If you were injured due to someone else's negligence, you may be entitled to significant compensation. Contact one of our experienced lawyers at (561) 293-2600 for legal advice and representation.
Table of Contents
Legally Reviewed By
Joseph Osborne
Apopka's streets are some of the busiest in northwest Orange County. Drivers navigate U.S. 441 through downtown, merge onto SR 429 toward Orlando, or cut across neighborhood roads like Sheeler Avenue and Vick Road near the high school. Add in weekend traffic around Wekiwa Springs State Park and the Northwest Recreation Complex, and collisions are a regular occurrence.
When a car crash happens here, people often find themselves with more than just a damaged vehicle. Painful injuries, missed time from work, and relentless calls from insurance companies can follow. Osborne & Francis represents Apopka residents and visitors during these difficult moments, standing up to insurers and negligent drivers so that victims can focus on their recovery.
One client, Tara B., shared her experience this way:
"Dealing with the Osborne & Francis group was fantastic. They were there for me at every step of my case, explaining everything in detail. Their communication skills are impeccable. I would recommend this law group to all my friends and family… thanks to the team of Osborne & Francis for your hard work and dedication."
That commitment to clear communication and strong advocacy guides every Apopka car accident case we handle. Call (561) 293-2600or contact us online to speak with an Apopka car accident attorney today.
Video Transcript
So you've been in a car accident. What happens next? There are many things that you should do but here are the three most important:
Number One: See a doctor immediately.
A broken bone is easy to see, but some injuries are not. The most common injuries from car accidents happen in the neck, back, or head. The only way to diagnose and treat them is by seeing a doctor. A doctor can help ease the pain, provide medication, reassure you of how your injury may impact your daily life, and tell you what not to do to make it worse.
A visit to the doctor can also give you legally protected time off to recover and rest your body after an accident, and it documents and provides the evidence you may need for your case. Even a five-mile-per-hour car accident can cause a serious injury. So whether you've had a severe accident or a minor collision, see a doctor. And if you don't have medical insurance, let us know and we'll make sure that you receive the proper care.
Number Two: Write everything down.
Even if it seems small, during times of stress or injury it is common to forget the little details. Make sure you keep note of the pain that you're in. With neck, back, and head injuries, sometimes simple activities such as walking up the stairs or picking up a toddler may cause severe pain.
You may not be sleeping well at night. Documenting how much you sleep and how often you wake up due to pain is also very important. And lastly, if you have any cuts or bruises, take daily photos as you heal. This will provide visual evidence of the injuries that you've suffered.
Number Three: Do not speak to an insurance company until you've spoken to a lawyer.
Please understand that the insurance adjuster works for a billion-dollar corporation and not for you. Their interests are solely for their insurance company, and their goal is to provide you with the least amount of financial settlement as quickly as possible. When you do speak with them, remember they will record the conversation. Why do they do this? Because they've been trained to ask questions that may confuse you. So talk to us before you talk to them.
So remember: See a doctor, document everything, and call us before calling the insurance company for your free private consultation. We are here for you. Real tough lawyers fighting real tough issues.
Apopka's growth has transformed once-rural roads into busy commuter routes, and the numbers reveal how often this leads to crashes.
In 2023, Orange County reported more than 26,000 vehicle collisions, resulting in nearly 20,000 injuries and over 160 fatalities. Alcohol-related crashes made up a small share, but the damage they caused was severe.
Within Apopka, certain areas stand out for higher accident risk, including:
Congestion on U.S. 441 and SR 436
These main corridors carry commuters to Orlando, delivery trucks serving Apopka's businesses, and local traffic heading to schools and shopping centers. Stop-and-go backups and frequent turns into parking lots increase the chance of rear-end and side-impact collisions.
SR 429 Interchange Traffic
Drivers merging on or off SR 429 often accelerate quickly or cut across lanes near Ocoee-Apopka Road and Kelly Park Road. These rapidly changing conditions contribute to high-speed crashes, especially during rush hours when commuters rush between Apopka and Orlando.
Neighborhood Shortcuts and School Zones
As traffic builds on 441 and Sheeler Avenue, many drivers cut through residential neighborhoods or rush through school zones near Apopka High and Dream Lake Elementary. Speeding or distracted driving in these areas places pedestrians, bicyclists, and young drivers at risk.
