Orlando Car Accident Lawyers
Were you or a loved one seriously injured in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence in Orlando? Our experienced Orlando car accident lawyers will help you get the compensation you need for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Obtaining a full and fair settlement from insurance companies after a car crash is often an uphill battle. Insurers will use any tactics possible to minimize payouts or deny valid claims entirely.
At Todd E. Copeland & Associates, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a car accident can take. We’ll stand up to the insurance company and make sure they pay maximum compensation for your losses.
How Can Our Car Accident Lawyers Help You?
Getting injured in a serious car accident can derail every aspect of your life. You’re suddenly facing enormous medical bills, you can’t go back to work, and you’re dealing with substantial physical pain and suffering as well as emotional trauma. Dealing with insurance companies on your own while you’re trying to balance doctor appointments, surgeries, and/or physical therapy, only adds more stress.
Let our top-rated Orlando car accident lawyers take on the legal battle at hand, so you can focus on healing.
We’ll Conduct an In-Depth Investigation of Your Car Accident
We’ll investigate all evidence, police reports, witness statements, photos and video footage, and more to determine all factors that played a role in causing your injuries. It’s not uncommon for our legal team to uncover the small details that other lawyers might miss. It’s often in these details that complicated car accident cases are won.
We Will Accurately Value Your Damages
With over 30 years of combined experience handling car accident cases, our lawyers are familiar with the types of losses crash victims might sustain. We know how to calculate the full extent of damages you’ve incurred, including current and future medical costs, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and diminished quality of life. Including all your losses in your personal injury claim will help to maximize your settlement.
You’ll Have Skilled Negotiators on Your Side
Insurance companies are notoriously difficult when it comes to paying out car accident claims. They minimize victims’ losses, deny liability, and pressure claimants to accept settlement offers that are substantially less than their cases are worth. Our skilled litigators have spent years mastering effective negotiation tactics to force insurers to offer you proper compensation.
We Will Prepare Your Case for Trial
We’ll work tirelessly to negotiate the highest possible settlement on your behalf, but sometimes reaching an agreement with the insurance company isn’t possible. At Todd E. Copeland & Associates, we prepare every case as if it will go to trial from day one. Our experienced trial lawyers are ready to take your case to a judge and jury if the insurer still won’t agree to fair terms.
Our Lawyers Will Handle All Legal Complexities
The legal process after a car accident is often complex, from dealing with uninsured drivers to factoring in Florida’s modified comparative negligence laws. Our lawyers will deftly navigate all the nuances that exist, so you don’t have to worry about making a mistake that could jeopardize your case.
Call a car accident lawyer at Todd E. Copeland & Associates to get started with your recovery. (407) 999-8995.
Meet Our Car Accident Lawyers
- Se Habla Español
- Risk-Free Consultations
- 30+ Years of Combined Experience
- Millions Recovered for Injury Victims
Orlando personal injury attorney Todd Copeland is the Founder and Managing Partner of Todd E. Copeland & Associates, P.A. He is a former President of the Florida Justice Association, a nonprofit organization that works to strengthen and uphold Florida’s civil justice system and protect the rights of its citizens and consumers. With over 30 years of experience in Florida personal injury law, Todd is committed to helping injured victims in our community recover maximum compensation for the losses they’ve endured.
Education: JD – Mercer University – Walter F. George Law School, 1992
Experience: More than 30 years
Status: Active
Bar & Court Admissions: Florida Bar
Southern District of Florida
Middle District of Florida
Northern District of Florida
338 North Magnolia Avenue Suite B
Orlando, FL 32801
- Local: (407) 999-8995
Client Testimonials
I was represented by Todd Copeland for my first car accident ever. I was very pleased with the great service I received from this office. My case manager was available 24/7, so communication was excellent. Mr. Copeland was very professional and took the time to make sure I understood what was going on with my case. I have recommended this law firm to my family and friends.
FANTASTIC LAWYER & FIRM! In a world of so many lawyers, it’s hard to know who to trust… I picked Todd Copeland to represent me after doing a few hours of research. I didn’t want to risk being lost or shuffled around in a firm with hundreds of lawyers. I believe that personal connections make for the best results. I wanted a law firm who would know who I was when I called.
