Car Accident Lawyer In Stuart, Florida
After A Crash, Get The Compensation You Deserve
A car crash can change your life in a second: medical bills, missed work, a damaged car and pain that doesn’t go away. Florida’s insurance rules are complicated, and the deadlines are shorter than many people expect. Attorney Lance P. Richard has helped injured people across Martin County and the Treasure Coast for over 30 years.
There is no fee unless we win your case. Call (772) 223-9600 for a free consultation.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Florida
- Get to safety and call 911. Report the crash and ask for police and medical help if anyone is hurt.
- See a doctor within 14 days. Under Florida’s no-fault law, your own insurance only pays medical benefits if you receive initial treatment within 14 days of the crash. Go even if you feel fine; some injuries show up later.
- Document everything. Take photos of the cars, the scene, road conditions and your injuries. Get names and phone numbers of witnesses.
- Exchange information. Get the other driver’s name, insurance company and policy number, and plate number.
- Be careful with insurance adjusters. Don’t give a recorded statement or sign anything before talking to a lawyer.
- Call a car accident lawyer. The sooner a lawyer starts, the easier it is to preserve evidence such as video and vehicle data.
How Florida’s No-Fault Insurance (PIP) Works
Florida requires most drivers to carry at least $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP). PIP pays your own medical bills and lost wages no matter who caused the crash, but it has limits:
- It pays 80% of reasonable medical expenses and 60% of lost income, up to $10,000 in total.
- If a doctor doesn’t find an “emergency medical condition,” medical benefits are capped at $2,500.
- It includes a $5,000 death benefit.
For a serious injury, $10,000 rarely covers the real cost. Florida law lets you step outside the no-fault system and make a claim against the at-fault driver when an injury meets the legal threshold, such as a significant and permanent injury, scarring or disfigurement. Lance can review your medical records and tell you whether your injury qualifies.
You Have 2 Years to File a Lawsuit
Since March 2023, Florida gives most car accident victims only 2 years from the date of the crash to file a negligence lawsuit. It used to be 4 years. Wrongful death claims also carry a 2-year limit. If you miss the deadline, you can lose your right to recover anything, so don’t wait.
What If You Were Partly at Fault?
Florida uses a modified comparative fault rule. If you are found more than 50% at fault for your own injuries, you cannot recover damages from the other driver. If you are 50% or less at fault, your recovery is reduced by your share of the blame.
Insurance companies know this rule. They often try to shift blame onto the injured driver to reduce or deny a claim. A careful investigation of the crash can make a big difference.
Compensation You May Be Able to Recover
- Medical bills, both past and future
- Lost wages and lost earning ability
- Pain and suffering and emotional distress
- Property damage to your vehicle
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death damages for families who lost a loved one
Every case is different, and no lawyer can promise a specific result.
Crashes We Handle Across the Treasure Coast
Lance represents people hurt in all kinds of collisions on Martin County and Treasure Coast roads, including US-1, I-95, Florida’s Turnpike and Kanner Highway:
- Rear-end and intersection crashes
- Distracted and drunk driving crashes
- Hit-and-run and uninsured driver accidents
- Crashes involving trucks, motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians
- Rideshare and delivery vehicle crashes
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a car accident lawyer cost?
There is no fee unless we win. Lance works on a contingency fee, so you pay nothing up front.
Do I need a lawyer for a minor car accident?
If you were hurt, it’s worth a free consultation. Injuries that seem minor can turn out to be serious, and the 14-day and 2-year deadlines apply either way.
What if the other driver has no insurance?
Your own uninsured motorist coverage may pay, if you have it. Read our guide on what happens when the other driver has no insurance in Florida.
Should I talk to the other driver’s insurance company?
It’s best to speak with a lawyer first. Adjusters work for the insurer, and what you say can be used to lower your claim.
How long will my case take?
It depends on your injuries and whether the insurer offers a fair settlement. Some cases resolve in months; others need a lawsuit.
Talk to a Stuart Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you were hurt in a crash in Stuart, Port St. Lucie, Palm City, Jensen Beach, Hobe Sound or anywhere on the Treasure Coast, call Lance P. Richard, P.A. at (772) 223-9600. The consultation is free, and there is no fee unless we win.
This page provides general information about Florida law and is not legal advice for any specific case.
