Lakeland Car Accident Lawyers

Lakeland Car Accident Lawyers

Car accidents are common in Lakeland and can result in serious injuries and financial losses for those involved. When a car accident occurs, it is essential to understand the legal process and seek the guidance of an experienced Lakeland car accident lawyer to protect your rights and seek compensation for your damages.

Osborne & Francis attorneys have represented clients in cases similar to yours for years. We’ve helped them obtain millions of dollars in compensation and are ready to work to do the same for you. Please don’t hesitate to contact us online or call (561) 264-6238 for a free consultation.

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.

Osborne & Francis

How to Prove Liability

To prove liability for a car accident, you must demonstrate that the other driver or party was negligent and their negligence caused the accident. Negligence is the failure to exercise reasonable care. You must show the following to prove it:

  • Duty: The negligent party had a legal duty to exercise reasonable care while driving.
  • Breach: They breached their duty of care by acting negligently, such as driving while distracted or under the influence of alcohol.
  • Causation: Their negligence caused the accident.
  • Damages: The accident resulted in damages or financial losses. These include medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering.

Your lawyer will work to prove the liability of all the different parties that could be liable. They’ll do this by conducting an exhaustive investigation to gather critical evidence. Your attorney may also bring in expert witnesses to further strengthen your case.

Living in Lakeland, Florida

Lakeland gets its name from the nearly 40 lakes in and around the city. This beautiful Polk County community between Tampa and Orlando has more than 120,000 people. Not only is Lakeland filled with scenic areas, but it’s also a hub of shops, pubs, restaurants and more amenities. Lakeland is also home to Florida Southern College, Southeastern University, Florida Polytechnic University and a campus of Polk State College.

Unfortunately, Lakeland isn’t immune to car accidents, nor is the rest of Polk County. There were more than 13,000 vehicle accidents in the county in 2022. These accidents led to 9,524 injuries and, tragically, 131 deaths.

Historically, there have been certain traffic hotspots in Lakeland that were prone to accidents. For instance, the intersection of U.S. 98 North and Griffin Road is hazardous. There were 79 traffic accidents at the intersection in 2015. Other hazardous intersections include Massachusetts Ave. and Memorial Blvd. (45 crashes that year) and South Florida Ave. and West Edgewood Extension (41 collisions).

Common Causes of Lakeland Car Accidents

Car accidents in Lakeland can occur for various reasons, including:

  • Distracted driving is a significant cause of car accidents, including texting, talking on the phone, or eating while driving.
  • Speeding is another common cause of car accidents, particularly on highways and interstates.
  • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a severe offense and can have devastating results.
  • Aggressive driving, racing, or illegal passing can also result in car accidents that lead to severe injuries and fatalities.
  • Car accidents can also result from mechanical failures, such as faulty brakes or tires.

Types of Injuries Associated with Car Accidents

Vehicle collisions can also result in many injuries. These range from minor bruises and cuts to severe injuries requiring ongoing medical treatment. Some of the most common injuries associated with car accidents include:

  • Whiplash, a common injury resulting from car accidents, can cause neck pain and stiffness.
  • Head injuries include concussions, skull fractures, and traumatic brain injuries.
  • Broken bones, such as arms, legs, and ribs.
  • Spinal cord injuries can cause partial or complete paralysis.
  • Internal injuries include organ damage, internal bleeding, or punctured lungs.

Who’s Liable for My Damages?

Determining liability for a car accident is critical to obtaining compensation for your damages. In most cases, the driver who caused the accident is liable for the damages resulting from the accident. However, other parties may also be liable, such as:

Vehicle Manufacturers

If a mechanical failure caused the accident, the vehicle manufacturer may be liable for damages.

Employers

If the driver who caused the accident was working at the time, their employer could face liability.

Negligent Drivers

When motorists are distracted or impaired and cause a wreck, injury victims can file personal injury lawsuits against those negligent drivers.

contact our office to speak to a lawyer.

do you still have questions?

CONTACT US TODAY

Types of Damages You Can Recover

If you were injured in a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages. Damages can include the following:

Medical Expenses

Your medical expenses include compensation for hospital bills, doctor visits, physical therapy, and medication.

Lost Wages

You could obtain money for your lost wages due to time off work. If you can’t return to your job, your attorney will fight to obtain compensation for your reduced earning capacity.

Property Damage

This is compensation for damage to your vehicle and any personal property.

Pain and Suffering

You may be able to receive money for the pain you’ve experienced, as well as the emotional trauma and lost quality of life you’ve had to endure.

What Will My Settlement Offer Be?

The amount of your settlement offer will depend on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the extent of your damages, and the insurance coverage available. A skilled Lakeland car accident lawyer can evaluate your case and provide an estimate of what you may expect to receive in a settlement offer.

Alfred

5 star icon

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.

T. Andrews

5 star icon

“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.”

C. Smith

5 star icon

“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!”

Erica F.

5 star icon

"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!"

J. Davis

5 star icon

“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.”

E. Holland

5 star icon

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!

Please fill out the form below for your

FREE CONSULTATION

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

How Much Does Osborne & Francis Charge for a Car Accident Lawyer?

At Osborne & Francis, we understand that car accidents can result in financial strain and offer our services on a contingency fee basis. We don't charge fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf. Our fees are a percentage of the total settlement amount, and we don’t charge any upfront fees or expenses.

Schedule a Free Evaluation of Your Lakeland Car Accident Case

If you suffered an injury in a car accident in Lakeland, you must seek the guidance of an experienced car accident lawyer. At Osborne & Francis, we have a successful track record of representing clients in car accident cases. We can provide the legal guidance and representation you need to protect your rights and seek compensation for your damages.

We offer a free evaluation of your car accident case, and our attorneys will work closely with you to understand the details of your case and help you navigate the legal process. Use our online contact form or call (561) 264-6238 to schedule your free evaluation and learn more about how we can help you.

Frequently Asked Questions