Todd is quick to respond to any questions or concerns you may have. An overall nice guy that truly cares about his clients. I wish I could give ten stars – he’s that’s much of a rock star!
Mr. Todd Copeland was able to take the most tragic experience of my life and bring joy from it and faith back in people! Mr. Todd went above and beyond what most people would have done to go after the insurance company responsible! But my surviving the accident was only the first blessing I was to receive thanks to Mr. Todd! People hardly ever hear anything good about attorneys, so I can personally attest to only Todd Copeland, who proved he was a special person!
Our Law Firm Handles All Types of Car Accident Cases in Orlando
At our Orlando car accident law firm, we have decades of experience successfully representing people who have been injured in all kinds of motor vehicle accidents across the metro area, including:
Rear-End Collisions
One of the most common types of accidents, rear-end collisions often occur at intersections, stop lights or on congested highways. They’re usually caused by following too closely or, distracted driving. Our car accident lawyers handle rear-end accidents of all severity levels, from minor crashes to high-speed fatality accidents.
Head-On Crashes
Head-on collisions have a high likelihood of catastrophic injuries or fatalities due to the combined force of two vehicles impacting head-on. This is especially true when these crashes happen at high rates of speed. We handle head-on crash cases involving highway crossover accidents, wrong-way drivers, and more.
T-Bone/Side Impact Accidents
T-Bone or side impact accidents occur when the front of one vehicle collides with the side of another, forming a sort of “T”. These crashes usually happen at intersections. These violent collisions can cause disabling injuries like brain trauma, spine injuries, and broken bones due to the lack of protection on a vehicle’s sides.
Rollovers
Rollovers are some of the most dangerous motor vehicle accidents. When vehicles roll, passengers may be crushed or ejected, causing severe trauma, traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries, and sometimes even death. Defective vehicle designs, driving at excessive speeds, or collisions with other vehicles can trigger a rollover accident.
Multi-Vehicle Pileups
Multi-car pileup crashes on Interstate 4, Interstate 95, East Colonial Drive to the east of Orlando, and other major Orlando roads and highways often involve multiple negligent parties. Complexities such as identifying the correct at-fault party(s) make these cases especially challenging. We work with accident reconstruction specialists to sort through liability in chaotic multi-vehicle wrecks.
Pedestrian and Bike Accidents
Pedestrians and cyclists suffer a disproportionate number of catastrophic injuries when struck by cars. Pedestrians and bicyclists are especially vulnerable when they are struck by a car or truck, often suffering catastrophic injuries like traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord trauma, broken bones, and internal injuries. Pedestrian and bicycle accidents frequently occur due to driver inattention, failure to yield, or impairment.
Why Do So Many Car Accidents Happen in Orlando?
Orlando’s roads and highways see a high volume of traffic from residents, tourists, and commercial vehicles. This congestion, combined with driving behaviors like those listed below, contribute to the area’s high rate of car accidents. Approximately 94% of car accidents are caused by these and other negligent driving behaviors.
Impaired Driving
Despite drunk/drugged driving campaigns and stricter laws in Florida, alcohol and drug-impaired driving remains one of the leading causes of serious and fatal car accidents in Orlando and across the United States. Drunk and drugged drivers cause over 13,000 accidents each year nationwide. Impairment slows reaction times and inhibits a driver’s judgment and motor skills.
Distracted Driving
Any activity that takes a driver’s eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, or mind off driving can constitute distraction. Cell phone use is a major distractor, but other behaviors like eating, grooming, and adjusting music also contribute to crashes. Between 25-50% of all car accidents are caused by distracted driving.
Fatigue
Drowsy driving can have the same effects as alcohol impairment. Fatigued drivers may experience microsleep, poor motor skills, and delayed reaction times behind the wheel, increasing accident risks.
Speeding
Exceeding the speed limit reduces a driver’s ability to maintain control and increases crash severity. High-speed collisions are some of the most deadly on Orlando roads. Roughly 29% of all fatality crashes in the U.S. involve speeding.
Road Rage
Aggressive driving behaviors like tailgating, unsafe lane changes, and excessive honking can enrage other motorists and spark confrontations leading to crashes.
