FOR A FREE LEGAL CONSULTATION WITH A PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER SERVING LAKELAND,

Cases We Handle

Winter Haven Car Accident Lawyer

FOR A FREE LEGAL CONSULTATION WITH A PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER SERVING LAKELAND,

Practice Areas

FAQ Categories

Recent Personal Injury Blogs:

Recent Car Accidents Blogs:

The at-fault party’s insurance company will immediately launch an auto accident investigation to reduce their payout.

This investigation includes taking statements from the parties and witnesses and collecting physical evidence, such as photographs and even the damaged vehicles.

While the insurance company attempts to avoid liability, most auto accident victims are left to deal with the personal and financial effects of the trauma. This reality is why it’s important to have a specialist on your side. We won’t let the insurance company take advantage of you.

Most people avoid doctor appointments after a vehicle accident. However, after a severe auto crash, it is important to follow medical advice to give yourself the best and fastest chance to heal.

Seek medical care immediately after an injury and avoid missing appointments with your healthcare professionals.

Your auto accident case value is determined by evidence from several places, especially your doctors. Most people who require treatment will get better; however, some catastrophic injuries require lifelong care.

After an accident, document what future needs may be necessary. It is also important to tell your doctors about past issues.

The doctors need to give opinions about new injuries and prior injuries that were possibly exacerbated. Failure to provide your doctors with accurate information may damage your credibility and undermine your doctor’s findings.

After Lakeland, FL, car accident, you must demonstrate that your injury is permanent to receive compensation for pain and suffering, disability or physical impairment, deformity, mental anguish, inconvenience, or loss of capacity for enjoyment of life.

To be considered a permanent injury, it must include:

A significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function.

Permanent and significant scarring or disfigurement.

An injury that the evidence shows is permanent to a reasonable degree of probability.

Maximum medical improvement is when an injured patient’s condition cannot be further improved or when a healing plateau is reached.

It can mean the patient has fully recovered from their injury, or their condition has stabilized, and no substantial change can be expected. Maximum medical improvement does not mean the patient will not receive future care.

Sometimes, future care is designed to help with functionality or pain levels and will not cure the condition. This kind of treatment following a car wreck is called “palliative care.” Palliative care is a multidisciplinary approach to specialized health care for people with severe conditions.

It focuses on providing patients with relief from the symptom or pain. Such therapy aims to improve the patient’s quality of life.

After getting the care you need, obtaining good advice and counsel is important for your future. Hiring the right personal injury attorneys can make a difference in your case. If you need legal assistance, contact one of our car accident specialists.

If you hire a lawyer on contingency, you will likely pay the same percentage fee whether your lawyer is a first-year lawyer with little or no experience or a board-certified specialist by the Florida Bar.

What This Page Covers:

  • Injury Claims: You have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit in Florida. Acting quickly increases your chance of securing maximum compensation.
  • Compensation: Victims can seek both economic (medical bills, lost wages) and non-economic (pain and suffering) damages.
  • Affordability: Dismuke Law handles cases on a contingency basis — no upfront costs, and you only pay if they win.
  • Fatal Accidents: Families can file wrongful death claims within two years to pursue compensation for their loss.

Automobile accidents can result from negligent behaviors and cause you to suffer severe accident injuries. Paying bills for your injuries can add up fast, but you don’t have to suffer the financial consequences alone.

A personal injury attorney from our firm can help you get fair compensation so you can heal from your injuries and go back to enjoying everyday life. Contact our welcoming office to schedule a free consultation. Let our team fight for the financial compensation you qualify for.

How Much Time Do I Have to File an Injury Claim in Winter Haven?

According to Florida Statutes § 95.11, you must file a personal injury lawsuit two years from the accident date. Four years may seem like a long time, but you should get in touch with us as soon as possible so we can get started on your case immediately.

The earlier you file your insurance claim, the greater your opportunity is to receive maximum compensation. In specific accidents, there are factors that may affect the time you have to file your claim. Our personal injury lawyers in Winter Haven can tell you exactly how long you have to file.

If you wait too long, you could miss the deadline. If you miss the deadline, you will not be able to recover financial compensation or file another claim. Your recovery is at risk the longer you wait to file. 

Can I Collect Compensation for My Accident-Related Losses?

Yes. If a careless driver’s reckless actions caused severe injuries, you could file an insurance claim to collect compensation for medical bills and more. 

The state allows injury victims to recover both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are financial losses. These usually have a bill or receipt attached.

Non-economic damages are those losses that don’t have a finite number attached. It is difficult to price pain and suffering, but it is a loss, nonetheless.

