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, call us today!

How Your Compensation Is Calculated in an Ocala Car Accident Claim

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, distracted driving accidents, drunk driver accidents, hit & run accidents, pedestrian accidents, rear-end collisions, rideshare accidents, scooter accidents, truck accidents, uninsured driver accidents, fatal car accidents and many others.

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.

Why Drivers in Ocala, Florida Are at Risk of Accidents

Drivers in Ocala, Florida face several risk factors that contribute to the potential for accidents. Here are some key reasons why drivers in this area may be at higher risk:

• Rapid population growth: Ocala has experienced significant population growth in recent years, leading to increased traffic on roads that may not have been designed for such volume.
• Mix of urban and rural roads: The area contains both busy city streets and rural highways, each presenting unique driving challenges.
• Large senior population: Ocala is popular with retirees. Older drivers may have slower reaction times or visual impairments that can increase accident risks.
• Tourist traffic: As a destination near attractions like Silver Springs, Ocala sees influxes of unfamiliar drivers during peak seasons.
• Horse country: The prevalence of horse farms means drivers must be alert for horseback riders and large animal trailers on roads.
• Weather conditions: Florida’s sudden rainstorms can create hazardous driving conditions with reduced visibility and slick roads.
• Distracted driving: Like many areas, Ocala faces issues with drivers using mobile devices while operating vehicles.
• Intersection design: Some intersections in older parts of the city may have poor visibility or confusing layouts.
• Speed differentials: The mix of highway and local traffic can lead to dangerous speed differences between vehicles.
• DUI incidents: Ocala, like many cities, deals with accidents caused by drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Road construction: Ongoing infrastructure improvements can lead to confusing detours and sudden lane changes.
• Wildlife: Being near forested areas, drivers may encounter deer or other animals on roads, especially at night.

To mitigate these risks, local authorities likely focus on traffic law enforcement, public education campaigns, and infrastructure improvements. Filing a car accident claim can also help improve driver safety and lower crash risk by holding negligent drivers accountable, forcing them to do better in the future.

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 Ocala 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.

Who Could Be Liable for Damages in My 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.

Florida’s 2024 Laws and How They Impact Car Accident Claims

Florida’s “Move Over” Law

In 2024, Florida expanded its Move Over law to include more types of vehicles and increase penalties for violations. The law requires drivers to move over a lane or slow down significantly when approaching certain vehicles stopped on the side of the road. This is important because drivers’ failure to move over can contribute to accidents. Here’s how:

• Collisions with stopped vehicles: Not moving over increases the risk of striking a stopped vehicle or person on the roadside.
• Secondary crashes: Sudden lane changes by drivers realizing they need to move over can lead to collisions with other vehicles.
• Reduced reaction time: Not slowing down limits the time drivers have to react to unexpected movements by people or vehicles on the shoulder.
• Increased vulnerability: Failure to move over puts emergency responders, service workers, and stranded motorists at greater risk of being struck.
• Chain reactions: An initial failure to move over can cause a chain of sudden braking or swerving by following vehicles, potentially leading to multi-car accidents.

Florida’s “Left Lane” Law

Florida’s “Left Lane” law, also known as House Bill 317 (HB 317), went into effect in 2024. This law aims to reduce traffic congestion and improve road safety by regulating the use of the left lane on multi-lane highways, which is important in preventing accidents. Here’s how drivers who don’t follow this law can cause accidents:

• Traffic flow disruption: Slower vehicles in the left lane force faster traffic to weave between lanes, increasing the risk of collisions.
• Tailgating: Frustrated drivers may follow too closely behind slower left-lane drivers, reducing reaction time and increasing rear-end collision risks.
• Road rage incidents: Blocking the left lane can lead to aggressive driving behaviors, potentially causing accidents.
• Unexpected maneuvers: Drivers may make sudden lane changes to get around a slow left-lane driver, catching other motorists off guard.
• Speed differentials: Large speed differences between lanes can lead to more dangerous situations when vehicles change lanes.
• Reduced visibility: Drivers may make unsafe passes on the right, where visibility can be more limited due to larger vehicles.
• Emergency vehicle obstruction: Slow left-lane drivers can impede emergency vehicles trying to pass.
• Merging difficulties: By disrupting the normal flow of traffic, it can make it harder for vehicles entering the highway to merge safely.

