Fort Walton Beach Car Accident Lawyer

Have you been injured in a car accident in Fort Walton Beach, FL? Brannon & Brannon Personal Injury Attorneys can help during this difficult time by fighting to get you compensation for your medical bills, and help you calculate lost wages, and suffering. Contact our Fort Walton Beach car accident lawyers at (850) 863-5297 to get started on your case.

We’ve been fighting tirelessly for the rights of injured victims just like you since 1990. We’ve recovered millions of dollars for our clients in the Panhandle and throughout Florida.

How Can Brannon & Brannon Personal Injury Attorneys Help After A Car Accident in Fort Walton Beach?

How Can Brannon & Brannon Personal Injury Attorneys Help After A Car Accident in Fort Walton Beach?

Brannon & Brannon Personal Injury Attorneys is a father-son team with compassion for victims who are suffering after an accident. With more than 60+ years of combined experience, we’ve recovered numerous six-figure settlements and verdicts for clients who had their lives devastated by accidents.

As a local law firm, we pride ourselves on taking a personal approach to every case. You’ll work directly with your lawyer from our Fort Walton Beach, FL law office throughout the process. 

You can count on us to:

  • Listen carefully to your complete account of your accident
  • Thoroughly investigate your case to identify all potential sources of compensation
  • Locate and interview witnesses
  • Hire experts as needed to support your case
  • Handle claims and all communication with insurance companies
  • Negotiate for a settlement favorable to you
  • Send an experienced trial lawyer to take your case to court, if necessary

Our Fort Walton Beach personal injury attorneys will do whatever it takes to hold those responsible for your injuries financially accountable.

We understand that a car wreck can turn your life upside down. We want to help you get the compensation you deserve. But we also want to help make your life easier during this time by taking care of your legal burdens.

Fort Walton Beach, FL Car Accident Statistics

Fort Walton Beach has its fair share of accidents. In 2022, Okaloosa County experienced over 3,600 motor vehicle accidents. These crashes resulted in 21 fatalities and 2,209 injuries. These statistics are not just limited to car accidents. 

The county was the location of 73 pedestrian accidents, 90 bicycle accidents, and 120 motorcycle crashes. There were 75 crashes involving alcohol and 790 involving hit-and-run drivers. The Florida Highway Patrol responded to 66% of the accidents in the county, suggesting the majority of crashes occurred on the highway.

As of October 2023, the county has experienced nearly 2,300 crashes, including 24 fatalities and 1,524 injuries. 

What Are the Most Dangerous Roads and Intersections in Fort Walton Beach?

Accidents can happen anywhere in and around Fort Walton Beach. But, thanks to construction, tourism, and a booming population, we’ve seen that some roads tend to see more collisions than others.

Notoriously dangerous roads and intersections in the area include:

  • Highway 98
  • Highway 85
  • Interstate 10
  • Brooks Bridge and Highway 98
  • Mary Esther Cut Off and Highway 98

Traffic on Highway 98 in Fort Walton Beach, Dalton, and surrounding areas tends to be so bad that there are groups on social media dedicated to updates and discussions.

What’s My Injury Case Worth in Northwest Florida?

I Got Into a Wreck in Fort Walton Beach: What’s My Injury Case Worth?

Each case is a little different. We can give you a better idea once we know the facts of your specific situation. Accidents causing severe injury or death often result in higher awards than those involving only minor trauma.

Some questions we’ll ask to help determine the value of your case are:

  • How severely were you hurt?
  • Are you expected to make a full recovery?
  • Were you forced to take time off work due to your injury?
  • Does anyone else depend on you for income?
  • Were you at fault for the crash?
  • Were you wearing your seatbelt?
  • Did you seek medical attention after the accident?

The best way to get a sense of your case’s value is to contact Brannon & Brannon Personal Injury Attorneys for a consultation. 

What Damages Can I Get in a Car Accident Case?

You’ll be able to seek compensation for economic and non-economic damages, including out-of-pocket expenses as well as intangible losses.

Economic damages cover monetary losses such as:

Any past or future expenses related to your injuries should be considered. We’ll hire experts to get an accurate and fair number for projected expenses.

Non-economic damages include items commonly thought of as “pain and suffering,” and can include:

  • Disfigurement
  • Loss of enjoyment of everyday activities
  • Loss of consortium
  • Emotional distress

These things don’t have a direct financial impact. However, that doesn’t mean they are worthless. They are often the things that affect your life the most, and you are owed compensation for them.

I’m Being Blamed for My Collision – Can I Still Receive Compensation?

Most likely, yes.

Here’s why:

  • Florida is one of the few “no-fault” states for car insurance. Your own insurance provider will compensate you for many of your losses after a car accident – regardless of fault.
  • Even if you file a lawsuit to recover damages, you can still receive compensation in most cases.

Don’t be surprised when your insurer gives you an insulting offer. Or flat-out refuses to pay. Don’t worry—our founding partner is a former insurance defense lawyer.

So the insurance companies won’t get away with their usual tricks when we’re on your side.

Using Your Own Insurance

You’re required to purchase Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage in the Sunshine State. Obtaining money through your PIP coverage requires you to act very quickly after an accident. 

If your own insurance doesn’t cover all of your damages, you still have options to seek full compensation. You may be able to file a claim with the other driver’s insurance company or file a lawsuit.

Florida insurance laws are complex. It’s best to have an attorney with experience in motor vehicle accidents to be sure you aren’t missing out on the compensation you are owed.

Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit

If you do file a lawsuit and are partially responsible, you can still recover compensation as long as you weren’t mostly at fault. Florida has modified comparative fault statute.

You can still recover compensation in a negligence action if you contributed to the accident, but the amount will be reduced by the proportion of fault attributed to you.

