Let Our Ocala Car Accident Lawyer Win Your Case
The Ocala injury lawyers at Meldon Law are a lot like our beloved Florida Gators. We’re constantly honing our skills and strategizing the best way to score for our clients. Whether it’s tackling complex legal problems, defending injured people’s rights, or combating foul play, we take our clients’ cases to the end zone.
An Ocala car accident lawyer from our firm can pursue compensation for your case through a negotiated settlement or jury verdict. While financial recovery can’t undo time and reverse your accident, it can account for your medical bills, lost income, and other injury-related losses. To consult with our seasoned advocates, dial (352) 373-8000.
Car Accident Claims in Ocala, FL: What You Need to Know
- How Your Compensation Is Calculated After a Car Accident
- Types of Car Accidents Our Lawyers Represent in Ocala, Florida
- How Florida’s Fault Laws Will Affect Your Ocala Car Accident Claim
- The Car Accident Lawyers at Meldon Law Don’t Back Down
- How Your Ocala Car Accident Lawyer Will Prove Liability
- Who Could Be Liable for My Collision in Ocala, FL?
- Meldon Law Stands Up to Auto Insurance Companies in Ocala
- What Compensation Can You Recover in a Personal Injury Claim?
- We Seek Damages for Grieving Families in Ocala
- Our Firm Gets These Questions From Car Accident Claimants Like You
- Consult With an Experienced Ocala Car Accident Attorney Today
How Your Compensation Is Calculated After a Car Accident
After a car accident, there’s a way to figure out how much money someone should get for their troubles. This money is called “damages.”
First, we look at “actual” damages. These are easy-to-see costs like medical bills or the money to fix or replace a car. If someone had to miss work because of the accident, they can get paid for that too.
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 in Ocala will use evidence to prove your damages, then we will come up with a figure that represents the total value of your claim. We won’t back down until you have the compensation you need to cover all of your accident-related expenses.
Types of Car Accidents Our Lawyers Represent in Ocala, Florida
We represent all types of vehicle accident claims in Ocala and across Florida. If you have been injured in any of the following types of accidents, reach out to us to learn more about your legal options:
- Bicycle accidents
- Bus accidents
- Construction zone car accidents
- Distracted driving accidents
- Drunk driver accidents
- Head-on collisions
- Hit & run accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Rear-end collisions
- Rideshare accidents
- Rollover crashes
- Scooter accidents
- Semi-trailer underride accidents
- T-bone accidents
- Tractor-trailer jackknife accidents
- Truck accidents
- Uninsured driver accidents
- Fatal car accidents
When an auto accident is caused by a driver’s mistake or carelessness or any other form of negligence, you have the legal right to make a claim for compensation.
How Florida’s Fault Laws Will Affect Your Ocala Car Accident Claim
Since March 2023, Florida has followed modified comparative fault laws.
This means if another party in your accident was mainly to blame but you also shared fault, you may still be able to file a claim for compensation. In Florida, if you’re in a car accident, you can get money for your injuries unless you’re more than 50% at fault.
The rules say that everyone involved can share some of the blame. If you’re found to be 30% at fault, for example, any money you get will be cut by 30%. If you’re more than 50% at fault, you won’t get any money.
If you’re partly to blame, you might also have to pay for some of the other people’s damages. Insurance companies might try to put more blame on you so they pay less. It’s important to stand up for yourself so you don’t lose out on money you deserve. This is where a car accident lawyer in Ocala comes in. Let us help you protect the value of your claim.
The Car Accident Lawyers at Meldon Law Don’t Back Down
Since 1971, our personal injury lawyers have helped countless clients recover damages. With your case in our hands, we can: 
- 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
- Communicate and negotiate with your insurer
- Walk you through every step of the claims process
- Negotiate with the other party and try to reach a favorable settlement out of court
- 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.
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 accounts for our help.
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 at the outset of 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 file a lawsuit; the court would deem you ineligible for litigation.
Our firm knows that two years 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.
How Your Ocala Car Accident Lawyer Will Prove Liability
Proving liability in most car accident cases hinges on demonstrating 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.
- Losses: You have losses from the collision, such as medical expenses and pain and suffering.
Does this sound confusing? Don’t worry. Our lawyers fully understand the principles of negligence and what goes into building a bulletproof case.
(Consultations are Free)We are here for you 24/7
Who Could Be Liable for My Collision in Ocala, FL?
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:
- 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.
What Causes Rollover Crashes?
There are many factors that may be involved in rollover crashes, including the following:
- Vehicle type. Vehicles with a high center of gravity are more likely to roll over. These include SUVs, semi trucks, and vans.
