Fort Myers Car Accident Lawyer

It happened. After years of passing by serious collisions on State Road 739 and seeing accidents on the news, it’s happened to you. Now, you’re dealing with serious injuries, lost income, and other hardships. You may be entitled to compensation. You can entrust your claim or lawsuit to a Fort Myers personal injury attorney. 

The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine has more than 15 years of experience helping Floridians secure compensation after negligence-related incidents. We seek more than financial recovery; we seek to get your life back. Call now to start your free case review and learn about working with our car accident lawyers. 

What You Can Expect During Your Free Car Accident Consultation 

It shouldn’t be difficult to secure legal representation following a collision. You shouldn’t have to wait on hold, have your call dropped, or deal with unsympathetic representatives. You deserve to understand your options without red tape and other headaches. 

That’s why the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine offers free case reviews. These are no-risk conversations that can help you get insight into your next steps and other relevant matters. We invite you to call now. Representatives are standing by 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to learn your story. 

When You Could Benefit From Hiring A Car Accident Lawyer 

No matter whether you’re just starting a claim or have negotiated with the claims adjuster for months, we’re ready to take the lead on your personal injury case. You could benefit from working with us if: 

• You don’t want to manage the claims process. Filing an insurance claim comes with a lot of time, patience, and energy you simply don’t have. Rather than overextend yourself, entrust your claim to our injury attorneys. We handle everything from filing your case to distributing your settlement’s proceeds. 
• You anticipate problems with the claims adjuster. You may have already initiated matters with the claims adjuster, only to have doubts about their willingness to settle your case. Our team can step in and handle all communications, moving your case forward and preventing unfair delays. 
• You’re unsure of what you’re owed for pain and suffering. Many car accident claimants don’t know what they’re owed for non-economic damages, like pain and suffering. Our team assesses your losses by evaluating your situation and calculating what you need. 
• You’re dealing with a serious condition. Your attention should belong to one thing following a serious car accident: your health. You shouldn’t have to spend hours on hold with claims adjusters and other representatives. That’s our job, and we can get it done. 
• You believe you have a high-value claim. When insurance companies learn about expensive personal injury claims, they often balk at the idea of paying fair compensation. Some even rely on underhanded tactics to cheat people out of what they need. By entrusting your case to our team, you get reassurance that we’re seeking what you deserve. That’s because if you don’t get paid, neither do we. 

The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine wants to learn about your injury claim as soon as possible. We can set your case in motion today and start holding the negligent party responsible. 

Our Clients Never Pay Upfront Fees Or Costs To Retain Our Help 

Don’t let the fear of costs and fees stop you from seeking the compensation you deserve for your car accident in Fort Myers—options are available. We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you don’t pay anything unless we win your case. 

Our injury lawyers will work tirelessly to negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. Throughout this process, we’ll assess the financial impact of the crash on your life before providing an estimate of what kind of settlement you can attain. Then, at your case’s resolution, we draw our attorney’s fees from your awarded settlement––never your personal savings. 

We aim to ensure our clients get every penny they’re entitled to under Florida law. With no upfront costs or fees required, there’s no reason not to reach out and see how we can assist with your situation. 

What To Know About Entrusting Your Car Accident Claim To Our Team 

If you’re seeking help with your case, knowing what factors to consider when choosing a car accident attorney in the Fort Myers area is important. We believe that our clients benefit from: 

• Our years of legal experience. You want an attorney who has handled cases like yours and knows how to navigate the legal system. We have the experience you want. Our team of Fort Myers car accident lawyers has successfully handled cases similar to yours, giving us a better understanding of the law and the ability to negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.
• Our accounting of each injury-related loss. Another factor to consider is how much compensation you may be entitled to for your losses. We will assess your medical condition and other damages before estimating what you can expect regarding compensation. We’ll help you understand what damages you can claim, such as economic losses (like medical bills or lost wages) and non-economic losses (like pain and suffering). We are committed to fighting for what you’re owed. 
• Our help scheduling post-accident appointments. Our advocacy isn’t limited to offering legal services; we understand that you may need help arranging for your car’s repairs and accessing medical care. We connect our clients to these resources, making their post-accident obligations as stress-free as possible. 
• Our network of resources. Your car accident lawyer is your one-stop shop for your legal needs. Yet, when there are occasional gaps in our knowledge, we work with accident reconstruction specialists, medical professionals, and other experts. We use their insights to bolster your claim and compel damages from the negligent party. 
• Our contingency-fee-based services. As noted, we work on a contingency-fee basis––sometimes called a “no-win, no-fee” basis. That’s because if your case doesn’t yield compensation, you don’t pay anything for our time and efforts. 
• Our financing services. Building a successful personal injury case requires consulting with experts, filing your case, and accessing certain types of information. These services don’t come cheap. Yet, our law firm pays for them, not you. 

