Have you or a loved one suffered harm after a motor vehicle accident in Lakeland, FL? At Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers, our Lakeland car accident lawyers are ready to help you obtain the compensation you deserve. Contact our law offices at (863) 251-6196 for a free, no-obligation consultation.
You might be entitled to compensation for your repair costs, medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and much more. We will put our extensive resources to work for you today.
Our Lakeland car accident attorneys are aggressive, fearless litigators. We’re confident in our ability to help you obtain the financial recovery you need.
Why Choose Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers for Help After a Car Accident in Lakeland, FL?
At Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers, we bring more than 119 years of combined experience to every case we handle. Known as “The Aggressive Attorneys,” we’ve recovered tens of millions of dollars for our clients by refusing to back down when it matters most.
With over 480 five-star reviews, our reputation is built on results, responsiveness, and relentless advocacy. Insurance companies recognize our name — and they know we’re willing to go to trial when necessary.
When you choose our Lakeland personal injury lawyers, you’re getting a highly skilled legal team with deep local roots and a fierce commitment to helping accident victims. Call today for a free consultation to see why you’ll want us by your side.
Why Should I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
Hiring a car accident lawyer after a crash can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Here’s why legal representation is often one of the smartest decisions you can make:
- You level the playing field from day one. Insurance companies often act quickly to minimize payouts, sometimes before you even understand the full extent of your injuries. A lawyer will ensure that you aren’t pressured into an unfair settlement.
- You’ll likely recover more compensation. Studies show that accident victims with skilled representation often receive significantly higher settlements than those who go it alone.
- You’ll have someone to handle the stress while you heal. From paperwork and deadlines to negotiations and legal strategy, car accident claims are often time-consuming and complex. An attorney will take on these tasks so you can focus on your recovery instead of fighting with insurers.
An auto accident attorney gives you the best shot at recovering the full financial support you need. Learn more by contacting our Lakeland law firm today.
Lakeland Car Accident Statistics
Unfortunately, auto accidents in Lakeland and across the State of Florida are quite common, as indicated by statistics published by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).
These statistics show that there were over 381,000 car accidents in Florida in 2024, resulting in nearly 3,200 fatalities and more than 246,000 injuries.
That same year, there were 12,750 collisions in Polk County, FL. They killed 111 people and injured another 10,104. Based on these numbers, there are, on average, around 35 car accidents every day in the area.
What Is My Car Accident Case Worth?
The value of your Lakeland car accident case will come down to the facts and circumstances involved. The following factors could affect your claim:
- The terms of any applicable health and car insurance policies
- The severity and type of injuries you’ve suffered
- How much evidence there is to support your claim
- Whether you are partially to blame for the accident
In general terms, the greater the impact the accident has had on your life, the more your case will be worth. We can give you further insight into the value of your case during your free consultation with one of our experienced car accident lawyers.
What Damages Are Available To Car Accident Victims in Lakeland?
Car accident victims in Lakeland can pursue two forms of compensatory damages: economic and non-economic.
Economic damages are the financial consequences of your car accident, including:
- Medical bills
- Future treatment costs
- Physical therapy
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning capacity
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Property damage
Non-economic damages compensate you for the other consequences of your accident, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Disfigurement
- Loss of companionship
Punitive damages are not usually awarded and are reserved for cases where the defendant’s conduct was especially malicious or outrageous. They are meant to “punish” them for their actions.
Can I Recover Compensation If I’m Being Blamed for a Car Accident in Florida?
Maybe. Florida operates under a modified comparative negligence doctrine. That means you can still receive compensation if you’re partially to blame, but your financial award will be reduced proportionately. However, if you are 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover any damages.
To illustrate how this works, we’ll assume you’re awarded $500,000 but are found to be 40% at fault for the accident. In that case, you would still receive $300,000, which is the full amount minus your percentage of fault.
Because of this law, the other party involved in your case may try to pin most of the blame on you. Our Lakeland personal injury attorneys will aggressively fight back against these allegations on your behalf when you hire us.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
Most car accident lawyers in Florida work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront. Instead, your attorney only gets paid if they recover money for you through a settlement or verdict.
The typical fee is a percentage of the awarded compensation – usually between 33% and 40%, depending on the complexity of the case and whether it goes to trial.
This arrangement allows injured victims to access legal representation without financial risk.
How Can a Car Accident Attorney Help Me?
