Were you recently involved in a car accident in Gainesville, FL? Heavy traffic and unpredictable driving conditions in this college town can often lead to serious crashes. If you were injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you shouldn’t have to bear the financial burden alone. Let a Gainesville car accident lawyer from Fine, Farkash & Parlapiano, P.A. help you recover the compensation you deserve.

Common Types of Gainesville Car Accidents

Car accidents in Gainesville and across Alachua County range from minor fender benders to more serious crashes that can change your life in an instant. Rear-end collisions are the most common, but other types of accidents that frequently happen include: 

• T-bone accidents
• Rollovers
• Side-swipes
• Single-vehicle crashes

No matter the type of accident, the impact can be devastating for everyone involved, including drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.  

Where do Most Accidents Occur in Gainesville?

Home to the University of Florida, Gainesville sees heavy traffic throughout the year that makes its roads busier and more unpredictable than usual. Major college events like basketball and football games bring in crowds of up to 90,000 visitors, while busy times like freshman move-in week and holiday breaks lead to even more congestion as students and residents travel to and from campus.  

Certain intersections in Gainesville are known trouble spots as high traffic volumes and a mix of vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists create hazardous conditions. These include: 

• 16th Boulevard and 43rd Street
• Archer Road and 34th Street 
• Main Street and University Avenue
• 13th Street and University Avenue 
• 39th Avenue and 13th Street 

One of the most concerning frequently traveled areas is the stretch of I-75 through Alachua County, where crash rates are 90% higher than the statewide average for similar roads. Roads like Archer Road, HWY 441 (13th Street), HWY 301, Newberry Road, and 39th Avenue also see frequent accidents despite the implementation of safety efforts like speed tables near the university and Midtown. 

For many locals and visitors, these areas are unavoidable, which only adds to the worry about potential accidents. If you’ve been involved in a crash in one of these high-risk areas, a car accident attorney in Gainesville can help.    

What Are The Most Common Causes of Gainesville Car Accidents?

Car accidents can happen in an instant, leaving drivers and their families dealing with serious consequences. While accidents are sometimes unavoidable, many crashes are caused by preventable actions or oversights. Some of the most common causes of car wrecks in Gainesville include:

• Distracted driving
• Speeding
• Drowsy driving
• Driving while impaired
• Tailgating
• Aggressive driving/road rage
• Reckless driving
• Running red lights and stop signs
• Failing to yield the right of way
• Making unsafe turns and lane changes
• Not using indicators or mirrors
• Inadequate vehicle maintenance
• Vehicle defects

Practicing safe driving habits and being aware of your surroundings can help prevent unnecessary pain and loss. 

Common Car Accident Injuries

Car accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor discomfort to life-changing trauma. The force and impact of a collision can affect various parts of the body and lead to pain, challenges in recovery, and some cases, permanent changes to one’s life. 

Back and Neck Injuries

The force of impact in a car accident can strain and injure the delicate structures of the back and neck. Whiplash is a common injury, occurring when the head is jerked forward and then snapped back suddenly. This can lead to soft tissue damage, neck pain, stiffness, and headaches. More severe accidents can cause herniated discs, spinal cord injuries, and chronic back pain that may require ongoing medical treatment.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries are amongst the most severe injuries one can sustain in a car accident and can have life-altering consequences. These injuries occur due to the damage to the spinal cord from a sudden blow or impact, leading to the disruption of nerve signals. 

Victims may experience varying degrees of loss of motor function, sensation, or even paralysis. Spinal cord injuries often require extensive medical intervention, including surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing therapy. These injuries can require significant adjustments to one’s life, including modifications to living spaces and long-term medical and personal care. 

Nerve Damage

Nerve damage is another serious consequence of car accidents. The impact can cause trauma to the nerves which can lead to symptoms like pain, numbness, weakness, or paralysis. Nerve injuries can be long-lasting and may require extensive medical treatment, including medications, physical therapy, and sometimes surgery.

Traumatic Brain Injury

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the most severe injuries that can occur in a motor vehicle collision. TBIs can result from a sudden blow to the head. This blow can cause the brain to collide with the inside of the skull. Symptoms can range from mild concussions to more severe cognitive impairments, affecting memory, concentration, and even personality. 