Ultimately, choosing a car accident lawyer in Fort Myers comes down to finding someone who will work hard on your behalf and treat you with compassion throughout the legal process. That someone isn’t just anyone; it’s a professional from the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine. Call now to start your free consultation. 

We Have A Limited Time To File Your Car Accident Lawsuit 

Florida recently made changes to its civil statute of limitations. Previously, you had four years to file a car accident lawsuit. Now, you only have two years, with your filing period starting from the date of your collision. If you wait too long to file your case: 

• The statute of limitations could expire, and the court would refuse to hear your case. This could be the end of the road for your claim if the insurer refuses to settle. 
• Evidence could become unavailable with the passage of time. For instance, traffic camera footage could get deleted. Eyewitnesses could forget important details. 
• The insurance company could dispute the cause of your injury. For instance, if you broke your arm in May, but you didn’t file your claim until November, the claims adjuster could argue that another incident caused your injury and not the car accident in question. 

Because we work on a contingency-fee basis, there’s no financial risk to partner with our team. Remember: you never pay anything until we win your case, and even then, you never pay us from your own pocket. 

Don’t Assume Anything About Your Lawsuit’s Filing Deadline 

With the new changes in Florida law, you may fear that you have lost the right to seek compensation. Well, Florida Statutes § 95.051 notes that some exceptions could give you more time to file your personal injury lawsuit. These include: 

• You suffered injuries under the age of 18, and you couldn’t file a lawsuit because you were a minor. 
• The other party fled the accident scene, obscuring their identity. 
• You were unable to file a lawsuit because of a physical or cognitive disability. 

If you ever have questions or feel uncertain about your legal options, our Fort Myers personal injury lawyers are a phone call away. In just a few minutes, we can discuss your case’s filing deadline and any details that affect your right to financial recovery. 

Previous Clients Share Great Things About Our Personal Injury Law Firm 

We could go on and on about our previous case results, commitment to justice, and legal services. Yet, nobody sums up what it’s like to be our client better than, well, our previous clients. At the conclusion of their cases, some felt compelled to share: 

• “I was hit on my way to work by a young woman that ran through a red light. Before this accident, I loved driving, and my time in the car was relaxing. After this accident, I was a mess in the car and needed someone to help me sort it out and regain control over what happened. That’s where my attorney Dean Levy came in. Attorney Levy has been very patient, helpful, and diligent in helping me as much as possible, and not only is the settling my case, but they got a much bigger settlement than I expected!!!” ––X. 
• “I have nothing but good things to say about the Law Firm of Anidjar & Levine. This is a very professional, courteous and caring group which work hard for their clients. I am very happy with how they handled my car accident case and with the results. Thank you, Ana, for always being so pleasant and to Attorney Jonathon Holtz for all you did for me. I would definitely recommend this law firm…and would definitely use them again.” ––Sonia G. 
• “My car was totaled and the entire process was a huge hassle until my father put me in contact with the firm. After that it was pretty much smooth sailing. Most of the stress was taken off of my shoulders and they really helped me focus on getting myself better while they took care of everything else. I was updated constantly and all of my questions and concerns were addressed almost immediately.” ––Tyler R. 

Right now on Google Reviews, more than 1,100 people have shared positive things about the level of services they received from our firm. We put the full force of our skill, knowledge, and resources behind each case we handle.

