Practice Areas

Auto Injury Attorney / Auto Accident Lawyer

Serving clients in Orlando and across Florida

Questions About Automobile Accidents

How common are automobile accidents?

According to recent statistics provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were over 250,000 auto accidents in Florida last year. Most of these were low-impact collisions with no injuries; however, there were many serious accidents that resulted in catastrophic injury and loss of life. Whether minor or serious, car accidents are extremely stressful events that can prove to be quite costly.

Is it necessary to call the police after I'm in an accident?

Even if the accident seems minor to you, it is imperative that you notify the police, file a report, and call your insurance company. Doing so will provide proof that the accident actually took place, and it will allow for an immediate investigation at the scene of the accident. The police can get the names and addresses of witnesses and test the driver for driving under the influence. When you speak to the police, however, you must never admit fault. This can prove disastrous to a personal injury case should you choose to file one later.

An insurance company offered me a settlement. What do I do?

Do not accept any insurance settlement, especially from the other driver's insurance company. The goal of the insurance company is to pay as little as possible. An experienced auto injury attorney like Michael V. Barszcz, M.D., J.D. in Orlando, Florida can meet with you and explain what your legal rights are following your automobile accident. If you or a passenger was injured, or if you believe the insurance company is claiming you are not covered or have inadequate coverage, please contact our office immediately. You must never ever give an oral statement to any insurance company as you will surely regret it. Be polite, but do not offer any information whatsoever. Claims adjusters are professional negotiators who can be very charming in order to get the information they need to settle a claim. Don't fall for these tactics.

What should I do at the scene of the accident?

It would be very helpful to a future personal injury claim to have as much information as possible about the accident, road condition, weather, witnesses, etc. Take down the names, addresses, and phone numbers of anyone who can describe what happened. Take photographs of your vehicle, the other driver's vehicle, any road hazards, and weather conditions that may have played a part in the accident. If there are skid marks, take pictures of those, also. These will give an accurate record of what exactly took place in the accident.

My loved one was seriously injured in a car accident through no fault of his own. For what damages may he collect?

Of course, all automobile accident personal injury claims are different, but, generally speaking, victims may collect monetary damages for any of the following:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Future loss of wages
• Loss of earning capacity
• Property damage
• Funeral expenses (in cases of wrongful death)
• Loss of consortium
• Punitive damages (only in some cases)

If you or a loved one has suffered or died in an automobile accident in the Orlando area, please contact our experienced Florida auto accident lawyer at The Law Offices of Michael V. Barszcz, M.D., J.D. today to schedule your confidential consultation.