- Speeding. Going too fast can make it hard for a driver to control their vehicle. If the driver overcorrects or makes a sudden swerve, the vehicle can roll over.
- Tires. Too much or not enough grip on the tires can make it difficult for the vehicle to travel on the roadway. This can cause skidding and rollovers.
- Overloading the vehicle. Putting too much cargo in a vehicle can put strain on the tires and make the vehicle difficult to maneuver.
- Alcohol use. It is estimated that nearly 50% of all rollover crashes involve a drunk driver. Alcohol impairs judgment and slows reaction time, making it difficult for someone to respond to hazards on the roadway.
- Icy or wet roads. Slippery road conditions can cause a vehicle to lose control and roll over.
- Fatigue. Being overly tired can cause a person to drift off the road, causing their vehicle to roll over.
Avoiding Rollover Crashes
Here are some ways in which you can avoid rollover accidents:
- Consider a smaller vehicle. Sedans and other small passenger vehicles are less likely than others to roll over.
- Check your tire pressure. When a tire is underinflated, it can run hot and blow out, causing your vehicle to lose control and even roll over.
- Avoid alcohol. Alcohol impairs your judgment and makes it harder to focus on driving. Refrain from drinking it if you know you will be behind the wheel.
- Get adequate rest. Avoid driving while fatigued, which can be dangerous as driving while under the influence of alcohol.
- Stay alert. Focus on the road and be aware of any changing conditions, such as curves in the road or impending rain. Be aware of vehicles in front of you and keep plenty of space between the two vehicles. All these tips will help you avoid having to make quick maneuvers that can cause you to lose control and roll over.
What Causes T-Bone Accidents?
T-bone car accidents typically occur when someone does not follow the rules of the road. You can prevent these crashes by ensuring that you observe the right of way while at an intersection. Some vehicles run stop signs and red lights, so you should be prepared to come to a complete stop if necessary and be aware of other vehicles that are passing through the intersection.
While the majority of T-bone accidents happen at intersections, they can happen anywhere. For example, they can happen in parking lots or when a driver pulls out of a driveway in front of an oncoming vehicle.
Besides negligence and not following traffic laws, there are several other ways in which T-bone accidents can occur. They include the following:
- Poor road maintenance. Dangerous or poorly maintained roads can cause vehicles to swerve to avoid hitting a pothole or obstruction in the road. This can lead to a T-bone crash with another vehicle.
- Broken or missing traffic signals. Traffic signals and stop signs are in place to help with traffic flow and avoid accidents. If a traffic signal isn’t working properly or an intersection is missing a stop sign, it can lead to right-of-way issues and result in T-bone crashes.
- Defective car parts. In rare cases, a T-bone accident can be caused by malfunctioning parts. It is possible for brakes to fail, causing a motorist to drive through an intersection because they are unable to stop. Liability can be complicated in these cases.
Common Injuries in T-Bone Accidents
A T-bone accident can cause these injuries:
- Whiplash. The impact can lead to whiplash, which is when the neck and head move forward too quickly. This can cause soft tissue damage, which can be painful.
- Back and neck injuries. A T-bone crash can cause back and neck injuries, including damage to the spinal cord.
- Broken bones. The impact of a crash can put a lot of pressure on bones, causing them to break. Broken bones typically occur in the arms, legs, hands, and feet.
- Burns or lacerations. An accident can cause severe lacerations and burns, especially for motorcyclists, since they have nothing to protect them.
What Causes Head-on Crashes?
There are several main ways in which head-on crashes can occur. They include the following:
- Passing a vehicle. When a vehicle passes another on a two-lane road, the passing vehicle may not make it back to the lane in time. If there is a vehicle coming in the opposite direction, the two can collide head-on.
- Fatigue. Truck drivers and other sleep-deprived motorists can fall asleep while behind the wheel, causing them to collide head-on with another vehicle.
- Distracted driving. When drivers are distracted by using phones, eating, drinking, or talking to other passengers, they are taking their eyes off the road. This can cause them to swerve into the adjacent lane and hit someone head-on.
- Driving under the influence (DUI). Intoxicated drivers have poor reflexes and judgment. They may be unable to keep their vehicles in their lanes, causing them to hit someone head-on.
- Confusion. Many wrong-way accidents happen because a driver is confused. While any driver can be confused by new surroundings, elderly drivers are most likely to drive the wrong way down one-way streets or enter a freeway on an off-ramp rather than an on-ramp, causing them to collide head-on with other vehicles.
Common Injuries in Head-on Collisions
A head-on collision can cause serious and even catastrophic injuries. Some common ones include the following:
- Whiplash. Car accidents tend to cause whiplash, which can cause shoulders, necks, and heads to twist back and forth and side to side. This affects the muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
- Broken bones. The impact from a head-on crash can cause broken bones, especially in the facial area. A person can suffer fractured eye sockets, chins, cheeks, jawbones, and other facial bones.