How A Fort Myers Car Accident Lawyer Builds Your Case 

The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine handles legal matters from start to finish. From the moment we learn about your case, we spring into action, aiming to hold the negligent party financially accountable for your losses. When you entrust us with your claim, we take that obligation personally. Some obligations we take off your shoulders include: 

Investigating Your Collision 

We need evidence to hold the negligent party accountable. This information must demonstrate that because the at-fault party caused your collision, you were injured and sustained damages. Supporting information in your case could include: 

• The accident report 
• Photos and videos of the accident scene 
• Black box data 
• Accident reconstruction information 
• Your medical records 
• Receipts, bills, and invoices related to your losses
• Traffic camera footage 
• Eyewitness testimony 

You may collect some pieces of evidence during your recovery period, such as repair bills and estimates. There’s no such thing as too much supporting information in a car accident case. Share any relevant information with your lawyer, as we can use certain documents to support your right to compensation. 

Learning the Cause of Your Accident 

Human error is the leading cause of all traffic accidents. We often deal with car accident cases arising from: 

• Drunk driving 
• Speeding
• Failure to yield 
• Distracted driving, such as texting
• Weaving in and out of lanes 
• Fatigue 
• Aggressive or reckless driving
• Drag racing 

We may find that inclement weather conditions, vehicular malfunction, or another contributor led to your accident. In that case, you have financial recovery options, and we intend to help you uphold them. 

Identifying Fault and Liability 

Fault and liability are two separate concepts. The at-fault party caused your collision and could include: 

• A motorist who didn’t obey traffic signs 
• A government agency that didn’t keep a roadway in working order 
• The manufacturer of a car or its components 
• A commercial trucking company 

The liable party pays for your losses, but might not have anything to do with the accident. For example, if you were hit by a distracted delivery truck driver, you could likely also hold the trucking company liable. This is because employers are liable for their employees’ negligence on the job. Understanding the principles surrounding fault and liability help us pursue what you need. 

Communicating With the Involved Parties 

There’s a lot of communication that goes into building and presenting a personal injury claim. For instance, the liable insurance company wants to know about its obligations as soon as possible. The state also wants to know about your personal injury lawsuit—hence the two-year filing deadline. 

Your lawyer handles all case-related communications, from emails to text messages to pre-trial depositions. When the phone rings or you get a message from an involved party, don’t worry about it. Instead, refer the correspondence to your lawyer and prioritize your recovery period. 

Initiating and Managing the Claims Process 

We resolve many car accident cases through insurance negotiations. That’s because our lawyers know what goes into compelling fair out-of-court settlements from insurance providers. Yet, initiating and managing a claim isn’t easy. It requires our Fort Myers attorneys to: 

• Understand the liable insurance policy 
• Calculate your losses 
• Send a demand letter 
• Assess the accident’s effect on your life 
• Negotiate with claims adjusters
• Combat bad faith insurance practices 

Handling a claim by yourself could quickly turn into a time-consuming, frustrating process. After suffering an injury, you should only have to focus on one priority: you. In the meantime, our team handles everything your case requires to reach a fair conclusion. 

Suing the Negligent Party 

It’s rare that our lawyers must sue to recover car accident compensation. Yet, our trial-ready attorneys have no problem bringing your case before a judge if that’s what it means to recover damages. This process requires cross-examining witnesses, presenting your case, and undertaking other in-the-weeds obligations. 

You don’t have to worry about these tasks, however. We handle everything that goes into securing full and fair compensation.

We Protect You From Bad Faith Insurance Practices After Your Car Accident 

When we file a car accident claim, we expect the liable insurance company to cooperate and act in good faith. However, this isn’t always the case. That’s because these organizations are for-profit companies and sometimes don’t prioritize paying fair compensation. Your Fort Myers car accident lawyer can protect you from: 

• Unjust accusations of fault. If you’re more than 50 percent responsible for the car accident, the state of Florida will prevent you from seeking compensation. So, the other party has a vested interest in blaming you for what happened and avoiding liability. Your car accident lawyer uses evidence to demonstrate your accident’s details and showcase your right to damages. 
• Unjustified claims denials. When an insurance company denies a claim, it must give a written reason why. If your claim gets denied, your lawyer can evaluate the reason and work to reach a compromise with the insurer.
  
