Kissimmee Personal Injury Lawyer
Traffic accidents happen every day across the country, and they’re especially common in Kissimmee. During morning and evening rush hour, it’s not unusual to see a crash slow traffic or hear reports of another wreck nearby.
If you’re injured, the stress doesn’t stop at the accident scene. You may also have to deal with insurance adjusters who are focused on protecting the company’s bottom line, not your recovery. That can make it harder to get fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
That’s where Ward Law can help. A personal injury attorney in Kissimmee can handle communication with insurers, build your claim and push back against low offers so you’re not pressured into settling for less than you deserve. Whether your injuries are minor or serious, speaking with an attorney can help you understand your options and next steps.
The Most Common Accidents In Kissimmee
Car accidents are certainly common in Kissimmee, FL but that’s not the only type of accident life can throw at you. Kissimmee is a tropical city with plenty of opportunities to get out on the water and enjoy a day out on the boat. However, with many boats on the water, boating accidents are more common.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Boating Accident Statistical Report, Florida consistently reports hundreds of boating accidents each year.
Motorcycles are also common in the Kissimmee area, and motorcycle crashes continue to account for thousands of injuries statewide — with 9,548 motorcycle crashes reported in Florida in 2023 alone, according to the Florida Traffic Crash Facts Annual Report 2023.
Pedestrian crashes are another serious concern. In 2023, Florida saw 10,306 pedestrian-involved crashes statewide, according to the Florida Traffic Crash Facts Annual Report 2023.
In one notable Kissimmee accident, a collision between a vehicle and a train resulted in a fatality, underscoring the dangers present on local roadways. Serious traffic accidents continue to pose risks for drivers and pedestrians across Osceola County and throughout Florida.
Kissimmee attracts tourists from across the world to visit Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, Fun Spot and Sea World. In addition to theme parks, Kissimmee offers local attractions and dining options through its main thoroughfares of US-192 and John Young Parkway. Tourists may not be aware of local Kissimmee and Florida traffic regulations while driving on local roads, which can lead to dangerous accidents causing serious bodily injury.
These incidents often lead to complex Kissimmee personal injury cases, particularly when motor vehicle accidents involve serious or catastrophic injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Injury Cases in Kissimmee
What is a serious bodily injury?
Florida law defines “serious bodily injury” as “an injury to a person, including the driver, which consists of a physical condition that creates a substantial risk of death, serious personal disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of the function of a bodily member or organ.” Some examples of injuries that would qualify as “serious bodily injury” are as follows: paralysis, loss of a limb, and any life-threatening injury.
No matter what type of serious bodily injury you experience, you have the right to pursue legal action to help pay for the costs associated with your injuries.
What should I do after an accident in Kissimmee?
Having an accident is a very jarring and traumatic event. Therefore, it is vital to take care of yourself after one has occurred. The best way to do that is to:
- Stay at the scene of the accident. If you leave the scene of an accident, it may cause you legal trouble and raise questions that will not be helpful to your case.
- Seek medical attention. Even if you feel fine, it is not uncommon for injuries to manifest themselves long after an accident. A physician will know what to look for and could spot those latent injuries. Having those findings documented as part of your medical reports can play a critical role in supporting any claims filed.
- Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer. The insurance companies have lawyers working for them. An experienced personal injury lawyer will be able to adequately prepare for and take on the insurance company’s tactics and walk you through every step of your personal injury claim.
- Do not accept the insurance company’s first offer. They are not looking out for your best interests but rather for their own best interests. Do not be intimidated into accepting an offer from the insurance company.
How can a personal injury lawyer help me after an accident in Kissimmee?
If you’ve been hurt in an auto accident, a personal injury lawyer in Kissimmee can make a meaningful difference in how your claim is handled and resolved. Not least among those advantages is the firm understanding of the rights that you have as an injured person. A lawyer can explain your rights so that you are not easily taken advantage of.
In addition, a personal injury lawyer will walk you through every step of the claims process. Another benefit of hiring an attorney is that they will be able to assist with gathering evidence. The years of experience that such a lawyer brings will also be invaluable when it comes to evaluating your case. Furthermore, an injury lawyer will also take over the burden of handling all communications with the insurance companies and the negligent party.
Another area where experience is a great advantage is in negotiations. Finally, a personal injury lawyer will also be able to file a wrongful death claim if you lost a family member or loved one.
What kind of cases do the Kissimmee personal injury lawyers at Ward Law handle?
At the root of all personal injury claims is the issue of negligence. The following is a list of the types of cases that Ward Law handles:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Drunk driving accidents
- Distracted driver accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Bus accidents
- Road rage incidents
- Uninsured motorist accidents
- Hit-and-run accidents
- Pedestrian struck by a motor vehicle
- Slip and fall injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Medical malpractice
- Wrongful death cases
Many types of personal injury issues and types of damages can arise after a personal injury accident. The legal professionals at Ward Law can provide you with the legal services you need to seek justice after any type of accident.
How do no-fault or PIP benefits affect my Florida accident?
Florida is a no-fault state. That means that both parties make claims in the event of an accident, no matter who was at fault. It is required that all Florida drivers have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance as part of their car insurance policy.
PIP only covers up to a certain amount. If injuries are significant enough to be considered “serious” by law or exceed your PIP coverage, it is possible to file a lawsuit against the other driver. The amount of PIP insurance coverage required for Florida drivers is $10,000. However, it will only cover 80% of your medical costs. Furthermore, it will only pay 60% of your lost wages. Both medical and lost wage costs are only covered up to $10,000 in total.
This is why it is crucial to hire a personal injury attorney in Kissimmee who will help you recover your costs that go beyond the $10,000 maximum. Senate Bill 54 has recently passed in Florida. If signed into law, this bill would end Florida’s status as a no-fault state and do away with the PIP insurance requirement.
How can I prove that the other party is responsible for my damages?
After the $10,000 PIP insurance coverage limit is surpassed, Florida looks a lot like a comparative negligence state. That means that each person’s culpability is considered when determining the degree of fault for each party. That is why it is important that you have evidence to support your claim. Evidence might include photos of the accident scene, photos of your vehicle, the police report, medical bills, previous pay stubs, and witness statements.
What type of compensation can I receive after an accident in Kissimmee?
It is not possible to predict what amount of compensation you may receive. That will depend on several factors, such as the extent of your injuries, the medical costs associated with your recovery, the length of time you are unable to work, your usual pay rate, and the degree of negligence of the other party.
There are different categories of compensation that can be divided into economic damages, non-economic damages, and punitive damages. Economic damages account for things that can objectively be quantified, such as medical bills and time away from work. Non-economic damages are things like emotional distress and trauma. Punitive damages are awarded as a way of punishing the negligent party for egregious conduct.
How do I choose an experienced Kissimmee personal injury law firm?
When deciding who to hire as your personal injury attorney, it’s important to consider certain key qualities. Chief among those qualities is experience. Ask how long their attorneys have been practicing personal injury law. Another important quality is availability.
Check out their website to see if they provide client testimonials.
When do I have to file a claim in Florida?
In Florida, the statute of limitations for filing a claim based on negligence is four years. However, if the person with a claim has been incapacitated, or if the person to be sued has fled the state or attempted to hide their identity, these types of circumstances would create an exception.
Why should I file a personal injury claim after an accident in Kissimmee?
One of the most practical reasons to file a personal injury claim is the recovery of lost wages and the recouping of expensive medical costs. Another reason to file is to hold the other party accountable. If you are in an accident, contact Ward Law for a free case evaluation.