Car accidents occur in Ocala, FL, regularly. Unfortunately, these accidents can leave drivers with serious injuries or damage to their motor vehicles. Drivers in this situation often turn to an Ocala personal injury lawyer for legal advice.
Our team at the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine helps you and other drivers affected by these collisions. We’re ready to help you fight for damages, so you don’t have to do it all by yourself.
What Happens If You Are at Fault for a Car Accident in Ocala?
Fault matters for any car accident in Ocala. However, Florida uses no-fault insurance laws for motor vehicle collisions. These laws, summarized here by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), mean that all drivers turn to their insurance first for compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Lost earning potential
However, Florida’s no-fault insurance regulations do not cover damage to another driver’s car. Therefore, legally, drivers who cause a collision may need to handle these losses for another individual.
Additionally, Florida’s no-fault laws include an exception for drivers who experience a “serious” injury. As a result, these drivers have the legal right to file a lawsuit to seek additional compensation for their pain, suffering, and other losses.
How Much Can You Get After a Car Accident in Ocala?
As we mentioned, Florida uses no-fault rules for many car accidents. Therefore, the amount of compensation you receive may depend on the insurance you carry. Florida requires you to maintain a personal injury protection (PIP) policy for at least $10,000.
You may purchase higher amounts of insurance before an accident to get extra protection. Additionally, you have more options if you sustained a severe injury in a collision.
Florida’s Laws Regarding Compensation for Serious Injuries
The state of Florida permits drivers to seek additional compensation if they sustain a severe injury in a car accident. Serious injuries cause:
- Permanent repercussions
- The loss of a bodily function
- Significant disfigurement or scarring
Drivers who suffer a severe injury may file a lawsuit against the person who caused their accident. A lawsuit gives you the opportunity to seek additional compensation for your losses, including funds to cover your pain and suffering.
Move Quickly After a Car Accident in Ocala
It’s essential to take the proper steps after a car accident. A car accident attorney in Ocala can step in to help you right away. You only have four years to file a claim for compensation in a personal injury case under Florida Statutes § 95.11(3)(a).
However, you can begin working on your claim immediately after a collision. Before you leave the scene of the accident, try to:
- Take pictures of the damage to your vehicle and your injuries
- Get contact information from witnesses and the driver who hit you
- Contact law enforcement to report the accident
Law enforcement officers will file a report about your accident. A car accident lawyer in Ocala can use the information in this report to build your claim. We also recommend reaching out to an attorney and seeking medical care if you are hurt.
Types of Car Accidents in Ocala
Every car accident has unique aspects. However, many motor vehicle collisions fall into several primary categories. Drivers often seek legal assistance after a:
Rear-End Collision
Rear-end collisions occur if one driver drives into the rear bumper of another vehicle. We often see these accidents at four-way stops or traffic lights.
Head-On Collision
You could face a head-on collision if another driver crosses the center line and hits you straight-on. These accidents often occur if drivers are not paying attention or begin swerving around on the road.
Side-Impact Collision
Drivers also use the term “T-bone” to refer to side-impact collisions. These collisions often happen in intersections if one driver runs a red light, for example.
Rollover Accidents
Finally, some vehicles roll over on the road. Large trucks, like 18-wheelers and semi-trucks, are more likely to roll over than many passenger vehicles. Some of these accidents involve only a single car. In other cases, rollovers cause large pileups.
Reasons for Car Accidents in Ocala
Determining the cause of a car accident may help you seek compensation for your losses after a collision. These accidents occur for several reasons. Some of the most common causes include:
Fatigue
Drivers who operate a vehicle while fatigued often experience the same level of impairment as drivers who get behind the wheel after drinking. Tired drivers frequently have trouble focusing and may fall asleep behind the wheel.
Alcohol or Drug Usage
Driving under the influence (DUI) is against the law in Florida. However, some drivers ignore this regulation or think they’re safe to drive after having a few drinks. These drivers often cause serious accidents because of their negligent behaviors
Distraction
Distracted driving causes drivers to stop focusing on the road. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report three primary kinds of distraction:
- Visual distraction
- Cognitive distraction
- Manual distraction
Drivers experience visual distraction when they look away from the road, possible to look at a text message. Cognitive distraction occurs if drivers stop thinking about the road. Planning how to reply to an email could represent cognitive distraction. Texting while driving is illegal in Florida, and someone breaking the law while driving can be held liable in a civil court for these negligent actions.
Finally, drivers experience manual distraction if they take their hands off the wheel. Drivers often let go of the wheel to take a drink, eat some food, or change the radio station.
Reckless Driving
Finally, some drivers simply behave aggressively or dangerously. These drivers often cause accidents when they:
- Speed
- Run red lights
- Swerve across lanes
- Tailgate other drivers
- Change lanes without looking
You have the chance to get help if you got hurt in an accident caused by a reckless driver.
Please Speak for Help After a Motor Vehicle Accident in Ocala
Do you want legal help handling the aftermath of a collision with another vehicle? You can start working with a legal team today by reaching out to the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine. Allow us to assess your case and discuss your legal options today.
Just call us to speak to an Ocala car accident lawyer. We put you first and provide responsive legal care. Let us answer all your questions while we handle all your legal needs.
We Can Help.
