Daytona Beach Auto Accident Attorney

At Buckmaster & Ellzey, our Daytona Beach auto accident attorneys have many years of experience advocating for the legal rights of car crash victims throughout Florida. Our team prides itself on offering a personalized approach to each case, ensuring you can concentrate on healing while we manage the legal complexities of your injury claim. If you've been injured due to another driver's negligence or reckless behavior, know you are not alone. You may be entitled to compensation for various damages, including medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and emotional distress. Our firm has successfully secured hundreds of millions in compensation for our clients, and many of our significant victories stem from similar car accident cases.

To schedule a consultation with our skilled Daytona Beach auto accident attorneys, call  (888) 785-6548 or send our team a message online!

How an Auto Accident Attorney Can Help You

Recovering from severe injuries can be overwhelming, especially when trying to navigate the complexities of a legal case on your own. Our dedicated team is here to relieve that burden by managing every aspect of your legal journey, allowing you to focus entirely on your recovery. We are committed to keeping you informed at each critical juncture, ensuring you're never left uncertain about your case's progress.

Our comprehensive approach to handling car accident cases includes the following:

• Gathering official police reports
• Securing detailed witness statements
• Engaging accident reconstruction specialists when needed
• Assessing compensation for medical expenses, vehicle damage, lost wages, and other losses
• Negotiating settlements with insurance companies whenever feasible
• Preparing for court proceedings if a settlement is not in your best interest or can't be reached

This meticulous strategy and our determination to stand firm against aggressive insurance company tactics have earned us a stellar reputation throughout Central Florida and beyond. Many clients come to us through personal recommendations and referrals from other legal professionals. Our presence on a demand letter or court docket often prompts insurers to consider settling early, recognizing the formidable challenge of opposing us in court.

What to Do After a Car Crash

Being involved in a car accident in Daytona Beach can be a stressful experience, but taking the right steps afterward is essential for your safety, legal compliance, and protection of your rights. 

Here's a detailed guide on what to do:

• Ensure Safety: First, check yourself and any passengers for injuries. If anyone is hurt, dial 911 immediately for emergency medical help. If the accident scene is safe and vehicles can be moved, relocate them to a safer spot to prevent further incidents. If not, keep your hazard lights on and wait for emergency responders.
• Call the Police: Regardless of the accident’s severity, Florida law mandates that crashes involving injuries, fatalities, or significant property damage must be reported to the police. An officer will document the accident, creating a report that is vital for insurance claims or legal actions. If police do not arrive, you can file a report at a local law enforcement office.
• Exchange Information: Gathering as much information from the scene as possible is important. Witness information can provide invaluable information if you need to build a case later. Collect essential details from all drivers involved, such as:
  • Names, addresses, and contact numbers
  • Driver’s license numbers
  • Insurance providers and policy numbers
  • Vehicle details, including make, model, and license plate numbers
  • Accident location information
• Document the Scene: Take comprehensive photographs of the accident scene, capturing vehicle positions, damage, road conditions, skid marks, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. These images serve as crucial evidence for insurance or legal proceedings. 
• Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel uninjured, seeing a doctor soon after the accident is wise. Some injuries, like whiplash or concussions, might not be immediately noticeable. Florida requires medical treatment within 14 days to qualify for Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits, which cover medical and wage losses.
• Notify Your Insurance Company: Report the accident promptly to your insurance provider. As Florida follows a no-fault insurance system, your PIP insurance will handle your primary medical costs and lost wages, irrespective of fault. Be truthful, but refrain from accepting blame or making conclusive remarks about the accident until all details are clear.
• Keep Records of Medical Treatment and Expenses: Document all medical treatments, including doctor visits, medications, and therapies related to the accident. Keep track of all out-of-pocket expenses like travel for medical appointments and preserve all bills and receipts. This information is vital for insurance claims and potential legal matters.
• Consult a Car Accident Lawyer: While not obligatory, consulting a lawyer, especially when dealing with serious injuries or disputes, is advisable. A Florida car accident attorney can assist you through the process, negotiate with insurers, and help secure the compensation you deserve for medical costs, property damage, lost income, and more.
• File an Insurance Claim or Lawsuit: After notifying your insurer, you'll likely file a claim under your PIP policy. If your injuries exceed your PIP limits or the other driver is at fault, you might pursue a personal injury lawsuit for further compensation. You have a four-year window from the accident date to file such a lawsuit in Florida.

Taking these steps after a car crash can significantly affect the outcome of any legal and insurance processes you may face. Being proactive and informed ensures that your rights and well-being are protected. Remember, you are not alone in this journey, and seeking professional legal guidance can support you during this challenging time.

Common Types of Car Collisions Contributing to Auto Accident Claims

A car accident is an unforeseen event where vehicles crash into each other, stationary objects, or individuals on the road. Such accidents can cause property damage, injuries, or even fatalities, and can occur for various reasons.

The most frequent types of car accidents involve:

• Rear-end collisions: This type occurs when one vehicle crashes into the back of another, often due to following too closely, distractions, or abrupt halts.
• Head-on collisions: This dangerous accident type happens when two vehicles moving toward each other collide front to front, often leading to serious injuries or fatalities.
• Side-impact collisions (T-bone): These occur mainly at intersections and involve one car hitting the side of another, often at right angles.
• Sideswipe collisions occur when two vehicles traveling parallel brush against each other, often during lane changes when one driver fails to see the other car.
• Rollovers: This happens when a vehicle tips over onto its roof or side, caused by factors like speed, sharp turns, or the vehicle's design.
• Single-vehicle accidents: These involve only one car and can result from driver mistakes, poor road conditions, or bad weather.
• Multi-vehicle pileups: These involve three or more vehicles and occur mainly on highways, particularly under bad weather conditions.
• Pedestrian or bicycle accidents: When a vehicle strikes a pedestrian or cyclist, often due to lack of attention or failure to yield, leading to severe injuries or death.
• Hit-and-runs occur when a driver leaves the scene after a collision without sharing information or helping injured people.
• Animal-related collisions: Occur when vehicles hit animals like deer or livestock, leading to damage and potential injury.
• Intersection collisions: These happen at road junctions when vehicles crash into each other. Common causes are ignoring traffic rules or signals.
• DUI (Driving Under the Influence) incidents: These crashes happen when one or more drivers are impaired due to alcohol or drugs, reducing their ability to drive safely.

Understanding the different types of car accidents can help drivers become more aware of potential hazards and practice safe driving habits. By recognizing these common scenarios and their causes, motorists can take proactive measures to prevent accidents and protect themselves, passengers, and others on the road. Ultimately, education and awareness are key components in reducing the incidence of such unfortunate events.

Begin Your Journey by Scheduling a Consultation Today

Reach out to our team today to discuss your unique car accident injury concerns with one of our experienced attorneys. We operate on a contingency fee basis, ensuring you pay no legal fees unless we succeed in obtaining compensation for your damages. Contact Buckmaster & Ellzey now at (888) 785-6548 to explore your legal options, or contact our dedicated Daytona Beach auto accident attorneys online right now.

Contact Buckmaster & Ellzey by sending our team a message online to schedule a consultation with one of our Daytona Beach auto accident attorneys.