Car Accident Attorney in Ocala, FL

No one expects to be in a serious car accident. Yet in a moment, your world can change, leaving you with painful injuries, no way to pay your bills, and uncertainty about what to do next. When that happens, you deserve a team that knows Ocala and knows how to win.

At Meldon Law, our car accident lawyers in Ocala fight for our neighbors with the same determination we bring to every courtroom across Florida. Trusted by the Florida Gators—and by Floridians everywhere—we’ve spent more than 50 years standing up for people who’ve been hurt through no fault of their own.

As a firm deeply rooted in the Ocala community, we don’t just serve our neighbors; we stand beside them. Through initiatives like Meldon Law Cares, Veterans Making a Difference, and our Scholar-Athlete Scholarship, we stay connected to the people and programs that keep our community strong. Call for your free consultation today to learn how our Ocala personal injury attorneys can help you move forward.

Why Choose Our Team?

Since 1971, our team has helped countless clients recover damages. Once we take on your case, we will:

• Review your case and evaluate your claim
• Investigate your accident to prove liability
• Communicate and negotiate with your insurer
• Gather evidence regarding your injuries and the total value of your losses
• Walk you through every step of the claims process
• Represent you at a jury trial if necessary

We strive to provide high-quality representation to each client who comes through our door. Our team will always be straightforward and honest about your legal options and the status of your case, and you can trust we will stand up for your rights.

Every case we take is guided by the Meldon CARES values—Compassion, Accountability, Reliability, Excellence, and Success-Driven representation. These principles ensure you are treated like a person, never a case number.

As a boutique firm with statewide reach, we intentionally limit our caseload so every client receives personal attention. If you can’t come to us, we will come to you, including hospital visits when needed, and we offer bilingual support for clients who prefer to speak in their native language.

Put Away Your Wallet. We Work on Contingency.

We don’t ask for a penny for our help until the conclusion of your case. Why? Because we work on a contingency-fee basis. In this arrangement, you don’t pay retainers or by-the-hour rates. Instead, a percentage of your settlement pays our attorney’s fees.

With this arrangement, regardless of your current financial standing, you can afford to hire a lawyer. You can learn more about this structure in writing when we begin our partnership.

Don’t Worry About Deadlines. We Handle All Case-Related Matters.

We cannot overemphasize the importance of considering prompt legal help. Why?

The statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits in Florida is only two years from the date your injuries occurred. After this time, you cannot sue for a car accident, as the court would likely deem you ineligible for litigation.

Our firm knows that two years to file a lawsuit is a short time, given the obligations needed to build a solid case. That’s why we recommend you speak with us as soon as possible. There’s nothing to worry about when discussing your case with us. Remember: we offer free consultations with no obligation.

Your Ocala Car Accident Lawyer Will Fight to Prove Liability and Build Your Case

Proving liability in most car accident cases hinges on demonstrating that the other party was negligent, which means they failed to exercise the level of care that a reasonable person would have under the same circumstances. Illustrating negligence requires us to establish the following four elements:

• Duty of care: Drivers who share the road with others have a duty of care to act with caution and in a manner that a reasonable person would act.
• Breach of duty: When a driver acts carelessly or recklessly, endangering others, they breach their duty of care.
• Causation: The other party caused the accident and your injuries. This means that the person’s injuries would not have occurred “but for” the responsible party’s failure to uphold their duty of care.
• Damages: You have losses from the collision, such as medical expenses and pain and suffering.

Does this sound confusing? Don’t worry. Our Ocala car accident lawyers fully understand the principles of negligence and what goes into building a bulletproof case.

Ocala may be known for its charm and horse farms, but traffic can turn dangerous in a heartbeat. We’ve handled all types of car accident claims, like rear-end crashes near the busy intersection of SR 200 and SW 27th Avenue, sideswipes along Pine Avenue, and T-bone collisions at Silver Springs Boulevard and SE 25th Avenue. High-traffic areas like the Paddock Mall, downtown Ocala, and near the College of Central Florida, Ocala Campus often see increased congestion, and with it, an uptick in distracted driving accidents. Our team is familiar with the local roads and accident hotspots, and we use that insight to investigate your case thoroughly and hold the at-fault party accountable.

