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Free Unless You Win | Call 24/7: 1-800-800-1414
If you were injured in a car accident in Sarasota, Florida law gives you the right to pursue payment for your medical bills, lost income, and the personal toll the crash has taken on your life. But how do you secure that compensation?
The days after a crash are a blur of doctor’s appointments, insurance paperwork, and the mounting stress of bills arriving while you can’t work. The insurance adjuster for the other driver might sound helpful, but their job is to protect their company’s bottom line, not yours.
At Hale Law, we untangle this process for you. We provide straightforward answers and handle the details so you can concentrate on your recovery.
For a no-cost evaluation of your case, call Hale Law Accident Attorneys at (941) 735-4529.
Choosing a law firm is a decision based on trust and a record of performance. We are proud of the recognition our firm has earned and our deep roots in the community.
Our commitment is to the Sarasota community, helping people who have been injured get back on their feet. We handle car accident claims every day, and our results speak for themselves.
Our entire approach is built around your needs during a difficult time.
The goal of a personal injury claim is to provide financial stability by covering every expense and loss the accident caused. These losses, called damages, fall into two main categories.
These are the straightforward, calculable losses from the crash. We document every expense to build a comprehensive claim on your behalf.
These damages are meant to acknowledge the intangible ways the accident has rewritten your life. These losses are just as real as any medical bill, and they deserve to be recognized.
Yes, in a way. Florida is a “no-fault” state, which can be a confusing term. It doesn’t mean no one is to blame for an accident. It just changes how medical bills are paid at the beginning.
In simple terms, all drivers in Florida are required to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance. This policy provides up to $10,000 for medical bills and lost wages, and it’s your first source of payment, regardless of who caused the accident. The idea is to ensure that you can get immediate medical treatment without waiting for a fault determination.
You must seek initial medical care within 14 days of the accident to be eligible for your PIP benefits. Failure to do so could result in forfeiting this coverage.
The no-fault system is designed to handle less severe injuries. You are allowed to step outside this system and file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver to recover damages for pain and suffering if your injury meets a certain threshold.
Under Florida law, this typically means you have sustained:
Our role is to evaluate the medical evidence and determine if your injuries qualify, allowing us to pursue full compensation beyond the limits of your PIP policy.
Proving negligence is the foundation of any successful car accident claim. To do this, we build a case by systematically gathering and analyzing evidence from multiple sources.
Our experience helps us identify patterns of negligence in different types of crashes:
Florida law follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule. This legal concept means you can still recover damages even if you were partially to blame for the accident, with one important condition: you cannot be more than 50% responsible. If you are found 51% or more at fault, you are barred from recovering any damages.
If you are 50% or less at fault, your final compensation award is simply reduced by your percentage of fault.
In Florida, the law gives you a limited time to file a personal injury lawsuit. This is called the statute of limitations. For most car accident cases, you have two years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit.
If you miss this deadline, the court will almost certainly refuse to hear your case, and you will lose your right to pursue compensation forever.
This deadline is one of the most compelling reasons to speak with an attorney as soon as you are able. Investigating a claim, gathering evidence, and negotiating with an insurance company all take time, and this work must be done well before the two-year clock runs out.
Certain intersections across the county have a reputation for a reason:
Collisions in Sarasota are not limited to traditional intersections. The drawbridges and narrow roads that lead to our barrier islands present their own set of challenges.
Shortly after the accident, you will likely get a call from an insurance adjuster representing the other driver. It is important to understand their objective. While the adjuster may sound friendly and sympathetic, their job is to resolve the claim for the lowest possible amount.
While we manage the legal details, these simple steps can help strengthen your claim.
In this situation, you may file a claim with your own insurance company through your Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, if you elect to purchase it. This is an optional but valuable coverage that protects you from financially irresponsible drivers.
Yes. A police report is an officer’s opinion; it is not the final word on liability. Officers are human and can make mistakes, or they may not have had access to all the evidence. As we mentioned, Florida’s comparative fault rule allows you to seek compensation as long as you were not more than 50% responsible. We conduct our own investigation to determine fault.
