1. Dan Newlin Injury Attorneys
Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, bicycle accidents, wrongful death, medical malpractice, premises liability, nursing home negligence
Case Types Handled: Rear-end collisions, head-on collisions, T-bone accidents, red light runner accidents, drunk driving accidents, distracted driving accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, uninsured motorist claims
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, accident investigation, evidence gathering, medical expense documentation, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims, PIP claims coordination
Background: Dan Newlin began his career in law enforcement before becoming an attorney. Firm has recovered billions of dollars for personal injury victims in Florida. Voted best personal injury law firm by the Orlando Business Journal. Senior Trial Attorney Dutch Anderson and other experienced trial attorneys handle cases throughout Florida.
Location: Orlando, Florida (serving Central Florida)
Contact: (407) 888-8000 | https://www.newlinlaw.com
Consultation: Free consultation available.
2. DWK Law
Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, slip and fall accidents, theme park injuries, wrongful death, catastrophic injuries
Case Types Handled: Motor vehicle collisions, distracted driving accidents, speeding accidents, drunk driver accidents, reckless driving accidents, intersection accidents, highway crashes, multi-vehicle accidents
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, accident investigation, evidence gathering, medical expense documentation, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, property damage claims, wrongful death claims
Background: Firm has over 35 years of experience guiding thousands of Floridians toward recovery after accidents. Handles cases involving ride malfunctions, unsafe walkways, staff negligence at theme parks, and a wide variety of motor vehicle accidents. Attorneys provide dedication, precision, and compassion in handling injury cases.
Location: Orlando, Florida (serving Orange County and Central Florida)
Contact: (407) 244-3000 | https://www.dwklaw.com
Consultation: Free consultation available.
3. Farah & Farah
Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, bicycle accidents, slip and fall accidents, workplace injuries, workers’ compensation, medical malpractice, wrongful death
Case Types Handled: Motor vehicle collisions, rear-end accidents, intersection accidents, highway crashes, drunk driving accidents, distracted driving accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, rideshare accidents
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, accident investigation, evidence gathering, PIP claims coordination, medical expense documentation, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims
Background: Farah & Farah has been a leader in personal injury litigation across Florida since founding. Family-centered law firm with abundant experience and resources. Average personal injury settlement in Florida is around $52,900, though values vary significantly based on case specifics. Has trial attorneys prepared to take cases through verdict when necessary.
Location: Orlando, Florida
Contact: (407) 329-5054 | https://farahandfarah.com
Consultation: Free consultation available.
4. Bengal Law: Florida Car Accident Lawyers and Personal Injury Attorneys PLLC
Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, slip and fall accidents, wrongful death, catastrophic injuries
Case Types Handled: Motor vehicle collisions, rear-end accidents, intersection accidents, highway crashes including I-4, drunk driving accidents, distracted driving accidents, commercial vehicle accidents
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, accident investigation, evidence gathering, medical treatment coordination, PIP claims, medical expense documentation, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims
Background: Founding attorney Jeffrey D. “Jeff” Starker has over 25 years of experience handling personal injury cases. Former insurance defense attorney who previously worked to minimize injury victims’ claims, now uses that knowledge to help clients. Focuses on low volume of clients to maximize value of each case rather than seeking quick, low-value settlements. Provides individualized attention and direct access to attorney.
Location: Orlando, Florida
Contact: (407) 815-3000 | https://bengallaw.com
Consultation: Free consultation available. Contingency fee arrangement.
5. First Choice Law, P.A.
Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, slip and fall accidents, wrongful death, catastrophic injuries including paralysis
Case Types Handled: Motor vehicle collisions, rear-end accidents, intersection accidents, highway crashes, commercial trucking accidents, multi-vehicle accidents, drunk driving accidents
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, accident investigation, evidence gathering, PIP claims coordination, medical expense documentation, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims
Background: Jason Recksiedler is Board Certified by the Florida Bar and recognized as a civil jury trial expert (only 1% of Florida lawyers have this distinction). Former insurance defense attorney who represented Fortune 500 companies, commercial trucking entities, and government agencies. Caroline Fischer Espi is also licensed in Brazil and earned her law degree from Emory University School of Law with additional negotiation training at Harvard Law School. Firm has nearly 25 years of trial experience.
