New Port Richey Car Accident Lawyer

Were you or a family member recently hurt in a car accident in New Port Richey, FL? You may deserve compensation. An experienced New Port Richey car accident lawyer at Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers can help you fight to recover a financial award for your medical bills, lost wages, and more. Contact us at (727) 910-5060 to schedule your free initial consultation

Our lawyers collectively have over 119 years of experience in personal injury law. We’ve already recovered tens of millions of dollars on behalf of accident victims and their families.

Now, we’re prepared to stand up for you when you need help the most. If you were injured in an accident, call a New Port Richey personal injury attorney, to schedule a free consultation today.

How Can Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers Help Me After a Car Accident in New Port Richey?

After a car crash, it can be surprisingly tough to recover compensation from the responsible parties. Hiring an experienced lawyer to handle the heavy lifting can make a world of difference.

Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers is an award-winning law firm that’s dedicated exclusively to personal injury law. Clients have been counting on our legal team to recover the money they need after crashes since 2001. 

When you hire our lawyers, you’ll have a team to:

• Make sure you understand your legal options and what to expect from the claims process
• Determine who is liable for your injuries
• Identify all sources of insurance and avenues for recovering damages
• Evaluate your losses and determine your case value
• Hire experts to assist with various aspects of your case
• Defend against victim-blaming insurance tactics
• Negotiate with the insurance company for every available dollar
• Prepare a lawsuit and fight to protect you in court

Our car accident attorneys don’t just win cases. We put in the effort to recover the maximum monetary award our clients deserve. The insurance company knows that we’re ready to put in the hard work–and that we’re more than willing to go to trial.

Call for a free consultation to learn more about how we can help you through this challenging time.

Why Should I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?

An experienced car accident lawyer in New Port Richey will be your biggest asset while you’re pursuing compensation from the at-fault parties. 

Regardless of how helpful they seem, the insurance adjusters aren’t on your side. They’ll use anything you tell them to dispute liability or minimize your case value. 

There are many different reasons why you should hire a car accident lawyer after a car crash, including:

• The insurance company will bring in experts to dispute your case. Your lawyer will have the resources to hire respected experts and fight back
• You’ll need time to rest and recover after a serious injury–and it can be tough to take on an insurance battle alone
• Insurance companies will try to scare you into taking less than you really deserve. Experienced attorneys have seen cases like yours before, and we know what’s fair

Accident victims without legal representation often take less money than they deserve. Down the line, they often discover that their expenses are higher than their settlement. 

With a seasoned lawyer on your team, you can rest easy knowing that someone is evaluating and documenting all of the losses you’ve already suffered–and those you’re likely to experience in the future.

How Much Money Is My New Port Richey Car Accident Claim Worth?

If a lawyer answers this question without examining the facts, you should be skeptical. No two crashes, victims, or cases are exactly the same, so there’s no such thing as a standard settlement.

Instead, your case value depends on unique facts, such as:

• The type and severity of your injuries
• Your medical treatment costs, considering future needs
• The value of your lost income during recovery
• The pain and suffering you experience during recovery
• How the injury will impact your future earnings and quality of life
• Whether you’ll experience ongoing pain or rehabilitative needs
• Available insurance coverage
• Whether you share partial responsibility for the crash

Insurance companies are skilled at downplaying the extent of accident victims’ losses. Experienced attorneys can spot a lowball settlement from a mile away. Your lawyer will also have the tools to help you fight back and win a fair deal.

You should never accept an insurance deal without consulting an experienced attorney. Lawyers offer free case reviews to help you determine whether an offer is fair. To schedule a free case evaluation, call Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers.

How Long Do I Have To File a Florida Car Accident Lawsuit?

In Florida, the statute of limitations in most personal injury cases is just two years. You’ll have two years from the date of your auto accident to file a claim in court. Once the two-year deadline passes, you’ll have missed your opportunity to sue for damages.

That said, you shouldn’t wait two years to consult a lawyer. While your lawyer can file a lawsuit to protect you even if some time has passed, it’s always better to start gathering evidence sooner. The results of our investigation can be critical to whether your case succeeds.

What Types of Damages Can I Recover by Filing a Car Accident Lawsuit?

Under Florida personal injury laws, both economic damages and non-economic damages are available. 

Economic damages compensate an accident victim for the financial costs they’ve incurred due to the crash. Non-economic damages attempt to compensate for more personal losses and struggles.

Common economic damages include:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Lost future earning potential
• Medications 
• Medical devices and prosthetics
• Nursing care
• In-home assistance
• Rehabilitation 
• Property damage, including vehicle repair costs

Some common examples of non-economic damages include:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Anxiety
• Depression 
• PTSD
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Diminished quality of life
• Physical disfigurement and scarring
• Loss of consortium

In rare cases, you might also be entitled to punitive damages. Punitive damages in Florida are reserved for cases where the victim has clear evidence that the defendant’s acts were intentional or shockingly reckless. For example, courts may award punitive damages in cases involving drunk driving accidents or hit-and-run crashes.