Seasonal shifts add to the pressure on Apopka's roads. Holiday shopping crowds, weekend trips to Wekiwa Springs, and agricultural traffic during the citrus harvest season all increase the number of drivers on the road. These conditions increase congestion and leave less room for error when someone glances at their phone, misjudges a turn, or drives too fast for the conditions.
Which Injuries Are Most Common After a Crash in Apopka?
Car crashes in Apopka send people to AdventHealth Apopka and Orlando-area trauma centers with injuries that range from mild to life-altering. A rear-end collision on Semoran Boulevard may leave a driver with whiplash, while a high-speed crash on State Road 429 can cause broken bones or spinal cord trauma.
Common injuries from Apopka crashes include:
Neck and back injuries that lead to chronic pain or limited movement;
Head trauma, such as concussions or more severe brain injuries;
Broken bones and dislocations that may require surgery;
Internal injuries that doctors detect only through scans or observation; and
Cuts, bruises, and facial injuries caused by airbags or broken glass.
Beyond the medical impact, these injuries disrupt daily routines and keep people away from their jobs in Apopka's warehouses, nurseries, and service industries. At the same time, medical bills start piling up, creating financial stress while car accident victims are still trying to adjust.
That stress is compounded when the phone rings just days after the crash. Insurance adjusters may request recorded statements or push for quick settlements before the full extent of the injury is clear.
Until you've spoken with an Apopka car accident attorney, it is best to provide the insurance company with only the basics: your name, your vehicle information, and confirmation that the crash occurred. Decline to answer detailed questions about fault or treatment until you've received legal guidance.
What Types of Car Accident Cases Do We Handle in Apopka?
Drivers in Apopka face a mix of busy highways, residential shortcuts, and tourist traffic, creating numerous opportunities for crashes. A single lapse, such as checking a phone, running a red light, or speeding, can cause an accident that leads to hospital visits, missed work, and long-term injuries.
At Osborne & Francis, we handle a wide range of car accident cases in Apopka, including:
Aggressive driving and road rage accidents: Confrontations on congested roads, such as U.S. 441 or SR 436, can escalate into dangerous crashes.
Distracted driving accidents, including texting: Glancing at a phone for even a few seconds on Semoran Boulevard or near Apopka High can cause devastating rear-end or side-impact collisions.
Drowsy driving or fatigued driving crashes: Early morning commuters heading toward Orlando or truck drivers on SR 429 sometimes nod off behind the wheel, leading to high-speed wrecks.
Head-on and wrong-way accidents: Mistakes at rural intersections or ramps along SR 429 often result in some of the most severe injuries.
Intersection and red-light accidents: Busy crossings near Sheeler Avenue, Park Avenue, and the Apopka City Center redevelopment area are frequent sites of crashes.
Multi-vehicle pileups and chain-reaction crashes: Congested corridors like 441 create conditions where one collision quickly leads to several more.
Parking lot accidents: Fenders bend and pedestrians are struck in crowded lots at shopping centers and grocery stores.
Rear-end collisions: Stop-and-go traffic on 436 or around the Apopka warehouse district frequently leads to neck and back injuries.
Teen driving accidents: Inexperienced drivers around Apopka High and Wekiva High face risks in school zones and residential streets.
Fatal accidents and wrongful death claims: Families turn to us when reckless or negligent driving results in the loss of a loved one.
Osborne & Francis helps people injured in Apopka car accidents seek compensation that reflects the full impact of a crash and hold negligent drivers accountable for their actions. Call (561) 293-2600 or message us online for a free case review with an Apopka car accident lawyer.
What Should You Do After a Car Accident in Apopka?
A car accident at Apopka High can feel chaotic at the moment. The steps you take in the minutes, hours, and days after matter for both your recovery and your ability to pursue a claim.
Breaking it down into stages makes it easier to know what to do and when.
Minutes 0 to 15: Call for Help Right Away
The first step after a collision is to call 911 so Apopka Police or Orange County Fire Rescue can respond. Officers create an official record, and emergency crews assess injuries on the spot. If it's safe, move vehicles out of traffic, switch on your hazard lights, and mark the scene so approaching drivers can see you.
Minutes 15 to 60: Gather What You Can Before the Scene Clears
Take photos of vehicle positions, license plates, traffic signals, and skid marks. Look for nearby businesses or intersections that might have security cameras. If your phone is damaged, ask a bystander or officer to capture images for you.