• Unfair stalling tactics. The claims process takes time. Yet, you shouldn’t get radio silence from an insurer or otherwise wait months to get a response. State law notes that you have a reasonable expectation to have your case processed in a timely manner. 
• Pressure or coercion. No matter how much an insurance company wants you to accept a low settlement offer, a representative can’t use mind games or bullying tactics to get you to accept. 
• Unnecessary stress. You have enough on your plate after suffering serious injuries in a Fort Myers car accident. You shouldn’t have to deal with the claims process and its endless obligations, too. During your recovery, spend time with your family and focus on things you enjoy. Allow our team to take your case and manage the legal legwork. 

There’s no telling why an insurance company would deny a valid car accident claim. Whatever the reason for your claim’s potential denial, our team does everything possible to secure an approval. 

Your Fort Myers Injury Lawyer Combats These Complications 

The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine makes securing compensation look easy. Yet, at the end of the day, there are many obligations that go into holding a negligent party and their insurer accountable for your losses. We stand ready to combat and overcome your case’s challenges, which may include: 

The Insurer Blaming You For What Happened 

For more than a decade, we’ve watched insurance companies try to blame injured people for accidents other parties caused. We don’t take those accusations lightly. We use your case’s evidence to paint a picture of what happened and show that you deserve full compensation for your losses. As mentioned, this information can include photos of the accident scene, traffic camera footage, and eyewitness testimony. 

Multiple Parties Being Involved 

A lot of finger-pointing happens when more than one party is involved in a serious accident. Everyone may hope to shield themselves from liability by blaming each other. Our team gets to the bottom of what caused your accident by consulting with accident reconstruction specialists, visiting the accident scene, and getting witness testimony. With this information in hand, we intend to hold every negligent party financially accountable for your losses. 

Your Damages Exceeding the Liable Policy’s Limits 

The damages arising from the collision may exceed your PIP coverage. It might even surpass the coverage that the at-fault driver purchased. In a situation like this, you may feel as though you don’t have options for recovering what you need. 

Our team can review your case from multiple angles to uncover your options for seeking financial recovery. For instance, we may sue the negligent driver and compel them to pay out of pocket for what happened. Our investigation may find that more than one party caused your accident, giving us more than one route of seeking what you need. 

The Other Party Not Having Insurance 

Far too many people are uninsured in Florida. Still, not having insurance doesn’t free the other party of liability. You can still pursue the cost of your damages through a claim with your own insurer or via a lawsuit. 

Your Fort Myers Car Accident Lawyer Seeks Full Compensation For Your Losses 

There are many settlement mills throughout southwest Florida. These law firms aim to settle claims for pennies on the dollar, so they can move on to resolving the next case. They prioritize the quantity of cases they take on over the quality of service they provide. 

That’s not the deal with our legal team. The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine seeks full compensation for each way your injury has affected your life. This involves seeking reimbursement for: 

Healthcare Expenses (Past, Present, and Future) 

You started incurring medical bills from the moment paramedics arrived on the scene. These expenses shouldn’t be your responsibility; the other party should pay them. Compensable medical expenses in your case could include (and are certainly not limited to): 

• Surgeries
• Inpatient hospitalization 
• Rehabilitation
• Mental health counseling 
• Doctors’ co-pays 
• Medications 
• Assistive devices, such as wheelchairs and crutches 

By compelling damages from the liable party, you can seek the medical care you need without worrying about cost. 

Lost Income 

You should never (and we mean never) force yourself to attend work following a serious motor vehicle collision. Your body needs time to heal. Based on the details of your job, you can seek financial recovery for lost tips, bonuses, benefits, commissions, and freelance gigs. 

Your injury may have affected your long-term earning ability. In that instance, we can recover compensation for loss of future earning capacity. 

Property Damage Expenses 

If another party’s negligence caused your car accident, they should pay for the cost of its repair or replacement. We evaluate how much you’re owed using repair estimates, market demand, and other documentation. 

Out-Of-Pocket Injury-Related Losses 

A car accident can generate many out-of-pocket injury-related losses, including childcare expenses, temporary transportation arrangements, and in-home modifications. 

Wrongful Death-Related Expenses 

It’s never easy losing a loved one. Matters get even more complicated when they unexpectedly pass away in an auto accident. In a situation like that, you deserve time to focus on your well-being and peace of mind. In the meantime, a Fort Myers wrongful death lawyer from our team can seek financial recovery for: 

• Funeral bills
• End-of-life care costs 
• Your loved one’s anticipated income 
• Loss of consortium, household benefits, and parental guidance 
• Pain and suffering

Pain and Suffering 

Suffering serious injuries in a car accident can generate extensive mental trauma and emotional distress. Those hardships are compensable under the law. 

