Drivers in Fort Myers must exercise extra caution when navigating its unique roads. Especially during the winter months, Fort Myers is a popular tourist destination. Increased visitors mean an increased risk of car accidents due to crowded roads and highways. Additionally, Fort Myers has a high number of retired and elderly residents. As people age, their reflexes, vision, and cognitive abilities can diminish, making them more prone to accidents caused by driving errors. In the unfortunate event of an accident, seeking assistance from a Fort Myers car accident lawyer can help navigate the complexities of these situations.
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, there were a total of 15,452 car accidents in Lee County in 2023. These crashes resulted in 124 fatalities and 8,723 injuries.
If you live in or near Fort Myers and have been physically or emotionally injured in an auto accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to compensation. Your recovery process may feel intimidating and time-consuming. To make matters worse, dealing with insurance companies and navigating the legal system can be a stressful and time-consuming ordeal.
Call a Fort Myers auto accident lawyer to eliminate the stress associated with financial recovery. Hiring a skilled auto accident lawyer like Steinger, Greene & Feiner ensures that you receive the maximum compensation you deserve.
Why Hire a Fort Myers Car Accident Lawyer?
At Steinger, Greene & Feiner, our team of auto injury lawyers knows how to navigate Fort Myers’ unique legal landscape like we do its local roadways. Having local representation following a car crash ensures you will be able to successfully navigate complex insurance claims and court systems. For this reason, it always benefits you to speak with a knowledgeable injury accident lawyer before communicating with your insurance company.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Fort Myers
A variety of reasons in Fort Myers can cause accidents. Steinger, Greene & Feiner, a personal injury law firm, has over 20 years of experience representing car accident victims in the greater Lee County area. Our team of Fort Myers auto accident lawyers has handled cases resulting from every type of car accident.
- Rear-end Collisions: In Fort Myers, rear-end collisions are notably common due to the high volume of traffic, particularly during peak tourist seasons. Rear-end collisions can be caused by distracted drivers who fail to stop due to looking at their phones or whatever is going on outside the car. Based on the point of impact, these types of collisions can result in head, back, and neck injuries. They can be temporary or permanent, so it is imperative to seek medical care immediately following a rear-end collision.
- Head-on Collisions: These types of collisions may lead to facial, head, neck, and shoulder injuries which may also be temporary or permanent. Permanent injuries can cause emotional stress or recurring pain and suffering which may affect the quality of life for some.
- T-Bone, or Side Collision: Depending on the speed, an impact to the side of your vehicle can cause injury to the lower back or lower limbs. Broken hips or broken legs are common after a T-Bone, or side collision.
- Parked Car Accidents: Just because your vehicle isn’t moving doesn’t mean you can’t fall victim to a car accident. You may be parked and get struck by another vehicle. Depending on the speed of that other vehicle, the accident may result in an injury.
- High-Speed Accidents: High-speed accidents are more common on highways such as I-75, where drivers tend to exceed speed limits, especially late at night. Fort Myers’ relatively straight and open roads outside the urban core also tempt drivers to speed. High-speed accidents usually happen on highways, often at night. They usually result in more severe damage to both the body and the vehicle.
- Drunk Driving Accidents, DUI: Intoxicated drivers pose a higher risk of being involved with or involving others in car accidents. Highway drunk driving accidents can be fatal and involve a number of cars.
- Distracted Driving: Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of accidents in Fort Myers. Texting, using navigation apps, and even looking at surrounding attractions can all contribute to accidents. Distracted driving accidents often result in rear-end collisions, sideswipes, and even pedestrian accidents in busier downtown areas.
- Drug-impaired Driving: Drug-impaired driving is a rising issue in Fort Myers, paralleling broader national trends. With the expansion of both recreational and prescription drug use, more drivers are getting behind the wheel while under the influence of substances that impair their judgment and reaction times. Marijuana and opioids, in particular, have been linked to increased drug-related crashes in Lee County. Drug-impaired driving poses significant risks, particularly at night when visibility is already reduced.
Legal Process and Compensation Claims
Florida is a no-fault auto insurance state, which requires drivers to carry at least $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. Unless you can prove you’ve suffered an emergency medical condition after a car accident in Fort Myers, your insurance may limit your benefits to only $2,500 from that coverage.
Are Your Entitled To Compensation If I Am Injured In A Car Crash?
Yes, If your injury leaves you with medical and other expenses beyond the scope of PIP, you may be able to file a lawsuit to recover your losses. In general, these damages are divided into two categories: economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages pertain to compensation for the real money you lost, such as:
- Lost wages above $10,000
- Medical expenses above $10,000
- Property damage
- Out-of-pocket expenses
Additionally, your lawsuit may help you recover compensation for non-economic damages you suffered. These are losses that have nothing to do with tangible money. Instead, non-economic damages may include:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Emotional pain or distress
- Loss of enjoyment in life
- Permanent disabilities and impairments
Can I Sue If I Was Partially At-Fault for a Fort Myers Car Accident?
