Car or Auto Accidents:
Getting in your car and entering traffic is probably the most dangerous thing you do each day. Why? Because people do not exercise the same degree of caution and care on the roads as they do in other areas of their lives. This causes millions of auto accidents in the United States every year.
For most people, driving is part of their daily ritual. It is something they do every day, so they get “too comfortable” while doing it. When this happens, people fail to consider the consequences of their decisions. They will change lanes without signaling, run red lights, speed, and break other traffic laws without concern. In addition, they will talk on their cell phones, text, switch out CDs, turn the knobs on their radios, eat, smoke, and do a variety of other things that distract them from driving safely.
When a driver doesn’t appreciate his or her surroundings, their car is transformed into a weapon. When this happens, people get injured. Auto accidents cost American consumers billions of dollars in damage, lost wages, and medical bills every year.
Fortunately, the law holds drivers accountable when they cause an accident on the road. Unfortunately, the road to recovery from an injury caused by someone else’s negligence can be quite difficult and confusing. Florida’s no-fault law and the necessary involvement of insurance companies — personal injury protection (PIP), bodily injury insurance coverage (BI), and uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage (UM) — require the consultation and assistance of a competent personal injury lawyer.
Top Tallahassee Car Accident Lawyers
If you or a family member has suffered a car or auto accident in North Florida or Southwest Georgia, then contact Scott & Wallace LLP immediately for a free consultation. You may be entitled to pain and suffering damages, compensation for past and future medical costs, and lost wages. It is always free to talk to us. There are no fees or costs unless we win your case.
The Scott & Wallace Approach to Car or Auto Accidents
Our solemn vow to each client is that we will never rest until we have delivered the best possible result that we can. This mission is accomplished through aggressive, but principled, representation — reasoned, but passionate advocacy — and focused, but empathetic counsel. Here are your next steps:
- Contact us.
- Get your questions answered.
- Learn how we help.
- Hire us (there are no fees unless we win).
- We investigate your claim while you focus on your treatment.
- We negotiate your claim and seek maximum compensation.
Legal Guidance Customized for Your Needs:
We have a track record of success — but not just a track record of winning, a track record of delivering an unparalleled experience to our clients — one that involves personal interaction, attention to detail, and consistent communication. We deliver this experience to you from our comfortable, state of the art offices that have been equipped with all the latest amenities and technology. Each attorney and support staff are fully equipped to meet you where you are at the time of need, whether that’s holding a virtual meeting or discussing your case in person. We take cases seriously. We take our clients seriously. This is why we deliver.
- Talk to you about your case.
- Investigate it thoroughly.
- Aggressively pursue the maximum compensation you deserve.
- You won’t pay anything unless we recover for you.
Tallahassee’s Dangerous Intersections & Accident Hotspots
While car accidents can happen anywhere, certain roads and intersections in Tallahassee are unfortunately known for their higher incidence of collisions. Understanding these high-risk areas can help drivers exercise extra caution, but when accidents do occur, our team at Scott and Wallace Law is intimately familiar with the local dynamics.
Some of the most notorious accident spots in and around Tallahassee include:
- West Tennessee Street: Particularly hazardous intersections include West Tennessee Street and Ocala Road, West Tennessee Street and Capital Circle (NW/NE), and where it meets Monroe Street and High Road. The heavy traffic, especially near Florida State University (FSU), contributes to a high number of crashes involving vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.
- Apalachee Parkway: This busy commercial corridor sees frequent accidents, especially at its intersections with Capital Circle (SE/SW), South Magnolia Drive, and Calhoun Street.
- Monroe Street (US 27): As a main artery through the city, intersections like Monroe Street and Orange Avenue, and its crossings with West Tennessee Street and Apalachee Parkway, are frequent sites of collisions.
- Capital Circle (NE, NW, SE, SW): As the city’s major loop, intersections where Capital Circle meets other significant roads – such as Mahan Drive (US 90), West Tennessee Street, and Apalachee Parkway – are often congested and prone to accidents.
- Orange Avenue: The intersection of Orange Avenue and Springhill Road is particularly known for its high crash rate.
- I-10 Interchanges: Merging onto or off I-10 at major Tallahassee exits like Capital Circle and Thomasville Road often leads to dangerous situations due to high speeds and merging traffic.
Our attorneys regularly handle cases from accidents in these and many other locations throughout Leon County. We understand the unique traffic patterns, local law enforcement procedures, and common accident causes associated with these areas.
Florida Is a No-Fault State — What That Means for Your Claim
Florida law requires drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP), which pays up to $10,000 of your own medical bills and lost wages regardless of who caused the crash. To use it, you generally must seek treatment within 14 days of the accident. When injuries are serious — significant or permanent injury, scarring, or disfigurement — you can step outside the no-fault system and pursue a claim directly against the at-fault driver for the full value of your damages, including pain and suffering. We’ll determine exactly which path gives you the best recovery.
Why Determining Liability Matters After a Tallahassee Crash
Before filing a claim, establishing fault is critical. If you were following the rules of the road and another driver’s reckless behavior caused the collision, strong evidence is what protects your claim. Building that case often involves:
- Reviewing the Tallahassee Police Department or Florida Highway Patrol crash report
- Collecting eyewitness statements
- Obtaining statements from everyone involved
- Analyzing surveillance, traffic-camera, and dashcam footage
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule. As of March 2023, an injured person who is found more than 50% at fault for a crash cannot recover damages; if you are 50% or less at fault, your compensation is reduced by your share of the blame. Insurance companies know this and will try to pin extra fault on you to cut their payout. Our attorneys fight to keep that from happening and to protect every dollar you’re owed.
Calculating Damages After a Tallahassee Car Accident
One of the most important parts of your case is proving the full extent of your losses. We carefully calculate both economic and non-economic damages:
Economic Damages: measurable costs such as medical bills, future medical care, lost wages, lost earning capacity, and property damage. Every receipt, invoice, and record helps prove what the crash has cost you.
Non-Economic Damages: intangible losses such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. These are calculated using established legal methods to make sure you’re fairly compensated.
In cases involving especially egregious conduct — like drunk driving — punitive damages may also apply. When appropriate, our attorneys are prepared to pursue them.
How Long Do You Have to File? Florida’s Statute of Limitations
For most Florida car accident claims based on negligence, you have two years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit (reduced from four years under the 2023 tort reform). Waiting can mean losing your right to recover entirely, and evidence fades quickly — so it’s best to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents in Tallahassee, FL
Is it worth getting a lawyer for a minor car accident?
Even for minor accidents, an experienced car accident attorney can make a real difference. Claims get complicated fast, especially when adjusters try to undervalue them. We handle every detail so you can focus on healing while we fight for what you deserve.
Florida is a no-fault state — can I still sue the other driver?
Yes. While PIP covers your initial medical costs, you can pursue a claim against the at-fault driver when your injuries meet Florida’s serious-injury threshold. We’ll evaluate whether your case qualifies.
How long do I have to file a claim in Florida?
Generally two years from the date of the accident for negligence claims. Certain situations can shorten or extend that window, so don’t wait to get advice.
What if the other driver was uninsured?
If you carry uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, it may pay for your injuries. We’ll review every available source of recovery.
Should I accept the first offer from the insurance company?
Insurers often open with lowball offers hoping you’ll accept quickly. Before signing anything, talk to Scott & Wallace Law so all your damages — economic and non-economic — are accounted for.
Legal Disclaimer: This page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship with Scott & Wallace LLP. For advice about your specific situation, contact one of our licensed Florida personal injury attorneys.