Practice Areas Naples Car Accident Lawyer

Call the Naples, Florida Car Accident Attorneys at the Grife Law Firm

When a negligent driver causes an accident in Naples that hurts you or someone you love, you can feel overwhelmed, scared, and frustrated. You may be unsure where to turn for the help you need holding the at-fault driver accountable and obtaining compensation. As the medical bills pile up and you miss time from work, the financial strain only adds to your stress and worries about the future.

During this incredibly difficult time, you need a compassionate Naples car accident lawyer to fight for your rights and the full compensation you deserve. At Grife Law Firm, we understand the hardships you are going through after a serious wreck in Naples, FL. Our experienced attorneys are here to ease your burden, guide you through the process, and advocate for you to increase your chances of getting maximum compensation.

If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a Naples car crash, contact the trusted Naples car accident attorneys at Grife Law Firm today for a free consultation. We are ready to put our extensive experience, resources, and tireless dedication to work for you.

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Types of Naples Car Accidents

At Grife Law Firm, our knowledgeable attorneys handle claims involving all types of motor vehicle accidents in Naples and throughout Southwest Florida, including:

• Head-on collisions
• Rear-end accidents
• T-bone/side-impact crashes
• Sideswipe accidents
• Multi-vehicle pileups
• Hit-and-run accidents
• Drunk driving crashes
• Distracted driving accidents
• Accidents caused by speeding, reckless driving, or other traffic violations
• Uber and Lyft accidents
• Accidents with uninsured/underinsured motorists
• Crashes involving defective auto parts such as tires or brakes
• Accidents resulting from poor road conditions or defective roadway design

No matter what type of car accident you were involved in, if you sustained injuries due to the fault of another, we are here to help you understand your legal rights and options for seeking compensation.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Naples

A moment of distraction, an unsafe decision behind the wheel, or failure to follow traffic safety laws can lead to a life-changing crash in an instant. Some of the leading causes of car accidents in Naples include:

• Distracted driving, including texting, talking on the phone, eating, or any other behavior that takes a driver’s eyes, hands, or attention off the road
• Drunk driving or drugged driving
• Speeding, racing, or driving too fast for conditions
• Running red lights or stop signs
• Unsafe lane changes
• Tailgating
• Reckless or aggressive driving
• Driver fatigue or falling asleep at the wheel
• Inexperienced teen drivers
• Failure to yield the right-of-way
• Driving the wrong way
• Not adjusting driving behaviors for weather conditions like rain, fog, or sun glare
• Defective car parts like brakes, steering, or tires

Car crashes often result from a combination of negligent driving behaviors or factors. A thorough investigation is crucial for determining how an accident occurred and who is liable. At Grife Law Firm, we frequently work with accident reconstruction experts and other specialists to analyze every detail of what happened and build the strongest possible case for full and fair compensation.

Damages in Car Accident Cases

After suffering injuries in a Naples auto accident that was someone else’s fault, you may recover monetary compensation, or damages, including:

• Hospital bills and costs of medical treatment
• Future anticipated medical expenses
• Lost income from missing work
• Reduced future earning capacity due to a disability or impairment
• Vehicle repair or replacement costs
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and mental anguish
• Disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment or quality of life
• Loss of consortium
• Out-of-pocket expenses

If someone caused a car accident that killed an immediate family member, you may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim with the help of an attorney. The money you receive won’t replace your loved one, of course, but it can provide much-needed financial relief as well as a sense of justice for your family member’s tragic and preventable death. Common wrongful death damages include:

• Funeral and burial costs
• Medical bills incurred before death
• Lost income and future financial support the deceased would have provided
• Loss of love, guidance, and companionship
• Pain and suffering of the deceased before death

Understanding Florida’s Auto Insurance Requirements

Florida follows a no-fault car insurance system. This means that after most car accidents, injured parties must first turn to their own auto insurance coverage to get compensation for medical bills and certain other out-of-pocket losses, regardless of who was at fault.

Under Florida’s insurance law, all drivers must carry $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) insurance coverage. PIP pays up to 80% of reasonable and necessary medical expenses and 60% of lost wages, up to coverage limits.

However, PIP benefits are often not enough to fully cover losses when accident victims sustain severe injuries. To seek compensation beyond PIP policy limits, it is necessary to step outside the no-fault system and bring a claim directly against the at-fault party (usually through their insurance company). To do this, you must have suffered serious, permanent, or disfiguring injuries.

Florida also does not require drivers to carry bodily injury liability (BIL) insurance, which pays for injuries to others when an insured driver causes an accident. If the driver who hit you does not carry BIL coverage, you may need to rely on your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) policy or file a personal injury lawsuit directly against the at-fault driver.

