If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, you need an experienced firm to help you navigate the complex legal system and obtain the compensation you deserve.
Shapiro | Delgado | Hofmann law firm is Sarasota’s leading car accident personal injury firm with a track record of helping clients recover damages for their injuries. Our team of experienced personal injury attorneys in Sarasota has the knowledge and experience to handle even the most complex cases. With over $100 million in successfully litigated or settled cases, we know what it takes to win your case.
If you’re ready to take the first step in your recovery, we offer a free consultation to all new clients. During this consultation, we’ll listen to your story and provide you with an honest assessment of your case. Our law firm believes that every client deserves individualized attention and a customized legal strategy.
Contact our Sarasota car accident lawyers today to schedule your free, no-obligation case review and learn how Shapiro | Delgado | Hofmann can help you get the justice you deserve.
As one of the most populous states in the United States, Florida is home to many drivers on the roadways every day. Unfortunately, this also means that Florida sees a high number of car accidents each year.
In Florida, there were 395,887 crashes statewide in 2022, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). 251,585 individuals were injured in these crashes, and 3,519 perished on Florida roads.
Sarasota County had 7,065 crashes in 2022, resulting in 4,123 injuries and 59 fatalities. As the data sheet research points out, a single “crash event” can produce multiple injuries and fatalities. So while counts of car-related incidents can be helpful, they’re not fully portraying the story of what occurred. You can find our study of Sarasota Crash Statistics for more information.
At Shapiro | Delgado | Hofmann, we understand the devastating impact a car accident injury can have on a person’s life. That’s why our Sarasota car accident attorneys are dedicated to providing top-notch legal representation to those injured in Florida.
Car accidents are common in our state, and understanding the type of auto accident that could happen can help you stay safe on the road and make informed decisions if you’re ever involved in an accident.
An auto accident can happen almost anywhere there’s a paved surface: intersections, parking lots, freeways, highways, driveways, and city and county roads.
If you’re here because you’ve been in a car accident in one of these locations, you may have been involved in one of the following:
We know any of the above accidents have life-changing consequences for the victim and their family.
At Shapiro | Delgado | Hofmann law firm, our Sarasota auto accident lawyers have seen firsthand the devastating injuries that can result from auto accidents in Florida. Even a seemingly minor fender bender can result in serious injuries that require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
After a car crash, individuals may experience a wide range of symptoms, including headaches, neck and back pain, dizziness, and fatigue. Other common symptoms include numbness or tingling in the extremities, difficulty concentrating, and changes in mood or behavior.
While these are some very common injuries, car accidents can also cause more challenging and serious injuries that need long-term rehabilitation and support, such as:
Even if you or your loved one’s specific injury is not listed above, you still may be eligible to bring a case against the person who caused the crash. Florida has very specific eligibility requirements for who is allowed to bring personal injury suits, depending on the severity of the injury.
Additionally, to be eligible to bring a Florida car accident wrongful death case, you will need to be one of the officially designated executors of the deceased’s estate. Without this designation, you will likely be unable to file a wrongful death claim on the behalf of your deceased loved one. To better understand your options. contact one of Sarasota wrongful death attorneys.
Florida is a no-fault state regarding car insurance. Essentially, anyone in a car accident can recover losses from their insurer, regardless of fault. It takes an individual receiving serious injuries as defined by statute to pursue a liability claim outside the no-fault system.
No-fault insurance systems are designed to provide drivers with quick and easy access to compensation for their losses without the need for lengthy and costly legal battles to determine fault. However, some critics argue that no-fault systems can result in inadequate compensation for injured parties and may incentivize insurers to deny or underpay valid claims.
In Florida, you must carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance coverage of at least $10,000 in PIP and $10,000 in property damage liability (PDL). Insured drivers can add additional coverage on an ad hoc basis.
To access the PIP benefits, an individual must seek medical attention within 14 days of the accident. As long as an individual receives care within that time frame, you would be eligible to receive a payment of 80 percent of your medical expenses.
If, during that medical appointment, you are found to have “serious bodily injuries” (as defined in Florida statute), your accident attorney will be able to pursue a suit against the person who was responsible for the accident.
Comparative negligence can affect the financial damages you receive in your case.
For example, if a jury determined that you were liable for 25 percent of the vehicle accident in which you were involved, you will only be awarded 75 percent of the damages that you are claiming to have suffered as a result of the incident.
Comparative negligence also works the other way. The defendant in the accident case can also receive damages proportional to the amount of fault they are responsible for. As Florida is a pure comparative negligence state, not a modified comparative negligence state individuals can almost always be eligible for damages even if they were overwhelmingly at fault for the accident.
As previously discussed, if you are found to have permanent bodily injuries from a car crash, you will be able to obtain certain damages including non-economic damages like pain and suffering and mental anguish in addition to payments for your outstanding medical bills.
Florida Statute 627.737 does not define “permanent medical injury.” However, in order to prove you have a “permanent medical injury” a trained and qualified medical professional must state that to “a reasonable degree of medical probability” the injury you sustained is permanent. Florida Statute 627.737 also provides for non economic damages for motor vehicle accidents involving “Significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function” and “Significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement.”
