Polk County Car Accident Attorney
If you have recently been involved in a car accident in Polk County and find yourself in need of legal representation, look no further than Abrahamson & Uiterwyk. Our team of seasoned professionals is dedicated to providing exceptional assistance to clients in Polk County and its neighboring areas, backed by decades of experience protecting the rights of injured victims. Rest assured, we are here to support you in your time of need.
At Abrahamson & Uiterwyk, we rely on decades of experience to help our clients recover just compensation for car accidents in Davenport, Lakeland, Winter Haven, and other areas. Here are some more reasons why individuals and families have trusted our Polk County car accident attorneys for more than 35 Years:
- Our Results Speak for Themselves. Our Polk County car accident lawyers have secured numerous multi-million-dollar verdicts, and we have helped thousands of clients recover just compensation for serious accident-related injuries.
- We Have a Strong Reputation in the Legal Community. We frequently receive referrals from lawyers at other Polk County law firms, and we have an and an “AV” Rating with Martindale-Hubbell. This is the highest peer-review rating available.
- We Focus on Handling Serious Accident Cases. While many law firms represent clients in a broad range of legal matters, we focus exclusively on helping individuals and families recover just compensation for serious accidents.
- Our Clients Always Come First. As a client of Abrahamson & Uiterwyk, you can expect to receive attentive and personalized service from all members of our team. Our Lakeland car accident lawyers will guide you step-by-step through the recovery process, and we will answer the phone when you call.
- We Only Collect a Fee or Costs if We Win. It costs nothing out-of-pocket to hire our Polk County car accident lawyers. We only collect a fee or costs if we win your case, this will be calculated as a percentage of the amount we recover on your behalf.
Should I Hire An Attorney After A Car Accident In Florida?
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Polk County, it is crucial to seek the assistance of an experienced car accident lawyer who will pursue the maximum compensation possible. Even seemingly minor accidents can escalate in severity once the initial adrenaline wears off and the true extent of damage is evaluated by professionals such as mechanics or body shop experts.
According to the 2022 statistics from the Florida Highway Safety & Motor Vehicle Dashboard, Polk County witnessed a staggering 6,247 automobile crashes, with 2,874 resulting in injuries and 66 tragic fatalities. Insurance companies, whose primary objective is to minimize payouts, often put up a strong fight to offer the bare minimum in terms of settlements or awards. Challenging these insurance giants on your own can be a daunting task.
We strongly recommend hiring an experienced attorney who will zealously work to take on these large insurance companies. It’s a common misconception that your insurance company is “on your side” as an accident victim. In reality, any insurance company is primarily focused on their own interests and aims to avoid cutting you a substantial check. This is an undeniable fact.
It is important to remember that immediately after an accident, you may feel fine due to the surge of adrenaline. However, delayed pain and symptoms can emerge even a week or more later. Therefore, it would be unwise to assume that you won’t need to file a claim or that the guidance of an attorney isn’t necessary following a car accident in Polk County.
We often tend to overlook the inherent dangers of automobiles and the serious implications of car crashes, considering that most of us drive or ride in motor vehicles daily. To safeguard your rights and pursue fair compensation, consulting a dedicated car accident lawyer who understands the complexities of such cases is essential.
Call us 24/7 at 800-538-4878 to get your FREE case review.
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We Handle All Types of Car Accident and Insurance Claims
Car accidents can happen in a broad range of scenarios and involve a variety of different circumstances. The circumstances involved in your (or your loved one’s) accident will determine how much we can seek to recover on your behalf. Contact us today to learn how we help drivers, passengers and families Polk County recover just compensation for:
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Claims
Personal injury protection (PIP) is mandatory auto insurance in Florida. It provides “no fault” coverage, which means your insurance company is supposed to pay without regard to who caused the accident. PIP insurance covers not only the driver, but passengers as well.
Yet, many drivers and passengers struggle to secure PIP coverage. Insurance companies use various tactics to try to deny PIP claims; and, if you cannot prove your covered losses (i.e. your accident-related medical bills and lost wages), the insurance company isn’t going to pay. A Polk County car accident lawyer at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk can work to secure maximum PIP coverage on your behalf.
Liability Auto Insurance Claims
While Florida is a “no fault” auto insurance state, it is still possible to file a fault-based auto insurance claim in some cases. Specifically, you can file a fault-based auto insurance claim if you suffered a “significant” or “permanent” injury in your crash.
