Auto, Truck & Motor Vehicle Accidents

Serving Central Florida, Orlando and Tampa, FL

Orlando, Tampa and Central Florida Car Accident Lawyer What Do I Do Now?

No one wants to be involved in a Florida car accident. They usually happen so fast, you're not sure what to do next. Here are a few tips to assist you in negotiating the tricky road of being in a car crash. Always consult your attorney if you are involved in an auto accident.

Download our Auto Accidents - What To Do & What Not To Do Brochure

After the Crash

Florida law requires that you must immediately stop your vehicle at the scene of the crash, or as close thereto as possible, without obstructing traffic more than is necessary, and, if a damaged vehicle is obstructing traffic, the driver of the vehicle must make every reasonable effort to move the vehicle or have it moved so as not to obstruct the regular flow of traffic. You must remain at the scene of the crash until you provide the proper information to others involved and law enforcement.

Rendering Aid to Others

Florida law requires you to render to any person injured in the crash reasonable assistance, including the carrying, or the making of arrangements for the carrying, of such person to a physician, surgeon, or hospital for medical or surgical treatment if it is apparent that treatment is necessary, or if such carrying is requested by the injured person.

Notifying Law Enforcement

The driver of a vehicle involved in a crash resulting in injury to or death of any persons or damage to any vehicle or other property in an apparent amount of at least $500 shall immediately by the quickest means of communication give notice of the crash to the local police department, if such crash occurs within a municipality; otherwise, to the office of the county sheriff or the nearest office or station of the Florida Highway Patrol.

Unattended Vehicles or Other Property

If you collide with, or are involved in a crash with any vehicle or other property which is unattended, resulting in any damage to such other vehicle or property you must immediately stop and either locate and notify the operator or owner of the vehicle or other property of the driver's name and address and the registration number of the vehicle he or she is driving, or attach securely in a conspicuous place in or on the vehicle or other property a written notice giving the driver's name and address and the registration number of the vehicle he or she is driving, and without unnecessary delay report the crash to the nearest office of the appropriate police authority.

Driver's Information Exchange

The law enforcement officer at the scene of a crash is required by law to instruct the driver of each vehicle involved in the crash to exchange the name and address of the owner and the driver of the vehicle; license number of the vehicle; and the name of the liability insurance carrier for the vehicle. If possible, you should try to obtain the names of any witnesses, vehicle passengers, or other parties that have knowledge of the crash.

Be Careful Who You Talk To

Florida law requires you to provide information and cooperate with law enforcement's investigation of the accident. This information is privileged and under most circumstances can not be used against you. However, anything you say to anyone else, including other parties involved, witnesses, medical personnel, etc. can. Do not admit fault for the accident to anyone or make any remarks that may be construed that you feel you are responsible. Simply state the facts of what happened.

Dealing with Insurance Companies

As soon as possible, report the accident to your insurance company. If you do not, you may be jeopardizing your coverage and give them a reason to deny covering you for the loss.

If you are not at fault, the damage to your vehicle can be repaired using the at-fault party's property damage liability coverage. They may also be responsible for providing you a rental car while yours is being repaired. If you are at fault, or the other party has no (or not enough) property damage liability coverage, then you can use the collision coverage under your policy. Most policies with collision coverage have a deductible, or the amount of money you agreed to pay up front, before your collision coverage starts paying.

No-Fault Coverage

In Florida, your insurance is responsible for certain injury related damages regardless who is at fault. This Personal Injury Protection (P.I.P.) coverage pays a percentage of your medical bills, lost wages, and some household services you are no longer able to perform as a result of your involvement in the accident, subject to any deductible you may have chosen when you purchased your policy. We recommend that you carefully consider if the small amount you save in choosing to have a P.I.P. deductible is the best decision for you. Florida law limits the circumstances under which a civil lawsuit for damages may be filed based upon injuries sustained in most automobile collisions. The personal injuries must meet minimum requirements which are commonly referred to as the "personal injury threshold". Current provisions require that the injury consist at least, in part, of: a. significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function; b. permanent injury within a reasonable degree of medical probability; c. permanent scarring or disfigurement; or d. death.

Lilly, O'Toole & Brown, LLP
Lakeland Office: (863) 683-1111
Bartow Office: (863) 533-5525
Sebring Office: (863) 471-0003
Lake Wales Office: (863) 676-1991
Haines City Office: (863) 422-1282
Wauchula Office: (863) 767-1111
Winter Haven Office (863) 294-8100

Also providing legal assistance to clients from:
Wauchula, Lake Placid, Avon Park, Plant City, Brandon, and Valrico, Florida.

Blog for Auto, Truck & Motor Vehicle Accidents

Library for Auto, Truck & Motor Vehicle Accidents:

