Were you hurt in a car accident in Fort Walton Beach, FL? If so, call Gross & Schuster Injury Lawyers at (850) 604-3844 for assistance. Our Fort Walton Beach car accident lawyers can help you identify and pursue all sources of compensation.
We established our law practice in 1981 to advocate for accident victims in their time of need. We have successfully obtained hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients, earning us top awards and ratings. Put over seven decades of combined experience in your corner as you fight for justice.
Contact our Fort Walton Beach, Florida, law office today to schedule a free consultation. This will give us an opportunity to learn more about your situation and provide personalized guidance.
How Gross & Schuster Injury Lawyers Can Help You After a Car Accident in Fort Walton Beach, FL
The aftermath of an auto collision can create a lot of uncertainty. How will you pay for unexpected healthcare expenses for treatment? What if you have to miss work? How do you value and prove your claim?
With our Fort Walton Beach personal injury lawyers by your side, you don’t have to figure out answers to these questions on your own. We’ll be your trusted allies as we help you navigate the claims process. With 75 years of collective experience, we’re well-equipped to take on the toughest cases and win.
Our team includes a civil trial lawyer who is Board-Certified by the Florida Bar, demonstrating his specialized knowledge and skills in the field. We have also received recognition and top ratings from Martindale-Hubbell, Avvo, and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
When you select our Fort Walton Beach attorneys to represent you, you can expect us to:
- Investigate your accident to determine how and why it occurred
- Keep you informed on all case developments
- Collect evidence proving liability
- Collaborate with expert witnesses to strengthen your case
- Monitor deadlines and submit all documentation and filings
- Negotiate with insurance providers for a fair settlement
- Argue your case in an Okaloosa County court if necessary
You don’t have to feel alone as you’re preparing to battle an insurer for compensation. Contact our Fort Walton Beach personal injury law firm for a free case evaluation. During your appointment, you can talk to an award-winning, compassionate lawyer about your legal options.
Why Should I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
There are numerous advantages to hiring a Fort Walton Beach car accident attorney. With skilled legal representation, you have an advocate who will work diligently to secure the most money possible for you.
Here’s how:
- Providing a level playing field: Nearly all auto accident claimants must contend with an insurance company at some point. These corporations are solely concerned with profits, not fairness. An adjuster may seem nice enough, but make no mistake: they will try to undercut you at every turn to pay as little as possible. Retain an attorney, and you won’t have to worry about these issues.
- Consulting leading experts: Some car accident cases are straightforward; however, others aren’t. If there are complex issues or disputes, we’ll know who to call upon for expert advice and collaboration.
- Handling all aspects of your case: The claims process is often challenging, requiring significant time and effort. Let a lawyer who routinely handles these matters fight for you. We will deal with everything, giving you peace of mind that your case is in good hands.
Above all else, you should be focused on your well-being and treatment plan – not a personal injury claim. We’re here when you need us, so reach out to learn more about our services.
How Much Money Can I Get From a Car Accident Case?
Each Florida car accident claim is unique, and its value depends on various factors and circumstances. Accordingly, we cannot definitively answer this question without knowing more about you and what happened.
When our personal injury attorneys in Fort Walton Beach are assessing your losses, we will evaluate:
- The severity of your harm and the overall impact on your life
- The amount you have and will spend on medical care
- Your lost wages and future ability to earn a living
- The individuals involved and available insurance coverage
- The extent of your physical and emotional pain
- Whether you share any liability for the wreck
- The strength of the evidence
We will identify and accurately calculate all your damages. Once we’ve built your case, we’ll pursue every dollar you’re entitled to under Florida law.
How Long Do I Have To File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Florida?
Florida’s statute of limitations dictates how long you have to file a personal injury lawsuit. You will generally have to bring your lawsuit within two years of the crash date. However, exceptions to the rule and certain factors in your case could give you more (or less) time to act.
It is highly recommended that you consult a Florida car accident attorney as soon as possible. The sooner we start gathering evidence, the stronger your claim will be. Additionally, we will ensure that all deadlines are met, avoiding a procedural error that could derail your case.
What Types of Compensation Are Available After a Car Accident in Fort Walton Beach, Florida?
As a Fort Walton Beach car accident victim, you may be entitled to recovery for your economic and non-economic losses.