Dealing with insurance companies and trying to navigate the claims process is complex, challenging, and often frustrating. Insurance companies don’t have your best interests at heart, and they will try any number of tactics to reduce the amount they must pay or deny your claim altogether. The Naples car accident lawyers at Grife Law Firm are skilled and effective negotiators and trial attorneys. We know how to deal with the insurance company and negotiate for maximum compensation, and we’re prepared to take your case to court and fight for the financial recovery you need.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Naples

The steps you take after a crash can have a significant impact on your health, well-being, and ability to recover compensation for your losses. If you’re in an auto accident another driver causes in Naples, take the following steps to take to protect yourself and your legal rights:

• Check yourself and others involved for injuries and call 911 if anyone is seriously hurt. Your health and safety are the top priority.
• If it is safe to do so, move vehicles out of the roadway and turn on hazard lights.
• Exchange driver’s license, vehicle registration, and insurance information with other drivers. Avoid discussing who is at fault or apologizing, as this could be used against you later.
• Use your phone to take photos of vehicle damage, injuries, traffic signs/signals, skid marks, and other relevant details.
• Collect names and contact information from any witnesses.
• Seek prompt medical attention even if you think your injuries are minor. Some serious injuries may not have obvious symptoms right away.
• Follow all treatment recommendations from your doctor.
• Notify your insurance company of the crash, but avoid giving a recorded statement or signing anything without speaking to a lawyer first.
• Keep track of all accident-related expenses and losses of income.
• Contact an experienced Naples car accident attorney to discuss your rights and legal options in a free consultation.

How a Naples Car Accident Lawyer Can Help

After a car wreck, you need to be able to focus on your recovery without the added stress and pressure of dealing with insurance company representatives, complicated paperwork, and legal procedures. An experienced attorney can handle all the details of your claim and fight for the compensation you deserve by:

• Fully investigating your accident to determine liability
• Identifying all potential sources of compensation, including insurance policies and personal assets
• Gathering important evidence to support your claim
• Consulting with experts to provide compelling testimony about accident reconstruction, your injuries, future treatment needs, and the full extent of your damages
• Dealing with all communication with the insurance companies on your behalf
• Filing claims and all necessary paperwork in accordance with legal deadlines
• Aggressively negotiating with insurance adjusters for a fair settlement
• Taking your case to trial if the insurance company refuses to settle for what you deserve

Choosing the Right Naples Car Accident Lawyer

With so much at stake after a serious car accident, your choice of legal representation matters. You need an attorney with the right experience, skills, resources, and dedication to fight for your interests and achieve the best possible outcome in your case.

At Grife Law Firm, we have a proven track record of achieving substantial verdicts and settlements for car accident victims. We offer the following to our clients:

• Extensive experience handling complex car accident claims
• Vast knowledge of Florida car accident and insurance laws
• Compassionate, personalized representation through every stage of the legal process
• Skilled negotiation and litigation
• Accessibility and open communication to address all your concerns and questions
• Free consultations and no fees unless we recover compensation for you

Our lawyers have earned national recognition and top rankings from prominent legal organizations, including Best Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell, and the National Trial Lawyers. We’re also members of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and we’ve received superb client ratings on Avvo. To speak with an award-winning lawyer about your case, contact us right away for a no-cost case evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Car Accident Claims

Q: How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in Florida?

A: The statute of limitations for most car accident lawsuits in Florida is two years from the date of the crash. The same deadline applies to wrongful death claims. Some exceptions may extend the time you have to file. However, you may have a far shorter time to file a claim against a government entity. To protect your right to compensation, you must speak with an attorney as soon as possible.

Q: What if the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance?

A: If an uninsured driver hits you in Florida, you may be able to seek compensation through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, if you have it. You could also file a personal injury lawsuit directly against the uninsured driver, although it may be difficult to recover compensation if that individual has limited assets.

Q: How much is my car accident case worth?

A: There is no set formula for determining the value of a car accident claim. Compensation depends on a variety of factors, including the severity of your injuries, the extent of your financial losses, whether you can return to work, your degree of fault (if any) in the accident, the amount of available insurance coverage, and the individual facts of your case. An experienced attorney can give you a better idea of the potential value of your claim after reviewing the specific details of your situation.

Q: Will I have to go to court for a car accident claim?

A: Most car accident cases settle out of court through negotiations with the insurance company. However, if the insurer refuses to offer a fair settlement, it may be necessary to file a lawsuit and go to trial to fight for the compensation you deserve. At Grife Law Firm, our attorneys have the experience and skills to aggressively advocate for you in the courtroom when needed.

Get Help From an Experienced Naples Car Accident Attorney

Naples Car Accident Attorney, Michael K. Grife

After a serious car wreck, you need skilled, experienced legal representation from an award-winning Naples personal injury lawyer who has your best interests at heart. The dedicated legal team at Grife Law Firm is here to help if you sustained an injury or lost a loved one in a Naples car accident.

Contact us today at (561) 998-0770 for your free consultation with a knowledgeable Naples car accident lawyer. We will review the details of your case, address your questions and concerns, and explain your legal options for pursuing the justice and compensation you deserve.

Remember, we work on a contingency fee basis. You won’t pay us anything upfront to represent you, and we won’t collect any attorney fees unless we win your case.

The Grife Law Firm – Naples Office

999 Vanderbilt Beach Rd Suite 200
Naples, FL 34108

Phone: (855) 998-0770