Orlando Car Accident Lawyer
A serious crash can disrupt your routine in an instant. One moment you are driving through Orlando traffic, and the next you are managing medical appointments, time away from work, vehicle repairs, and calls from insurance adjusters.
If you are looking for clear information about your rights and what steps to take next, getting reliable guidance early matters.
At Smith Feddeler & Smith, P.A., we represent injured individuals throughout Central Florida. If you need an Orlando car accident attorney who is prepared to take your case seriously from day one, call (407) 848-5178 or contact us online for a consultation.
Why Choose Smith Feddeler & Smith, P.A.?
Insurance companies know which firms are willing to take cases to trial. At Smith Feddeler & Smith, P.A., we prepare every case as though it may be presented to a jury. We are not quick flippers; we are in it for the long haul. Our unique approach gives us leverage in negotiations.
Our firm offers:
- Trial-Ready Preparation: We build cases thoroughly from the start.
- Long-Standing Commitment: Decades of experience representing injured Floridians.
- Focused Client Attention: We keep communication clear and consistent.
When insurers know a firm will go the distance, settlement discussions change. Our results speak for themselves.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Orlando
Orlando’s traffic congestion, tourism traffic, and major highways like I-4 contribute to a high number of collisions.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving remains one of the leading causes of crashes in Central Florida. Texting while driving, scrolling through social media, using navigation apps, adjusting in-car entertainment systems, or even eating behind the wheel can take a driver’s attention off the road for critical seconds. At highway speeds, a brief distraction can mean traveling the length of a football field without looking ahead.
Speeding
Speeding significantly increases both the likelihood of a collision and the severity of injuries. Orlando’s heavy traffic on I-4, the 408, and major surface roads creates conditions where even slight speed increases reduce reaction time and stopping distance. When a driver exceeds posted limits or drives too fast for road conditions, the risk of catastrophic harm rises.
Our Orlando car accident lawyers may work with accident reconstruction professionals to calculate vehicle speed using skid marks, impact damage, and electronic data from a vehicle’s event data recorder. This technical evidence can be used to prove fault.
Driving Under the Influence
Alcohol and drug impairment continue to play a major role in serious crashes throughout Orange County. Impaired drivers experience slower reaction times, reduced coordination, and impaired judgment. These factors can lead to rear-end collisions, wrong-way crashes, and high-speed impacts.
Driving under the influence is prohibited under Florida Statutes § 316.193. When an impaired driver causes injury, we may use arrest records, breath or blood test results, and criminal case documentation to support a civil claim for damages. Evidence of intoxication can significantly strengthen a personal injury case.
Tourist Driver Errors
Orlando’s status as a global tourism destination means a large percentage of drivers on the road are unfamiliar with local traffic patterns. Out-of-state and international visitors may struggle with multi-lane highways, toll roads, and sudden lane changes near attractions and resorts. Confusion can lead to abrupt stops, unsafe merges, or improper turns.
While unfamiliarity is not an excuse under Florida law, it often plays a role in how crashes happen. Our Orlando car accident attorneys consider whether rental vehicles were involved, whether drivers were distracted by navigation devices, and whether roadway signage contributed to the crash.
Injuries That Often Lead to Legal Claims
Many people who contact an Orlando car accident lawyer are dealing with more than minor soreness. Serious injuries can affect work, mobility, and quality of life.
Common injuries include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries: Concussions and long-term cognitive effects.
- Spinal Injuries: Herniated discs, nerve damage, or paralysis.
- Fractures: Especially in high-impact crashes.
- Internal Organ Damage: Sometimes not immediately obvious.
- Permanent Scarring: Which may require ongoing treatment.
Florida applies a modified comparative negligence rule under Florida Statutes § 768.81. If you are more than 50 percent responsible, you may be barred from recovering damages. We will work to prevent unfair blame from reducing your compensation.
Why Hiring an Orlando Car Accident Lawyer Matters After a Crash
Our Orlando car accident lawyers do far more than submit paperwork. Insurance companies begin evaluating claims immediately after a collision, often looking for ways to minimize payouts. Having legal representation shifts that balance.
Florida operates under a no-fault system governed by Florida Statutes § 627.736. This law requires drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection, commonly called PIP. PIP typically provides:
- Medical Expenses: Coverage up to policy limits, regardless of fault.
- Lost Wages: Partial reimbursement for missed income.
- Death Benefits: Limited benefits in fatal crash situations.
However, serious injuries often exceed PIP limits. When injuries meet Florida’s legal threshold, we can pursue compensation from the at-fault driver.
What Additional Compensation Can an Orlando Car Accident Attorney Pursue?
Many factors can determine what your case is worth. Once your injuries meet Florida’s serious injury threshold, your Orlando car accident lawyer may seek damages beyond PIP benefits.
Potential compensation includes:
- Medical Costs: Past, present, and future treatment expenses.
- Lost Income: Including reduced earning ability.
- Pain And Suffering: Physical and emotional harm.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: When injuries limit normal activities.
- Wrongful Death Damages: Governed by Florida Statutes § 768.21.
We will evaluate both immediate and long-term financial impact before negotiating with insurers on your behalf.