Broken Bones

Fractures and broken bones are prevalent in car accidents due to the impact and force involved. Arms, legs, ribs, and the pelvis are particularly vulnerable. These injuries can vary in severity, from hairline fractures to compound fractures that require surgery. Recovery may involve immobilization, physical therapy, and potential long-term complications depending on the extent of the injury.

Facial Injuries

The face is susceptible to various injuries during a car accident due to airbag deployment, broken glass, or impact with the dashboard or steering wheel. Facial injuries can include lacerations, contusions, fractures, and damage to the eyes, nose, and jaw. Reconstruction surgeries and ongoing medical care may be necessary to address both the functional and cosmetic aspects of these injuries.

Amputation

In some catastrophic motor vehicle accidents, severe trauma to the limbs can result in the loss of a body part, requiring amputation. This life-altering injury has profound physical, emotional, and psychological implications for the victim. Amputation injuries often necessitate extensive medical care, rehabilitation, and the use of prosthetics to regain functionality and independence.

Burns

Accidents involving motor vehicles can lead to fires or explosions, causing burn injuries to drivers and passengers. Burns can range from minor first-degree burns to severe third-degree burns that damage multiple layers of skin and tissue. Burn wounds from a car accident often require extensive medical treatment, including surgeries, skin grafts, and long-term rehabilitation to restore function and appearance.

Is Florida a No-Fault or At-Fault State? 

Florida is a no-fault state. This means that after a car accident, each driver’s own insurance company is responsible for covering their medical expenses and certain other financial losses, regardless of who was at fault. In other words, you would file a claim with your own insurance company first, seeking compensation up to the limits of your policy. 

To comply with no-fault insurance laws, all Florida drivers are required to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance and $10,000 in Property Damage Liability (PDL) insurance. Under Florida Statute 627.736, PIP coverage must include: 

• $10,000 for disability and medical expenses
• $5,000 in death benefits  

PIP benefits apply to the policyholder, members of their household, passengers injured in their vehicle, or others driving the insured car. However, to qualify for the $10,000 benefit, you must seek treatment from a medical doctor or chiropractor within 14 days of the accident. 

Keep in mind, PIP only covers up to 80% of medical expenses and 60% of lost wages, meaning after the first $10,000 of medical bill or lost wage benefits are exhausted, the no-fault rules go away. This makes calling Florida a no-fault state a bit misleading, as victims may need to seek further compensation. Their options could include going through their health insurance or MedPay. 

However, in serious injury cases, Florida law allows accident victims to pursue a claim against the at-fault driver. Florida Statute 627.737 outlines the following criteria for these situations: 

• Significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function
• Permanent injury, excluding scarring or disfigurement 
• Significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement 
• Death

If you file a claim after your accident, the at-fault driver’s insurance company may be held financially responsible for damages such as medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering.   

How Insurance Companies Determine the Value of a Claim

After a car accident in Gainesville, insurance companies follow a process to determine what they believe is a fair settlement. They look at things like medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering. They’ll also consider the extent of fault or liability in the accident, which means looking at how much each party contributed to the accident.    

For medical expenses, they may assess costs from local hospitals like UF Health Shands Hospital or North Florida Regional Medical Center where many Gainesville car accident victims receive treatment. Repair costs for property damage may also reflect local rates depending on where you have your vehicle repaired. 

While this process may seem simple enough, it doesn’t always capture the full impact of an accident. Behind every injury and expense is a bigger picture that includes missed time at work, ongoing medical treatments, and the stress of trying to move forward. Insurance companies don’t always recognize the full extent of what you’ve been through, which is why having a seasoned car accident attorney in Gainesville on your side to fight for your fair compensation is so important.  

Insurance Company Obligations

When you file a car accident claim, your insurance company is required to follow specific guidelines when processing your claim. They must investigate the accident thoroughly, communicate clearly, and handle your case fairly. 

However, the primary goal of your insurance company is to minimize payouts. They may use tactics like delaying responses, questioning liability, or undervaluing your claim to protect their own interests. This can make it difficult to recover the compensation you’re entitled to, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the process. 

While insurance companies are required to provide settlement offers that reflect the full extent of your losses, this doesn’t always happen. If an offer falls short your claim is denied, you have the right to challenge their decision. 

Working with an experienced Gainesville car accident attorney ensures your voice is heard and your rights are protected. Your attorney is your biggest ally and will advocate on your behalf to get the compensation you deserve, while holding the insurance company accountable for meeting its obligations. You don’t have to face this fight alone.   