Other Non-Economic Damages 

In addition to your pain and suffering, you can seek compensation that acknowledges your: 

• Disability 
• Scarring
• Disfigurement 
• Loss of consortium

This isn’t a complete list of damages following your motor vehicle accident. The types of damages you can recover (along with how much) depend on your situation. 

How Does My Lawyer Calculate a Fair Car Accident Settlement? 

To calculate a fair settlement value, we must collect all bills, receipts, and other documentation of your expenses and losses from the crash. As noted, these losses may include medical bills, lost income, and other injury-related hardships. 

In addition to requesting money for your financial losses, we also use the sum of these damages to calculate your non-economic damages. This includes compensation for the pain and suffering the accident caused. If you suffered permanent impairments because of your injuries, your non-economic damages may be higher than your financial damages. We can help you understand how we calculate these damages, which can vary between cases.

Florida Does Not Cap How Much You Can Recover 

Some states limit how much injured people can recover after suffering severe injuries. Florida is not one of them. Here’s what you should know: 

• There’s no limit to what you can recover. You deserve compensation that helps you take back your life. This goes beyond securing money for your medical bills; you can seek fair compensation for your emotional trauma, physical pain, and other related hardships, too. 
• Pain and suffering could comprise a significant portion of your claim. You could recover more than you initially thought for pain and suffering and other non-economic damages. 
• There isn’t an average settlement for Florida car accident cases. There isn’t a unified database that keeps track of car accident settlement amounts. How much you can recover is unique to your situation and your situation alone. Your lawyer can explain how much you can recover at the beginning of your partnership, accounting for any factors unique to your case. 

With our services, you don’t have to stress about making ends meet. We aim to secure everything you need. 

These Factors Can Affect How Much You Can Recover 

How much you can recover is unique to your situation. Some factors that can affect your settlement or court award’s value include:

• The severity of your condition
• Your estimated recovery period 
• Your financial losses 
• Any allegations of fault
• The details of the accident
• The liable insurance company

To date, we’ve recovered millions for injured people. We hope to recover an award that accounts for each of your damages. 

What To Know About Getting Hurt In A Fort Myers Car Accident 

The insurance company for the at-fault party will assign a claims adjuster to investigate your accident. The adjuster will either deny liability or try to negotiate a settlement.

Here are a few things you need to understand about this process:

• The claims adjuster works for the defendant’s insurance company, not for you. They hope to resolve your injury claim for as little money as possible. This is how they protect their employer’s bottom line.
• Not all insurance adjusters negotiate in good faith. For instance, they may offer less than you’re owed and say, “That’s the best I can do.” They may delay the claims process, hoping you’ll drop the matter and seek damages elsewhere. Under Florida Statutes § 624.155, you have legal rights against bad-faith insurance practices.
• Negotiations, investigations, and other case-related matters do not toll your case’s filing deadlines. If the filing deadline passes and you have not filed a lawsuit, the insurance company and at-fault party have no obligation to offer you a fair settlement. Filing your case outside the prescribed deadline could hurt your financial recovery options.

At this point, you might be wondering what happens if you lose a car accident lawsuit. You will not receive compensation if you cannot win against the defendant. This also means you may have to pay for the damages from the crash out of pocket. However, working with a car accident attorney from the start could give you the best possible chance at recovering damages. 

When we represent a person injured in a car crash, they do not have to worry about dealing directly with the claims adjuster or insurer. We handle everything for you, so you can focus on improving. We can even help make your appointments and arrange your car’s repairs. Why go through all of this on your own? Call the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine now to learn more. 

These Considerations Could Bolster Your Fort Myers Car Accident Case 

After a collision, it’s important to take certain steps to protect your legal rights from the very beginning. This prevents any obstacles that could affect your case early on. 

The first step is to seek medical care immediately, even if you feel okay. This creates a record of your injuries, which can be used later to further your insurance claim or lawsuit. It also establishes the severity of your condition and the initial medical treatment you required. 