Because we’re part of the Ocala community, we understand the unique traffic patterns, common crash locations, and local concerns that can make a difference in your case. That local insight helps us protect you from unfair blame and strengthen your claim from day one.

We Stand Up to Auto Insurance Companies in Ocala

In Florida, drivers must carry insurance to cover the costs of their injuries in the event of a crash. Because Florida is a no-fault state, if you were in a car accident, you first file a claim with your insurance company seeking compensation for your losses.

However, insurance companies may attempt to limit their liability and may offer you a much lower amount. Moreover, your insurer may question the seriousness of your injuries and whether your medical bills were all reasonable and necessary.

If you’ve been in a car accident, dealing with insurance companies can be overwhelming. Meldon Law’s Ocala car accident attorneys understand how you are feeling during this difficult time. We want to make sure you don’t agree to a settlement before we determine whether it is fair, adequate, and in your best interests.

We Take Your Ocala Car Accident Case to Trial When Settlement Isn’t Enough

While many car accident claims are resolved through settlement, not every case ends at the negotiation table. Suppose the insurance company refuses to pay a fair amount or disputes key facts about your injuries or the accident itself. In that case, our Ocala car accident lawyers will take your case to trial. We build every claim with the strength to stand up in court, gathering the evidence and expert testimony needed to support your story. If going to trial is the best path to justice and full compensation, we won’t hesitate to fight for you in front of a jury.

"Some of the staff have been there for many years and they always make me feel welcomed when I contact them. They have been so much help over the years. Meldon Law’s knowledge and experience always gets the job done right and my results haven amazing."

Catherine P.

December 2024

"It has been a real pleasure to deal with Jeffery and Stacy. Jeffery is all about his clients. What is best for the clients well being. He is a great attorney. If you need an accident attorney or a referral this is the man to be talking with. He will now be my attorney for life. Jeffery and Stacy, thank you ever so much."

Hazel J.

March 2025

"Jeffrey and his team were great throughout the whole process of my settlement for an auto accident! They handled everything which made it much easier on me! They were able to navigate the ins and outs of the insurance companies and helped me receive my settlement in a timely manner! Great customer service all around. Would definitely recommend them! They made it much easier to move on from my auto accident! Thanks again!"

Justin W.

April 2024

"My first experience with meldon was amazing. The whole staff willing to talk and listen. They were very helpful and guided me threw the whole process. If you went anywhere else I’m sorry for you !!!!!"

Jabari A.

June 2024

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What Damages Can Our Car Accident Lawyers Obtain in Your Case?

After a car accident, one of the first questions many people ask is, “How much compensation can I recover?” The answer depends on your damages, i.e., the financial and personal losses you’ve suffered because of the crash.

We start by calculating your economic (or “actual”) damages, i.e., the tangible costs tied to your recovery. These include medical expenses, the cost to repair or replace your vehicle, and any income you’ve lost while unable to work. Our lawyers fight for a settlement that accounts for every one of these losses, ensuring nothing is overlooked. You could recover:

• The cost of past and future medical care, including emergency treatment, surgeries, hospitalization, doctor’s visits, and prescription medication
• Past and future lost earnings due to missed work
• Diminished earning capacity

Our lawyers can also assemble a case that pursues damages for your out-of-pocket expenses, which may include temporary transportation costs and childcare arrangements.

Then, there are “pain and suffering” damages. This money is for the pain, anguish, or stress you feel because of the accident. It’s harder to put a number on this, but it’s important. For example, if someone can’t play their favorite sport anymore because of their injuries, they might get money for that loss.

Your car accident lawyer from Meldon Law will use evidence to prove your damages, and then we will come up with a figure that represents the total value of your claim. Whether your case is resolved through a settlement or taken all the way to trial, we’ll fight for every dollar you deserve. We don’t back down, because your recovery, your future, and your peace of mind matter to us.