What Can You Expect From Our Gainesville Car Accident Lawyers?

After a car accident, you deserve someone who’s truly on your side. At Fine, Farkash & Parlapiano, P.A., we bring over 100 years of combined experience to every case we handle. Together, we’ve dedicated our careers to helping the people of Gainesville and Alachua County seek justice and recover the compensation they deserve. 

What sets us apart is knowing the local court system inside and out. Jack’s previous experience as a public defender in the Alachua County Court System gives us unique insight into how local cases are handled, allowing us to build strong cases for our clients. When you work with us, you’ll have: 

• A team of genuine, compassionate advocates who prioritize your well-being
• Experienced local representation rooted in decades of community service
• A free initial consultation to help you understand your options

We believe in making this process as easy as possible for you. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case. There are no upfront costs, no retainers, and you’ll only pay a percentage from what you recover. From gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies, we’ll take care of the hard work so you can focus on getting better.

Meet Our Gainesville Car Accident Attorneys

At Fine, Farkash & Parlapiano, P.A., we’re not just lawyers. We’re a part of the Gainesville community with unique backgrounds and deep local ties. Here’s an inside look at the team that will stand by your side right from the beginning: 

• Jack Fine has nearly five decades of experience in law, starting as a public defender and also teaching trial practice at University of Florida’s Levin College of Law. His rich understanding of the Alachua County Court System and long-standing community connections makes him a respectable ally in the courtroom.   
• Cherie Hoch Fine has been practicing law for over 43 years and served as the president of the local bar association, demonstrating her leadership and deep commitment to practicing excellence and integrity in law. 
• Julie Aleve Fine brings a sharp prosecutorial background with her 12 years of experience, including time spent as a state attorney. She currently serves on the board of the Florida Justice Association. 

We also have an esteemed standing within our community. We previously had the honor of having former chief judge of Alachua County, Martha Ann Lott, join our office. She brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to our team before her retirement.  

Additionally, former firm member, Jonathan Ramsey, was recently appointed as an Alachua County Judge by Governor DeSantis. Not only is this a testament to the high regard in which our team is held locally, but it’s also an acknowledgement of the state’s leaders recognizing the talent and potential in people associated with our Gainesville auto accident law firm.       

As you can see, we go above and beyond just being your legal team. We’re your advocates, your allies, and the trusted partners you can count on when you need it most.  

What to do Immediately After an Accident in Gainesville, FL

If you’ve been in a car accident in Gainesville, FL, it’s important that you know how to respond. The actions you take can help you protect your rights and set the foundation for your case. Most importantly, you should stay at the scene as leaving could lead to serious legal consequences, including criminal charges. Here’s everything you should do after an accident: 

1. Call the Police

Call 911 right away if anyone is injured and needs immediate medical attention. If no one is injured and the accident appears to be minor, you may still need to contact the authorities. 

According to Florida Statute 316.065, you must report an accident to the local police (either the Gainesville Police Department if the crash is within city limits or the University of Florida Police Department if the crash occurs on campus) if damages are $500 or more. If the accident happens outside a municipality, you’ll need to report it to the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office or the nearest Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) station. 

Additionally, certain types of crashes require a report to the FHP within 10 days, even if an officer at the scene doesn’t file one, per Florida Statute 316.066. These include accidents involving: 

• Death or personal injuries, including complaints of pain or discomfort
• Vehicles so damaged they require a tow truck to be removed
• Commercial motor vehicles
• Damage to vehicles or property
• Driving under the influence 

To complete and submit a crash report, visit the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website.   

2. Document the Scene and Gather Evidence

After you’ve contacted the appropriate authorities, you’ll want to gather as much evidence as you can at the accident scene. Start by collecting important details such as: 

• The make, model, and year of the other vehicle
• License plate number
• Vehicle Identification Number or VIN (found on the dashboard or insurance card)
• The other driver’s name, contact information, and insurance details
• Names and contact information of any passengers or witnesses
• The other driver’s license number and the vehicle owner’s information (if they’re not the driver)

Take photos and videos to capture the full scope of the accident. Include images of the vehicle damage, road conditions, weather, traffic signals, and any other factors that might have contributed to the crash. Be sure to take pictures of your injuries as well. When recording video, keep the sound on to document what others are saying as this will hold them accountable and prevent stories from changing. 