After seeking medical attention, the next step is to gather evidence about the accident scene. Take photos of any damage to your vehicle and the other party’s vehicle and get the contact information from any witnesses present at the time of the collision. 

Finally, do not speak with insurance adjusters without consulting your Fort Myers car accident lawyer first. An experienced attorney will handle communication with insurance companies on your behalf so that you can focus on recovering from your injuries.

Think Twice About Accepting That First Settlement Offer 

The insurance company may offer a settlement shortly after learning about your claim. However, this offer might not account for the full scope of your losses. It might leave you with out-of-pocket expenses or force you to make unfair decisions regarding your medical care. 

That’s where you could benefit from partnering with our team. We don’t jump at the first settlement offer just to resolve your case. We fight for a settlement that helps you start a new chapter in your life. We just ask this one thing from you: refer all proposals to your lawyer. If you accept any money from the insurer, your case ends, and you can’t request more money. 

Don’t Post About The Incident Online 

Anything you share online about the collision, your injuries, or your legal claim could jeopardize negotiations. That’s because some insurance companies look for any reason to deny or lowball injury claims. If you share anything that underscores the severity of your condition or makes you potentially liable for what happened, this could complicate matters. Only you and your lawyer need to know about your case’s intimate details. Cyberspace doesn’t. 

Questions We Frequently Get From Car Accident Clients 

You deserve answers to each of your case-related questions, so you can make decisions that benefit your circumstances. Some questions we’ve received from people in situations like yours include: 

How Long Does Settling A Car Accident Lawsuit In Fort Myers Typically Take?

When settling a car accident lawsuit in Fort Myers, the timeline can vary depending on several factors. Generally, settling a case can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. It all depends on the case’s complexity, the amount of damages involved, and whether there are disputes over liability. 

At our law firm, we understand that dealing with an accident can be overwhelming and stressful. That’s why we work tirelessly to help our clients quickly get the compensation they deserve. We provide personalized attention and guidance throughout the legal process, so you don’t have to worry about anything. Our goal is always to serve your best interests and ensure you receive fair treatment under the law.

Do I Have To File A Lawsuit To Resolve My Fort Myers Car Accident Case? 

While some cases go to trial, many are settled outside of court through negotiations between attorneys and insurance companies. Our experienced car accident lawyers work hard to get our clients the compensation they deserve quickly and efficiently. We handle communication with insurance companies and gather evidence to support your claim, so you can focus on recovering from your injuries. If necessary, we will fight for justice in court, but our goal is always to reach a fair settlement without needing a trial. 

Can I Still Seek Compensation If I Was A Passenger In The Car And Not The Driver?

The answer is yes! As passengers, we trust drivers to operate their vehicles safely, and innocent passengers can suffer serious injuries when they don’t. Whether it’s a reckless driver or faulty vehicle parts that caused the accident, if someone else was at fault for your injuries, you can pursue legal action and seek compensation for your damages. Don’t hesitate to contact a car accident lawyer who can help guide you through this difficult time and fight for justice on your behalf.

Can I Sue If The Other Driver Does Not Have Insurance?

Did you know that in Florida, 20.4% of drivers are uninsured, according to the Insurance Information Institute? However, even if the other driver is uninsured, you can file a lawsuit to obtain compensation for your losses. An experienced lawyer can review your case and help determine your options for pursuing legal action. Don’t let an uninsured driver prevent you from seeking justice—contact a trusted legal professional today to learn more about your rights and options.

What Types of Car Accidents Happen in Fort Myers? 

Rear-end collisions are among the most frequent accidents, often caused by distracted driving or sudden stops. T-bone accidents are also common and can be particularly dangerous at intersections, where drivers must exercise caution and follow traffic lights. 

Head-on collisions are severe due to the impact, often resulting from reckless driving or driving under the influence. Finally, single-vehicle accidents can happen for various reasons, such as road conditions or mechanical failure, and determining liability can be challenging without legal assistance.

What Can I Expect During The Auto Insurance Claims Process?

Once we determine you qualify to file a liability claim against the at-fault driver, we will investigate your accident. We collect evidence and build a strong case to support your claim during this period.

We may use various resources to prove your right to compensation. This could include calling expert witnesses to help us understand your injuries and prognosis or enlisting the help of accident reconstruction specialists.

