After getting into a car accident, many people wonder, “How much is my Orlando car accident case worth?” There’s no calculation that can place a pre-set value on every claim. Instead, the value of a car accident claim in Orlando depends on a variety of factors.
Understanding how an accident might affect a person’s health and finances for years to come is a crucial part of evaluating a car accident claim for someone who suffered a catastrophic injury, beyond just calculating current medical bills.
Factors That Influence the Value of a Claim
The severity of injury you sustain usually plays a major role in determining claim value. A collision leading to temporary injuries and full recovery naturally involves different damages compared to one resulting in paralysis, a traumatic brain injury, or another lasting condition. Damages you may be able to recover include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
In 2024, Orange County saw 25,415 accidents. This was equivalent to a rate of 1,667.8 per 100,000, whereas the state’s average was 1,654.2.
Fault and Comparative Negligence in Orlando
In Florida car accident laws, how fault is assigned significantly impacts the potential worth of your car accident claim. Under Florida Statutes § 768.81, compensation can be reduced by any portion of fault you bear for the crash. A victim who is over 50% at fault cannot recover damages under a negligence claim governed by this statute.
For example, if someone’s recoverable damages equal $1 million but they were 20% at fault for the accident, their recovery could be reduced by comparative negligence to $800,000. Fault can therefore play a significant role in the value of your claim. Disputes can arise over who was primarily responsible for causing the accident.
Insurance Coverage and Car Accident Claims
Insurance coverage can impact how and how much compensation you can recover from the person who caused the crash. Florida law requires motorists to carry certain types and limits of insurance coverage.
However, serious injuries can cause damages that exceed the at-fault party’s policy limits. You may need to investigate multiple sources of coverage after a serious crash. This may involve liability insurance and any applicable uninsured or underinsured motorist insurance.
If commercial vehicles were involved in the accident or a driver was working on the job, you may have a claim against an employer. Businesses can be responsible for losses their employees cause and may have other insurance policies that provide coverage. An Orlando car accident attorney can help you review all available insurance policies and determine who was at fault for your injuries.
Hire a Car Accident Lawyer
It is recommended that you hire a car accident lawyer if another person caused an accident that leaves you with permanent injuries or serious financial losses. An attorney can investigate the crash and determine who may be responsible for compensating you.
Your lawyer can help identify all available insurance coverage. They can also work to collect evidence regarding your injuries and any future treatment you require. Counsel can work with medical professionals and economists to calculate your losses.
Attorneys can also represent you if an insurer denies your claim or refuses to offer a reasonable settlement. Should your case proceed to court, an attorney at Spangenberg Shibley & Liber can advocate on your behalf. Serious Orlando car accident claims may be filed in the Orange County Courthouse, 425 N. Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801, when the court has appropriate jurisdiction and venue.
Why Choose Spangenberg Shibley & Liber?
Spangenberg Shibley & Liber has fought for clients who suffered serious injuries since 1946 and has recovered over $1 billion in verdicts and settlements on behalf of clients. Firm attorneys recovered 25% of all seven-figure-plus verdicts in Ohio in the last two years. However, past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case is different and must be evaluated on its own merits.
The firm focuses its practice on major personal injury, medical malpractice, and civil rights cases.
Spangenberg Shibley & Liber can help you in the legal process to seek the compensation you need. Contact us today, and we can help you achieve meaningful results.
