Were you or a family member hurt in a car accident in Stuart, FL? You may be entitled to compensation. An experienced Stuart car accident lawyer at Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers can help you fight to recover compensation to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Call us today at (772) 444-7000.
Since we were founded back in 2014, we’ve recovered over $200 million in compensation for our injured clients in cases such as Stuart motorcycle accidents, Stuart truck accidents, catastrophic injuries, brain injuries, wrongful death, and more. We’re ready to put our experience to work for you.
If you were injured in a car crash, don’t hesitate to contact our law offices in Stuart, FL to schedule a free consultation with our experienced attorneys today.
How Kibbey Wagner, PLLC Can Help After a Car Accident in Stuart, FL
Car accidents happen every day in Florida. That doesn’t mean that it’ll be easy to get the fair compensation you deserve if you were hurt because someone else was careless. Insurance companies have the resources to fight you every step of the way. You deserve an experienced attorney who will stand up for you.
At Kibbey Wagner, PLLC, our Stuart personal injury lawyers have over 80 years of experience between us. We’ve seen it all, so we know how to help you recover every dollar you deserve.
Hiring our team means you’ll have an attorney to:
- Handle the investigation into your car crash
- Find out who was responsible
- Defend you if the insurance company tries to pin the blame on you
- Assess the value of your personal injury claim
- Consult experts and specialists when needed
- Negotiate with the insurance company for the maximum compensation you deserve
Our Stuart personal injury lawyers have earned membership in The National Trial Lawyers Top 100. We’ve also been selected for inclusion in Florida Super Lawyers and Rising Stars – and we have a board-certified civil trial lawyer on our team.
Don’t take our word for it. Instead, call our law firm to learn more about creating an attorney-client relationship with a lawyer who knows how to fight for you.
Visit our Stuart Car Accident Law Firm Near You
Our Stuart law firm is located at 73 SW Flagler Ave, Stuart, FL 34994, United States right beside the Lyric Theatre. Contact our car accident lawyer today at (772) 444-7000 for a free consultation.
Hours: Open 24 hours daily
Click here for directions on Google Maps.
How Common Are Car Accidents in Stuart?
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) reported 368,213 motor vehicle accidents across the state of Florida in 2023. At least 235,300 victims sustained injuries. Another 3,090 people were killed in fatal car crashes. 1,900 injury-producing crashes were reported in Martin County alone.
Unfortunately, more than 26.5% of all car accidents reported in the Sunshine State were hit-and-run accidents. About 21,027 hit-and-run injuries were reported in 2023.
Here are the total crashes that were reported in Martin County according to statistics between 2020 and 2023:
- 2023 (as of 12/16/23): 2,821 crashes, 1,900 injuries, and 15 fatalities so far
- 2022: 3,062 crashes, 1,925 injuries, and 36 fatalities
- 2021: 2,912 crashes, 1,972 injuries, and 27 fatalities
- 2020: 2,601 crashes, 1,453 injuries, and 23 fatalities
What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Stuart, FL?
Car accidents can be traumatizing and disorienting.
However, taking the following steps after a collision can help you protect your legal rights and maximize the compensation you recover from an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
Call 911
After a car accident, it’s always a good idea to call 911 so that a police officer is dispatched to the scene. The officer will ensure that everyone is safe and investigate the accident.
They’ll prepare a Florida Traffic Crash Report indicating the parties involved, what happened, and preliminary fault determinations. The crash report will be crucial evidence for an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
Be sure to cooperate with the investigating officer, but only give basic information regarding what happened and don’t admit fault. They’ll use the information you provide to complete the crash report, so be mindful of what you say.
Exchange and Gather Information
You should exchange information with the parties involved in the accident, including their name, contact, license plate number, and auto insurance policy information. If a police officer is dispatched to the scene, they’ll gather this information and include it in the crash report.
You should also try to gather as much evidence from the accident scene as possible. Take photos and videos of the vehicles, skid marks, and any other property damage. You or the police officer should also speak to eyewitnesses and exchange contact information.
Seek Medical Attention
You should seek medical attention immediately after the accident, even if you don’t think you were harmed. Some injuries may not present symptoms until much later or are undetectable without diagnostic tests.