Florida’s Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Cases
Time limits matter. Under Florida Statutes § 95.11, most personal injury claims arising from negligence, including motor vehicle accidents, must be filed within two years of the accident date. If you miss this deadline, you may lose the right to pursue compensation entirely. Our Orlando car accident lawyers track deadlines carefully and ensure legal filings are timely.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Orlando
What you do immediately after a crash can affect your case. We often recommend that you:
- Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Even if injuries seem minor.
- Call Law Enforcement: Obtain an official crash report.
- Document Everything: Photos of vehicles, injuries, and road conditions.
- Avoid Detailed Insurance Statements: Speak with an Orlando car accident lawyer first.
- Follow Treatment Plans: Gaps in care may be used against you.
Early legal guidance strengthens your position. Insurance companies frequently make early settlement offers. These offers may not reflect the full cost of ongoing treatment or future income loss. We evaluate whether the offer accounts for long-term consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions About Orlando Car Accidents
Do I Need an Orlando Car Accident Attorney If Insurance Already Offered Money?
Initial offers often undervalue claims. We review medical records, lost wages, and future care needs before advising whether an offer is fair. Insurance companies may attempt to resolve cases quickly before the full extent of injuries becomes clear. Once you accept a settlement, you generally cannot reopen the claim for additional compensation. Having an attorney evaluate the offer helps ensure it accounts for ongoing treatment, potential complications, and long-term financial impact.
How Much Does an Orlando Car Accident Lawyer Cost?
Our Orlando car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. You do not pay attorney’s fees unless compensation is recovered. This means legal fees are typically calculated as a percentage of the settlement or verdict. During your initial consultation, the fee structure will be clearly explained so you understand how costs and case expenses are handled. This arrangement allows injured individuals to pursue a claim without paying upfront retainers or hourly billing while they are already facing medical bills and lost income.
How Long Will My Case Take?
Each case is unique. Some resolve in months through negotiation, while others require litigation and additional time; sometimes, more than a year. The timeline depends on factors such as the severity of your injuries, the need for ongoing medical treatment, disputed liability, and whether the case proceeds to trial. In many situations, it is beneficial to wait until your medical condition stabilizes so future costs can be accurately evaluated before finalizing a settlement.
What If the Other Driver Has No Insurance?
Your uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may apply. We review all possible insurance sources, including policies covering the vehicle owner, household members, or commercial entities if applicable. Even when the at-fault driver lacks adequate coverage, there may be alternative avenues for recovery that are not immediately obvious without a thorough policy review.
Take the Next Step With Our Orlando Car Accident Attorneys
Waiting can weaken your case. Evidence fades. Witness memories become unclear. Insurance companies grow more aggressive over time. If you need an Orlando car accident lawyer who prepares cases thoroughly and stands firm against insurance pressure, reach out today. Contact Smith Feddeler & Smith, P.A. at (407) 848-5178 or contact us online to schedule your consultation with an Orlando car accident attorney ready to fight for you.
Visit Our Orlando Personal Injury Law Office
Smith, Feddeler & Smith, P.A. – Orlando Office
4700 Millenia Blvd Orlando, FL 32839
Phone: (407) 848-5661
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Phone calls were returned timely. I was kept informed of my case and my questions were answered. The staff was professional, courteous, concerned and caring. Overall my experience with this law firm was good and I would recommend them to a friend.
- Rhonda D.
Keep up the good work!
- Thomas B.Everyone who I had the pleasure in talking to or email correspondence has been great and professional. Thank you all for the good service.
- Elixsandra F.Everyone in the office was always helpful and did everything to help up on the case.
- Thomas D.I appreciate all the work you all did. I will recommended Brad Smith and Smith, Feddeler & Smith to anyone who is looking for good legal help.
- Robert S.I would like to thank Mr. Feddeler and the Law Firm for their help in my workers; compensation case. I want to especially thank Julie for being such a special lady and for have such a patient and wonderful personality and manners. She kept me informed of what was going on and answered all my questions when I needed them.
- Stanley E.I am thankful with the firm and staff for always being so courteous and helpful with my case and with me. You guys helped me every step of the way and I am glad I chose your firm to represent me. Thank you for all you do!
- A Montalvo.Everyone that was involved with my case was awesome! No complaints. Hope I never need to get a lawyer again, but if I did I would choose this Law Firm. So thank you!
- Juanita B.I was bit by a Pit Bull in the face in May of 2016. The injuries I suffered was a fractures nose and teeth marks to the nose and under my lip. I chose Smith, Feddeler because they had a great reputation on line. They were very compassionate, very sympathetic and very respectful of the situation I was going through. The attorney was very sincere and staff always responsive and available when I needed. I would definitely recommend Smith, Feddeler & Smith. Kevin Balentine was very helpful and efficient.
- Lauren M.If you ever want a good attorney who is going to fight and advocate for injured workers and knows the law of workers’ comp in the State of Florida, please contact Brad at Smith, Feddeler & Smith. I assure you they will fight for your rights and you will come out victorious, and you will be able to tell somebody else like I’m telling you.
- Ricky B.Contact Us For A Free Consultation With A Qualified Lawyer
