Monroe County Car Accident Lawyer

Monroe County Car Accident Attorney

The effects of a car crash can extend far beyond the initial incident. If you or someone you love was involved in a crash, a Monroe County car accident lawyer can help you understand your options and navigate the legal process.

Victims often face long-term medical treatment, emotional trauma, and financial strain. Car accidents are especially devastating when injuries prevent the victim from returning to their daily routine. Understanding state law is vital to protecting your rights.

Experienced Car Accident Attorneys in Monroe County, FL

Here at the Law Office of Alexander Alvarez, our goal is to represent individuals and families who have been hurt through no fault of their own. We love our Florida communities and strive to keep Monroe County residents safe and legally protected. We offer free consultations to those struggling after car accidents and looking to explore their legal options.

Founded by Attorney Alexander Alvarez in Miami in 2000, our firm has built a reputation for hands-on case management, legal skill, and courtroom readiness. Alexander Alvarez brings over 30 years of legal experience to the practice.

His background includes defending hospitals and physicians in medical malpractice matters, handling complex liability cases, and representing clients in high-stakes personal injury claims. He is also a Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Court Mediator.

Alexander Alvarez has received multiple professional honors, including an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell, recognition as one of Florida Trend’s Legal Elite, and a Superb rating on Avvo. We understand the devastation car accidents can have on victims and are dedicated to helping our clients get the optimal outcome for their cases.

Monroe County Car Accident Laws

In 2023, there was a rate of 9.87 deaths due to car crashes per 100,000 residents in Monroe County. Such accidents can happen in high-traffic areas, such as the Overseas Highway, with heavy traffic on the weekends and most of the highway being two lanes. Under Florida law, people involved in car accidents are usually covered by their own personal injury protection (PIP) insurance, regardless of who caused the crash.

This no-fault system means that, in most cases, drivers cannot file a claim against the other party for pain and suffering unless their injury meets specific legal requirements. You can only bring a claim for pain, suffering, mental anguish, or inconvenience if your injury is considered serious under Florida Statutes § 627.737. A serious injury includes one or more of the following:

• A significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function
• A permanent injury (not including scarring or disfigurement)
• Significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement
• Death

If your injury doesn’t include at least one of these, you likely won’t be able to recover damages for emotional or non-economic losses. As of 2023, 2.1% of Monroe County residents were living with a disability.

If the other side argues that your injury doesn’t meet the serious injury standard, they can ask the court to review the evidence before trial. The court is required to decide, at least 30 days before trial or a pretrial hearing, whether you have enough medical proof to support your claim.

If the court finds that you do not, your claim for pain and suffering will be dismissed without prejudice, meaning you could refile if new evidence becomes available. The recommended option is to hire a Monroe County car accident lawyer to fully understand your legal options under Florida law.

Why Choose Us?

From your first contact, you’ll work with a team that values preparation, responsiveness, and professionalism. Our longtime paralegal, Arlene, has been with the firm since its early days and remains a vital point of contact for clients throughout their case. Clients trust us because:

• Our firm prepares every case with the intention of going to trial, ensuring your claim is built to stand up in court, not just to reach a quick settlement. In Monroe County, car accident cases are typically overseen by the circuit court located at 500 Whitehead Street in Key West.
• We operate on a contingency fee basis, so you won’t pay any attorney fees unless we win compensation for your case.
• You work directly with an experienced attorney throughout your case, and won’t be shuffled between assistants or case managers.
• Our team understands how to analyze injury claims in detail to help you recover the full value of what you’ve lost.

At every stage, our goal is to help you understand your legal options and protect your rights. We offer free consultations to individuals and families seeking legal guidance after suffering a car accident.

FAQs

Is It Worth Getting an Attorney for a Car Accident in Florida?

Because the laws can be complex, it is worth getting an attorney for a car accident in Florida. An attorney can help you understand your options and get the compensation you deserve. Because of Florida’s “no-fault” system, PIP insurance pays up to $10,000. For example, if you hurt your back in a minor accident, your PIP insurance will help cover your medical care. If your injuries are very serious, you can file a claim against the driver who caused the accident.

How Much Does an Attorney Charge for a Car Accident in Florida?

Most car accident attorneys in Florida work on a contingency fee basis, which means they are only paid if the case is successful. The Law Office of Alexander Alvarez also operates under that system. The payment is usually a percentage of any settlement won. Our team can explain our transparent prices so you know what to expect. Additional costs can include filing fees, expert witness expenses, and records requests.

What Is the New Law in Florida for Car Accidents?

The new law in Florida for car accidents gives accident victims less time to file a claim. In 2023, Florida changed the law to shorten the time to file a personal injury claim from four years to two years. This means if you’ve been injured in a car accident or due to someone’s negligence, you need to act quickly to protect your rights. Waiting too long could mean losing the chance to get compensation for your injuries.

What Is the Average Settlement for a Car Accident in Florida?

There is no definitive way to determine the average settlement for a car accident in Florida. Settlement amounts depend on several factors, including the seriousness of your injuries, damage to your vehicle, insurance coverage, and other related damages. Settlement can vary widely based on the specific case, such as a minor property damage case or a permanent disability case.

Next Steps After a Car Accident in Monroe County

If you were injured in a car accident in Monroe County, contact the Law Office of Alexander Alvarez to discuss your claim during a free consultation. Let our team handle the legal side of things so you can focus on healing.

Monroe County Car Accident Resources:

• Seeking Compensation After a Car Crash Results in Amputation in Florida
• Can Injuries From a Car Crash Cause Memory Loss?
• Can I Recover Damages for Pain and Suffering After a Car Crash?