Most car accident cases are settled out of court through negotiations with the insurance company. However, if the insurer refuses to make a fair offer, we are always prepared to take a case to trial to pursue the compensation you are owed. The decision to go to court is always one we make with you.
This is very common. The adrenaline from a crash can mask pain, and some injuries, like whiplash or a concussion, can take hours or even days to become fully apparent. That’s why it is so important to see a doctor after any accident, even if you feel fine, and to do so within Florida’s 14-day PIP deadline.
Absolutely. We handle many cases for tourists and visitors who are injured while in Florida. We can manage your case remotely, coordinating with you by phone and email so you can focus on your recovery back home.
Florida law sets a two-year deadline from the date of the accident to file most car accident lawsuits. Missing this statute of limitations means you lose the right to seek compensation in court.
The law gives you rights, and you deserve to have someone explain them to you clearly so you can focus on what matters most: healing.
Thinking about a lawsuit is stressful—that’s totally normal. But getting information isn’t a commitment to work with us; it’s just the first step in understanding your options.
Call us today for a free, confidential conversation about your case at (941) 735-4529.
Most of us have witnessed at least the aftermath of a car accident at one time or another. Few people realize, however, how often these types of accidents actually occur, especially in Florida, which is consistently ranked one of the most dangerous states for motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists alike. For instance, the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles estimates that 403,626 car accidents took place in Florida, in which 236,157 people sustained injuries, in 2018 alone.
While it is possible to recover compensation for car accident-related injuries, doing so can be a difficult process, as Florida is a no-fault auto insurance state. Those who exceed the limits of their policy or who sustain serious injuries in their collisions can, however, step outside of the no-fault system and seek compensation directly from the at-fault party. Whether seeking compensation from an insurer or an at-fault driver, you should consider speaking with a knowledgeable Venice car accident attorney who can help give your claim the best possible chance of success.
Under Florida’s no-fault auto insurance system, car accident victims are required to seek compensation for their injuries through their own insurers, regardless of who caused the accident. When this policy is exceeded, however, or an injury is especially serious, a car accident victim may have the option of filing a claim in court. To qualify as serious in Florida, a person’s injury must:
When a person’s injury falls under one of these categories, he or she can file a claim against the at-fault party in court. If successful, injured plaintiffs will not be limited to recovering compensation for medical expenses and lost wages, but can also pursue compensation for pain and suffering and emotional distress.
Those who qualify for court filings must still ensure that they are complying with the state’s relevant statute of limitations. For instance, in Florida, car accident victims must file their claims within four years of the date of their injury. Unfortunately, individuals who fail to comply with this deadline will almost always be barred from pursuing their claim in court, which in turn, means that injured parties could be left on the hook for accident-related expenses that exceed the limits of their policy.
Injured parties who contribute to their own accidents in Florida are not automatically barred from recovering compensation. This is because Florida follows the legal theory of comparative negligence, under which negligent plaintiffs can still collect compensation for their losses, but in an amount that is reduced to reflect their degree of fault in causing an accident.
Those who are injured in car accidents through the negligence of someone else often face obstacles when it comes to obtaining compensation for their medical bills. For help pursuing your claim, please call the experienced Venice car accident attorneys at Hale Law today. You can reach us by calling our office at 561-277-3397 or by sending us an online message.
Car crashes are one of the leading types of unintentional, and preventable, injuries and deaths in Florida and here in West Palm Beach. Risk factors that increase road violence and unintentional injuries include high speed limits, wide traffic lanes, large surface streets, a lack of traffic law enforcement, a lack of public transportation and pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure, and a pervasive car culture that results in low fines and penalties for repeat traffic offenders. Sadly, all of these elements exist in West Palm Beach. As a result, there are around 165,000 injury crashes and 21,000 incapacitating injury crashes in Florida annually, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. If you were injured, our West Palm Beach car accident attorneys can help you recover your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and other damages from the at-fault party.