Seeing a physician will ensure that your injuries are promptly diagnosed and treated. It will also provide a medical record, which is vital evidence that will help prove that the accident caused your injuries.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer
Contact a car accident attorney after your collision to discuss your legal options and guide you through the insurance claims process. An attorney will investigate the accident and identify all liable parties to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation for your claim.
Your attorney will also handle your insurance claim from start to finish, including the communications and negotiations to ensure you reach a fair settlement amount. If necessary, your attorney will file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf to recover the compensation you deserve.
When and How Should I Report a Car Accident in Stuart, Florida?
Florida requires drivers to immediately contact local law enforcement or the Florida Highway Patrol to report a collision if it results in:
- Injury to anyone involved
- The death of anyone involved
- Property damage of at least $500
Law enforcement must submit a Traffic Crash Report within ten days after a car accident involving:
- Injury, death, or any complaints or indications of pain or discomfort by any parties
- A commercial vehicle
- A vehicle that required a wrecker to move it from the accident scene
- A hit and run
- A driver who was under the influence of drugs or alcohol
If your accident doesn’t involve any of these things, you can self-report your car accident to the FLHSMV by submitting a Crash Report online or by mail within ten days after the wreck.
Why Should I Hire a Stuart Car Accident Lawyer?
Hiring a car accident lawyer in Stuart is the best way to ensure you receive adequate compensation for the harm you’ve suffered. A lawyer can investigate your case to determine the extent of your damages and can also help to identify any potentially liable parties.
An attorney can also collect evidence on your behalf to help support your claim. Most of the time, a car accident case involves at least one insurance company. Having a lawyer on your side means the insurance company can’t get away with undervaluing your claim.
While most auto crash cases don’t make it to trial, a car accident lawyer has the ability to take your case to court if the circumstances call for it. Sometimes, the threat of a lawsuit or the initial filing of a lawsuit can help persuade the other party to negotiate in good faith. Not all cases that make it to court will make it to trial.
Reach out to us today for more information as to how we can help you receive compensation in your Stuart car accident case.
How Much Will It Cost To Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Stuart?
It won’t cost you anything upfront to hire a Stuart auto accident lawyer with Kibbey Wagner, PLLC. That’s because we offer our legal services on a contingency fee basis.
With a contingency fee basis, we will receive payment for our legal representation as a percentage of any financial award we obtain for you. We’ll agree on the percentage with you ahead of time, and it will usually be roughly 33%.
As an example, if we obtain a $500,000 financial award for you and we’ve agreed to a 35% contingency fee, our law firm would receive $175,000 from that $500,000.
This payment system aligns our goals with yours in that the more money you receive, the more money we receive too. We’re incentivized to maximize your compensation claim.
Reach out to us today for information regarding how the contingency fee arrangement will work given the facts of your case.
What Is My Stuart Car Accident Case Worth?
Most of the time, the value of your case depends on how serious your injuries were. However, every single case is unique. Even if someone else suffered similar injuries, your case value might be much different. That’s why it’s important to have an experienced attorney review any settlement offer before accepting it.
Many different factors can influence how much your personal injury case is worth, including:
- The cost of your medical treatment
- Your prognosis and whether you’ll need future medical care
- Your emotional and physical suffering
- How the injury impacts your work, education, and lifestyle
- The value of your property damage and out-of-pocket expenses
Of course, the insurance company will usually focus on different factors. They may try to diminish the value of your case by:
- Blaming you for causing the accident
- Claiming that your injuries were pre-existing
- Accusing you of failing to mitigate your damages
If your injuries were severe, the cost of your medical treatment could easily exceed the insurance coverage limits. Our lawyers can help determine whether additional sources of compensation are available to cover your costs.
We Handle All Types of Car Accidents
Our car accident attorneys in Stuart can help you with any type of case in this area of the law, including the following:
Distracted Driving Accidents
Drivers can become distracted visually, cognitively, and manually. Talking on a cell phone can include all three times.
Reach out to our Stuart distracted driving accident lawyers for legal help in recovering compensation from the at-fault party after a crash.
DUI Accidents
Driving under the influence (DUI) can result in both criminal and civil liability. These cases also may result in a punitive damages award in some instances.
