Indian River County Car Accident Lawyer

Unfortunately, in Florida, auto accidents occur every single day. In fact, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, there were 702,162 total crashes and 381,210 codable traffic crashes in 2024 alone. What’s worse, over 3,000 fatalities resulted from those accidents. That said, if you were injured in a car accident due to another party’s negligence, you can depend on a dedicated Indian River County personal injury lawyer from Ullian Trial Law to fight for the full and fair compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free initial consultation.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Many collisions in the Indian River area are not “accidents” in the truest sense of the word. They happen because someone failed to follow the law or use reasonable care. Negligence on the road can take many forms, but some causes are far more common than others. Below are some of the most frequent causes of car accidents involving negligent drivers:

• Distracted driving: Texting, adjusting GPS, eating, or any activity that takes eyes, hands, or focus away from driving.
• Speeding: Driving above the posted speed limit or too fast for conditions, which reduces reaction time and increases crash severity.
• Failure to yield: Ignoring stop signs, red lights, or right-of-way rules, leading to dangerous intersection collisions.
• Following too closely (tailgating): Not leaving enough space to stop safely when traffic slows or stops suddenly.
• Driving under the influence: Operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol, illegal drugs, or prescription medication that affects judgment and coordination.
• Improper lane changes: Failing to signal or check blind spots before moving into another lane.
• Running red lights: Disregarding traffic signals, often leading to high-speed, side-impact crashes.
• Driver fatigue: Falling asleep at the wheel or having slowed reaction times due to exhaustion.
• Aggressive driving: Road rage, weaving in traffic, or making unsafe passes.
• Inexperienced drivers: Lack of skill or judgment, especially among teen drivers, leading to preventable mistakes.

Every one of these behaviors violates Florida traffic laws and creates unnecessary risk for other motorists, passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists.

Injuries Sustained in Car Accidents

The injuries from a car crash can range from minor cuts to life-altering conditions. Even seemingly mild injuries may have long-term consequences if left untreated. In severe cases, recovery may involve surgeries, extensive rehabilitation, and permanent lifestyle changes. Common injuries from car accidents include the following:

• Orthopedic injuries: Damage to the joints such as tears of ligaments or muscles in the knees, shoulders, hips, or wrists.
• Concussions: Mild traumatic brain injuries that can lead to headaches, dizziness, and memory issues.
• Fractures and broken bones: Arms, legs, ribs, and other bones can break upon impact.
• Spinal cord injuries: Can result in partial or complete paralysis, depending on severity.
• Herniated discs: Damage to spinal discs causing pain, numbness, or weakness.
• Internal bleeding: Life-threatening condition that may not be immediately visible.
• Lacerations and deep cuts: Often caused by shattered glass or metal fragments.
• Burns: From vehicle fires, explosions, or contact with hot surfaces.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Emotional trauma that may require counseling.
• Chronic pain conditions: Lingering pain that affects mobility and quality of life long after the accident.

Prompt medical attention is essential, not only for health and safety but also for creating a clear record of injuries, which is important for any personal injury claim.

What Should I Do After a Car Accident?

The moments after a crash are often chaotic, but your actions can have a major impact on your health and your ability to pursue a claim later. If you are physically able, follow these steps:

1. Check for injuries: Call 911 immediately if anyone is hurt. Even if injuries seem minor, emergency medical evaluation is recommended.
2. Move to safety: If the vehicles can be moved and it’s safe to do so, relocate them to the side of the road to prevent further accidents.
3. Call law enforcement: Florida law requires reporting accidents involving injury, death, or significant property damage.
4. Exchange information: Get names, contact details, insurance information, and driver’s license numbers from all involved drivers.
5. Document the scene: Take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries.
6. Gather witness statements: If anyone saw the accident, collect their contact information.
7. Seek medical attention: Some injuries appear hours or days later, so getting checked by a doctor is important even if you feel fine.
8. Notify your insurance company: Provide basic facts without discussing fault.
9. Contact an attorney: A car accident lawyer can help protect your rights, handle insurance adjusters, and guide you through the claims process.

PIP Insurance in Florida

Florida is a no-fault state, which means that most drivers must carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. PIP is designed to pay for certain expenses after a car accident, regardless of who caused it.

Who Is Required To Have PIP?

All owners of motor vehicles registered in Florida must carry a minimum of $10,000 in PIP coverage. Motorcycles are excluded, but all four-wheeled vehicles are subject to the requirement.

What Does PIP Cover?

In Florida, PIP covers:

• Up to 80% of reasonable medical expenses
• 60% of lost wages if injuries prevent you from working
• Costs for necessary services, such as household help if you cannot perform those tasks due to your injuries
• Death benefits up to $5,000

When Damages Exceed PIP Limits

In addition to PIP, you may pursue a claim against the at-fault driver. This is often necessary because PIP coverage is so limited. To recover non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, you must establish a permanent injury, significant and permanent loss of bodily function, significant scarring, or death.

What if the Other Driver Wasn’t Insured?

Unfortunately, not every driver on Florida roads follows the law. If you are hit by someone without insurance, you still have options.

First, your own PIP coverage will apply, but as noted, it has limits. If you have Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage on your policy, it can help pay for expenses beyond PIP. UM/UIM coverage is optional in Florida, but it is highly recommended for this very reason.

If you do not have UM/UIM coverage, pursuing a personal injury lawsuit against the uninsured driver may be an option. However, recovering payment can be challenging if the driver has limited financial resources. This is where an attorney’s experience in locating assets and pursuing alternative avenues for recovery can make a difference.

Recoverable Damages

In Florida, compensation in a car accident claim is meant to make you “whole” again, as much as money can. While no amount can truly erase the physical and emotional toll of a serious accident, financial recovery can help ease the burden. Recoverable damages in Florida car accident cases may include the following:

• Medical expenses: Past, current, and future treatment costs related to the accident.
• Lost wages: Income lost while you are unable to work.
• Loss of earning capacity: For permanent injuries that affect your ability to earn in the future.
• Property damage: Repair or replacement of your vehicle and personal items damaged in the crash.
• Pain and suffering: Physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
• Loss of enjoyment of life: When injuries prevent you from participating in activities you once enjoyed.
• Wrongful death damages: Funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and financial support for surviving family members.

An experienced car accident lawyer will calculate both economic and non-economic damages, taking into account not just current losses, but also how the accident will affect your life years down the road.

Contact a Car Accident Lawyer in Indian River County

The bottom line is that anyone who has been hurt as a result of negligence deserves a steadfast legal advocate who will fight for the compensation they deserve. If you’re a car accident victim in Vero Beach, Indian River County, St. Lucie County, or anywhere in South Florida, you can depend on a seasoned personal injury lawyer from Ullian Trial Law to effectively represent your rights and interests. Contact us today so we can get started working on your case.