If you or a family member were injured in a West Palm Beach car collision, the experienced car accident lawyers at Hale Law can help you seek financial compensation for your many serious damages. Call us at 561-277-3397 to schedule a free consultation today.
According to IndexMundi.com, the average commute time to work in Manatee County is 25.7 minutes. That does not take into account all of the additional car trips that residents make to socialize, get groceries, or to recreate. One study reported on by The Car Connection found that Americans spend over eight hours in their cars per week. With this much time spent behind the wheel or as a passenger, it should come as no surprise that car crashes are a frequent cause of injury. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reported 4,901 injuries and 75 deaths on the roads in Manatee County in 2018. Many of these car crashes are caused by human error and as a result, someone can be held liable for the injuries a victim sustains. The Bradenton car accident attorneys at Hale Law help victims and their families and receive the compensation they deserve after tragedy strikes.
Car crashes are common in Bradenton due to heavy traffic and frequent driving.
Major causes include aggressive driving, distracted driving, drunk or drug-impaired driving, and drowsy driving.
Certain intersections in Bradenton are known high-accident areas where evidence and investigation are especially important.
After a crash, prioritise medical care, call the police for a crash report, exchange information, and gather witness details and scene evidence.
A local attorney familiar with Bradenton can help navigate local procedures and improve your chance of recovering compensation.
Injuries can range from soft-tissue harm to catastrophic trauma, making strong medical documentation essential for a successful claim.
One of the key factors in successful representation of car-accident victims in Bradenton is understanding the local traffic hot-spots where collisions are most likely to occur. Here are several high-accident intersections in the Bradenton area where you should exercise extra caution — and where an experienced attorney will know to examine traffic-signal timing records, video or photo evidence, and witness statements:
This intersection has been identified as a frequent site of vehicle collisions and injuries. One legal commentary calls it “the perfect storm” for accidents. For example, a multi-vehicle crash at this intersection injured four people in 2022.
Because U.S. 41 and Cortez Road carry high volumes of traffic, multiple turning lanes, changing signal phases, and sight-line obstructions, collisions often happen when one driver misjudges a left-turn or runs a red light. A crash at this intersection may require detailed investigation into traffic engineering, red-light camera footage (if available), and road-design factors.
While the U.S. 41 / Cortez Road intersection is perhaps the most cited, other corridors in Bradenton also show elevated risk. For example, the intersection of State Road 64 E and 48th Street Court E has been listed among common collision sites.When drafting the case, a skilled attorney will examine police-data trends, crash-report patterns, and site-specific factors (e.g., lighting, signage, geometry) at these locations.
Obtaining the official crash report is a critical early step after a car accident. Below are the procedures specific to the Bradenton Police Department and the state of Florida that apply in Bradenton:
The Bradenton Police Department advises that traffic crash reports may take up to 10 days to become available.
Under Florida Statute 316.066, traffic crash reports are generally exempt from public disclosure except for certain parties involved.
To obtain a crash report from BPD you will typically need to submit a signed request or affidavit, and present photo identification if requested.
Statewide, you can purchase crash reports via the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles(FLHSMV) Crash Portal. The fee is typically $10.00 per report, plus a convenience fee when requested online.
Local contact details: BPD Records Department is located at 100 10th Street W., Bradenton, FL 34205; lobby hours 6:30 a.m.–9:30 p.m.; Records Department hours Monday–Friday 7:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Why this matters: Without the official report, establishing liability, documenting the sequence of events, and preserving evidence becomes more difficult. When your attorney requests or reviews the report promptly, flaws in the opposing party’s version, non-reported damage or delayed reporting can all become leverage in negotiation.
In Bradenton, strong medical-care credentials are critical when dealing with serious car accident injuries and the associated claims for damages. HCA Florida Blake Hospital, located at 2020 59th Street W., Bradenton FL 34209, is a central institution for accident victims.This hospital is a 383-bed tertiary facility, serving as the only Level II Trauma Center and Burn Center in Manatee County.
