Car Accident Lawyer in Ocala, FL

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, schedule a free consultation today!

Why Choose the Ocala Car Accident Lawyers at Meldon Law?

Since 1971, our personal injury lawyers in Florida 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.

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

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 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 car accident claims involving 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 often see increased congestion, and with it, an uptick in distracted driving accidents. Our auto injury lawyers are 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.

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 that was someone else’s fault, dealing with insurance companies can be overwhelming. Our 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 make sure 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.

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

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. 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, and more

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 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.

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 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.

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 under the principle of “vicarious liability.”
• 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. This is especially relevant in accidents involving commercial vehicles, such as trucks or 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, they 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, they 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 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.

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.

While our main office is located in Ocala, our reach extends far beyond city limits. The car accident attorneys at Meldon Law proudly serve clients throughout Marion County and across Florida. We routinely represent individuals injured in crashes in surrounding communities like Belleview, The Villages, Citra, Fairfield, and more. Whether your accident occurred on the winding stretches of Highway 40, along US-441, our legal team is here to help. No matter where you live in the region, 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.

Our Ocala Car Accident Lawyers Answer Our Most Frequently Asked Questions

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: