Car accidents occur in Ocala, FL, regularly. They can happen on quiet side streets close to home or on major thoroughfares like Silver Springs Boulevard and North Pine Avenue. 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 Anidjar & Levine helps you and other drivers affected by these collisions. We’re ready to fight hard for fair damages so you don’t have to do it all by yourself. Call now to take back control of your life. Find out what our Ocala car accident attorneys can do for you during a free consultation.
Move Quickly After a Car Accident in Ocala
It’s essential to take the proper steps after a car crash: you only have two years to file a claim for compensation in a personal injury case under Florida Statutes § 95.11. Our car accident attorneys in Ocala can step in to help you right away.
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. Anidjar & Levine can use the information in this report to build your claim. We also recommend seeking medical care before getting in touch with our accident injury attorneys.
Once you hire us, our legal team can:
- Collect evidence
- Communicate with insurance companies
- Handle paperwork
- Negotiate for a settlement
- Go to trial if necessary
Call today to find out why our clients describe our firm as “prompt and courteous,” “very attentive,” and “on the ball.” We can even help you fix your car and pay for medical treatment, and we charge nothing until we put money in your pocket.
What Happens if You are At Fault for an Auto Accident in Ocala?
Fault matters in 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 own insurance first to recover compensation for certain economic losses, like medical expenses.
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 pay these losses for the people they hurt.
Additionally, Florida’s no-fault laws include an exception for drivers who experience a “serious” injury. Drivers with serious injuries like broken bones, spinal cord injuries, or traumatic brain injuries have the legal right to file a lawsuit and seek additional compensation for their pain, suffering, and other losses.
How Much Can You Get After a Car Accident in Ocala?
As previously 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 of at least $10,000.
You may purchase higher amounts of insurance before an accident to get extra protection. Additionally, you have more options for seeking compensation if you sustained a severe injury in a collision.
Florida’s Laws Regarding Compensation for Serious Car Accident Injuries
The state of Florida permits drivers to file a claim against negligent drivers if they sustain a severe injury in a car accident. Serious injuries can cause:
- Permanent disability
- The loss of a bodily function
- Significant disfigurement or scarring
- Medical bills and loss of wages that PIP does not cover
Drivers who suffer a severe injury may file a claim or lawsuit against the person who caused their accident. A lawsuit gives you the opportunity to seek full compensation for your losses, including funds to cover your pain and suffering. Our Ocala lawyers can fight for these damages on your behalf.
Types of Car Accidents in Ocala
Every motor vehicle accident is unique. The Ocala car accident lawyers at our firm can help if you were injured in a:
Rear-End Collision
Rear-end collisions occur if one vehicle drives into the rear bumper of another. 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 may 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 can happen at 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.
Why Auto Accidents Happen in Ocala
By determining the cause of your car accident injury, Anidjar & Levine can strengthen your case for compensation. Some of the most common accident causes include:
Driver 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 behavior.
Distracted Driving
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
Our personal injury attorneys know that just one kind of distraction for even a few seconds can have devastating results. We fight hard to hold distracted drivers responsible for their actions.
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
Anidjar & Levine wants to hold reckless and negligent drivers accountable so you can pursue the compensation you need—and so we can make Ocala a safer place for all drivers.
Speak to Our Ocala Car Accident Attorneys Today
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 Anidjar & Levine. Allow us to assess your case and discuss your legal options at no cost. Our Ocala car injury lawyers put you first and provide responsive legal care.
We Can Help.