If your injuries are serious (for example: spinal trauma, head injuries, burns, amputation, or multi-system trauma) being treated at an institution with strong credentials like Blake Hospital adds credibility to your medical documentation.
What to highlight in your case:
The fact that the hospital is a Level II Trauma Center means it is equipped and credentialed to treat severe trauma, which supports the argument for higher damages when warranted.
Your attorney should review your full medical record from Blake Hospital (or other local hospitals) to link the accident directly to your injuries, document hospital stay, procedures, prognosis, rehabilitation needs, and lifelong impacts.
Use local proximity (Bradenton → Blake Hospital) to underscore that you acted promptly (transport to hospital) and that your injuries were treated at a recognized facility rather than a distant or lower-level hospital.
The first step to take after getting in a car collision is to seek medical help for yourself and anyone else you might have been seriously injured. Next, call the police so that they can complete an accident report and take crash scene photos. If your injuries are not so severe that you have immediately been transported to the hospital via ambulance, take the time to exchange information with the other driver such as insurance policy, driver’s license number, and phone number. If there were witnesses, it is also important to gather their contact information and a short description of what they saw in their own words. After calling your insurance company to notify them that you have been involved in a crash, it is time to contact a Bradenton personal injury attorney.
Your choice of legal representation should reflect not just experience in car accidents generally, but local experience in Bradenton and Manatee County. A law firm with deep knowledge of Bradenton traffic patterns, local crash hotspots, the practices of Bradenton Police Department, and ties to area medical facilities such as Blake Hospital can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
With collisions frequently occurring at complex intersections like U.S. 41 & Cortez Road—and with procedural nuances in obtaining crash reports and managing claims following treatment at tertiary trauma centers—you require an attorney who knows how things work here in Bradenton.
Selecting a local-focused attorney ensures:
Familiarity with the local courts and insurers operating in Bradenton/Manatee County
Ability to quickly navigate records from BPD and other local agencies
Strategy to work with local medical providers (such as Blake Hospital) and refer to local rehabilitation/therapy resources
A local presence for depositions, witness interviews, site-visits (e.g., to the accident intersection) and negotiations
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car collision, it is time to speak with a qualified Bradenton car accident attorney. At Hale Law, our experienced legal team will answer all of your questions and take charge of your personal injury case, so that you can focus on recovery. Contact us at 941-735-4529 to schedule your free consultation.
Seek medical attention, report the crash to law enforcement, collect evidence such as photos and witness information, and contact a car accident attorney as soon as possible.
Florida’s statute of limitations for negligence-based personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident.
Damages may include medical bills, lost earnings, vehicle repairs, pain and suffering, and future rehabilitation needs.
Car accident cases are typically handled on a contingency fee basis, meaning no attorney fees are owed unless compensation is recovered.
Even if you are partially at fault, you may still recover compensation under Florida’s comparative negligence rules, with the amount adjusted based on your level of fault.
Yes. These cases can involve additional insurance coverage and unique liability issues, but victims still have the right to pursue compensation.
Hale Law is located at 2803 Fruitville Road Suite 240, Sarasota, FL. From Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) head west on University Pkwy toward Airport Cir and make a U-turn at Airport Cir. Then slight onto Desoto Rd, and then turn right onto N Tuttle Ave. Take two turns on the left, then one on the right. After 240 ft turn left and Hale Law will be on your left.
We are open 24/7.
For additional questions, you can call us at (941) 735-4529
At Hale Law we know that it can only take a second of inattention by another driver to change your life. Our Port Charlotte accident attorneys understand that better than anyone. We believe in you and your case, you are not just a number in a file to us. Each of our Port Charlotte car accident attorneys is available to discuss your case in person and will help you through what can be a very difficult time. You can rest easy and focus on getting your life on track while your case is being handled by our highly capable team. They are ready to give you helpful and candid counsel regarding any situation that may arise during your case.
