain to go through. But that is where having a great lawyer comes in. One you can actually trust and rely on to have your best interests in mind and to take care of you. I can’t thank or recommend Kogan And DiSalvo enough!! You guys are the best! Thank you so much!
Kelly
You never really stop to think about what just really happens after a car accident.. And I can now tell you that I did, and that having a skilled, dedicated, and trustworthy car accident lawyer is definitely at the top of your priorities and needs. There is so much that goes on, so much that is required and complex, stressful, and just an overall real pain to go through. But that is where having a great lawyer comes in. One you can actually trust and rely on to have your best interests in mind and to take care of you. I can’t thank or recommend Kogan And DiSalvo enough!! You guys are the best! Thank you so much!
KELLY MCPHILLIPS
You never really stop to think about what just really happens after a car accident.. And I can now tell you that I did, and that having a skilled, dedicated, and trustworthy car accident lawyer is definitely at the top of your priorities and needs. There is so much that goes on, so much that is required and complex, stressful, and just an overall real pain to go through. But that is where having a great lawyer comes in. One you can actually trust and rely on to have your best interests in mind and to take care of you. I can’t thank or recommend Kogan And DiSalvo enough!! You guys are the best! Thank you so much!
Kimberly McLean-Hunt
I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to my lawyer Todd Baker, at Kogan and DiSalvo and all his support and professionalism throughout my case. His expertise and guidance were invaluable, and I truly couldn’t have navigated this process without your assistance.
I appreciate the dedication and patience you and your “team” have shone ;especially during the more stressful moments. Your ability to keep everything on track made a significant difference, and I am thankful for your commitment to achieving the best outcome.
Thank you once again for everything you have done for me.
Kimberly,
Client
Richard Shiver
If you ever find yourself in the aftermath of an accident, especially an auto accident, Kogan and DiSalvo is your ABSOLUTE BEST choice!!
Kimberly Montecalvo
Amazing customer service, help you understand everything,and make sure you dont have any questions or problems.
Taniyah Jackson
I highly recommend this group of lawyers they are amazing! All the staff are very professional and friendly. Thanks
Patt Da Steppa
I had called Kogan and DiSalvo to ask a question regarding my cousin’s motorcycle accident. They were so kind and showed they wanted to help as much as possible. Even though I was just asking a question over the phone, they didn’t push me away or rush me through the call. They took the time to answer my questions and explained it very thoroughly. I just had to stop by and share my delightful experience with them and highly, HIGHLY recommend them! Thank you for taking the time to talk to me and answer my questions, you guys are amazing I mean it
Killa Swift
These guys are exactly what you need in a lawyer!
Kaitlyn Dawkins
I had a car accident in September 2024 where my back and neck were severely injured. I immediately called Kogan and DiSalvo after my accident and they got to work on my behalf right away. I was able to treat with wonderful providers who were kind and compassionate. A settlement was reached for much more than anticipated. Amanda (paralegal) and Rachel (attorney) were wonderful throughout the process. They kept me updated every step of the way and were extremely response and proactive in resolving the matter. I would recommend Kogan and DiSalvo to anyone who has been injured in an accident and needs medical treatment thereafter.
Alison Scheef
I had the best experience with Kogan & DiSalvo representing me in my Personal Injury Case. My attorney Brian Andino and his knowledgeable staff: Ludmia, Mia, Perri, Angelique and Dominique are outstanding. They stayed in touch with me, kept me informed step by step throughout the entire process, until my case was finalized. My questions were always answered and I was treated with dignity, respect and kindness. I personally recommend this team if you want to have skilled, excellent representation from start to finish. Integrity is key with this firm. Alison Scheef
Tim Gillis
The team here are such hard workers, amazing with people, communication, answering questions, and always have your best interests in mind.
c Brown
My team was amazing and very informative EVERYTIME I reached out the contacted me back In a timely manner I was very pleased with the service
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