Auto Accidents
Auto accidents can cause not only physical pain and suffering, but financial devastation as well. Injured victims often face large and unforeseeable medical bills. There may be significant and immediate wage losses and an inability to return to work. Family members may lose income while providing care to the injured.
Once our law firm is retained, we immediately begin a complete, full scale investigation into the accident to prove the at fault party’s liability and determine applicable insurance coverages. In addition, our experienced professionals review traffic reports, examine evidence including vehicle damage and review traffic camera footage when available. Before we begin negotiations in a claim, we will have reviewed our client’s medical records and have a thorough knowledge of the at fault party’s driving history. Our firm works diligently to recover all damages to which the victim and his/her family are legally entitled.
Our law firm has a track record of success in car accident cases, including multi-million dollar awards. We are proud to be a boutique law firm handling only serious auto accident cases. As a result, when you call, you will have the opportunity to speak directly with attorney Dale Appell. The consultation is free and if Dale is not immediately available, you can expect him to return your call within 24 hours and most often, the same day.
No matter who is initially believed to be at fault in an accident, all parties should immediately consult with an experienced attorney. Such a consultation is crucial to protecting the legal rights of all involved in a serious auto accident. Time is of the essence in severe auto accidents because physical evidence can be lost, witnesses’ memories fade, and the victim’s recovery for losses can be delayed. This is why it is recommended that immediately after an auto accident you contact an attorney experienced in this area of law.
When a Florida resident is involved in an auto accident, there are several state laws that affect the lawsuits and insurance claims. Some of these state laws center on insurance, statute of limitations and comparative fault rules that could affect the case. Attorney Dale Appell has in-depth knowledge of the state’s laws and can advise you. If you’re unsure about how the law affects your case, you can call him for a free consultation. Expect him to answer the phone directly. If he’s not available, he’ll return your call within 24 hours.
No-Fault State: Florida
Florida is a no-fault car insurance state. That means you’ll need to turn to your own car insurance coverage first in order to get compensation for injuries and other losses, regardless of who was at fault for the collision. However, in certain cases, you can go outside the no-fault system to hold the other driver’s insurer liable. In the state of Florida, only vehicular accidents that result in permanent disfigurement or permanent injury can go outside of the state’s no-fault system.
Florida’s Comparative Rules
The state of Florida uses the pure comparative fault rule when it comes to vehicular cases. If your case goes to trial, the jury or judge may determine that both parties were at fault for the crash. Under the pure comparative fault rule, you receive damages minus the percentage of your fault. For example, if your damages are $100,000 and you’re found 20 percent at fault, you would receive $80,000.
The statute of limitation in Florida is four years. After four years, you’re barred from bring a lawsuit to court. If the car accident entails a government employee, there’s a different set of procedures, such as filing a notice of claim with the government agency.
Attorney Dale Appell has a track record of success in car accident cases, including multi-million dollar awards. He does a thorough investigation of the accident, such as reviewing crime scene reports, examining before and after photos of the car, reviewing traffic camera footage, reviewing medical records and investigating the history of the other driver. He proves that the other party was negligent through a breach of duty of care and that your injuries were a direct result of the other party’s breach.
Reviews
Extremely Happy!
Without Dale and his team, I would be left holding the bag for initial medical bills that even my own auto insurance refused to pay; and the accident wasn’t even my fault! Dale was referred to me by another attorney that I am familiar with and I’m so glad he did! Turned out to be a “win-win” for everybody and I couldn’t be happier! I highly recommend Dale Appell for any personal injury/vehicle accident case; they are WONDERFUL!
Excellent
During the initial consultation after my auto accident, Dale gave a very clear explanation of what to expect and how to protect interest. My accident involved an uninsured driver which totaled my vehicle and caused injury to myself. Without Dale and his staff, I would have been out of a car and possibly drowning in medical bills. With their help, I was able to get the medical treatment needed in a timely manner while being fully protected. Thank you!