First 24 Hours: Get Medical Care
Even if you feel fine, get checked at AdventHealth Apopka or another nearby facility. Conditions like internal injuries or whiplash may not appear immediately. Early care also ensures your visit is recorded. Start a crash journal in your notes app to track pain levels, missed work, new symptoms, and every provider you see.
Days 2 to 7: Keep Any Physical Evidence and Get Legal Advice
In the days that follow, hold on to anything that could serve as evidence, such as damaged personal items, torn clothing, or a child's car seat that was in use during the crash. Stay off social media, even for casual posts about feeling better or attending events. Defense attorneys and insurers often use these updates to argue that your injuries are less severe than they are.
As bills start to arrive and insurance adjusters begin calling, this is also the right time to contact an Apopka auto accident lawyer. An attorney can deal directly with insurers, secure records before they disappear, and guide you on what to share and what to avoid.
Helpful to Know in Florida
Crash reports are available through the FLHSMV Crash Portal. For the first sixty days, access is restricted to those directly involved and their authorized representatives. Alongside that report, save every receipt, medical note, and track mileage for treatment visits. These records show how the collision continues to affect your daily life.
Greg Francis on Next Steps After a Car Crash
In this YouTube video, Apopka car accident attorney Greg Francis explains three priorities after a car wreck: getting medical attention, keeping thorough records, and avoiding early statements to insurance adjusters.
These steps support your recovery and make it easier to pursue fair compensation.
Watch Greg Francis Explain Here
What Compensation Can You Seek After an Apopka Car Accident?
Taking the proper steps after a crash not only helps your recovery, it also strengthens your claim for compensation. In Apopka car accident cases, victims may be able to recover damages for:
Emergency treatment and follow-up medical care: This may include ambulance transportation from the scene, an ER visit at AdventHealth Apopka, subsequent follow-up appointments, physical therapy, and medications necessary for long-term pain management.
Lost wages and reduced earning ability: Many Apopka residents work in warehouses, landscaping, construction, or service jobs where missed shifts can immediately affect family income. If an injury prevents you from returning to physically demanding work or cuts short a career that required driving, lifting, or long hours, compensation can reflect those losses.
Rehabilitation, therapy, and long-term support: Serious injuries like spinal damage or traumatic brain injuries may require months of rehab at Orlando-area centers. Some clients require in-home assistance or mobility aids, which should be factored into a settlement.
Pain, suffering, and emotional distress: Beyond medical bills, Florida law allows damages for the personal toll of a crash. That may include daily pain, depression caused by loss of independence, or anxiety about driving through high-traffic areas like U.S. 441 or SR 436 again.
Vehicle repairs or replacement and other out-of-pocket expenses: Crashes often leave victims without transportation. Compensation can cover car repairs or replacement, rental costs, rides to medical appointments, or replacement of items damaged in the crash, such as phones or car seats.
Wrongful death claims: When a fatal accident occurs, families may pursue damages for funeral expenses, the loss of income the deceased provided, and the emotional toll of losing a loved one. These claims are especially important in crashes involving reckless driving or hit-and-run cases.
Car Accident Settlements That Made a Difference for Our Clients
When our Apopka car accident lawyers handle cases, compensation reflects the full scope of your losses: medical care, time away from work, and support after devastating loss. Here's what this means in practice:
$7.5 Million
Our client was rear-ended at a red light and suffered brain hemorrhages and multiple fractures. His recovery required extended hospital stays, ongoing rehab, and adjustments at home to help him manage daily activities. The settlement ensured that his medical care continued without interruption and replaced the wages he could no longer earn.
$2.75 Million
A young boy was struck and killed in a hit-and-run while riding his bike. After months of investigation, the driver was identified. The settlement gave his family the ability to cover funeral costs and counseling while holding the driver accountable for the harm he caused.
$985,000
A cement truck's unsafe lane change left a driver needing cervical and lumbar fusion surgeries. Rehab required months away from work, with daily medical appointments and long recovery periods. Compensation addressed both the cost of those surgeries and the family's financial strain while their primary source of income was on hold.
A Martindale-Nelo survey found that car accident victims who hired personal injury lawyers received nearly three times more compensation than those who represented themselves.