Running Red Lights/Stop Signs
Blatantly running red lights and blowing through stop signs causes right-angle collisions that commonly result in severe T-bone and head-on crashes.
Who Is Covered By PIP Insurance in Florida?
Your PIP policy may cover various people in a range of situations.
- You if you’re injured in a motor vehicle accident
- Family members who live with you
- Injured passengers in your car
- Anyone who is in an accident while driving your vehicle with permission
- Any pedestrians or bicyclists you hit with your vehicle
- You if you’re injured as a pedestrian or bicyclist in a car accident
- Your family members who live with you and suffer injuries as pedestrians or bicyclists in an auto accident
- You and your family members who are passengers in someone else’s car
- You and your family members who live with you who are driving someone else’s car with permission and an accident happens
What if Your PIP Limit Isn’t Enough to Cover Your Car Accident Injuries?
If your injuries are severe, your medical expenses and lost wages will almost certainly exceed your PIP limits. Fortunately, our lawyers can help you find other sources of financial recovery.
Your Health Insurance May Pick Up Some of the Costs
If you have health insurance, it may help cover the remainder of your medical expenses caused by the crash. Keep in mind that you may have a deductible to meet before your health insurance picks up the tab for medical treatment, however. Additionally, health insurance doesn’t usually cover things like lost wages, child care, or household services.
You May Be Able to File a Third-Party Injury Claim Against the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance
If your car accident injuries are permanent, or your medical expenses exceed your PIP limits, you can file a personal injury claim against the other party’s insurance policy to recover compensation. This is usually going to be the way to maximize your settlement, since that party’s insurance will cover your medical costs and potentially your lost wages up to their policy limit, and you may be able to recover pain and suffering damages as well.
You Might Be Able to Sue a Vehicle or Parts Manufacturer to Recover Compensation
If a defective vehicle part contributed to causing your car accident, you can file a product liability lawsuit against the manufacturer to recover compensation for your losses. Such a lawsuit can bring you compensation for your lost income, medical bills, and pain and suffering.
You May Be Able to File a Claim Against Your Own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
If the at-fault party only carried minimal liability insurance coverage for bodily injuries, they didn’t have bodily injury insurance at all, or the other driver left the scene of the accident (hit-and-run), you can file a claim against your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage if you have elected this coverage.
You Might Be Able to Recover Some of Your Medical Expenses by Filing a Claim Against Your MedPay Coverage
MedPay coverage is optional in Florida, and it is limited to medical expenses only. Like PIP insurance, MedPay offers no-fault coverage that pays for your qualified medical costs regardless of who caused the car accident. While it won’t cover your lost wages or other damages that are common with car accident cases, MedPay can still be beneficial if you don’t have health insurance or your coverage is limited.
Types of Damages You Can Recover After a Car Accident
Our car accident lawyers understand the importance of recovering full compensation to get back on your feet after a crash. Here’s a breakdown of the different types of damages you may be entitled to receive in your Orlando car accident case.
Economic Damages: Measurable Losses
These are the out-of-pocket expenses you’ve incurred due to the accident and any future costs directly related to your injuries. Think of it as a financial tally of the impact on your wallet. Economic damages can include:
- Medical Expenses: This covers everything from ambulance rides and emergency room visits to doctor appointments, surgeries, rehabilitation, medications, and medical equipment. We’ll ensure all your current and future medical needs are included.
- Lost Wages: If you’re unable to work due to your injuries, we’ll fight to recover your lost income, including your salary, missed opportunities such as bonuses, and benefits. If your earning capacity is permanently affected, we’ll factor in future lost wages, and your ability to earn in the future.
- Other Out-of-Pocket Expenses: This includes costs associated with your recovery, such as in-home care, modifications to your vehicle or home to accommodate your injuries, and transportation to and from medical appointments.
Noneconomic Damages: Your Subjective Losses
While economic damages deal with the financial fallout of an accident, non-economic damages address the emotional and physical impact. These losses are personal to you and require a deeper understanding of how the accident has affected your life. Here are some examples:
- Pain and Suffering: This includes compensation for the physical pain you’ve endured due to your injuries, as well as any ongoing discomfort or pain you may experience.