Location: Orlando, Florida (serving Central Florida)
Contact: Contact via website | https://www.firstchoicelaw.com
Consultation: Free consultation available.
Car Accident Laws and Regulations in Florida
Florida operates under a no-fault insurance system, meaning that regardless of who caused the accident, each driver’s own insurance company pays for their medical expenses through Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage.
Statute of Limitations: Personal injury claims arising from car accidents must be filed within two years from the date of the accident under Florida law (as amended effective March 24, 2023; previously four years). Wrongful death claims must be filed within two years from the date of death. Missing these deadlines typically bars recovery.
No-Fault Insurance (PIP): Florida requires all drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage with minimum limits of $10,000. PIP covers 80% of reasonable medical expenses and 60% of lost wages up to policy limits, regardless of fault. PIP claims must be initiated within 14 days of the accident to access full benefits.
Serious Injury Threshold: To step outside the no-fault system and sue the at-fault driver for pain and suffering, the injured party must demonstrate a “serious injury” consisting of significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function, permanent injury within a reasonable degree of medical probability, significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement, or death.
Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements: Florida requires $10,000 in PIP coverage and $10,000 in Property Damage Liability (PDL) coverage. Bodily Injury Liability (BIL) coverage is not required unless the driver has had their license suspended for certain violations, though it is strongly recommended.
Comparative Negligence: Florida recently changed to a modified comparative negligence rule with a 51% bar (effective March 24, 2023). Injured parties can recover damages if they are 50% or less at fault. If found 51% or more at fault, the injured party is barred from recovery. Compensation is reduced proportionally by percentage of fault.
Damage Caps: Florida generally does not cap compensatory damages in personal injury cases. Punitive damages are capped at the greater of three times compensatory damages or $500,000 (or $2 million in cases involving intentional misconduct).
14-Day Rule: To receive PIP medical benefits, an injured person must seek initial medical treatment within 14 days of the accident from a qualified medical provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the deadline to file a car accident lawsuit in Florida?
A: Florida now provides a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims from the date of the accident (changed from four years effective March 24, 2023). Wrongful death claims must also be filed within two years from the date of death. Claims against government entities have shorter notice requirements. Missing these deadlines typically bars recovery. The shortened deadline makes it more important than ever to consult with an attorney promptly.
Q: What is Florida’s no-fault insurance system and how does it affect my claim?
A: Under the no-fault system, your own PIP insurance pays for your medical bills (80%) and lost wages (60%) regardless of who caused the accident, up to $10,000. This provides prompt payment without litigation. However, to receive full PIP benefits, you must seek medical treatment within 14 days of the accident. PIP does not cover pain and suffering. To recover non-economic damages from the at-fault driver, you must demonstrate a “serious injury” meeting Florida’s threshold requirements.
Q: How does Florida’s comparative negligence law affect my car accident claim?
A: Florida recently adopted a modified comparative negligence rule (effective March 24, 2023). You can recover damages if you are 50% or less at fault for the accident. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 30% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you would receive $70,000. If you are found 51% or more at fault, you are completely barred from recovering any compensation.
Q: What is the 14-day rule in Florida car accident cases?
A: To receive PIP medical benefits beyond a $2,500 limit, Florida law requires that you seek initial medical treatment within 14 days of the accident from a qualified medical provider who determines you have an “emergency medical condition.” If you fail to seek treatment within this window, your PIP benefits may be limited to $2,500 instead of the full $10,000. This makes prompt medical attention crucial after any car accident.
Q: What should I do immediately after a car accident in Orlando?
A: Ensure safety and call 911 if there are injuries. Exchange insurance and contact information with other drivers. Document the scene with photographs. Collect witness information. Report the accident to police. Seek medical attention within 14 days (preferably immediately) to preserve PIP benefits. Report the accident to your insurance company to initiate your PIP claim. Avoid admitting fault. Consider consulting with an attorney before providing recorded statements to any insurance company.