How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?

Most personal injury lawyers in New Port Richey work on a contingency fee basis. Under this type of fee structure, you don’t pay upfront fees or retainers. You instead pay a percentage of your settlement or verdict.

So, if your lawyer is unsuccessful, you don’t have to worry about paying attorney’s fees. That means you can hire the best possible lawyer without worrying about how you’ll cover the costs.

Most lawyers take about 33% of your settlement or verdict. This structure gives lawyers a strong motive to recover the most money possible.

We’ll discuss our fee structure and answer your questions during your free case review. Don’t hesitate to reach out and schedule yours.

What Happens if I’m Partly Responsible for Causing a Car Accident in New Port Richey?

Florida has a modified comparative negligence law where victims cannot recover damages if they’re more than 50% responsible for their injuries. 

If your share of fault was less than 51%, your right to compensation is safe. However, your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you’re assigned half the blame, you can still take home half of your settlement or verdict. 

Insurance companies know they won’t be responsible for paying your damages if you’re found to be at least 51% liable. They’ll point fingers, manipulate the facts, and do anything possible to scare you into backing down. Our lawyers know how to defend you. Call our law offices today and we’ll get started.

Will My Car Accident Case Go to Trial?

Most car accident claims are resolved through insurance negotiations. That said, if the insurance company refuses to negotiate for a full settlement, our attorneys won’t hesitate to file a lawsuit.

Trials aren’t typically necessary. When the insurance company sees you’ve hired an experienced attorney, they know they have to take your case seriously. Simply hiring a respected attorney reduces the likelihood of a lengthy trial.

Most of the time, it’s only necessary to go to court if there are significant disputes about who is responsible for the crash or how much your case is worth.

What Should I Do After a Car Accident in New Port Richey?

The moments after a car wreck can be incredibly overwhelming. It can be tough to think clearly or control your emotions. Try to remain calm. What you do after a car crash can make a huge difference in your future case.

After a crash, you should:

• Move your vehicle to a safe spot and check to see if anyone requires immediate medical help
• Call 911. Under Florida law, you must call 911 and report any accident that causes injury, death, or at least $500 in vehicle or property damage. The 911 operator will send an officer and an ambulance if emergency medical care is needed. The officer will ask questions and create an accident report that can provide valuable evidence in a lawsuit
• Exchange contact details and insurance information with the other driver
• Document the scene by taking photos of the other vehicle’s license plate, property damage, conditions at the scene, and any obvious injuries
• Exchange contact information with any eyewitnesses to the crash
• Don’t apologize, accept blame, or speak to the other driver’s insurance company without consulting a lawyer

Seek medical attention as quickly as possible. You might have injuries that don’t seem particularly serious, but that can get worse with time. Prompt medical care is the best way to protect your health. Your medical records will also be critical if you later file a claim.

You should also consult a lawyer if you were injured. Our lawyers will explain your legal options and help you understand what to expect from the legal process in a free initial consultation.

We Handle All Types of Car Accident Cases in New Port Richey, FL

Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers has successfully represented countless clients in car accident cases across the Tampa Bay area.

Some examples of the types of cases we handle for our clients include:

Rear-End Car Accidents

Rear-end collisions have the potential to cause significant damage. They’re often caused by tailgating, distracted drivers and speeding. If you were hurt in a collision, our New Port Richey rear-end car accident lawyers are here to help you hold the at-fault driver accountable.

Highway Accidents

The highest-speed accidents tend to happen on highways. Accidents involving high speeds can cause devastating and catastrophic injuries. They’re often caused by sudden lane changes that can make it difficult for drivers to react and prevent accidents. If you were involved in an accident on U.S.-19 or another highway, our New Port Richey highway accident lawyers can help you prove why the accident happened and get you the fair compensation you deserve.

Fatal Car Accidents

Fatal car crashes leave families struggling with a lifetime of grief and loss. That grief is often magnified when the loss of the victim’s financial support and household services starts to become apparent. Filing a claim is often the only way to make sure your family has the financial resources you need.

Our lawyers have the experience and resources to hold the at-fault driver liable for wrongful death. Contact us to arrange a free case review to learn more.

Multi-Vehicle Crashes

While multiple-vehicle accidents and pile-ups are less common than two-party accidents, they can also be much more complex when they do happen. Multiple drivers will be trying to pin the blame on each other. As the victim, it can be tough to know who ultimately owes you compensation. Our experienced multi-vehicle crash attorneys in New Port Richey have the resources to investigate and collect the evidence to prove what happened and who is liable.