Once we understand how your accident occurred and prove the other driver was guilty of negligence (or acted carelessly or recklessly), we can file your claim. We often submit a demand letter to the at-fault driver’s insurance company asking for specific compensation based on your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other accident-related losses.

This demand letter gives us a starting point for settlement negotiations with the insurer. Typically, insurance adjusters investigate after receiving our claim and develop their value for your case. They offer this amount, and we go to work negotiating a claim covering the maximum compensation possible.

We can usually reach a fair settlement with the insurance company after several rounds of negotiations. If this is impossible, state law generally gives us two years to file a civil suit in court from the day of the crash. If we need to pursue this option, a judge or jury will award compensation in your case.

Understanding How Florida’s Car Accident Insurance Laws Work 

As a part of Florida’s no-fault auto insurance system, all motorists must carry a personal injury protection (PIP) policy that covers injuries and lost wages after a crash. Because there is no need to establish fault or conduct a large-scale investigation, these policies typically pay out quickly and work well after a fender-bender or other accident with only minor injuries.

However, if you only carry the minimum PIP coverage required, you could face a situation where your insurance policy will not cover all your medical care and related losses. According to the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles, the minimum required coverage is only $10,000. This may be enough to cover a trip to the emergency department to set a broken arm. 

Yet, injuries beyond that could leave you paying out of pocket or looking for other options for compensation. In that instance, you could seek compensation for your losses through a third-party claim or lawsuit—both of which our lawyers can help you with.

You Can Seek Compensation, Even If You Contributed to the Collision 

While Florida operates on a no-fault insurance system, it also is a comparative negligence state. This means that you can hold another party liable if they contributed to the accident. However, if you cause more than 50 percent of an accident, you can’t recover damages. If you caused less than 50 percent of the crash, you can seek damages, but this can ultimately affect how much you can recover. 

Consider this scenario to understand more: 

• You suffered a brain injury following a collision with a fatigued driver. 
• An investigation finds that you drove more than 15 miles over the speed limit, making you 30 percent responsible. 
• Your damage award is $1 million. 
• Because you contributed to 30 percent of the accident, you could only recover $700,000 of your damage award. 

Our team uses evidence to illustrate your right to compensation and combat unfair accusations of fault.

Your Personal Injury Attorney Must Establish Negligence to Recover Damages 

As part of securing compensation, our personal injury lawyers must prove that the other party’s negligence led to your collision and damages. This involves showing: 

• The at-fault party owed you a duty of care. This element is a given in most car accident cases because all motorists have a duty of care to drive with reasonable caution. 
• The at-fault party violated their duty of care. The moment a motorist puts others at risk of harm, they breach their duty of care. For instance, a motorist who drives while intoxicated breaches their duty of care. 
• The other party’s breach caused your collision. As noted, we can prove your accident’s cause using photos, videos, and eyewitness testimony.
• You suffered injuries. We may use your medical records and information from your doctor to prove that you suffered injuries and required medical care. 

Understanding how to prove negligence and its elements can prove confusing for a layperson. You don’t have to struggle through these concepts alone. When you hire an attorney from the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine, you get someone to navigate the process and seek what you deserve.

What Happens If the Insurance Company Denies My Claim? 

When an insurance company denies a claim, it must present a reason for the denial in writing. That way, you and your lawyer have the opportunity to address that reason and resubmit your claim. For instance, an insurance company may deny a claim that doesn’t have sufficient evidence. There, your lawyer can investigate your collision and present this information to the insurer. 

If the insurance company denies your claim (and the reason for the denial isn’t reasonable), your lawyer can sue the at-fault party. Sometimes, we find that after initiating a lawsuit, the insurance company comes around and decides to offer fair compensation. 

Your Car Accident Claim Comes With Filing Deadlines 

Remember how we said that personal injury lawsuits come with a two-year filing deadline? A similar restriction applies to insurance claims. Depending on the deadline set by the liable party, you could have anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to file your case. That’s not a long time given the chaos that affects a car accident. 

Starting your complimentary case review is just one of many things that could protect your right to compensation. Once you partner with us, we file your case within the appropriate timeframe and keep you updated along the way.

