NEW SMYRNA BEACH CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEY

We Represent Car Crash Victims in New Smyrna

At My Affordable Attorney, our New Smyrna Beach auto accident attorney is an aggressive, experienced advocate for justice. Our law firm holds big insurance companies accountable. If you have any questions about your rights after a crash in Volusia County, we can help. Contact us today for a free consultation with a top-rated New Smyrna Beach car accident lawyer.

Our legal team serves accident victims throughout New Smyrna Beach, FL, Daytona Beach, and all of Volusia County. Whether you suffered severe injuries, lost a loved one, or are dealing with mounting medical bills, our car accident lawyers are ready to fight for the fair compensation you deserve.

Car Accident Statistics: Why New Smyrna Beach and Florida Are So Dangerous

Florida had 401,170 car crashes in 2021. In that same year, 3,763 car crashes in Florida resulted in death. Approximately 40% of Florida car crashes resulted in injuries, and in 2018 alone, 236,157 injuries occurred from car crashes across the state. These numbers show just how serious the risk of being injured on Florida roads really is.

New Smyrna Beach, FL, is not immune to these trends. New Smyrna Beach’s Orange Street had 10 crashes in just six months of 2022. Volusia County had 45 fatal car accidents involving drugs or alcohol in 2021. Poor road conditions also contribute to accidents in New Smyrna Beach, making already dangerous situations worse for drivers and passengers.

Understanding how common these crashes are can help people take them more seriously. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident in the New Smyrna Beach area, this is not a situation where waiting and hoping things work out is a good plan. The early stages after a crash are when evidence disappears, and the insurance company begins building its case against you.

What to Know About Auto Accident Liability in Florida

Florida has unique motor vehicle accident liability laws. Our state has a hybrid structure that combines no-fault rules with fault-based claims. Drivers first seek compensation for medical and wage benefits through their Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage under Florida’s no-fault system.

All Florida-registered vehicles must have no-fault insurance coverage, including at least $10,000 in personal injury protection. However, PIP coverage alone rarely covers the full scope of losses a seriously injured person faces. When injuries are severe, victims may step outside the no-fault system and pursue a claim against the at-fault party directly.

Florida is a modified comparative fault state as of March 2023. This means that if you are found to be more than 50 percent at fault for a crash, you cannot recover damages. If you are 50 percent or less at fault, your compensation is reduced by your share of fault. This makes it important to work with a car accident lawyer who knows how to shift fault toward the responsible driver or other negligent parties.

Florida’s Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims

Florida law requires filing a claim within two years of an accident. Florida’s statute of limitations is two years for car accident claims and also two years for wrongful death claims. Missing this deadline almost always means losing the right to seek compensation entirely, no matter how strong the evidence is.

The two-year window sounds long, but it passes quickly when you are focused on recovering from severe injuries, dealing with medical professionals, and managing everyday life. The early stages of a claim are when evidence is freshest and witnesses are easiest to locate. Submit legal paperwork and begin building your car accident case as soon as possible.

Seek legal advice right away if you were hurt or lost a loved one in a crash in New Smyrna Beach, FL. Do not wait until the deadline is close. By then, evidence may be gone, the insurance company may have already recorded statements from witnesses, and your options may be narrower than they would have been before.

Recovering Compensation After a Crash in New Smyrna Beach, FL

Auto accident victims in New Smyrna Beach need the maximum available financial compensation. Unfortunately, insurance companies fight hard to pay out as little as possible in settlement. Our New Smyrna Beach, FL car accident lawyer can help. You may be able to recover for: 

• Vehicle repairs
• Ambulance costs
• Emergency room care
• Hospital bills and medical bills
• Other medical expenses
• Lost wages and loss of earning power
• Pain and suffering
• Long-term disability
• Loss of quality of life
• Wrongful death

Compensatory damages are divided into two types. Compensatory damages that cover concrete financial losses like medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle repairs are called economic damages. Non-economic damages cover things like pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. In some car accident cases, additional damages may be available when negligence is extreme.

The appropriate amount of compensation depends on the facts of your specific situation. Every case is different. That is why our legal team investigates every detail and works with medical professionals to fully document your injuries before agreeing to any settlement. Accepting a quick offer from the insurance company without knowing the true value of your claim can leave you short on funds when future medical expenses come due.

Wrongful Death Claims After a Fatal Car Accident in Florida

When a car crash in New Smyrna Beach or Volusia County results in death, surviving family members may have the right to file a wrongful death claim. Florida’s statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is two years. Surviving loved ones can claim compensatory damages for the loss of financial support, loss of companionship, funeral costs, and medical bills incurred before death.

Surviving family members can file wrongful death claims against the at-fault party or other negligent parties involved in the accident. This includes other drivers, vehicle manufacturers, government entities responsible for road conditions, and others whose negligence contributed to the crash. Our personal injury lawyer team handles wrongful death cases with the care and attention these deeply personal situations deserve.

The legal process for a wrongful death car accident lawsuit in Florida can be complex. Do not wait to seek legal advice. Free initial consultations are offered by our personal injury lawyers, and we handle these cases on the same 25 percent contingency as all other car accident matters. There is no reason to discuss your options without the guidance of an experienced car accident attorney by your side.

What Causes Car Accidents in New Smyrna Beach?

