Alachua County Car Accident Lawyer

Have you sustained injuries following a car accident in Alachua County? If so, Allen Law Firm Accident & Injury Lawyers can help you seek the compensation to which you may be entitled. Our Alachua County car accident lawyers are second to none in fighting for our injured clients so they can get on the road to recovery.

Call our office today to speak with a member of our talented legal team. We’ll go over your case with you and offer some initial legal advice. Your first consultation is absolutely free, so you have nothing to lose by reaching out to us to learn more about what we can do for you. We’re here to advocate for you.

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How Allen Law Firm, P.A., Can Help After a Crash in Alachua County

At Allen Law Firm, P.A., we know the distress you’re experiencing right now and the impact all this has had on your life. A car accident can have a devastating effect on your physical and emotional health, as well as your financial well-being. It’s okay to feel a bit overwhelmed right now. Just keep in mind that you don’t have to go through this on your own.

Our Alachua County personal injury lawyers are highly-respected, award-winning legal professionals who have earned a reputation for successfully fighting for injured clients. With over 70+ years of combined legal experience and a team of former adjusters with 130+ years of collective experience inside the insurance industry, we know what to expect and how to address the issues that arise. There’s nothing we haven’t seen, and our experience puts you at a significant advantage.

When you hire Allen Law Firm, P.A., to represent you in your car accident case, here are just a few of the many services you can expect us to get started on immediately:

Sit down with you to hear your side of the accident. We know this kind of trauma can be difficult to share, so we treat you with respect and dignity as you go through the details with us.
Investigate the evidence available, including examining the site of the accident, reviewing any surveillance footage, and speaking with eyewitnesses.
Bring in various experts to reconstruct the accident and help us evaluate your injuries and medical condition.
Develop a legal strategy and recommend the most effective approach to get you the best outcome.
Handle conversations with the insurance company and negotiate on your behalf for a strong offer. We deal with insurance companies all the time, and we know all their tricks of their trade.

In the event the insurance company refuses to pay the car accident claim or lowballs you on an offer, our skilled team of trial lawyers is prepared to take your case to court.

Contact Allen Law Firm, P.A., today for a free consultation. Give us a chance to show you why we’re not just a terrific law firm, but why we’re a terrific law firm for your needs.

How Common Are Car Accidents in Alachua County, Florida?

Florida is renowned for many positive aspects, but unfortunately, one area where it’s infamous is the high rate of traffic accidents across the state. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles shows 330,753 motor vehicle accidents in 2020. Even during a year of pandemic-related shutdowns and less traffic, the accident numbers are staggering.

Specifically in Alachua County, the data shows:

Total Alachua County crashes: 4,545
Fatalities from crashes: 47
Injuries from crashes: 3,259

The number of crashes in Alachua County in previous years:

2019 – 5,878
2018 – 5,846
2017 – 6,075
2016 – 5,980
2015 – 5,027
2014 – 4,193
2013 – 4,651
2012 – 4,606
2011 – 3,799
2010 – 4,262

With approximately 500 fatalities across these accidents over the last ten years, it’s clear that it pays to be a cautious driver in Alachua County.

Where Do Most Car Accidents Happen in Alachua County?

One way to stay safe is to be aware of areas of the County that are notorious for car crashes and fatalities.

Areas in Alachua County that are listed as being particularly deadly include:

I-75 crossing through Alachua County
The intersection of Northwest 34th Street and Northwest 39th Avenue is ranked the worst intersection in the county
Southwest Archer Rd and the north Interstate 75 on and off ramps
Southwest Archer Rd and Southwest 37th Blvd
West University Ave and Northwest 22nd St
Southwest 20th Ave and Southwest 62nd Blvd/Southwest 52nd St
Southwest 16th Ave and Southwest 13th St
Southwest 34th St and Southwest 20th Ave
Southwest 13th St and Southwest Williston Rd
Southwest Archer Rd and the South I-75 on and off ramps
Southwest 40th Blvd and Southwest Archer Rd
Alachua County Rd and Northwest 75th St.

Whether it’s due to the volume of traffic, the layout of the road, speeding, or other factors, knowing where driving has been historically more risky can help you take the precautions you need.