When you choose our attorneys to represent you, we can help by:
- Determining the extent and cause of your damages via an internal investigation
- Collecting evidence and hiring experts to help bolster your case
- Negotiating on your behalf to reach a fair settlement agreement, and filing a lawsuit if the other party will not negotiate in good faith
- Explaining your legal rights and options at all stages of your case
- Protecting you from accusations that you’re mostly to blame for the accident
Contact us today in Lakeland, Florida, to begin forming an attorney-client relationship.
What Are the Most Common Car Accident Injuries?
Some of the most common injuries caused by car accidents in Lakeland include:
- Chest injuries
- Brain injuries
- Back injuries
- Burn injuries
- Organ damage
- Internal bleeding
- Neck injuries
- Concussions
Whether your injury is listed above or not, our Lakeland car accident attorneys can help you collect damages for every consequence of your collision. Contact us today for legal advice.
What Causes Most Car Accidents in Lakeland?
Car crashes in Lakeland are caused by a number of factors. Some of the most prominent include:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Drunk driving
- Running a red light
- Reckless driving
- Tailgating
- Failing to yield the right of way
An experienced personal injury attorney in Lakeland can help you hold the liable party responsible after a wreck.
We Handle All Types of Car Accident Cases
Because our lawyers have over a century of combined experience, they’ve just about seen it all when it comes to car accident cases.
We can handle accident claims involving:
- Left-turn accidents
- T-bone accidents
- DUI accidents
- Hit-and-run accidents
- Rear-end collisions
- Uber accidents
- Lyft accidents
- Rollover accidents
- Head-on collisions
- Intersection accidents
Reach out to our car accident lawyers if you have any questions or would like additional information on how we can assist you.
How Do I Prove Negligence After a Florida Car Accident?
The majority of car accident cases in Florida arise because someone was negligent.
Negligence means something similar to “carelessness” and involves proving these four key elements:
Essentially, you will have to demonstrate that the at-fault party had a duty of care to you and that they breached it, causing you harm as a result. This can be proven using various types of evidence, such as police reports, eyewitness statements, medical records, traffic camera footage, and expert testimony.
Who Could Be Liable For My Injuries Resulting From a Car Accident?
Depending on how your crash occurred, several parties could share responsibility for your injuries. Examples include:
- Another driver who was speeding, distracted, intoxicated, or otherwise negligent
- A vehicle manufacturer if a defective part or system contributed to the crash
- A government entity responsible for unsafe road conditions
- A commercial vehicle company or employer if the at-fault driver was working at the time of the incident
- A mechanic or repair shop if improper vehicle repairs led to the collision
- A rideshare company or delivery service, depending on the driver’s employment status and coverage
- A pedestrian or cyclist whose actions contributed to the accident
Identifying all liable parties is key to recovering the full compensation you’re entitled to. An attorney can help investigate and build a strong case based on the facts.
How Long Do I Have To File a Lawsuit After a Lakeland Car Accident?
You will typically have two years to file a Florida car accident lawsuit. This is the deadline established by the statute of limitations.
If you file your lawsuit after the deadline expires, a court will not hear your case, and you won’t be able to pursue compensation.
There are limited circumstances where this deadline may differ, meaning you may have more or less time to act. Reach out to an attorney as soon as possible to preserve your rights.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Florida?
There are some important steps you should take after a Florida car accident. What you do can heavily impact your case for compensation down the line.
Some quick tips include:
- Contact the authorities (call 911) to report the incident. They can prepare a formal accident report.
- Seek immediate medical attention. Even if you feel fine, some injuries may not be immediately noticeable and could worsen without treatment.
- Remain at the scene and collect any potential evidence. Taking photos and videos of property damage, traffic conditions, injuries, and other important details can be beneficial (if you’re able to do so).
- Do not accept blame for the accident or apologize. These kinds of statements could be used against you in order to minimize your claim.
You should also contact a car accident attorney as soon as you can. A lawyer can help guide you through your options as the situation progresses.
Contact Our Lakeland Car Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Car accidents in Lakeland can lead to serious consequences for you and your loved ones. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize your claim and won’t be looking out for your best interests.
That’s one reason why hiring a Lakeland car accident attorney is essential. The experienced lawyers at Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers are here to ensure you’re not taken advantage of by the other side. Our goal is to maximize your compensation and help you get back on your feet after an accident.
Contact our personal injury law firm today for a completely free consultation. We’re available 24/7 to take your call.