We Fight for Compensation for All Your Car Accident Injuries

Even mild injuries can cause pain and inconvenience. Catastrophic injuries can change you and your family’s life forever.

Car accident victims suffer from injuries such as:

It’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible after your accident. Even if you don’t think you’ve been injured, see a doctor.

Some injuries might not be visible. Or you might not realize the extent of it. Your medical record will be important to prove your case.

What Causes Most Car Accidents in Fort Walton Beach, FL?

Car wrecks can be caused by:

The causes seem to be endless. Your safety is increasingly in the hands of other drivers. When you’re injured through no fault of your own, don’t hesitate to pursue compensation.

There are more distractions for drivers these days than ever before. Even devices intended to help, such as navigation and hands-free options for your phone, are distracting. Furthermore, more cities are making it legal for electric scooters and other micromobility devices to ride on the streets alongside cars.

We Handle All Types of Fort Walton Beach Auto Accident Cases

Experience Handling All Types of Car Accident Cases in Northwest Florida

At Brannon & Brannon Personal Injury Attorneys, we have more than 60 years of combined experience dealing with insurance companies and fighting for crash victims like you. 

We represent clients who’ve been hurt and lost loved ones in all different types of collisions, including:

Do not hesitate to call our law firm and ask to have us stand up and fight for you. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means there’s no upfront cost. You only pay if we win. Your first case evaluation is on the house, so contact us now.

What is Negligence and How Do I Prove It After a Car Accident?

What is Negligence and How Do I Prove It After a Car Accident in Florida?

Many accidents are avoidable and are caused by someone’s carelessness. So most auto accident lawsuits will be based on negligence. 

Negligence is a legal theory that imposes liability when people is not acting reasonably under the circumstances.

To win your case, you’ll have to prove each of the following elements:

  • Duty: the defendant owed you a duty of care
  • Breach: the defendant breached the duty of care
  • Causation: the defendant’s breach caused your injuries
  • Damages: you suffered damages as a result of the breach

These are all technical legal components. In general terms, you’ll have to show a direct connection between the defendant’s conduct and your damages.

While some cases may seem straightforward, the legal standard for proving each element can be complex in personal injury claims. For the best chance at receiving maximum compensation, consult a respected car accident attorney who will not cut corners on your case.

What’s the Deadline for Filing a Car Accident Lawsuit in Florida?

What’s the Deadline for Filing a Car Accident Lawsuit in Florida?

You’ll typically have two years if you’re filing a lawsuit due to injuries you sustained in a car collision. If you’ve lost a loved one, you’ll have just two years to file a wrongful death lawsuit. But you could have more or less time depending on the case.

Because of the state’s no-fault insurance laws, you’ll likely need to file a car accident claim with your own insurance company first. That will have its own deadline and specific rules.

It’s critical that you get these filings right. You cannot miss a deadline. If you do, you won’t be able to recover anything.

What Should I Do If I’ve Been Involved in a Car Accident?

Here’s what you should do if you have been involved in an auto accident:

  • Stay at the scene: Leaving can be considered a hit and run – especially if there’s any property damage or if someone got hurt. 
  • Call the police: Dial 911 and report the accident to the police. The dispatcher will send a patrol officer and can direct first responders if you or anyone else was seriously hurt.
  • Resist the urge to apologize: Don’t say you’re sorry or do anything that might imply that you’re accepting responsibility for the collision. You can’t really know all of the factors that led to the accident, and accepting responsibility now could put an end to a lawsuit before it even begins.
  • Document the scene: Take some photos of the scene, damaged property, and your injuries while you wait for the police. Video footage can be helpful, too. Memory fades quickly, and photos can help your attorney really get an idea of what happened and where to look for evidence.
  • See a doctor: Always see a medical professional after an auto accident, even if you feel okay. Some injuries might not be evident, and prompt treatment might be necessary. Additionally, prompt care will help to create a causal link between the crash and your injuries, which will really help your case for damages.
  • Don’t speak with insurance adjusters alone: Adjusters don’t have your best interests at heart – even if they’re approaching you with a settlement check. They’re trying to minimize what’s paid out to you, so let an attorney care for those post-crash discussions and settlement negotiations.

Nothing shakes you up like getting into a vehicle crash. But, it’s really important to understand that the things you do right after a collision are actually really important. Even a small misstep can seriously hurt your ability to recover compensation – if and when you decide to file an insurance claim or lawsuit. 

Ultimately, it’s in your best interest to call a lawyer as soon as you can. Your attorney will work to protect you and fight to get you every cent that you deserve – from your insurance provider and any negligent third parties, if possible.

Contact Our Fort Walton Beach Car Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation Today

Contact Our Car Accident Attorneys Near You for a Free Consultation Today

After your car crash, you need a Fort Walton Beach car accident lawyer with an established and trusted reputation for handling cases with compassion and getting results. That’s what you’ll get when you have Brannon & Brannon Personal Injury Attorneys on your side.

With years of experience serving the local community, we bring you the expertise and resources of a big firm combined with the personal attention of a small firm. We’re aggressive and strategic in fighting for the full compensation you deserve.

We’re here when you need us. Call or contact us online to get started.

Fort Walton Beach Auto Accident Review

Fort Walton Beach Car Accident Review

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Local Auto Repair Shops

Holmes Auto Repair – 15 Robinwood Dr SW, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
Al’s Auto Repair & Service – 356 Eglin Pkwy NE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
Playground Auto Service – 12 Hollywood Blvd NW, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
Trib’s Auto Service – 36 Kelly Ave NE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548

*Disclaimer – we do not endorse these companies or profit from having them listed on our website.

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