Along with property damage liability (PDL) insurance (which is mandatory and covers damage to your vehicle), there are two main types of liability insurance that cover accident-related injuries. Both of these are optional under Florida law. If the at-fault driver has bodily injury liability (BIL) insurance and/or you or a member of your household has uninsured/underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage, we can file a claim (or claims) to secure additional compensation on your behalf. While PIP insurance only covers medical bills and lost wages, BIL and UIM insurance cover:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Other financial costs (i.e. transportation, cleaning and landscaping services, and home modifications)
- Emotional trauma
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of companionship, consortium, support, and enjoyment of life
Rideshare and Delivery Driver Accidents
Rideshare and delivery drivers have become ubiquitous in Lakeland, Davenport, and other cities across Polk County. With the rise of rideshare and delivery services, we have seen a rise in accidents involving Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, Grubhub, and Postmates vehicles as well.
Florida law requires rideshare drivers to carry additional auto insurance coverage, and rideshare and delivery companies typically have insurance that covers accidents as well. If you were involved in an accident caused by a rideshare or delivery driver, we can file all available claims in order to seek the full financial compensation you deserve.
Rental Car Accidents
Rental cars are also ubiquitous in Polk County due to its location in Central Florida. While rental car companies such as Budget, Enterprise, and Hertz generally are not liable for accidents involving their vehicles, drivers’ insurance policies will typically apply. Additionally, if the accident happened because the rental car was not properly maintained, then the rental car company could be liable. Just like all other types of car accidents cases, in cases involving rental cars, our car accident lawyers examine all possible sources of financial recovery to make sure our clients have the opportunity to recover as much money as possible.
Business Vehicle Accidents
From luxury cars provided to company executives to vans and sedans provided to salespeople and other employees, many cars on Polk County’s roads are owned or leased by businesses. If you or a loved one was injured in an accident involving a business vehicle, then you may have a claim under the business’s commercial liability insurance policy. Crucially, these types of policies usually have much higher policy limits than individuals’ auto insurance policies. Our lawyers have significant experience pursuing car accident claims (and other accident claims) against businesses of all sizes.
Government Vehicle Accidents
If you or a loved one was injured in an accident involving a vehicle operated by a Polk County office or any other local, state, or federal government entity, that government entity could be liable for the crash. There are special rules and deadlines for filing claims against government entities, so it is especially important that you speak with a Polk County car accident lawyer as soon as possible. We have significant experience in these cases as well, and our team can get to work on your case right away.
Accidents Involving Road and Vehicle Defects, Maintenance Issues, and Faulty Repairs
Driver negligence isn’t the only factor that can lead to serious and fatal car accidents. Issues with the road and issues with drivers’ vehicles can lead to crashes as well. If a road or vehicle defect, maintenance issue, or faulty repair is to blame for your (or your loved one’s) car accident in Polk County, we can use our experience to prove liability, negotiate for a fair settlement, and take your case to court if necessary.
Common Injuries Sustained In Polk County Car Accidents
Car accidents in Polk County frequently give rise to a range of injuries commonly observed in such incidents. These injuries encompass:
- Head Injuries – Car accidents can result in a spectrum of head injuries, from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). The impact of the accident can cause significant injury to the head and brain.
- Neck Injuries – Rear-end collisions often lead to whiplash, a common neck injury caused by the sudden jerking motion of the head. Whiplash can cause pain, stiffness, and limited mobility.
- Spinal Injuries – The impact of car accidents can cause various spinal injuries, including broken vertebrae, ruptured discs, or even paralysis due to a severed spinal column. These injuries can have long-lasting effects on a person’s mobility and overall quality of life.
- Organ Damage – Crush injuries or impact injuries from rollovers can result in harm to internal organs, such as the kidneys, lungs, and other vital organs. These injuries can have severe long-term implications for an individual’s health.
- Broken bones and fractures – The force of a collision can lead to fractures and broken bones in different parts of the body, including the arms, fingers, legs, and ribs. Airbag impact or damage to the steering column often contributes to these injuries.
- Joint Injuries – Car crashes can leave fingers, ankles, and knees particularly vulnerable. The sudden impact can cause sprains, strains, dislocations, or even fractures in these joints.
- Facial Scarring – Flying glass from shattered windshields can cause facial scarring, resulting in lacerations and permanent disfigurement.
- Amputations – Severe limb damage during an accident or injuries affecting tissue and veins may necessitate amputations. The loss of a limb has profound physical and emotional consequences for the individual.
- Eye Injuries – Car accidents can inflict eye injuries due to flying glass, airbag residue, or debris. These injuries can range from temporary irritation to partial or complete vision loss.
- Muscle Injuries – Torn or stretched muscles in the back, shoulders, and other parts of the body can cause chronic pain that may persist for years after the accident.
- Nerve Damage – Car accidents can lead to nerve damage, resulting in long-lasting pain that is often challenging to treat effectively.
