DeLand Car Accident Lawyer

Are you struggling to recover from a car accident in DeLand, Florida? From unexpected medical bills to ongoing income losses, the aftermath of a crash can overwhelm anyone. You might wonder how you’ll cover these costs or what steps you should take to protect your rights. You deserve a trusted advocate in your corner to help you pursue the financial recovery you need to move forward.

The DeLand car accident attorneys at Zimmet & Zimmet are here to provide the guidance and support you deserve during this difficult time. We have been helping accident victims like you since 1975, working tirelessly to pursue justice and fair compensation for their injuries and other crash-related losses.

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation initial consultation, and let us show you how we can help you get back on track after an accident.

What Are the Benefits of Hiring an Attorney for My Car Accident Claim?

Filing a car accident injury claim can be a challenging process, especially when dealing with insurance companies determined to pay out as little as possible. Many insurers use various tactics to reduce the amount of compensation they give you, such as disputing liability or questioning the extent of your injuries. Some will also take advantage of your financial need by pressuring you to settle quickly for far less than you deserve. Without an experienced attorney on your side, you could face an uphill battle in trying to recover fair compensation for your injuries, medical bills, and lost wages.

When you come to us for help, we always put you first. Unlike other firms that view clients as case numbers, we genuinely care about each person we represent. Our mission is to champion your best interests, treat you with respect, and provide the dedicated support you need every step of the way. We understand that most people hope to avoid lawsuits, but we’re ready to go to court if that’s what it takes to achieve justice.

Further, it costs you nothing upfront and nothing out-of-pocket for us to get started on your case. Our law firm is paid only when we retrieve compensation for your accident injury claim, as we are paid as an agreed-upon percentage of the recovery.

When you are seeking a car accident attorney in DeLand, Zimmet & Zimmet has the team of relentless advocates you need. We are committed to demanding the recovery you need to move forward.

What Should I Do After a Car Accident?

You can significantly improve your chances of filing a successful car accident claim and receiving compensation for your losses by taking the right steps. Here’s what you should do after a car crash:

• Seek Medical Attention and Follow Up with Your Doctor – A physician can evaluate and treat your injuries and document everything for your claim. Follow your doctor’s advice and attend all appointments to demonstrate that you are taking your recovery seriously.
• Contact a Knowledgeable and Reputable Car Accident Law Firm as Soon as Possible – Your lawyer can protect your rights and provide guidance on dealing with the insurance company. They can also gather evidence and prepare your claim within Florida’s legal filing deadlines.
• Notify Your Insurance Company About the Crash – Inform your insurer about the auto collision promptly, but avoid providing recorded statements or detailed information before consulting your attorney. The adjuster could use your words against you to reduce or deny your claim.
• Save All Accident-Related Receipts and Records – Keep track of medical bills, car repair estimates, transportation expenses, and other costs associated with the car wreck. Clear documentation can show the financial impact of the crash and help you calculate how much compensation to seek.
• Stay Off Social Media – Avoid discussing the accident or your well-being or posting photos of yourself online while your claim is pending. Insurance companies could review your social media activity and attempt to use any information you share against you.

How Does Zimmet & Zimmet Investigate Car Accident Cases?

At Zimmet & Zimmet, our attorneys thoroughly investigate each motor vehicle accident case we handle to build the strongest claims possible.

We start by gathering and examining all relevant evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and accident scene photos. This evidence helps us understand the full scope of what happened and identify the parties responsible for the accident. In many cases, we also work with accident reconstruction specialists who can analyze the scene and provide useful insights.

Next, we collect medical records that document your injuries and allow us to link those injuries to the accident. If necessary, we consult medical experts who can provide additional details about the impact and prognosis of your injuries. With our comprehensive approach, we aim to secure the fair compensation you deserve for your injuries and related losses.

What Compensation Could I Recover in a Car Accident Claim?

Florida is a no-fault state, which means you must rely on your own insurance for injury coverage after an accident, regardless of who is at fault. Florida requires all drivers to carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance, which covers medical bills and lost wages. Through PIP, you can typically recover 80 percent of your medical expenses and 60 percent of your lost income up to your policy limits.

If you meet Florida’s “serious injury threshold,” you might also have grounds for a claim against the at-fault driver. In this context, serious injuries include those that cause significant and permanent loss of bodily function, permanent scarring, or death. If your injuries meet these criteria, you could pursue additional compensation from the other driver.

It’s worth noting that Florida’s no-fault rules do not apply to accident-related property damage. If another driver caused the accident, you can claim vehicle repair/replacement costs from their property damage liability (PDL) insurance. All Florida drivers must carry a minimum of $10,000 in PDL coverage.

There are complex laws that surround finding other sources of recovery beyond the at-fault drivers’ insurance policy. It is extremely important to hire an experienced lawyer who not only understands how to find other sources of recovery but will leave no stone unturned during the investigation to find them. Many times this is the difference between no recovery and recovering millions of dollars.

Who Could Be Held Liable for a Car Wreck in Daytona Beach?

Determining liability is key to pursuing fair compensation after an auto wreck. Many people assume the drivers are solely liable, but other parties could share liability depending on the circumstances, such as:

Am I Able to Recover Compensation If I’m Partly at Fault for a Car Accident?

Yes, you can still recover car accident compensation if you’re partly at fault for an auto accident in Florida. However, the amount of compensation you get will decrease based on your percentage of fault.

For instance, if a court determines you are 20 percent at fault for an accident, it will deduct 20 percent from your total compensation award. Additionally, if you are more than 50 percent at fault, you can lose your right to demand compensation from other parties.

You can work with an experienced DeLand car accident lawyer to minimize your degree of fault and maximize your payout if another party tries to blame you.

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

You have two years to file a car accident injury lawsuit in Florida. If you miss this deadline, you risk losing the chance to recover compensation in court. For this reason, it’s best to contact a lawyer as soon as possible after a car accident. A DeLand car accident attorney can work quickly to gather evidence, prepare your claim on time, and increase your chances of getting full and fair compensation in a car accident lawsuit.

What Are Common Types and Causes of Car Accidents?

Different types of car accidents can result in different types of injuries, vehicle damage, and opportunities for seeking compensation. Below are some common examples of these types of wrecks:

• Head-on collisions involving two vehicles that crash front-to-front
• Rear-end collisions that happen when one vehicle hits the back of another
• Sideswipe accidents, in which the side of one vehicle scrapes along the side of another
• T-bone accidents, which occur when one vehicle hits another at a right angle
• Rollover accidents involving a vehicle flipping onto its side or roof
• Multi-car accidents that involve three or more vehicles
• Uninsured driver accidents, which occur when a driver who lacks insurance causes a crash
• Uber/Lyft accidents involving rideshare vehicles
• Hit-and-run accidents that happen when a driver causes a crash and then flees the scene

Many factors can lead to car accidents, and often, several issues contribute to a single crash. Here are some of the most frequent causes of car accidents in DeLand:

• Texting while driving and other forms of distracted driving
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Exceeding posted speed limits or driving too fast for the conditions
• Reckless or aggressive driving behaviors
• Mechanical defects from poor maintenance or manufacturing flaws
• Poor road conditions like dangerous potholes or missing traffic signs

What Injuries Usually Result from an Auto Collision?

Car accident injuries can vary considerably depending on the nature and severity of the collision. Common injuries that result from vehicle accidents include:

Contact a DeLand Car Accident Lawyer Today

At Zimmet & Zimmet, we’re here to offer the guidance and support you need to reclaim your peace of mind after a traffic collision. Contact us today to discuss your car accident case in a free initial consultation. We’ll take the time to understand your situation, answer your questions, and explore the best path forward.