- Back and spine injuries. The impact of an accident can cause herniated discs in the spinal cord. It is also possible for the spinal cord to bruise or sever, which can lead to paralysis or even death.
- Traumatic brain injuries. A head-on crash can cause a person’s skull to hit the windshield, steering wheel, or side of the vehicle. This can cause bruising to the brain, resulting in concussions and more severe forms of brain damage.
Meldon Law Stands 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.
The Ocala car accident attorneys at Meldon Law understand how confusing insurance negotiations can be. It is important that you never accept an offer without first having an attorney review whether it is sufficient to cover your current and future losses.
If an offer is inadequate, our attorneys will continue to negotiate with the insurer for an appropriate settlement based on your losses and the severity of your injuries. We can help you from the beginning of the claims process to avoid any unnecessary delays or denials whenever possible.
What Compensation Can You Recover in a Personal Injury Claim?
Compensation in a car accident case could reflect each of your injury-related hardships, from the treatment you needed at the accident scene to the effects on your quality of life. Our lawyers fight for a settlement that encapsulates:
- 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
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental and emotional distress
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Loss of quality or enjoyment of life
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.
We Seek Damages for Grieving Families in Ocala
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 support
- Emotional anguish and grief
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.
Our Firm Gets These Questions From Car Accident Claimants Like You
It’s understandable to have questions surrounding your rights, legal options, and next steps. We want to offer all the answers you need to make well-informed decisions regarding your case. Some commonly asked inquiries include:
What if I Partially Caused the Accident?
As long as you didn’t cause most of the accident, you can still recover damages. However, your percentage of fault will be deducted from any possible settlement. For instance, if your award was $100,000, and you were 10 percent responsible for what occurred, you could recover $90,000.
The other party may unjustly accuse you of causing the accident to minimize their financial liability. To combat these practices, we will use evidence to demonstrate what really happened, such as the accident report, witness testimony, and traffic camera footage.
What Injuries Allow Me to Seek Damages?
We advocate for people in the aftermath of suffering:
- Traumatic brain injuries, such as concussions
- Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
- Crushed or broken limbs
- Amputations
- Back injuries
- Neck injuries
- Soft-tissue injuries, such as sprains, strains, and whiplash
- Burns from chemicals, fires, or explosions
- Internal injuries and organ damage, such as a punctured lung
- Fatal injuries
What Are the Leading Causes of Collisions in Ocala?
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles notes that in a recent calendar year, Marion County saw more than 7,000 traffic accidents––most of which resulted from human error. Examples include:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Texting and other forms of distracted driving
- Tailgating, speeding, and other aggressive driving behaviors
- Violating traffic laws or traffic signals
If your collision resulted from poor roadway maintenance or a faulty auto part, you could have a case for compensation against a corporation or government agency.
Why Would the Insurance Company Deny My Claim?
If the insurance company denies your claim, it must offer a written reason why. That reason may include:
- A lack of coverage: If the policy or relevant coverage is not active at the time of the accident due to non-payment or other reasons, it will likely get denied.
- Failure to comply with mandated deadlines: Insurers can deny a claim if the accident isn’t reported within a specific time frame. Your Ocala car accident attorney can file all paperwork and claims within the expected time period.
- Excluded circumstances: Under certain circumstances, drivers may be barred from coverage, such as if they were drinking and driving or using their vehicle for illegal activities.
- Suspicion of fraud: If the insurer suspects a claimant has provided false information or has exaggerated the claim’s worth, it may use this as a justification to deny the claim.
- Pre-existing injuries: The insurer could deny your claim if it doesn’t believe your injuries are collision-related.
- Failure to seek medical treatment: Auto insurance often requires claimants to seek prompt medical treatment if they suffer injuries in an accident. If they delay or fail to seek treatment without a good reason, the insurer may deny the claim.
- Disputes over liability: Even with no-fault insurance, there may be circumstances in which liability is disputed. If the insurer believes that the claimant was mostly at fault for the accident, it may decline to offer damages.
If the insurer denies your claim, it’s not the end of the road for your case. You still have options when holding the at-fault party financially responsible––and one of those options includes entrusting your case to Meldon Law. We can go head-to-head with the insurer and fight for full and fair compensation.
Should I Accept the Insurance Company’s First Offer?
In many situations, we advise against taking the first insurance settlement. That’s because the offer may not account for your anticipated expenses and non-economic damages. Our team can evaluate all offers and explain whether they meet your needs, both now and in the future.
Consult With an Experienced Ocala 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.
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 by dialing (352) 373-8000.