Almost all motor vehicle collisions are caused by human error. Drivers who cause crashes often fall under one, or multiple, of the following categories:
Some of the most common types of traffic collisions occur in the following ways:
Traffic deaths have risen in recent years from a previous all time low in 2011. And unfortunately, it does not look like the roads are getting any safer. More than 3,700 people were killed in traffic collisions in 2016, as well as over 37,000 in 2017, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The surge in fatalities and serious injuries is caused by more people driving due to cheap gas and a strong economy following the Great Recession, as well as more people using phones while they drive. In fact, a recent study found that 88 percent of drivers use their phones on every car trip they make, according to Wired. For every hour of driving, the average driver on their phone spends three and a half minutes on it. This is time that their mind is not focused on driving, their eyes are searching through contacts or sending texts, and only one (or none) hand is on the steering wheel. Cell phone use while driving is a growing epidemic, as this study and the increase in traffic collisions both prove. It may be difficult to prove, however, that the negligent party who caused your crash was on their phone. A subpoena can be issued to search through their phone records, but this is only necessary in rare instances. Even if we cannot prove that they were texting or talking on the phone, we can prove that their actions or maneuvers were the cause of the collision.
Getting hurt in a car accident is not only painful but traumatic as well. It can be a very confusing time while you struggle to figure out what to do with your car, how to get medical help, and how to deal with the other driver. This is understandable, so no matter what you do after a car accident, just be sure and call Hale Law for a free consultation with one of our experienced personal injury attorneys in Port Charlotte. If you have just been in an accident and aren’t sure what to do, consider any of the following tips which may be applicable to you.
Car collisions occur so suddenly that victims are often forced to navigate the situation while in shock. Not only do you have to deal with physical injuries, but you must also make informed decisions about what next steps to take to receive compensation for all of the damages. If you have questions about how to get the responsible party to pay for your bills, the Port Charlotte car collision attorneys at Hale Law can help. If you, or a loved one, were involved in a car collision, we are available to handle your case, making sure you get the best outcome possible.
Should I Contact the Other Party Directly?
It is never in your best interest to talk directly with the other party or parties involved. This also applies to the other party’s insurance company. The first step you should take it to contact a personal injury attorney, who can then speak on your behalf. Anything you share with the other party can be used against you in your claim and often, because of the shock, people unknowingly hurt their chances of a good outcome.
Do I Need to File a Lawsuit?
An experienced attorney can assist you in filing a lawsuit or “personal injury claim” against the at-fault driver. First, an attorney will need to know the extent of your injuries. According to Florida statute 627.733, you must receive medical care for any injuries sustained within 14 days of the accident.
Who is Responsible for Paying My Medical Bills?
The at-fault party should be held accountable for paying any associated damages. Depending on the crash, this could be the driver of a single vehicle, multiple drivers, or a commercial company. It is not uncommon for multiple insurance policies to be involved and each policy may have multiple types of coverage.
Can I be Blamed For a Collision Even Though I Didn’t Cause it?
In Florida it is possible for multiple parties to be found at fault for a car collision. According to Florida Statute 768.81, Florida is a comparative negligence state, which means that the degree to which you are considered at fault will be deducted from your overall claim’s value. Examples where you may be found partially at fault would include if you were speeding when someone side-swiped your vehicle or if you didn’t have your lights on when someone rear-ended you.
How Much Compensation Will I Receive?
Each case is dependent on the damages sustained and the quality of the insurance policy held by the negligent party. Your claim’s value will increase for higher medical expenses, if you lost wages, for your pain and suffering, and any property damage.
When Will I Be Paid?
This process will vary anywhere from a few months to several years depending on the severity of your injuries and the extent of damages. For instance, if you need ongoing medical attention for a head trauma resulting from a car collision, the case will be ongoing until the full medical expenses can be ascertained. Cases settled through negotiation or mediation will always be resolved quicker than a case needing to go to court.
When you choose us to represent you in your time of need, we do our best to treat you like you deserve to be treated. Call or e-mail the Port Charlotte car accident attorneys at Hale Law today for a free consultation.
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