Economic damages are the monetary costs stemming from your accident, including:
- Medical bills for hospital stays, surgery, appointments, and more
- Future medical expenses
- Costs to repair property damage
- Lost income and benefits
- Reduced earning potential
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Physical therapy
Non-economic damages are the subjective, harder-to-value consequences you have endured, such as:
- Mental anguish
- Pain and suffering
- Impairment or disability
- Inconvenience
- Diminished quality of life
- Disfigurement or scarring
An experienced car accident attorney in Fort Walton Beach can thoroughly evaluate your case to evaluate the kinds of damages you can seek. They will then fight for every penny to ensure you have the resources needed to move forward.
How Much Does it Cost To Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Fort Walton Beach?
Most car accident lawyers in Florida – including ours – work on a contingency fee basis. If you choose us to take on your personal injury case, we’ll get started right away at no upfront cost to you.
Our attorney’s fees are contingent on the outcome of your case. That means if we don’t win compensation for you, you owe us nothing. If we do, we deduct any legal expenses from your awarded settlement or jury verdict.
Under this arrangement, you can get high-quality representation even if you’re struggling financially due to a car crash. During your complimentary consultation, we can provide a more detailed explanation of our contingency fee agreement terms.
Can I Recover Compensation If I Was Partly At Fault for a Car Accident in Florida?
It will depend on the extent of your responsibility in causing the incident. Florida has implemented a modified comparative fault law. Under it, you can receive a reduced payout if your share of blame is 50% or lower. However, once your fault exceeds 50%, you are barred from recovering damages.
For example, suppose you are found to be 20% to blame for a Fort Walton Beach crash. The defendant would only have to compensate you for 80% of your damages to account for your allocated fault. If you were 51% (or more) responsible, you would walk away with nothing.
Be aware that insurance companies are very familiar with this principle. Adjusters use it frequently to scare claimants into accepting less than they deserve. Contact our experienced car accident lawyers in Fort Walton Beach if you’re being unjustly blamed for a collision.
Will My Car Accident Case Go To Trial?
A majority (around 95%) of car accident cases are resolved before reaching the trial stage. Most end with a settlement agreement after negotiations among the parties.
However, the few cases that do make it to the courtroom tend to involve:
- Disagreements regarding liability
- Substantial financial damages
- Defendants who are unwilling to settle in good faith
- Complex questions of fact
- Multiple at-fault parties or comparative negligence
Though it’s unlikely that you will have to appear before a judge and jury, it isn’t impossible. Being prepared for the possibility is important. Our Florida trial attorneys can help you understand the pros and cons of each option and what to expect if your case goes to court.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Fort Walton Beach?
Taking the proper steps immediately after a traffic accident can help protect your health, legal rights, and ability to recover compensation.
Here’s what you should do if you’re involved in a car accident in Fort Walton Beach:
- Ensure safety: Check yourself and others for injuries. If possible, move your vehicle to a nearby safe location to prevent further accidents.
- Call 911: Notify law enforcement of the crash. If dispatched, the police will complete an accident report containing crucial (and objective) details.
- Exchange information: Get contact and insurance info from all parties involved, as well as any witnesses.
- Avoid apologizing: Be very careful of what you say, as any statements you make could be twisted to imply fault.
- Document the scene: Take photos and videos of road conditions, property damage, traffic, debris, and anything else of relevance.
- Seek prompt medical attention: If you aren’t transported to the hospital via EMS, be sure to get an evaluation from a healthcare professional. Do this even if you don’t feel seriously injured. Some injuries aren’t immediately apparent. Plus, if your doctor finds any issues, your medical record will tie your injury to the collision.
You should also consult a Fort Walton Beach personal injury attorney as soon as possible. They can explain any other steps you need to take and speak to insurers on your behalf.
Types of Car Accident Claims We Handle
At Gross & Schuster Injury Lawyers, we have extensive experience handling various kinds of car accident cases. Below are some of our most common practice areas.
Rear-End Crashes
Rear-end collisions are common but entirely preventable. Most times, they occur because a driver is distracted, speeding, tailgating, or engaging in other negligent behaviors. Our Fort Walton Beach rear-end crash lawyers can handle insurance claims on your behalf.
Head-On Collisions
If you were involved in a head-on crash, you know how terrifying and traumatic these accidents can be. They often result from drunk driving, making a wrong turn, or veering into an oncoming vehicle’s lane. Our Fort Walton Beach head-on crash attorneys can deal with the legal issues while you focus on healing.