Our experienced Stuart DUI accident attorneys can help you explore your legal options and rights.
Hit & Run Accidents
You may still have options available to you for compensation after a hit-and-run accident – even if the at-fault driver is never located. Contact Kibbey Wagner, PLLC, today to set up a free consultation with a qualified Stuart hit & run accident lawyer. We’re to help you as best we can.
Intersection Crashes
A significant number of car accidents take place at intersections, whether it’s due to a driver running a red light or failing to yield the right-of-way while making a left turn. Our Stuart intersection crash attorneys at Kibbey Wagner, PLLC, know what it takes to secure money damages after this type of accident.
Rear-End Crashes
A rear-end car accident isn’t always the tailing driver’s fault. Sometimes, these cases can entail hiring experts, like accident reconstructionists, to truly understand what happened. If you’ve been involved in this type of accident, our Stuart rear-end crash lawyers are here to assist.
Speeding Accidents
Speeding is almost never tolerated in Stuart, Florida. In fact, violating the speed limit can constitute negligence “per se” potentially making it easier to obtain compensation from the driver who caused the crash. Learn more about your legal options by calling our trusted Stuart speeding accident lawyers for a free case review.
What Types of Damages Are Available to Stuart Car Accident Victims?
Compensatory damages fall into one of two categories under Florida personal injury laws: economic or non-economic damages. In cases involving intentional wrongdoing or gross negligence, punitive damages may also be available.
Economic Damages
They are paid to cover your financial expenses.
Examples include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and income
- Future lost income
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Property damage
- Funeral and burial costs, if the accident was fatal
Although this type is verifiable and objective, it can still be difficult to establish the value of your future costs. So, it’s always important to have an experienced auto accident attorney help you through the valuation process.
Non-Economic Damages
Not all losses have a clear financial value. This type is extremely personal in nature. Because of that, you might face challenges in recovering fair compensation for your non-financial losses.
Examples may include:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Chronic pain
- Physical disfigurement and scarring
- Anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other mental health disorders
- Loss of consortium
You won’t have receipts to prove these losses–and the insurance provider will likely try to downplay the extent of your suffering. Our attorneys will bring in experts that can help establish the value of these hard-to-value damages. With their help, we’ll do everything possible to maximize your financial recovery.
Can I Recover Damages If I’m Being Blamed for a Car Accident in Florida?
Under Florida law, each party is assigned a percentage of fault. So, if you’re assigned 30% of the blame, you can take home 70% of your settlement.
Florida follows modified comparative fault laws. That means liability is apportioned between everyone involved in an accident. However, if you share some of the blame, that won’t prevent you from recovering compensation. If you share most of the blame, you will be barred from recovering any money.
If your injuries are severe, the insurance company will probably try to blame you for the crash. Our attorneys in Stuart know how to counter these and other insurance tactics. If you’re being blamed, call our law firm to schedule your free case evaluation today.
What Are Florida’s Minimum Car Insurance Requirements?
Florida requires all drivers of four-wheeled vehicles to carry the following minimum limits of auto insurance:
- A minimum of $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
- A minimum of $10,000 in Property Damage Liability (PDL)
After a motor vehicle accident, you must first rely on your own PIP coverage for compensation. PIP is no-fault insurance that covers the insured regardless of who caused the crash. It covers up to 80% of reasonable and necessary medical expenses and 60% of lost wages.
However, your PIP policy may not cover all of your damages. For example, it doesn’t compensate you for non-economic losses.
Florida doesn’t require most drivers to have bodily injury liability insurance. But if the at-fault driver has this coverage, you may be able to file a claim with their liability insurance company if you can prove that they were at fault for the collision. Alternatively, if your damages exceed your PIP policy limits, you may be entitled to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver if you suffered serious injuries.
If you’ve been involved in an auto wreck in Florida and are unsure of your options for compensation, contact our law firm to speak with an experienced car accident attorney today.
