Lakeland Car Accident Attorneys
Call Dismuke Law for a Free Auto Accident Consultation
Car accidents happen with startling frequency throughout Florida and nationwide. They are the cause of millions of injuries, tens of thousands of deaths, and nearly $1 trillion in economic losses in the U.S. every year, according to a report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Common causes of car accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Reckless driving
- Drunk driving
- Weather & road conditions
- Animals
- Defective car parts
- Traffic violations
- Tired drivers
If you were seriously injured in an auto accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation from the person or party that caused the collision. At Dismuke Law, our legal team can advise you of your rights, your options, and how to proceed.
Contact us today at (863) 292-6922. We have offices in Lakeland and Tampa and represent clients in all types of traffic accident claims across Central Florida.
Florida Is a No-Fault Auto Insurance State
Florida is a no-fault auto insurance state. This means that most car accident victims will need to file claims under their own personal injury protection (PIP) coverage to recover compensation for medical bills, lost earnings, and other losses, regardless of who was at fault for causing the collision. There are exceptions, however.
It is possible to file a third-party claim or lawsuit against the driver that caused your accident if you have experienced injuries that qualify under Florida law. This may include:
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Significant, permanent loss of a key bodily function
- Permanent injuries
- Death
Filing a third-party insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver also opens the door to the recovery of non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, which are not available in a no-fault insurance claim.
Do I Have to Call the Cops After a Car Accident?
In Florida, there are two situations you are legally required to contact law enforcement following a traffic crash.
- The first one is if anyone claims to be injured, and
- The second is if it appears that there’s $500 of property damage or more.
Your legal obligation under the statute is to contact law enforcement immediately and by the quickest means possible. If you fail to contact law enforcement, it is a non-criminal infraction punishable as a non-moving violation.
Drivers’ Exchange
If you’re going to do a drivers’ exchange and not call law enforcement, here’s what you need to know:
Number one, you have a legal obligation to call law enforcement if anyone claims injury or there appears to be more than $500 of property damage.
If you’re going to do a drivers’ exchange, the statute requires that you disclose name, address, and vehicle registration number, but you really need more than that.
I would advise you to take out your smartphone and snap a picture of the other person’s driver’s license, insurance card, and license plate number, as well as their VIN number up in the front windshield. If you get all of these on your smartphone, there are less chances that it can be disputed down the road, or you take the information down inaccurately.
The owners of vehicles here in Florida are liable for the car crash under what we call the “dangerous instrumentality” doctrine. Sometimes a driver of the vehicle doesn’t have coverage, and the insurance coverage comes from the owner.
Contact Our Lakeland Car Accident Lawyers Today
At Dismuke Law, our mission is to help our clients rebuild their lives after serious auto accidents. We accomplish this by handling each claim with care and competence, securing the highest possible settlement or award on the client’s behalf.
What Is My Automobile Accident Case Worth? - Click Here to Find Out!
Why Choose Us?
- We are led by a Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer
- Our team has a former insurance defense attorney
- We have recovered millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements
- We work on a contingency fee bases, meaning there are no fees unless you win
We also offer a free initial consultation to help you understand your options and whether you need legal counsel in the first place. You can count on our honesty when we assess your case.
Contact our offices today to get started!
WHY DISMUKE LAW?
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Decades of Experience
Dave has dedicated 15 years and a significant portion of his practice to auto accidents and has well-trained staff in place to help you.
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We Treat Clients with Excellent Personal Service, Respect & Dignity
Our core belief is that every detail must be studied, that every adversary must be out prepared and outworked and that every client must be treated like they are family.
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Personal Injury is All We Do
Dave is a Florida Bar Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer and focuses his practice on automobile accidents.
Still Have questions?
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Hear What Our Clients Have to Say-
Dave and his staff worked hard for me and always did what was in my best interest.
“I would definitely recommend him to anyone who needs representation.”
- Rena S. -
Dismuke Law is who I will use for the rest of my life. Definitely worth the phone call!
“I recommend him to friends and family every chance I get.”
- Shawn B. -
Dismuke Law is the first place we would call. They did not disappoint!
“If either myself or my son ever needed an attorney again, Dismuke Law is the first place we would call.”
- Daniel R. -
Dismuke Law delivered the results I was hoping for.
“David and his team were great at keeping me informed and involved in the entire process for my case. I highly recommend Dismuke Law.”
- Jessie S. -
I would highly recommend Dismuke Law to anyone in need of a personal injury lawyer.
“David's attention to detail, honesty, and caring attitude toward clients, staff, fellow colleagues, and others is what makes him one of the best lawyers in Polk County.”
- Courtney A.
Proven Track Record of Success
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$10 Million Judgment - Polk County
Judgment of $10 million for a client due to injuries sustained in an auto accident.
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$7.25 Million Jury Verdict - Polk County
Polk County jury awards judgment for wrongful death case.
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$1.1 Million Settlement - Hillsborough County
Wrongful death auto accident settlement for $1,100,000.
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$800 Thousand Auto Accident Settlement - Hillsborough County
Attorney David C. Dismuke negotiates a settlement in disputed causation surgery.
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$754 Thousand Auto Accident Settlement - Hardee County
Attorney David C. Dismuke obtains a verdict in Hardee County.
The team at Dismuke Law understands how our clients are affected by accidents and brings that empathy to the courtroom and settlement table every day.