The city of Ocoee, Florida, is located west of Orlando on the shore of Lake Apopka. With a small-town feel and less than 50,000 inhabitants, it is an accessible community. Ocoee is a part of the Orlando–Kissimmee–Sanford, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area.
If you have an accident, an Ocoee car accident lawyer from the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine can help. Our Ocoee personal injury lawyers can handle the legal legwork while you rest and recover.
What Compensation Is Available After a Car Accident in Ocoee?
Vehicle accidents fall under Florida’s no-fault law. Your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage pays for your medical care during a minor accident. In a more severe accident, your losses may exceed the limitations of your PIP and property damage liability (PDL) coverage.
When you have a severe collision that was not your fault, provisions in Florida law (Florida Statutes §768.81) permit you to seek additional compensation from the at-fault driver. By filing a personal injury lawsuit after a crash, you may be able to receive other economic and non-economic compensation to cover your losses.
Medical Costs
This loss includes all expenses for medically-related care for injuries received in an accident, including:
- Ambulance and transportation to and from medical appointments
- Hospital care, surgeries, testing, and medications
- Follow-up treatment, occupational and physical therapy, prosthetics, and modifications to your home, such as a wheelchair ramp or safety devices
Loss of Income
Loss of income includes wages you can’t earn due to injury, including current and future wages. You may also receive compensation for expected bonuses, commissions, and promotion-related raises you can no longer make due to your injuries. Suppose your injuries allow you to return to work at a reduced capacity. In that case, you may receive the difference between your previous and current wages.
Property Damage
This loss includes your vehicle and items that were damaged during the accident. This may consist of child car seats and electronics in the car at the time of the collision.
Non-Economic Losses
Non-economic losses cover things that money cannot buy. This area of compensation does not have a direct monetary valuation. Still, it helps assist accident victims in the continuation of their lives. Some of the areas for non-economic compensation include:
Pain and Suffering
This account for your injuries. Pain can be both physical and emotional. Although difficult to measure, it is a part of the aftermath of every severe accident.
Scarring and Disfigurement
These leave emotional and physical reminders of an accident. Receiving compensation doesn’t make them disappear but may allow you to opt for plastic or corrective surgery that is not covered elsewhere.
Loss of Consortium
This refers to changes you may incur due to the mental anguish from an accident. You may no longer enjoy or be able to participate in the same activities causing changes in your relationships with family and friends.
Losing a Family Member to a Negligent Driver
If you have lost a loved one in an Ocoee car accident, please allow us to express our sincere condolences. There is a financial burden with any unexpected death, and that can take a toll on a family. Fortunately, seeking the counsel of an attorney might benefit your family in recovering some of those costs. If a death results from another person’s negligence, the family can seek compensation for:
- Funeral expenses
- Burial or cremation costs
- Final medical expenses related to life-saving measures
- Loss of familial income if the deceased was the primary wage earner
Money can never bring your loved one back, but taking care of the financial obligations can offer your family peace of mind as you grieve your loss.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Florida?
Florida limits who can file a claim for wrongful death to the family or the designated representative of the estate. Per Florida Statutes §768.21, the priority of compensation is paid out in a sequence to provide the most support to the remaining spouse and children.
The Benefits of Having an Ocoee Car Accident Lawyer
When deciding whether or not to obtain the services of an Ocoee car accident attorney, consider that your first consultation is free. This service allows you to discuss your case with someone familiar with the law, insurance allowances, and how the court system works. They can explain the benefits of using an attorney to seek additional compensation over the allowances of PIP and PDL coverage.
Some of the areas where an Ocoee car accident attorney will help:
- File all claims paperwork on your behalf
- Investigate the accident to establish liability
- Gather and compile evidence to support your claim
- Assess your losses and develop a financial plan for compensation
- Provide guidance and advice regarding your claim
- Handle all correspondence and communication with insurance companies
If you are working on recovering from injuries, having an attorney can allow you to heal without worrying about the expenses related to car accidents.
Paying for a Lawyer
Beginning with a complimentary consultation, our car accident team works for you and your family without any upfront costs. Our expenses and fees will come from your compensation payment if we succeed. Our team works hard to gain the compensation you deserve.
Understanding the Limitations of PIP Coverage After a Car Accident
With Florida’s no-fault insurance requirements under Florida Statutes § 627.7407, all drivers must carry a minimum PIP of $10,000. These funds cover your medical expenses following an accident, regardless of who was at fault. An additional $10,000 for PDL coverage is designated for property repair or replacement.
These minimums are often inadequate to cover the financial requirements of accident recovery. Having an Ocoee car accident lawyer can help you regain your losses.
What Is the Process for Filing a Lawsuit?
Although you can file a lawsuit in the Florida court system, it is helpful to have an attorney that is familiar with the process assist you. An attorney will manage all the day-to-day communication and ensure that filings are on time.
Many car accident claims do not go all the way to trial. The process of “discovery” is where your attorney presents their evidence to the defendant’s insurance company. If negligence is in evidence, many insurance companies opt for an out-of-court settlement before trial.
Our Ocoee Car Accident Attorneys Can Help
The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine provide services within the Ocoee community and surrounding area. You can use a free consultation to discuss your accident and get real answers to your many questions about additional compensation. Contact our office to get started today. Our compassionate car accident is ready to help.
We Can Help.