We’ll Fight to Recover Compensation for All of Your Stuart Car Accident Injuries
Auto accidents can cause a wide range of injuries. Some examples include:
- Whiplash
- Concussions
- Broken bones
- Soft tissue damage
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Head and neck injuries
- Seat belt injuries
- Back injuries
- Organ damage
- Burns
- Chest injuries
- Amputations
- Paralysis
- Catastrophic injuries
- Wrongful death of a loved one
Any injury can have a serious impact on your life. At Kibbey Wagner, PLLC, we’re here to help you recover fair compensation, regardless of how severe your injuries were.
What Causes Most Car Accidents in Stuart?
Most auto and motorcycle accidents occur because someone was careless or reckless.
More specifically, some of the most common causes of auto accidents in Stuart include:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Fatigued driving
- Failure to yield the right-of-way
- Rear-End-Crashes
- Tailgating
- Aggressive driving and road rage
- Intersection Crashes
- Dangerous turns
- Attempting to beat red or yellow lights
- Running a red light or stop sign
- Drunk driving
- Driving under the influence of drugs
- Dangerous road conditions
- Poor visibility
Some accidents are caused because of defective vehicles or defects in the vehicle safety equipment. In those cases, the manufacturer may be strictly liable for damages.
How Do I Prove Negligence After a Car Accident in Stuart?
Negligence is a legal term. Someone is negligent when they’re careless, and someone else is hurt because of it.
To prove negligence, you’ll have to establish:
- A legal duty of care
- Breach of duty
- Causation
- Damages
In other words, you’ll have to show that the at-fault driver’s careless or reckless actions directly caused your collision and injuries.
Under Florida’s no-fault insurance law, you’ll first file a claim with your own insurance company. You’ll only be required to offer proof of negligence if your damages exceed your personal injury protection coverage limits. If that’s the case, the insurance provider will want to see evidence before they pay your costs.
Examples of the types of evidence that may be useful include:
- Police reports
- Eyewitness statements
- Video footage from nearby businesses, traffic cameras, or dash cams
- Cell phone records
- Testimony from accident reconstruction specialists
- Evidence from the crash scene
Conducting an investigation can be overwhelming, especially while you’re recovering from a serious injury. You can count on our attorneys to launch a full investigation to identify every responsible party. We’re ready to get started today, so call our attorneys to schedule your free case evaluation.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Car Accident in Florida?
You only have a limited amount of time to take legal action. In Florida, the statute of limitations gives most accident victims two years from the date of the collision to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Once the two-year anniversary of the collision passes, you lose your right to seek compensation. There may be exceptions, so contact us today to learn more.
Contact a Stuart Car Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
Have you been recently hurt in a car collision? It’s never too early to start building your case.
If you were hurt in an auto accident, call Kibbey Wagner, PLLC to schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced Stuart car accident attorney who can help.
Stuart Auto Accident Client Review
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At Kibbey Wagner, PLLC, We Serve All Neighborhoods in Stuart
- Montego Cove (34997)
- Banyan Bay (34997)
- Commerce Ave (34997)
- Emerald Lakes (34997)
- Golden Gate (34997)
- Linden St (34997)
Areas We Serve In Stuart, FL
Historic Downtown Stuart, Hobe Sound, Hutchinson Island South, Indiantown, Jensen Beach, Jupiter Island, Lexington Lakes, Ocean Breeze Park, Port Salerno, Port St. Lucie, Palm City, Sewalls Point, Tres Belle Estates and more.
Stuart Auto Repair Shops Near You
- Auto Tech – 309 SW Albany Ave, Stuart, FL 34994, United States
- Olde Towne Stuart Auto – 805 S Colorado Ave, Stuart, FL 34994, United States
- Auto Experts of Stuart – 909 SE Johnson Ave, Stuart, FL 34994, United States
- Rod Shop – 101 SW Ocean Blvd, Stuart, FL 34994, United States
- Church Street Garage – 320 SE Church St, Stuart, FL 34994, United States
*Disclaimer – we do not endorse these companies or profit from having them listed on our website.
Auto Accident Resources
- Car Accident Statistics
- U.S. Department of Transportation
- Florida Department of Transportation
- Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Additional Auto Accident Information
- Can You Sue For A Car Accident In Florida If You Are Not Hurt?
- Should I Call 911 After A Car Accident?
- Should I Hire A Lawyer After A Minor Car Accident In Stuart, FL?