The purpose of these laws is to create a safer environment for motorists, pedestrians, and others who share the roads in Ocala. If a driver fails to follow this update in Florida’s traffic laws and it leads to an accident, they can be held liable in a civil claim

An Ocala Car Accident Lawyer Explains Liability in T-Bone Accidents

T-bone car accidents typically occur when someone does not follow the rules of the road. Some vehicles run stop signs and red lights, and when they do, the result can be T-bone accidents that cause catastrophic, life-changing injuries. 

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.

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.

Do you have questions about liability in our Ocala car accident claim? You can reach our car accident firm by calling us today or filling out our online contact form. Accidents can happen at any time, and you need help immediately if you’re injured, not just during office hours. We are available 24/7 to help you, so don’t hesitate to contact us – day or night.

Injuries That May Result in Ocala Car Accident Claims

Car accidents can lead to a wide range of injuries, varying in severity from minor bruises to life-altering conditions. Some of the most common injuries that may result in Ocala car accident claims include:

• Whiplash: Whiplash is a neck injury caused by the rapid back-and-forth movement of the head during a collision, particularly in rear-end accidents. This sudden motion can strain the neck’s soft tissues, leading to pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion. Whiplash symptoms may not appear immediately and can last for weeks or even months.
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Car accidents can cause TBIs when a sudden jolt or blow to the head occurs. TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe and life-threatening injuries. Symptoms may include headaches, confusion, memory loss, dizziness, and changes in mood or behavior. In some cases, the effects of a TBI can be long-lasting or permanent.
• Spinal cord injuries: The impact of a car crash, especially in T-bone or high-speed collisions, can cause damage to the spinal cord, potentially leading to partial or complete paralysis. Spinal cord injuries can have a profound impact on a person’s life, requiring extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
• Broken bones: The force of a collision can cause fractures in various parts of the body, such as arms, legs, ribs, pelvis, and collarbone. Broken bones can be painful, require surgery, and may take months to heal completely. In some cases, victims may experience long-term complications or disabilities.
• Burns and lacerations: Car accidents can cause burns and deep cuts due to contact with hot surfaces, chemicals, or sharp objects. These injuries can be particularly severe for motorcyclists, who have less protection than occupants of enclosed vehicles. Burns and lacerations may require extensive medical treatment, including skin grafts and reconstructive surgery, and can lead to permanent scarring or disfigurement.
• Soft tissue injuries: In addition to whiplash, car accidents can cause other soft tissue injuries, such as sprains, strains, and tears in muscles, tendons, and ligaments. These injuries can be painful and may limit mobility, requiring physical therapy and rehabilitation to recover fully.
• Emotional trauma: Not all car accident injuries are physical. Many people involved in serious collisions experience emotional trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression. These psychological injuries can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life and may require professional treatment.

If you or a loved one has suffered any of these injuries in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, it’s a good idea to seek legal guidance from an experienced personal injury attorney. We can help you understand your rights, gather evidence to support your claim, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

How Negligence Causes Head-On Crashes in Ocala Car Accident Claims

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.

Drivers owe other people who are using the road a duty of care to maintain safe and legal driving practices when they are behind the wheel. When they fail in this duty, there are legal consequences. Victims of injuries have the right to seek compensation under Florida law.

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.

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.

What Compensation Can You Recover in an Ocala Car Accident 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 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.

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:

What if I Partially Caused the Ocala Car 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 Ocala Car Accident 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 an Ocala Car Accident Claim?

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.

It’s important to remember that insurance companies are businesses, and their primary goal is to minimize payouts and protect their bottom line. The first settlement offer is often a lowball amount that does not fully consider the extent of your injuries, the long-term impact on your life, or the full range of damages you may be entitled to receive. 

By accepting the first offer, you may be leaving money on the table and limiting your ability to seek further compensation if your condition worsens or you incur additional expenses down the road. Working with an experienced personal injury attorney can help ensure that you receive a fair settlement that adequately addresses your current and future needs.

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 today.