What is My North Central Florida Car Accident Case Worth?

It’s difficult to assess the value of your case without careful review, but there are some variables that can play a role in the compensation you may be entitled to receive.

These variables include:

Injury: If your injury is especially serious, it can have a big impact on your payout because of the medical costs that will likely be involved in your recovery.
Driving Under the Influence: If the other driver was intoxicated or under the influence of an illegal substance, punitive damages may be available as part of your compensation.
Mechanical failure: The proper functioning of airbags, seat belts, brakes, and other car parts
Vehicle damage: The amount of damage to your vehicle as well as others involved in the crash can imply a certain level of severity that may influence the value of your case
Wearing a seat belt: Unless you have a medical waiver for not wearing a seat belt, it could potentially reduce the value of your case if you weren’t wearing one. It means you may have contributed to your injury by not doing what’s required by Florida law.
Income loss: If you were forced to miss a significant amount of time from work, that will be a factor in evaluating the worth of your claim.

As you can see, assessing the value of your case involves some complex considerations. That’s all the more reason you need to ensure you have a competent personal injury law firm like Allen Law Firm, P.A., on your side. Our car accident lawyers in Alachua County, FL have the knowledge and understanding to take all these factors into account in negotiating your compensation. We fight for every penny so you have what you need to get better.

What Kind of Damages Are Available to Car Accident Victims?

Damage awards are generally split into two types: economic and non-economic.

Economic damages cover financial losses from your accident.

This includes:

Medical bills
Physical therapy
Disability accommodations
Lost wages
In-home nursing care
Out-of-pocket expenses
Household services

Non-economic damages cover more personal losses that are harder to label in dollars and cents.

This includes:

Scarring
Limb loss
Disfigurement
Loss of any of the senses
Mobility impairment
Mental anguish
Loss of cognitive abilities
Humiliation
Pain and suffering
Emotional trauma
Loss of consortium or companionship

At Allen Law Firm, P.A., we know what a tough time you’re going through right now. The toll this is all taking on your physical, emotional, and financial health is stressful and recovery under such strain is not easy. We get it.

Give us a call and talk to us. Our legal team is compassionate and will treat you with the patience and dignity you deserve.

Can I Recover Compensation If I’m Being Blamed For a Car Accident in Florida?

As a modified comparative negligence state, Florida requires that the compensation amount you ultimately receive be reduced by your percentage of responsibility for the accident. So, if you were 25% responsible for the accident, your damages award could be reduced by 25%. And if you are found to be 51% or more responsible, you cannot recover any compensation at all.

Because this is a way to reduce the amount the insurance company has to pay you, they will no doubt try to pin as much of the blame for the accident on you to reduce the amount you receive. Don’t let them get away with it. Having an established lawyer who isn’t fooled and knows how to stand firm and push back can make all the difference in what you finally take home.

Depending on the circumstances, there are numerous injuries you can sustain in a car accident.

The injuries we typically see in our personal injury law practice at Allen Law Firm, P.A., include:

Scrapes/cuts: Even a mild car accident can result in scrapes, cuts, bruises, and contusions. Medical attention may not be necessary, but these are still inconvenient and painful.
Whiplash: Ligament, muscle, and tendon injury from the trauma of your back and neck being violently whipped back and forth. Whiplash can be very painful and take a while to heal.
Back and spinal cord injuries: Herniations or spinal disc ruptures can result in severe back injuries and can even result in paralysis.
Head Injuries: No matter how minor, a head injury such as a concussion must always be taken seriously.
Traumatic Brain Injuries: A traumatic brain injury can result in a life-altering catastrophe.
Broken Ribs: It doesn’t take much for ribs to break. These fragile bones can require a lengthy recovery period.
Internal Bleeding: Organ damage that leads to bleeding internally requires immediate critical care or may result in death.
Wrongful Death: Sadly, dozens of people lose their lives in Alachua County auto accidents every year. Family members may be entitled to compensation after a fatal wreck.