How to File a Sinkhole Claim in Florida
Description: If your home or personal property has been damaged by a sinkhole, you may be eligible for compensation in a Tampa sinkhole damage claim. A Tampa sinkhole damage attorney from Lilly, O’Toole & Brown can investigate your sinkhole claim and help you to fight for compensation. Contact us today – 1-863-683-1111
Texting and Cell Phone Usage In A Florida Truck Accident
Description: In January 2010, the Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a federal texting ban for truckers. A Florida truck accident lawyer from Lilly, O’Toole & Brown can investigate your claim to determine which parties are liable for your injuries. Contact us today - 863-533-5525.
Trucking Companies and Financial Responsibility
Description: In Florida, motor carriers of property are required to meet a minimum standard of financial responsibility. This will have a direct impact on the settlement offered in the event of a Florida truck accident claim. A Florida truck accident lawyer from Lilly, O’Toole & Brown can investigate your claim to determine which parties are liable for your injuries. Contact us today – 1-863-533-5525.
Obtaining Evidence Against a Truck Driver or Truck Company
Description: Federal trucking regulations dictate that truck drivers keep careful records of their hours spent on-duty and off-duty. These records can be key pieces of evidence in your Florida truck accident claim. An Orlando truck accident lawyer from Lilly, O’Toole & Brown can investigate your claim to determine which parties are liable for damages. Contact us today - 863-533-5525.
Compensation Available in a Florida Truck Accident
Description: If you are coping with mounting medical bills in the wake of a Florida truck accident, you may have questions about what type of compensation to expect in a truck injury claim. To learn more about filing an injury claim after a truck accident, you should enlist the help of a Florida truck accident attorney at Lilly, O’Toole & Brown – 863-533-5525.
Common Parties At-Fault in a Florida Truck Accident
Description: When you are involved in a Florida truck accident, there may be more parties at-fault than just the truck driver and this will have a significant impact on your settlement. A Florida truck accident lawyer from Lilly, O’Toole & Brown can investigate your claim to determine which parties are liable for your injuries. Contact us today - 863-533-5525.
Trucking Company Negligence and Your Florida Truck Accident
Description: If you’ve been injured in a Florida truck accident, your injury claim must prove truck company negligence and liability. To learn more about filing an injury claim after a truck accident, you should enlist the help of a Florida truck accident lawyer at Lilly, O’Toole, & Brown - 863-533-5525.
Truck Driver Negligence and Florida Truck Accidents
Description: Because truck accidents so often lead to serious injury or even death, truck drivers are required to follow specific safety protocol in the interest of protecting those with whom they share the road. To learn more about filing an injury claim after a truck accident, you should enlist the help of a Florida truck accident lawyer at Lilly, O’Toole, & Brown - (863) 533-5525.
The Most Common Types of Truck Accidents in Florida
Description: While the exact circumstances for any truck accident in Florida will be unique, there are a few types of truck accidents that are particularly common. To learn more about filing an injury claim after a truck accident, you should enlist the help of a Florida truck accident attorney at Lilly, O’Toole, & Brown - (863) 533-5525.
Trucking Company and Driver Regulations
Description: The federal government has set forth strict regulations regarding the driving of commercial motor vehicles. Below is a list FMCSA rules and regulations that commercial drivers, specifically truckers, must comply with. To learn about filing an injury claim after a truck accident, enlist the help of a Florida truck accident attorney at Lilly, O’Toole, & Brown - (863) 533-5525.
Understanding the Florida Truck Accident Claims Process
Description: If you have been injured in a truck accident in Florida, you may have questions about the Florida truck accident claims process. To learn more about filing an injury claim after a truck accident, you should enlist the help of a Florida truck accident attorney at Lilly, O’Toole, & Brown - (863) 533-5525.
Dealing With Insurance Companies After a Central Florida Truck Accident
Description: Dealing with insurance companies after being involved in a truck accident may leave you frustrated and confused. The Central Florida truck accident attorneys at the Law Offices of Lilly, O’Toole & Brown LLP will help you evaluate your claim and handle the insurance companies. Contact us today for a free consultation – (863) 533-5525
What to do After a Truck Accident in Central Florida
Description: The first steps you take after a truck accident in Central Florida are critical to your personal injury claim. The attorneys at the law offices of Lilly, O’Toole & Brown LLP will help you with each step of the claim process and settle your case. Contact us today for a free consultation – (863) 533-5525
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Description: Drunk driving accidents still continue to claim thousands of lives every year. Find out more about drunk driving accident cases in Florida and throughout the country by reading this article. Contact an experienced Orlando car accident attorney at the Law Offices of Lilly, O'Toole & Brown, LLP at (863) 683-1111 if you have been injured in a Florida accident.
How Being a No Fault State Impacts Your Florida Car Accident Case
Description: Florida is a no fault insurance state, but that doesn’t mean you lose your right to sue the negligent driver. If you have sustained permanent or serious injuries, you may be able to pursue compensation in a lawsuit. Read more about no fault insurance in Florida and contact an experienced Orlando car accident attorney at the Law Offices of Lilly, O'Toole & Brown, LLP for legal advice.
Florida Car Accident Statistics – The Numbers Are Frightening
Description: Thousands of people are injured every year in Florida car accidents. Lilly, O’Toole & Brown discuss the latest statistics regarding Florida car accidents. Contact the law offices of Lilly, O'Toole & Brown, LLP at (863) 683-1111 if you have been injured in a car accident.
Symptoms and Treatment of a Whiplash Injury
Description: A whiplash injury can have many symptoms and there are a variety of treatments available. This article discusses the most common symptoms and treatments. In some cases, compensation may be available for a whiplash injury. Contact Lilly, O'Toole & Brown, LLP at (863) 683-1111 for more information.
What Causes Car Crashes?
Description: It has been 30 years since the last on scene crash causation study was conducted. This article goes over the key findings of this study, including common causes of car accidents. Call the Law Offices of Lilly, O'Toole & Brown, LLP at (863) 683-1111 if you have been injured in a car accident caused by another driver.
Avoid Drunk Driving Accidents This Holiday Season
Description: Stay safe this holiday season by reducing your risk of a drunk driving accident. Read this article to find out how you can avoid being involved in an alcohol-related crash over the holidays. Call the Law Offices of Lilly, O'Toole & Brown, LLP at (863) 683-1111 if you have been injured in a drunk driving accident caused by another driver.