We Also Seek Damages for Grieving Families in Ocala Car Accident Claims

We can’t put our condolences into words for the loss of your loved one due to another party’s negligence. While we’re well aware that compensation can’t make up for the harm you suffered, it could go a long way in making certain matters easier.

Recoverable damages for a wrongful death may include:

• Funeral, burial, or cremation expenses
• The decedent’s outstanding medical bills
• Loss of the decedent’s wages and other income
• Loss of the decedent’s guidance and instruction
• Pain and suffering

There may be more damages you can claim in a personal injury or wrongful death case. If so, we can add them to your claim and champion your rights.

Who Can You Sue for Damages in Your Ocala Car Accident Claim?

Although most car accidents result from human error, there are other parties that may be partially or wholly responsible for your losses. In these cases, you could pursue compensation from the other party or multiple parties. These could include the following:

• Other drivers: If another driver’s negligence, such as distracted driving, speeding, or failing to yield the right of way, caused your accident, they may be held liable for your damages. In some cases, multiple drivers may share fault for the collision.
• Vehicle owners: If the at-fault driver was operating a vehicle owned by someone else, such as a friend, family member, or employer, the vehicle owner may be held liable
• Employers: If the at-fault driver was operating a vehicle as part of their job duties at the time of the accident, their employer may be held responsible for your losses under the principle of “vicarious liability.” This is especially relevant in truck accidents or crashes involving delivery vans.
• Bars and restaurants: Under Florida’s “dram shop” laws, a bar or restaurant that serves alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person may be held liable if that person causes an accident while driving under the influence.
• Mechanics and repair shops: If a mechanic or repair shop fails to properly maintain or repair a vehicle, and this negligence leads to an accident, it may be held accountable for the resulting damages.
• Construction companies: If a construction company fails to properly secure a construction site or leaves debris on the road that contributes to an accident, it may be held liable for any injuries or damages that result.
• Manufacturers: If a faulty car part led to your accident, you could pursue damages from the parts manufacturer. In these cases, it is usually unnecessary to show the company was negligent, as manufacturers are subject to a legal principle known as “strict liability.” This means, rather than proving negligence, you link the defective car part to your collision and losses.
• Government agencies: If poor road design or a dangerous road condition contributed to the accident, a government agency may have liability for the losses you incurred.

It is important to note that liability in a car accident can be complex, and the specific circumstances of your accident will determine who might be responsible. Your Ocala car accident lawyer can review the collision, consult with witnesses, and evaluate your losses to learn who is liable.

How Florida’s Fault Laws Will Affect Your Ocala Car Accident Claim

Since March 2023, Florida has followed modified comparative fault laws. This means you can still recover compensation after a car accident—even if you share some of the blame—as long as you’re not more than 50% at fault.

Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re found 30% responsible for the crash, your final damage award would be reduced by 30%. However, if you’re more than 50% at fault, you can’t collect damages.

Insurance companies often try to shift blame to minimize payouts. That’s why you want an Ocala car accident lawyer from Meldon Law on your side to protect your rights, challenge unfair fault claims, and fight for the full value of your case.

Consult With an Experienced Car Accident Attorney Today

The Ocala car accident lawyers at Meldon Law use a personalized and committed approach to every case. We serve our clients with compassion and integrity, and perhaps, above all else, we understand how devastating car accident injuries can be. The last thing you need is added stress due to your financial losses or pursuing compensation on your own.

The car accident attorneys at Meldon Law proudly serve clients throughout Marion County and across Florida. Whether your accident occurred on the winding stretches of Highway 40 or along US-441, our legal team is here to help. No matter where you live in Ocala, we bring the same level of dedication, advocacy, and personal attention to every case.

Contact us today if you or a loved one suffered injuries in a car accident due to another’s negligence. Our car accident attorneys will handle every step of your claim, so that you can focus on your physical and emotional well-being. Start your free case review today.

Ocala Car Accident Frequently Asked Questions