You can still file a lawsuit if you were partially at fault for a car accident, but your ability to recover compensation will be impacted by Florida’s modified comparative negligence law. Florida has adopted a modified comparative fault rule under which your damages are reduced in proportion to your degree of fault. However, you cannot recover damages if you are found to be more than 50% at fault for the accident.
For example, if you were 30% at fault for the accident and your total damages amount to $100,000, you would still be eligible to recover $70,000, which represents the remaining 70% of the damages not attributable to your fault.
What if a Family Member Died in a Car Accident in Fort Myers?
If your family member died in a car accident in Fort Myers, you may be entitled to compensation through a wrongful death claim under Florida law. This can include economic damages like medical bills, funeral expenses, and lost financial support, as well as non-economic damages for pain, suffering, and loss of companionship. It’s important to file within Florida’s two-year statute of limitations to protect your rights.
As you can see, insurance companies often try to pay out less than what you truly deserve following an auto accident. An experienced Fort Myers car accident attorney will maximize your claim benefits. At Steinger, Greene & Feiner, many of our attorneys handling these types of cases previously worked for insurance companies, meaning they have intimate knowledge about how to obtain the full compensation that insurers don’t readily disclose.
For example, following an accident, your insurance company may offer you a settlement that only covers the compensation outlined in your PIP. There’s a good chance this offer will be well below what you actually deserve. It may also include binding language restricting you to that specified amount.
Don’t accept this initial settlement offer! The moment you do, you forfeit your right to greater compensation based on the damages incurred from the car accident. Instead, speak with an informed auto injury lawyer.
The compassionate team of Steinger, Greene & Feiner car accident lawyers in Fort Myers will make sure that you receive compensation that is both fair and total in these situations. They understand how to navigate stressful and complex conversations in court for you. You have legal rights. As car accident attorneys, it is our job to fight for them.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Fort Myers
Safety should be your first priority immediately following a car accident. Obtain medical attention right away – no matter how insignificant you think your injuries might be. Receiving prompt treatment not only keeps you safe but also documents your injuries from the accident.
Once you’ve received any necessary medical care and regained composure, communicate with the other drivers involved to obtain their contact and insurance information. During this exchange, do not admit fault at the scene of the accident. You should also report the accident to your insurance company, but avoid giving a recorded statement until you speak with a car accident attorney. Insurance companies try to minimize payouts, and consulting with an accident lawyer as soon as possible will ensure maximum compensation.
To strengthen your case, we advise that you provide proof of damages by thoroughly documenting the accident for legal purposes. Use the technology on your cell phone to capture eyewitness accounts and record videos of both the damaged vehicles and the surrounding accident scene. Take photos and videos of any injuries sustained.
Contact the Fort Myers police department to file a report. Like any medical attention you may have received, a police report will document your damage and ultimately support your case.
Avoid discussing your case with anyone other than your lawyer, and never post about it on social media. Anything you say or post publicly can and will be used against you by the opposing counsel to diminish your case. Your attorney-client relationship is confidential, and everything you discuss will remain private.
An experienced Fort Myers car accident lawyer will fight justly for a fair settlement, and when necessary, won’t delay taking the case to trial.
Client Testimonials
9160 Forum Corporate Parkway #350, Fort Myers
-
This was my first time in a car accident. Being hit by another motorist, I was completely lost as to what would be fair with regards to the insurance companies,so I contacted Steinger, Greene & Feiner. In short, they were incredible, … More and I am so glad that I made the call. They remained available with immediate answers to any questions throughout the process, provided fantastic direction with each step, and helped secure a resolution far beyond what I would have thought possible. I highly recommend them! -
Barry Chenman came very highly recommended, my first call to the Law Firm I immediately got a response through FaceTime, Barry took the time to listen to my concerns and questions he is a knowledgeable and professional individual I … More am very pleased and will recommend to friends and family.
-
I only have positive things to say. They were so easy to work with. Resolved issue quickly. Gretchen Dore was great, as was everyone else. Gretchen responded rapidly to my questions and/or concerns. Thank you so much.
Choosing the Right Auto Accident Lawyer in Fort Myers
Steinger, Greene & Feiner is your best choice for a knowledgeable and compassionate car accident attorney in Fort Myers. We blend experience with success to achieve results for our clients. Our team of dedicated auto accident lawyers has a combined track record of 10 decades.
When considering who you want to represent your best interests following an auto injury, consider our proven track record. We focus on you so that you can focus on recovering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get Legal Help from a Fort Myers Car Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in the Fort Myers area, you may feel the weight of the damage in multiple ways – from the cost of automobile repairs, medical bills, and lost wages due to missed work to the non-economic damages caused by pain and suffering. Just remember: you have legal rights. We offer guidance during these difficult times.
The experienced car accident attorneys at Steinger, Greene & Feiner understand how to navigate Florida’s laws on your behalf so that you can focus on recovery. The sooner you consult legal experts following a car accident in Fort Myers, the sooner you’ll find relief.
Call Steinger, Greene & Feiner at (239) 747-7473 or contact us online to schedule your free, confidential, no-obligation consultation with a Fort Myers car accident lawyer today. You may also visit us at our offices: 9160 Forum Corporate Pky, Suite 350, Fort Myers, FL 33905