A car accident can change your life in an instant. One moment you’re driving home, the next you’re facing serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and an uncertain future. When another driver’s negligence puts you in this position, you deserve more than excuses from the insurance company. At Souder Law, we fight aggressively to hold drivers accountable and recover the compensation you need. We serve all of South Florida with relentless advocacy.
What Are Car Accidents?
Car accidents are one of the leading causes of injury and death in Florida. In 2024, there were more than 331,903 reported crashes statewide, resulting in 214,197 injuries and 2,589 fatalities. On average, more than 1,000 crashes occur every single day across Florida, from Miami-Dade to Palm Beach and throughout the Treasure Coast. These numbers highlight the constant danger drivers face and the devastating impact crashes have on victims and families.
A car accident occurs when two or more vehicles collide, or when a vehicle strikes a pedestrian, bicyclist, or object. While many accidents involve minor damage, thousands lead to catastrophic injuries such as spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, or even wrongful death. In Florida, because the state follows a no-fault insurance system, every driver must carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP), which pays for medical expenses regardless of fault. However, victims with serious or permanent injuries may pursue additional compensation.
Common Types & Causes of Car Accidents:
- Rear-end collisions caused by following too closely or distracted driving
- Rollover crashes from speeding, sharp turns, or vehicle instability
- Multi-vehicle pileups on highways due to chain-reaction impacts
- Uninsured driver crashes, leaving victims without direct coverage
- Drunk driving accidents from alcohol or drug impairment
- Hit-and-run collisions where the at-fault driver flees the scene
- Texting and driving crashes from distracted smartphone use
- Rideshare accidents involving Uber or Lyft drivers and passengers
How We Handle Your Car Accident Claim
When you bring your car accident case to Souder Law, we immediately launch a detailed investigation into the crash. This includes securing the police report, gathering photographs and video evidence, interviewing witnesses, and working with accident reconstruction experts when needed. We also review medical records to establish the full extent of your injuries and ensure your damages are properly documented from the start.
From there, our team takes on the insurance companies directly. We handle all communication so you are never pressured into making statements that harm your claim. We analyze available coverage, including PIP, UM/UIM, and liability policies, and build a package that reflects your medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If insurers refuse to offer fair compensation, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial to fight for the outcome you deserve.
Florida Follows a No-Fault Insurance System
Florida is one of a handful of states that follow a no-fault insurance system for car accidents. This means that after a crash, your own insurance company pays for certain medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who caused the accident. Every driver in Florida is required to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage of at least $10,000, which covers:
- Up to 80% of reasonable medical expenses
- Up to 60% of lost income and disability benefits
- Up to $5,000 in death benefits
However, PIP coverage is limited and rarely covers the full cost of a serious injury. To step outside the no-fault system and file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver, your injuries must meet Florida’s serious injury threshold, which includes:
- Significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function
- Permanent injury within a reasonable degree of medical probability
- Significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Death
Damages Available in Car Accidents
In Florida, recovering compensation after a car accident begins with your own PIP benefits, which cover a portion of medical bills and lost wages regardless of fault. However, to pursue a claim against the at-fault driver, your injuries must meet the serious injury threshold. Once this threshold is met and all liable parties are identified, you may be entitled to pursue broader damages beyond PIP coverage. Victims may pursue several types of compensation under Florida law, including:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Property damage and vehicle repair costs
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Loss of consortium or companionship
- Wrongful death damages when applicable
Steps to Take Immediately After a Car Accident:
- Call 911 to report the crash and request emergency medical assistance
- Move to safety if possible without risking further injury
- Exchange contact, license, and insurance information with all drivers involved
- Gather witness names, phone numbers, and addresses at the scene
- Take photos of the vehicles, roadway, injuries, and surrounding conditions
- Seek prompt medical evaluation even if injuries are not immediately obvious
- Notify your insurance company to begin the claims process
- Contact an experienced car accident attorney before speaking with adjusters
Find Out What Your Case is Worth (At No Cost)
Souder Law is committed to helping car accident victims throughout Jupiter, Palm Beach County, and all of South Florida understand the true value of their claims. Our firm aggressively investigates every detail of your accident, from medical expenses to lost income and long-term effects on your life. We work entirely on a contingency fee basis, meaning it costs you nothing unless we win compensation for you. Contact Souder Law today for a free case review and find out what your car accident claim may be worth.
