Car Accident Attorneys

Helping You Navigate Florida Car Accident Claims

Motor vehicle accidents are costly and sometimes debilitating situations that individuals and families find themselves in. When you are involved in a crash, you will likely have many questions. Likewise, insurance companies will likely have many questions for you. Before you answer any questions from an insurance company, give the attorneys at Perry & Young a call.

Whether you have whiplash, a herniated disk, or a more serious injury, you need to understand that the insurance company and claims adjuster are not your friends and are not looking out for your interests. They are paid to give you the least amount of compensation possible and to look out for their bottom line. In fact, one leading insurance company’s claims manual states that someone who has an attorney can net three to five times the amount of money as someone who is unrepresented.

PIP & Out-of-State Insurance Policies

With PIP (Personal Injury Protection) and no-fault insurance laws in a state of flux, it is no wonder Florida’s insurance laws are confusing to many injured motorists. Additionally, many motorists from out of state carry insurance policies from their home states, adding an additional layer of confusion to the process. Whether you are a Florida resident or from out of state and have been injured in a car accident, Perry & Young, can help. We can navigate through the complexity of insurance laws and coverage issues to protect your best interests. 

Who Is Liable for My Car Accident?

Determining liability in a car accident requires a comprehensive understanding of Florida’s no-fault insurance system and personal injury laws. Depending on the circumstances of the car crash, various parties can be held liable, including: 

• Other drivers: The most common scenario is where one driver is at fault for causing the accident due to negligent actions such as distracted driving, speeding, or drunk driving.
• Car manufacturers: In some cases, a defective part in a vehicle can cause an accident. In such cases, the car manufacturer or the maker of the defective part can be held liable.
• Government entities: If an accident is caused due to poorly maintained roads, poor signage, or faulty traffic lights, a government agency could be held responsible.
• Pedestrians or cyclists: Sometimes, pedestrians or cyclists may behave unpredictably, leading to a collision. If their actions are found to be negligent, they could be held liable.
• Commercial entities: If a commercial vehicle is involved in a crash, the company owning the vehicle could be held liable, particularly if the accident resulted from the company's negligent actions, such as overworking drivers or poorly maintained vehicles.
• Insurance companies: Under Florida’s no-fault insurance laws, your own insurance company may be responsible for covering some of your losses, regardless of who was at fault for the accident.

Remember, it’s crucial to consult with a trusted Northwest Florida car accident attorney after suffering an injury in a car accident, as they can guide your steps wisely while ensuring you understand the legal options available to you.

Compensation You May Be Entitled To After an Accident

In personal injury law, the term "damages" refers to the monetary compensation awarded to the wrongfully injured person (“plaintiff”) who was harmed by the other party’s negligence. Recoverable damages are intended to restore the injured person to the position they would have been in had the injury not occurred. There are two primary types of recoverable damages in personal injury lawsuits: 

• Economic damages, also known as special damages, represent measurable financial losses resulting from the injury. These can include medical expenses, loss of earnings, future loss of income, property damage, and other out-of-pocket expenses related to the injury.
• Non-economic damages, also known as general damages, are intended to compensate for non-monetary losses that are often difficult to quantify. These can include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of companionship. The calculation for these damages is subjective and varies significantly from one case to the next.

Why You Should Take Immediate Action After a Florida Car Accident

Because of a new Florida statute, time is of the essence in pursuing an injury claim. Seeing a doctor is an important first step for both the well-being of the accident victim and adherence to the 14-day requirement for an emergency medical condition. Not taking action immediately after a motor vehicle accident can significantly reduce the number of benefits received.

With over 163,000 Florida drivers injured in car crashes in 2022 alone, it’s crucial to seek representation as soon as possible after a car crash to fight for the full compensation you deserve. Our car accident attorneys have a wealth of knowledge and experience representing injured clients in a variety of personal injury lawsuits, including car accidents.

Experienced Advocates for Accident Victims in the Florida Panhandle

With offices in Panama City, Panama City Beach, Marianna, and Tallahassee, Perry & Young, represents car accident victims throughout the Florida Panhandle. As an auto accident law firm, Perry & Young has over 20 years of combined legal experience, including one attorney with over four years of experience as a legal investigator for commercial vehicle and auto accidents.