- Permanent Hearing Loss – The force and noise generated by airbag deployment during accidents can cause pressure and noise injuries, leading to permanent hearing loss in approximately 17% of car occupants. Temporary hearing impact or ringing in the ears is more common but typically resolves over time.
Common Causes Of Car Accidents In Polk County
Car accidents are a common occurrence on the roads of Polk County, Florida, with various factors contributing to their frequency. Some of the most prevalent causes include:
- Drinking and driving
- Rear-end accidents
- Distracted driving
- Adverse weather or road conditions
- Head-on collisions
- Sideswipes
- Speeding
Among these causes, rear-end collisions stand out as particularly common in Polk County, often resulting from behaviors like:
- Tailgating
- Distracted driving
- Excessive speed
Dealing with the aftermath of a rear-end accident can be challenging, especially because whiplash symptoms, such as neck and back pain, may not manifest immediately and can take days or even weeks to develop. Unfortunately, insurance companies and adjusters often dispute the validity of such injuries, claiming they are not real or present due to the individual variation in symptom onset and manifestation.
Given these circumstances, it is crucial to seek the assistance of an experienced Polk County car accident lawyer in Florida following an accident. Our dedicated team can provide invaluable support in record-keeping, evidence collection, negotiations with insurance adjusters and companies, and all other aspects of the legal process. By entrusting them with your case, they ensure that your rights are protected and work diligently to seek the compensation you rightfully deserve.
Call us 24/7 at 800-538-4878 to get your FREE case review.
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What Can You Expect From Our Polk County Car Accident Attorneys?
When you need help recovering just compensation after a car accident, you need to know that you can trust your law firm without reservation. So, what can you expect from our Polk County car accident attorneys?
1. We Will Provide an Honest and Straightforward Assessment of Your Legal Rights
Can you pursue a claim outside of PIP? How much might you be able to recover? What are your chances of success? We know the questions you want answered, and we will answer them as soon as we have enough information to do so.
2. We Will Explain the Recovery Process to You in Detail
We will explain everything you need to know about seeking medical treatment, avoiding mistakes with the insurance companies, getting your car repaired or replaced, and planning for the future. We are passionate about helping our clients, and will make sure you are as comfortable and confident as possible.
3. We Will Work With Experts to Prove Liability and Calculate Your Losses
We will engage investigators, medical experts, financial planners, and other experts as necessary to prove your right to just compensation. We have long-standing working relationships with all types of professionals throughout Polk County.
4. We Will Not Stop Fighting Until You Are Satisfied
If you are not satisfied with a settlement offer, we will not pressure you to settle. We will keep fighting for more, and we will not hesitate to go to court if this is what it takes to win the financial compensation you deserve.
Examples of Some of Our Actual Car Accident Cases
Initial Offer | Final Result | The AU Difference |
---|---|---|
$1,500,000 | $5,000,000 | $3,500,000 |
$0 | $5,000,000 | $5,000,000 |
$300,000 | $1,600,000 | $1,300,000 |
$0 | $1,575,000 | $1,575,000 |
$675,000 | $1,330,000 | $655,000 |
$0 | $1,260,000 | $1,260,000 |
$450,000 | $1,250,000 | $800,000 |
$300,000 | $1,074,168 | $774,168 |
$500,000 | $1,000,000 | $500,000 |
$80,000 | $938,077 | $858,077 |
$125,000 | $690,000 | $565,000 |
$7,500 | $650,000 | $642,500 |
$50,000 | $775,000 | $725,000 |
$58,644 | $525,000 | $466,356 |
$9,000 | $450,000 | $441,000 |
$55,000 | $455,000 | $400,000 |
$65,000 | $650,000 | $585,000 |
$55,000 | $500,000 | $445,000 |
Call us 24/7 at 800-538-4878 to get your FREE case review.
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Contact A Polk County, FL Auto Accident Lawyer Near You
If you find yourself involved in a car accident in Polk County, Florida, it is of utmost importance to seek the assistance of a reputable Polk County, FL auto accident lawyer in your area. The aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming, and navigating the legal process alone can be a daunting task. By reaching out to an experienced Polk County car accident lawyer, at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk, online or by calling 866-482-1634, you can receive the necessary guidance and support to protect your rights and pursue fair compensation for your injuries and damages. An experienced personal injury lawyer will carefully evaluate your case, gather crucial evidence, handle communication with insurance companies, and aggressively negotiate on your behalf, ensuring that your best interests are fully represented. Do not hesitate to contact a car accident lawyer in Polk County who can provide you with the legal experience and advocacy you require during this challenging time. If you need a car accident lawyer in Haines City, our team is ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.