"We prepare every case with the thoroughness it deserves because we understand what's at stake. When your life has been forever changed by a car crash caused by someone else's negligence, half-measures aren't enough."
— Greg Francis, Osborne & Francis
Why Choose Osborne & Francis?
When someone hires a lawyer, they want to know they'll be treated with respect and kept informed. Here's what clients say they value most about working with Osborne & Francis:
Clear communication at every stage of the case,
A team that listens and takes concerns seriously,
Legal strategies built on years of experience in Florida courts, and
A history of successful verdicts and settlements for injured clients.
When it comes to your health, livelihood, and quality of life, you want a law firm with the experience and record of results to stand up for you. Osborne & Francis is committed to bringing that level of representation to every Apopka car accident case.
The other driver sped away after hitting me. What should I do if they can't be found?
Why People Trust Osborne & Francis
J. Davis
“I couldn’t have asked for a better lawyer/ firm — everything was done professionally exactly how I wanted. Due to COVID my personal attorney Mr. Garcia was still able to make things work in a timely manner and he never made me feel like he wasn’t working. Overall I’m happy with how my case turned out and I would recommend him and this law firm to anyone. 100% satisfied.”
C. Smith
“I am so thankful for EVERYONE, the entire staff at Osborne & Francis Law, for mentoring me through the mediation process with my hip replacement failures. I didn't realize how MUCH pressure they relieved me of by helping me deal with the reality of this traumatic time in my life, as it was OVER so quickly with a positive result. My family is grateful to have their mom HAPPY & FOCUSED on the future, rather than worrying over what happened in the past! FAST FORWARD, we are LIVING LIFE to the fullest once again!”
T. Andrews
“Attorneys Greg Francis and Ryan Fletcher at Osborne & Francis Law Firm represented me in my personal injury case. The defendant drew a line in the sand and was adamant on a settlement amount I was almost willing to accept. After the dust settled and the smoke cleared, we settled for 3 times that amount!!! When they say ‘Real Tough Lawyers,’ they mean it.”
E. Holland
Dennis and the other Osborne & Francis staff were amazing! Our case was HUGE and required tender loving care. Everyone on our case did their part by putting all the puzzle pieces together. We were given step by step updates and put at ease when our nerves got the best of us. For every inquiry we made we received a timely response...You are appreciated!
Alfred
Quick and fair resolution to a unique case. On advice of my own attorney, I engaged Joseph Osborne of Osborne & Francis of Boca Raton, FL. Mr. Osborne had considerable experience in cases such as mine and the results showed that. Mr. Osborne and his staff were very helpful, kept me up to date, and listened to my input. The settlement was very fair as far as I am concerned.
Erica F.
"Best personal injury attorney around, I could not be happier! I was seriously injured in a car accident and Osborne and Francis helped me through the entire process. I was blown away by how knowledgeable the staff and attorneys are at this incredible law firm. I would not hesitate to recommend this law firm to friends and family!"
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Speak with a Car Accident Lawyer in Apopka Today
A serious crash can throw your life off balance, leaving you with pain, medical bills, and time away from work. You deserve an Apopka car accident lawyer who understands these challenges and takes your case personally.
At Osborne & Francis, we've spent more than a decade helping people in Central Florida rebuild after collisions. We are familiar with the local courts, insurance tactics, and the unique traffic issues that Apopka drivers encounter. Every case gets the careful attention it requires from day one.
The other driver sped away after hitting me. What should I do if they can't be found?
Hit-and-run crashes are common in Central Florida. Even if the driver isn't located right away, you may still be able to pursue compensation through your uninsured motorist coverage. An Apopka car crash attorney can also assist in investigating the incident to identify the at-fault driver.
I may have contributed to the crash. What happens if I was partially at fault?
Florida law allows you to recover compensation as long as you were less than 51% responsible. Your award may be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you, but you are not automatically barred from seeking damages.
The insurance company has already made me an offer. What should I do before accepting a settlement?
Insurance companies often offer quick settlements that don't cover the long-term costs of treatment, lost wages, or ongoing care. Before signing anything, it's best to review the offer with an Apopka car crash lawyer who can calculate the full value of your claim.
It's been a while since my crash. How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Florida?
As of March 24, 2023, Florida law gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If your crash happened before that change, the older four-year limit may still apply. An Apopka car accident lawyer can confirm which deadline applies to your case.
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