As you’re dealing with injuries like those listed above, legal matters are likely the furthest from your mind. No need to worry. That’s why we’re here. We can take the burden of negotiating and fighting for compensation off your hands. Trust us to do everything we can to get you the financial resources you need.

What Causes Most Car Accidents in Alachua County?

Not surprisingly, the causes of car accidents are fairly universal. What we see in Alachua County is what happens across the country.

The most common causes are:

Distracted driving
Close driving (tailgating)
Road conditions
Drunk driving
Speeding
Erratic lane changes
Inexperienced drivers
Vehicle maintenance
Weather conditions
Mechanical malfunctions

Our Alachua County car accident attorneys have seen accidents happen for a variety of reasons. We know what to look for in identifying the cause quickly so we can move forward.

Representing Clients in All Types of Car Accident Cases

At Allen Law Firm, P.A., our personal injury attorneys have managed cases involving car accidents of all types.

Some of the more common kinds of collisions we see are:

Rear-end collisions
Head-on collisions
T-Bone crashes
Sideswipes
Multi-vehicle pileups
Single vehicle accidents
Motorcycle accidents
Truck accidents
Intersection accidents
Hit and run accidents
Accidents involving uninsured or underinsured drivers

You can count on Allen Law Firm, P.A., to successfully deal with any type of accident scenario.

What Does Florida’s No-Fault Insurance Mean For Me After A Car Wreck in Alachua County?

The no-fault system of insurance requires that drivers in car accidents seek damages from their own insurance companies. Florida law adheres to the no-fault system and mandates that minimum insurance coverage must include personal injury protection (PIP). PIP covers most financial damages related to medical expenses or lost income.

PIP does not, however, cover more personal injuries such as the non-economic losses listed above. In the event your injuries are especially severe and meet a serious injury threshold, you may be able to recover damages from the other driver.

By statute, serious injuries are noted as:

Significant disfigurement
Permanent loss or limitation of a body organ or member
A significant limitation of a bodily function or system
Full disability for at least three months

A few other notable exceptions to the requirement to go through PIP are if your expenses go over the $10,000 PIP coverage or if you need to recover for damages to your vehicle. Both of these issues can be resolved through an injury claim against the other driver.

How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Car Wreck in Florida?

Each state places a limit on the amount of time you have to file a lawsuit. Known as the “statute of limitations,” this limit ensures that evidence hasn’t been lost to time and that witnesses are more likely to be available. Florida recently changed its statute of limitations deadline for car accident cases. If your car accident took place on 3/23/2023 or earlier, you’ll have four years to file your claim. If your accident occurred after that date, you will have two years instead.

However, there are exceptions to this deadline in some cases. Contact an Alachua County car accident lawyer to confirm the appropriate deadline for your situation.

If your accident happened while you were in the course of performing job duties, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits through your employers. Allen Law Firm, P.A., can help with that as well. This type of insurance system has its own rules and processes, so getting started as soon as possible is even more important.

What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Alachua County?

While you may have difficulty focusing on the steps you should take after being in an accident, they can be of great help in the event you choose to take legal action.

We highly recommend you do the following after a car accident in Gainesville or elsewhere in Alachua County:

Remain at or near the crash scene if you can do so safely
Assist others involved in the crash if possible
Contact law enforcement
Exchange contact and insurance information with other drivers
Get witness names and numbers
Call your insurance company
Take photos or note down details regarding vehicle damage, weather, injuries, and road conditions at the accident site
Seek medical care and track treatment

Finally, don’t say anything to anyone about your role or fault in the accident until you’ve spoken with an attorney. We can advise you on how to conduct yourself after the accident so you don’t decrease your payout.

Contact Our Alachua County Car Accident Lawyers For a Free Consultation

At Allen Law Firm, P.A., we treat our clients with respect and make sure they feel valued and heard throughout the process. Ultimately, this is your case and we work for you. So, we welcome your questions, concerns, and input at all stages. We also make sure you are well-informed on the progress of your case and have an opportunity to weigh in on major decisions.

Contact our law office today at Allen Law Firm, P.A., to schedule a free consultation. Don’t trust your case to just any law firm. Once you speak with our compassionate and experienced legal team, we’re confident you’ll understand why we’re the best in the business.