Intersection Accidents
Intersections are dangerous places. They are busy with all kinds of activity, from pedestrians crossing the street to cars intersecting from multiple directions. If you’ve been injured, our Fort Walton Beach intersection accident lawyers are here to help you obtain compensation for your losses.
Rollovers
Vehicles can roll over for many reasons, from speeding or “tripping” on an object on the road to defective designs. Our Fort Walton Beach rollover accident attorneys can determine what caused the incident and hold another driver, government entity, or manufacturer liable.
Other Auto Accidents
We also help victims after the following:
- Hit-and-run accidents
- Sideswipes
- T-bone accidents
- Uber and Lyft accidents
- Highway accidents
- Left-turn accidents
- Multi-vehicle crashes
- Single-vehicle accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Accidents involving uninsured/underinsured drivers
Regardless of how or why your crash happened, our personal injury lawyers in Fort Walton Beach are here to help you move forward.
Who Could Be Liable for My Injuries Resulting from a Car Accident?
Anyone who caused or contributed to your Fort Walton Beach auto accident can be liable for your resulting injuries. Various individuals could share responsibility, depending on the facts of your claim.
Potentially liable parties include, but are not limited to:
- Another driver
- A bicyclist or pedestrian
- A motorcyclist or scooter rider
- A truck driver or trucking company
- The manufacturer of a defective vehicle, part, or safety equipment
- A government agency
- The employer of a negligent employee driver
It isn’t always obvious who bears liability for a motor vehicle accident. Sometimes, an investigation is needed. However, it’s crucial to pinpoint the appropriate at-fault party so that you file all possible claims and obtain the money you need and deserve.
Common Types of Car Accident Injuries
Victims of traffic collisions can sustain a wide variety of injuries, from minor bruises to catastrophic harm.
Our Florida car accident lawyers have helped people who have suffered:
- Concussions
- Other traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Soft tissue damage
- Back injuries
- Whiplash and neck injuries
- Amputations
- Nerve damage
- Paralysis
- Spinal cord injuries
- Burns
- Internal organ damage
- Eye injuries
- Chest injuries
We can also help if you lost a family member in a fatal crash. We can file a wrongful death claim and seek accountability from the party responsible for your loved one’s untimely passing.
The Most Common Causes of Car Accidents
Car crashes happen for many different reasons, but the leading cause is driver error or negligence. When people are careless behind the wheel, the consequences can be devastating.
Some of the primary causes of these accidents include:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Driving while drunk or impaired
- Fatigued driving
- Failing to yield the right-of-way
- Running red lights and stop signs
- Tailgating
- Illegal turns or lane changes
- Road rage
- Racing through intersections
Other factors, such as road defects, poor weather conditions, and faulty vehicle parts, can also lead to wrecks. It’s important to identify everything that contributed to the accident. Doing so will allow you to determine all liable parties and seek a financial recovery that fully compensates you.
Fort Walton Beach Car Accident Statistics
Data from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) indicates that Okaloosa County, home to Fort Walton Beach, has recently experienced the following:
- 2022: 3,632 crashes causing 2,209 injuries and 19 fatalities
- 2023: 3,298 crashes causing 2,181 injuries and 28 fatalities
- 2024 (as of August 2024): 1,910 crashes causing 1,148 injuries and 16 fatalities
Based on these stats, Fort Walton Beach and surrounding areas make up a small percentage of Florida’s total collisions. However, on average, around 42% of the county’s accidents result in injury or death.
The Most Dangerous Intersections in Fort Walton Beach
Any intersection has the potential to be dangerous, but some are more prone to accidents than others.
Some of the most dangerous Fort Walton Beach intersections include:
- Hwy 98 and Mary Esther Cut Off
- Hwy 98 and Brooks Bridge
- Hwy 188 and Beal Parkway North
- Racetrack Rd and Skipper Ave
- Perry Ave SE and First Street SE
Traffic congestion, confusing signage, and inattentive motorists all contribute to hazardous roadways and intersections. Driving proactively and staying alert in these areas can reduce the likelihood of being involved in a crash.
Call Our Fort Walton Beach Car Accident Lawyers Today For Help
If you were hurt in an auto accident in Fort Walton Beach, FL, the legal team at Gross & Schuster Injury Lawyers is here for you. We know what it takes to investigate, prove your case, negotiate, and get the compensation you deserve.
Get the upper hand by contacting us to discuss an attorney-client relationship. We offer a free initial consultation, during which we will listen to you and address your questions and concerns. If you select us as your advocates, we will begin building your case right away.