A “permanent medical injury” does not have to be as severe as an amputation or fracture. Soft tissues injuries to the neck and back, a common injury in an auto crash, can also be considered permanent. Consult with a Sarasota spinal injury lawyer if you suffered damages permanent injuries to the areas of the neck and back.
So while in many states, individuals can claim non-economic damages relating to pain, suffering, and emotional distress without any of these serious injuries, that is mostly not the case in Florida. A victim will need a permanent bodily injury first to claim any examples above of non-economic damages.
In Florida, like many states, individuals eligible to bring suit against the negligent third party and can potentially receive three types of damages in their car accident claim: economic, non-economic, and punitive damages.
Economic damages are financial damages with an obvious dollar amount. For instance, lost wages, future earnings, medical bills, and financial costs can all be considered economic damages.
On the other hand, non-economic damages are intangible types of damages that also come from your car crash injury. For instance, these can be pain and suffering, post-traumatic stress, emotional distress, and loss of consortium.
Punitive damages, also called exemplary damages, are difficult to prove in Florida because punitive damages are the only damages intended to punish the defendant for their supposed wrongdoing or negligence. To make a claim for punitive damages, a claimant must show that the at-fault third party acted with intent, extreme recklessness or gross negligence. In Florida, there is a cap on punitive damages amounting to three times the economic and non-economic damages or $500,000.
We understand the financial burden that car accidents can cause, which is why we offer free initial consultations. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay us unless we recover compensation for your case.
If you seek to bring a suit against a negligent third party who caused your injuries from a vehicle accident, you have two years to do so. Under Florida’s statute of limitations, most personal injury victims have this timeframe to bring a case.
One of the major exceptions to this is if the accident victim died due to their injuries. If this is the case, the executors of the deceased’s estate have two years to bring a wrongful death case, starting at the time of the victim’s death.
It might be tempting to accept a quick settlement, but doing so prematurely can lead to receiving less compensation than you rightfully deserve. Personal injury cases require careful consideration as they can take time to accurately assess the extent of your injuries and damages. Remember, you only have one opportunity to settle. Settling too early might mean missing out on additional compensation needed for unforeseen treatments or ongoing care. At Shapiro | Delgado | Hofmann, our experienced attorneys understand the importance of thorough evaluation. We won’t hesitate to negotiate aggressively for the maximum compensation you deserve, and if necessary, take your case to trial to secure the best outcome for you.
The compensation you may receive depends on various factors, including the severity of your injuries, the impact on your life, and the level of negligence by the other party. An attorney can evaluate your case and estimate the potential compensation you may be entitled to.
If this seems overwhelming, that’s completely understandable. Florida car accident law and claims are complicated. That’s why it is our professional recommendation to seek out an experienced auto accident attorney in Sarasota as soon as possible.
A good Sarasota auto accident lawyer will know how to work through the nuances of the Florida legal system. They will be able to understand your exact situation and give great recommendations as to you or your loved one’s next steps.
So why do we recommend seeking an experienced car accident law firm like Shapiro | Delgado | Hofmann?
It’s important when you’re thinking about getting legal representation in your case to make sure that you are selecting not just an ethical and skilled lawyer but someone you can work with over the months or years it takes to settle your case. Choosing a legal partner you are comfortable with will help your case be more successful.
If you don’t meet the criteria for being classified as “seriously” injured according to Florida statute, you can still benefit from the assistance of a reliable legal partner like Shapiro | Delgado | Hofmann. They can provide guidance on matters related to negligence, insurance, and compensation. Whether or not you are at fault, if you have any doubts about the need for legal representation, don’t hesitate to contact one of our car accident lawyers in Sarasota. We offer a free initial consultation where you can learn about your options.
Our Sarasota car accident attorneys serves all over Sarasota County including:
Sarasota Springs, Englewood, Fruitville, Gulf Gate Estates, Bee Ridge, Laurel, North Sarasota, Venice Gardens, Southgate, Osprey, Siesta Key, Warm Mineral Springs, South Sarasota, Lake Sarasota, The Meadows, Kensington Park, Vamo, Desoto Lakes, Nokomis, Plantation
If you’re curious about our track record of excellence, we’ll just let the numbers of our client’s monetary settlements speak for themselves:
Throughout our careers, we’ve gotten our clients over $100 million in settlements and successful trial verdicts. We’re confident in our work and our ability to get similar results in your car accident claim – which is why we never take any financial compensation from our clients unless we win their case.
At Shapiro | Delgado | Hofmann, our Sarasota car accident lawyers understand that an auto accident can be a traumatic and life-changing event. That’s why we provide compassionate and personalized representation to each client.
Our law firm will work tirelessly to ensure that you receive the best possible outcome for your case, whether negotiating a fair settlement or taking your case to trial. Our goal is to help you get the compensation you need to cover medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses related to your injury.
Our Sarasota personal injury attorneys are experienced in personal injury law and know the statutes in Florida, inside and out. That’s why we can provide extensive legal coverage and insight into your car accident claim.
Get in touch with a Sarasota car accident lawyer at Shapiro | Delgado | Hofmann law firm today. Scheduling your free, no-obligation case review is simple and straightforward. We’re standing by so that we can help. Call us today at (941) 954-4000 or fill out our online form.