Examples of Economic or Financial Damages

Economic damages are remuneration you receive for financial losses due to your accident. Here are examples:

  • Ambulance charges
  • Hospital bills
  • Prescription costs
  • Car repairs or replacement
  • Lost wages

Non-Economic Damages

The following are examples of relatively subjective, or non-economic, damages:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of society
  • Mental anguish
  • Loss of limb
  • Disfigurement

There may be many other damages you are entitled to. Your Winter Haven car accident lawyer will identify your losses, evaluate them, and fight for you to recover them. Depending on the severity of your injuries and other factors, you may be eligible for some or all the damages on the list above.

How Do I Know What My Car Accident Case Is Worth?

Your car accident case is valued at your total losses. You can file your claim with your insurance provider, but it’s difficult to know what damages you can recover. When you want to know what your car accident lawsuit is worth, call for a consultation and ask Dave.

Complimentary Case Evaluation

You can get an idea of your claim worth when you reach out to us. We offer a confidential consultation to review your accident case. This initial appointment is free.

You can also ask for any information you might need to decide whether you want to move forward with our firm. It is a no-obligation appointment. You can look at our reviews to get an idea of what teaming up with us is like.

Can I Afford a Lawyer When I’m Not Working?

Yes. Law firms and attorneys know that justice should not belong only to those who can afford it. It isn’t feasible to ask for a large upfront sum from an injured victim who may be out of work and hit with all sorts of bills.

Car accident claims are handled on a contingency basis at our firm. Contingency fees are prearranged before the attorney takes on your case, so you know what to expect. You will not have to come up with funds to get started. You pay the legal bill as a percentage of the total settlement you could potentially receive. If we don’t win your case, you don’t owe anything.

Fatal Car Accidents

Losing a loved one in a fatal car accident is an unimaginable tragedy. When such an accident is caused by someone else’s negligence, the emotional and financial toll can be overwhelming. In these heartbreaking situations, surviving family members may be entitled to pursue a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for their loss.

A wrongful death claim allows you to recover damages related to the loss of your loved one, such as funeral and burial expenses, lost income and benefits, and the loss of companionship. While no amount of money can truly compensate for your loss, holding the negligent party accountable can bring a sense of justice and financial relief during a difficult time.

Florida law provides a two-year statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim, so it’s crucial to act quickly. At Dismuke Law, we have extensive experience handling fatal car accident cases and are committed to providing compassionate legal support for grieving families. We will thoroughly investigate the circumstances of the accident, gather evidence, and work tirelessly to pursue the maximum compensation you deserve.

Who Is Responsible for My Injuries and Damages?

To determine the responsible parties for the auto accident and get compensation, we need to investigate. No-fault car accident laws can make car crash cases in Florida confusing for many people. But depending on the severity of your injuries, you may be able to file a claim against the insurance of the person responsible.

Our lawyers have extensive experience handling vehicle accidents in Florida, and we can work with you to determine what damages you may be able to recover. There may also be other at-fault parties in your accident you may not have considered. Remember, a liable party doesn’t have to be present to be negligent.

For example, if a poorly manufactured part caused the accident, you could file a claim against the car manufacturer. The negligent driver’s employer could be liable if the driver hit you while on the job. You always have the option to file a lawsuit against the liable party or parties as long as you are within the deadlines.

Getting the Accident Report

The accident report is valuable evidence that can help improve your case’s chances and increase your compensation. It details the potential parties responsible for your injuries, a description of your injuries, and observations from law enforcement.

If you don’t already have a copy of your accident report, you can pick it up on the first floor of the Winter Haven Police Department.

I Need Help Collecting Damages for Medical Bills; Who Can I Call?

When you need help collecting damages for your car accident-related medical bills, you can call our team for answers. Our attorneys can help you with your car accident case. Our passion for justice drives us to work hard on your case.

We will investigate your accident, find the liable party or parties, and use our collected evidence to negotiate a settlement for you. If settlement negotiations are unsuccessful, we are prepared to take your case to court and continue fighting for you there.

Call Dave Now for Your Free Consultation

Don’t end up paying the costs of your injuries and other damages. Someone else is responsible for your accident, and they should compensate you appropriately. Our Winter Haven, FL, car accident lawyers at Dismuke Law can help you negotiate a significant settlement with the insurance company or fight for you in the courtroom.

Call Dave today or tell us about your case by calling (863) 250-5050 or completing our contact form. Let us know how we can help with your car accident case.

Take The Next Step

We Care About Your Recovery

Seriously injured? Have no coverage? We want to talk to you and we can help. We have two convenient office locations in Lakeland and Tampa and can even come to you if you are unable to travel due to your injuries. When you’ve been hurt in Florida, 1-800-ASK-DAVE is the only number you have to remember.

WHAT IS MY AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT CASE WORTH?
CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT!

Contact Us Today

WHAT IS MY AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT CASE WORTH?
CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT!

Contact Us Today