Our Fort Myers Personal Injury Lawyers Advocate For People With These Conditions 

Every car accident case is unique. How much you can recover depends on your injuries and how they affect your life. Some injuries lead to chronic conditions that require ongoing medical care. You will want your claim to reflect your current and future accident-related losses.

We pursue compensation for people suffering from these and other conditions: 

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Broken bones
• Internal organ damage
• Hemorrhaging
• Soft-tissue injuries
• Sprains
• Spinal cord injuries
• Whiplash
• Amputations
• Scarring and disfigurement

As noted earlier, we also advocate for the family members of people who have suffered fatal injuries. 

Prioritize Medical Treatment After A Car Accident

Nothing is more important than your health and physical recovery. See a doctor immediately after any car accident, even if you believe your injuries are minor. A doctor can assess your injuries and prescribe appropriate treatment to help you reach your maximum medical recovery.

Medical documentation can also prove invaluable for your case. It can help link your losses to the accident and give us an idea of how much you stand to recover. You don’t want an insurer to undervalue your losses and offer an unfair settlement. If you forgo medical treatment, an adjuster may argue that you contributed to your losses.

Protect your right to compensation and seek medical attention.

Our Fort Myers Personal Injury Attorneys Handle These Cases 

Our legal team advocates for accident victims across Lee County, and we want to see how we can help you and your family now.

We handle a variety of cases, including:

• Motorcycle accidents
• Bicycle accidents
• Drunk driving accidents
• Head-on collisions
• Side-impact collisions
• Rear-end accidents
• Truck accidents
• Distracted driving accidents
• Uber and Lyft rideshare accidents
• Road rage accidents
• Reckless driving accidents
• Hit-and-run accidents
• Failure to yield accidents
• Speeding accidents
• Brake failure accidents
• Bus accidents

We handle other types of accidents, as well. We can discuss your particular accident during a free, no-obligation consultation.

Resources Our Personal Injury Law Firm Offers 

Your lawyer’s insights are just one resource you get when you entrust us with your legal matters. With the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine, you also get: 

• Access to our “Where Does It Hurt?” program. We have interactive software that helps clients recognize the severity of their condition and right to damages. While this information is not a substitute for medical care, it can help you decide whether to secure representation. 
• Information about frequently asked questions. You have questions regarding your car accident. We have answers––and we’ve summed them up on our frequently asked questions page. Here, you can read blog posts and other articles about issues regarding fault, liability, and your financial recovery options.
• Direct access to your lawyer. Clients at other injury firms often never meet their attorneys. They only deal with paralegals and clerks. That’s not the case with our advocacy. You get your lawyer’s direct phone number and email address, empowering you to ask questions and get answers within a reasonable timeframe. 

Your initial consultation is also a great resource that can help you understand your steps following a collision and how you could benefit from working with our car accident team. 

What Could Happen if I Move Forward Without a Fort Myers Attorney? 

Many car accident claimants in Florida choose to undertake the process on their own. However, without representation, they find themselves going head-to-head with insurance giants and other organizations that want to evade liability. With our advocacy, you prevent: 

• The insurance company giving false information. If you don’t hire a lawyer, how will you know if the claims adjuster is supplying the correct information? Some insurers do this on purpose to derail cases or dissuade injured people from seeking what they need. Your lawyer can evaluate the liable insurance policy and hold the liable party to its obligations. 
• Dragging out your physical recovery period. When you overexert yourself, you take away the energy your body needs to heal. This could cause wounds to heal slower, put undue stress on your health, and otherwise impede your ability to reach maximum medical improvement. 
• Accepting a low settlement offer. It’s easy to lose your patience when dealing with claims adjusters. To resolve your case, you might settle for less than you need just to get the matter over with. You don’t have that problem with our firm. We enter into negotiations knowing that constitutes fair compensation, so we can advocate for what you need. 

There is no reason to go unrepresented after a collision in Fort Myers. With our firm, you get more than a lawyer. You get an ally and advocate. 

Get Legal Representation After Your Lee County Car Accident 

There’s a time and a place to learn the law and understand civil procedure. Now is not the time to take on your claim like a DIY project. Instead, put your future first and call the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine. Securing compensation, peace of mind, and legal assistance is just a phone call away. We’re ready to learn your story when you’re ready to share.