Car crashes in the New Smyrna Beach area and throughout Volusia County happen for many reasons. Distracted driving, speeding, and drunk or drug-impaired driving are among the most common. In 2021, 45 fatal car accidents in Volusia County involved drug or alcohol use. Poor road conditions also contribute to accidents in New Smyrna Beach, especially on high-traffic roads like Orange Street.

Other common causes include failure to yield, running red lights or stop signs, improper lane changes, and tailgating. Defective vehicles or parts can also play a role in a crash, and in those cases, the vehicle manufacturer may be among the negligent parties. Negligent parties can include drivers and vehicle manufacturers depending on the circumstances of the accident.

Understanding what caused your crash matters because it shapes who is responsible and what evidence needs to be gathered. Our car accident attorneys investigate every auto accident thoroughly to determine fault and identify every at-fault party whose negligence contributed to your injuries.

Steps to Take After a Car Accident in New Smyrna Beach

After a crash, what you do in the hours and days that follow can significantly affect your car accident claim. Here is what accident victims should do:

1. Call 911 and get medical help immediately, even if injuries seem minor
2. Document the accident scene with photos and video
3. Keep witness information and photographs to strengthen your car accident case
4. Notify your insurance company immediately after an accident
5. Gather evidence and documentation to support your claim
6. Seek legal advice from a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible
7. Submit legal paperwork to initiate your claim process

Submit evidence to your car accident lawyer as soon as you collect it. Evidence disappears fast. Skid marks fade, surveillance footage gets overwritten, and witnesses become harder to reach. Establishing a connection with local medical professionals can also help document injuries and connect them directly to the accident.

How Our New Smyrna Beach Car Accident Lawyers Build a Strong Case

Building a strong case after a crash requires more than just showing that an accident happened. You must prove negligence, show that the negligence caused your injuries, and submit evidence of what those injuries are actually worth. Our legal team knows what it takes to determine fault, calculate your due compensation, and push back when the insurance company refuses to offer an appropriate amount.

Our car accident attorneys are board-certified in Florida and in good standing with the Florida Bar. Car accident attorneys should have trial experience to handle disputes effectively, and ours do. Most car accident lawsuits settle out of court, but when the insurance company refuses to pay a fair amount, we are ready to take your car accident lawsuit to trial.

Many Florida personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, and so do we. You pay nothing upfront and nothing unless we recover money for you. Our rate is just 25 percent, which is far lower than most law firms in Florida. That means more of the compensation goes to you, not to legal fees.

We Fight for Justice for Car Accident Victims in New Smyrna Beach

Following a serious crash, it is normal to have a lot of questions. You need a top lawyer. At My Affordable Attorney, we make sure your fight is priced right. We handle car accident injury cases in New Smyrna Beach with a 25 percent contingency. That is far less than other law firms in Florida.

Our car accident attorneys have deep knowledge of the New Smyrna Beach area, Volusia County, and how Florida courts handle personal injury cases. Choosing a car accident lawyer with local experience matters. Local attorneys understand how city and county roads contribute to crashes, know which state road conditions have been flagged as dangerous, and have established relationships with medical professionals and experts who can help document your injuries.

Client satisfaction can be assessed through reviews on platforms like Yelp. We encourage clients to read what others have said about their experience with our firm before making a decision. Our legal representation is built on results, communication, and making the legal process as straightforward as possible for accident victims who are already going through enough.

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents in New Smyrna Beach

How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Florida?

Florida law requires filing a claim within two years of an accident. This applies to both standard personal injury cases and wrongful death claims. If you miss this deadline, you will almost certainly lose your right to seek compensation, no matter how strong your evidence is. Contact a car accident lawyer as soon as possible after your accident to protect your rights.

What if I was partly at fault for the accident?

Florida is a modified comparative fault state. If you are found to be 50 percent or less at fault, you can still recover compensatory damages, though your award will be reduced by your share of fault. If you are more than 50 percent at fault, you cannot recover. Our car accident attorneys work to show that the responsible driver or other at-fault party bears the greater share of fault in your car accident case.

Does Florida require me to use my own insurance first?

Yes. Florida requires $10,000 in personal injury protection insurance, and drivers use this coverage first under the no-fault system. This covers medical expenses and some lost wages regardless of fault. If your injuries are severe and exceed PIP limits or meet the threshold for a personal injury claim, you can then seek compensation from the at-fault party directly.

What evidence should I collect after a car accident in New Smyrna Beach?

Gather evidence at the scene if it is safe to do so. Take photos of the vehicles involved, the road, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. Keep witness information and photographs to strengthen your car accident case. Get the police report, exchange information with the driver, and notify your insurance company immediately. Submit all of this to your car accident lawyer as early as possible in the early stages of your claim.

Can surviving family members file a wrongful death lawsuit after a fatal crash?

Yes. Surviving loved ones can claim compensatory damages for wrongful death after a fatal car crash in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. This includes compensation for lost financial support, loss of companionship, and medical bills incurred before death. Florida’s wrongful death statute of limitations is two years. Our law firm handles these cases on behalf of families throughout Volusia County and the New Smyrna Beach area.

Call Our New Smyrna Beach Auto Accident Attorney Today

At My Affordable Attorney, our New Smyrna Beach car accident attorney has the professional expertise that you can trust when it matters the most. Were you hurt in a motor vehicle wreck? We can help. Discuss your situation with our legal team during a free consultation. Please contact us today for your free consultation at (866) 4-ONLY 25. Our law firm represents car accident victims in New Smyrna Beach and throughout all of Volusia County.