- Mental and Emotional Distress: Car accidents can cause significant emotional trauma, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We will fight for compensation for the emotional toll the accident has taken on you.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Injuries can significantly limit your ability to participate in activities you once enjoyed. We will seek compensation for the loss of enjoyment of life caused by your injuries.
- Loss of Consortium: If your injuries impact your ability to maintain a physical or emotional relationship with your spouse, you may be entitled to compensation for loss of consortium.
What Is Modified Comparative Negligence in a Florida Car Accident Case?
Florida’s legal system utilizes a concept known as modified comparative negligence to determine how much compensation an injured party can recover in a car accident case. This means even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you may still be entitled to compensation, but the amount will be reduced based on your share of the blame.
Here’s a breakdown of modified comparative negligence and how it can impact your car accident claim:
- Sharing the Blame: In Florida, the courts assign a percentage of fault to each party involved in the accident. This percentage reflects the level of contribution to causing the crash.
- The 50% Bar Rule: This is the key element of modified comparative negligence. If you are found to be 50% or more at fault for the accident, you are barred from recovering any damages. However, if your share of the blame is less than 50%, you can still receive compensation.
- Reduced Compensation: If you are less than 50% at fault, the amount you receive will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 30% at fault and your total damages are $100,000, you would receive $70,000 ($100,000 – $30,000).
- Se Habla Español
- Risk-Free Consultations
- 30+ Years of Combined Experience
- Millions Recovered for Injury Victims
Orlando personal injury attorney Todd Copeland is the Founder and Managing Partner of Todd E. Copeland & Associates, P.A. He is currently the Vice President of the Florida Justice Association, a nonprofit organization that works to strengthen and uphold Florida’s civil justice system and protect the rights of its citizens and consumers. With over 30 years of experience in Florida personal injury law, Todd is committed to helping injured victims in our community recover maximum compensation for the losses they’ve endured.
Education: JD – Mercer University – Walter F. George Law School, 1992
Experience: More than 30 years
Status: Active
Bar & Court Admissions: The Florida Bar, Florida Justice Association
338 North Magnolia Avenue Suite B
Orlando, FL 32801
- Local: (407) 999-8995
Why Should You Hire a Lawyer for a Car Accident Case in Florida?
The aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming. Between managing injuries, dealing with insurance companies, and navigating legal complexities, the burden on you can feel immense. We strongly recommend securing the services of a car accident lawyer at our law firm in Orlando to help you in your time of need.
Protecting Your Rights and Maximizing Compensation
- Understanding Florida’s Laws: Florida’s modified comparative negligence system can be tricky. Our experienced attorneys understand these nuances and can fight to ensure you aren’t unfairly blamed for the accident, maximizing your compensation.
- Knowledgeable Negotiation: Insurance companies are notorious for offering lowball settlements. Your lawyer will negotiate aggressively on your behalf, securing a settlement that reflects the true cost of your damages.
- Gathering Vital Evidence: The sooner you have our lawyers involved, the sooner we can begin collecting crucial evidence, such as witness statements, police reports, and accident scene photos, body cam footage, and surveillance camera footage. This evidence is vital for building a strong case.
Taking the Burden Off Your Shoulders
- Managing Complexities: The legal process can be daunting. Your lawyer will handle all the paperwork, communication with insurance companies, and court appearances, allowing you to focus on healing.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing you have an experienced attorney handling your case can provide significant peace of mind during a stressful time. You can concentrate on your recovery while your lawyer fights for your rights.
Leveling the Playing Field
- Experience Matters: Insurance companies have their own teams of lawyers working in their best interests. A car accident lawyer at our law firm will match their knowledge and experience, and ensure your rights are protected.
- Presenting Your Case in Court: One of the worst things you can do in a car accident case is to show up to court without a lawyer. Our attorneys have real courtroom experience, and we know how to present your case in a way that compels the jury to decide in your favor.
By securing the services of our trusted car accident lawyers in Orlando, you’re making an investment in your future. You’ll have a skilled advocate on your side, ensuring you receive fair compensation for your injuries and the peace of mind to focus on healing and recovery.