It’s also a good idea to write down everything you remember while it’s still fresh. Include details like the direction you and the other driver were traveling, approximate speeds, and anything unusual that happened leading up to the crash. These detailed notes can be invaluable when filing a claim or building your case.   

3. Notify Your Insurance Company

Even if you believe the other driver was at fault, you should still notify your own insurance company about the accident. Reporting the accident is typically a requirement of most policies, so don’t skip this step. Avoid admitting fault at the scene or attempting to settle with the other driver directly as this could jeopardize your claim. 

Once you’ve reported the accident to your insurance company, you should also contact the other driver’s insurance company to report the incident. Since property damage claims and personal injury claims are handled separately, be sure to get the claim numbers for both.  

4. Hire a Gainesville Car Accident Lawyer

Not every car accident requires a lawyer, but if you’ve suffered serious injuries or are struggling with the insurance process, it might be a good idea to have an experienced attorney who knows the area on your side. Insurance companies often look out for their bottom line, not yours, and without legal help, you might not get fully compensated for your losses. 

A car accident lawyer in Gainesville can take the stress off your shoulders by handling the paperwork, dealing with medical bills, and pushing back against insurance companies that try to minimize or deny your claim. You should reach out to an attorney if: 

• Your injuries require ongoing medical care
• You’re facing disputes about fault or significant property damage
• The insurance company is delaying or denying your claim
• You’re unsure how to calculate your losses, like lost wages or pain and suffering

Florida’s statute of limitations gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim, so it’s important not to wait. The sooner you contact a Gainesville car crash attorney, the more time they’ll have to investigate your case, preserve evidence, and build a strong claim. 

It’s also important to avoid discussing the details of your accident with anyone (online and offline) other than your attorney. Saying the wrong thing to the wrong person could hurt your case.

Florida’s Modified Comparative Negligence Law

In March 2023, Florida made changes to its negligence law under House Bill 837. Under Florida’s modified comparative negligence rule, any party found to be more than 50 percent at fault cannot recover any damages. 

If you are partially at fault for an accident, the amount you can recover will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re found to be 20 percent responsible for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by 20 percent.   

Florida Small Claims Court

Not every car accident claim requires a lawsuit. If the damage from an accident is minor and worth $8,000 or less, you might be able to resolve the matter through Alachua County’s small claims court. Keep in mind, this amount does not include filing fees, interest, or attorney’s fees. 

To make things easy, Florida offers a DIY (Do-It-Yourself) system that walks you through a series of steps with simple interview-style questions. The forms you’ll need for small claims court are then automatically prepared for you and can be electronically filed using the E-Filing Portal.  

Recoverable Damages for Car Accident Victims in Gainesville

After an accident in Gainesville, you may be entitled to compensation for the losses you’ve suffered. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you could recover damages to help cover medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and more. These damages can be broken down into three types: economic, non-economic, and punitive. 

Economic Damages

Economic damages cover the out-of-pocket costs and financial losses directly caused by the accident. These include both immediate and ongoing medical expenses, as well as costs related to rehabilitation, therapy, and necessary medical equipment. Lost wages from missed work or reduced earning capacity can also be included in this category.

Importantly, economic damages do not require a showing of permanency to be recoverable. This means that you can claim damages regardless of the long-term nature of your injuries.  

In Florida, PIP insurance only covers up to $10,000 for these types of expenses. For more serious injuries, that often doesn’t go very far. Any remaining costs may need to be recovered through other insurance coverage or legal action. An experienced Gainesville auto accident lawyer can help you figure out the best way to cover what PIP doesn’t. 

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are less tangible but equally significant. These damages include things like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and mental anguish. If the accident has affected your ability to enjoy life the way you used to, that’s part of non-economic damages, too. 

To qualify for pain and suffering damages, there needs to be a degree of permanency, like long-term physical or psychological harm. While harder to measure, these damages can provide a clearer picture of the damage you’ve suffered.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are rare and are awarded only in cases where the at-fault party’s actions were especially reckless, intentional, or malicious. Unlike economic or non-economic damages, punitive damages are not meant to compensate you for your losses but to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future. These damages typically only apply to cases involving gross negligence, such as driving under the influence. 

Contact Our Gainesville Car Accident Lawyers Today

Contact Fine, Farkash & Parlapiano, P.A., today for a free consultation. You’ll learn what a Gainesville car accident attorney from our firm can do to help you secure the compensation you need for your recovery. Let our firm advocate on your behalf and demand accountability from the negligent driver who hit and injured you.