Traffic Accident Lawyers in Melbourne, FL

After a car accident in Melbourne, FL, put your safety first by moving to a safe location if possible and checking for injuries. Call 911 to report the accident and request medical help. Document the scene with photos of all vehicles, visible injuries, and the accident location (I-95, US-1, major intersections). Exchange insurance and contact information but avoid admitting fault. Obtain a police report, seek medical attention within 14 days to preserve PIP benefits, and notify your insurer. Prompt documentation and early legal guidance increase your chances of full compensation. Douglas R. Beam, P.A. has recovered over $1 billion using this proactive approach.

Florida law requires you to call the police if there are injuries, death, intoxicated drivers, or property damage over $500 (most cases). For truly minor non-injury accidents with less than $500 damage, you may self-report using the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles online form. However, obtaining an official police report is critical for your insurance claim and legal rights even in fender benders. Experienced attorneys recommend erring on the side of caution by contacting law enforcement at the scene for a reliable, unbiased record.

In Melbourne, your initial medical bills are covered by your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance—up to $10,000 regardless of fault. If the other driver is uninsured and your PIP maxes out, you may file a claim against your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage or health insurance. An attorney can also pursue a personal injury lawsuit against at-fault parties, which may include drivers, vehicle owners, or employers if commercial vehicles are involved. Skilled lawyers routinely maximize beyond-basic insurance through diligent investigation and third-party claims. This is especially crucial in cases of serious or long-term injury.

Report the accident to police and obtain medical attention. For Uber/Lyft cases, both the driver's insurance and the rideshare's commercial policy may apply, depending on their status in the app. Notify the rideshare company immediately and consult an attorney to preserve evidence and prove coverage timing.

In Florida, you must see a doctor within 14 days of the accident to access PIP benefits. Even if pain surfaces later, get evaluated as soon as possible to document all injuries and protect your claim.

Leaving the scene is a crime, but returning promptly or reporting to police may mitigate penalties. Seek legal counsel immediately to protect your rights and explain circumstances. Timely action is crucial for your defense.

Settlements vary widely but depend on injury severity, lost wages, medical costs, liability, and insurance coverage. Severe injuries and clear liability yield higher values. Local firms like Douglas R. Beam, P.A. often win 3x initial insurer offers.

Florida’s statute of limitations for car accident lawsuits is now two years from the date of accident. Missing this deadline usually means losing your right to sue. Consult a lawyer early to preserve all legal options.

Yes. Insurance companies often offer less than full value right away. Consulting a local lawyer ensures you properly document injuries and uncover hidden damages. Many firms provide free evaluations and only get paid if you win.

Determining fault in pileups often requires crash reconstruction and multiple investigations. You may need to pursue claims against several drivers or insurance companies. Skilled attorneys coordinate these claims to maximize your total recovery.