Drunk Driving Accidents

In 2022 alone, FLHSMV confirmed that 5,746 impaired drivers were involved in car crashes across the state of Florida. The fact is, car accidents involving drunk drivers are entirely preventable. While the at-fault driver may be facing DUI charges, that doesn’t help you pay the bills. Our New Port Richey DUI accident lawyers are prepared to help you stand up to the insurance companies and prove that alcohol or drug use caused your crash.

Additional Traffic Accident Cases We Handle

Our team also represents injury victims in cases involving:

• Speeding accidents
• Vehicle rollovers
• Sideswipe accidents
• Head-on collisions
• T-bone car accidents
• Single-vehicle accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Trucking accidents
• Commercial vehicle accidents
• Motor vehicle accidents involving pedestrians and bicyclists 
• Recreational vehicle crashes
• Distracted driving accidents
• Intersection accidents
• Parking lot accidents
• Car accidents involving uninsured or underinsured motorists
• Hit-and-run accidents

If you were injured in a car accident, don’t wait to call for help. Contact us to learn more about your legal rights after a crash.

Who Can Be Held Liable for My Car Accident Injuries?

Florida is a no-fault car insurance state. That means all drivers in Florida must carry a minimum amount of personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. Your own PIP coverage will provide money for medical bills, vehicle repairs, and lost wages, regardless of who caused the crash.

That said, PIP coverage only covers 80% of your medical costs and 60% of your lost income. Further, the insurance company only covers damage up to your policy limits.

If you suffered a serious injury, your costs exceed your coverage limits, or if another exception to the no-fault rules applies, you can pursue damages from the at-fault party.

“Serious injuries” in Florida include:

• Significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function
• Permanent injury (within a reasonable degree of medical probability)
• Significant and permanent disfigurement and scarring
• Death

If you decide to file a lawsuit, you can seek compensation from the parties who caused your injury, including:

• At-fault drivers
• Employers of negligent drivers, if the responsible driver was working at the time of the crash
• Manufacturers of defective vehicles
• Trucking companies
• Government agencies and transit companies
• Negligent passengers
• Pedestrians, bicyclists or motorcyclists

If you were injured, our lawyers can help you determine who is ultimately responsible for your damages. You can learn more by calling our personal injury lawyer for a free consultation.

Common Types of Car Accident Injuries

Car accidents have the potential to cause virtually any type of injury. 

Depending on the circumstances and severity of the crash, you may have suffered:

• Whiplash injuries
• Concussions
• Lacerations 
• Facial and eye injuries
• Broken bones
• Nerve injuries
• Soft tissue damage
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Head, neck, and back injuries
• Internal organ damage
• Burns
• Amputations
• Paralysis
• Catastrophic injuries
• Wrongful death of a loved one

Our law firm has substantial experience handling even the most complex of personal injury claims. We’ve recovered tens of millions of dollars in life-changing settlements and verdicts. Regardless of the types of injuries you have suffered, count on us to fight for the maximum compensation you deserve. 

What Are the Most Common Causes of Car Accidents in New Port Richey?

Nearly all car accidents happen because of negligent driving behavior. When drivers are careless or reckless, accidents are much more likely to happen. 

Some of the most common causes of car accidents in New Port Richey include:

• Distracted driving
• Drowsy driving
• Speeding 
• Failure to yield the right-of-way 
• Tailgating 
• Sudden lane departures
• Aggressive driving, such as weaving between lanes
• Road rage
• Dangerous turns 
• Dangerous left-hand turns
• Illegal U-turns
• Running a red light or stop sign
• Drunk driving
• Drug use
• Road hazards 
• Poor weather conditions and limited visibility
• Driving in a vehicle’s blind spots
• Failure to maintain vehicles in safe condition

You may think you have an idea about what caused the crash. The police report may also contain important details. On the other hand, it’s not always clear cut. When you’re hurt and suffering, you can trust that our lawyers will get to the bottom of things.

Most often, we’ll gather evidence to establish negligence, which means:

• The at-fault party owed you a legal duty of care
• They breached their duty
• The breach of duty was the direct cause of your accident
• You suffered quantifiable and provable damages

Data from the crash scene, video footage, photos, witness statements, and even testimony from accident reconstruction specialists can all be used to prove your case. Call our team so that we can start collecting evidence as quickly as possible.

Statistics on Car Accidents in New Port Richey

Car accidents happen every single day in Florida.

Across the State of Florida, 394,206 motor vehicle accidents were reported to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles in 2023. According to statistics, those crashes caused 251,827 injuries and, sadly, 3,408 deaths.

Overall, 7,266 crashes were reported in Pasco County alone during 2023. Of that total, 6,819 people were injured and 92 people were killed. In other words, over 95% of all car crashes in 2023 caused at least one injury or fatality.

Most Dangerous Roads and Intersections in New Port Richey

The deadliest road in America runs right through New Port Richey. Out of the 60 spots deemed most deadly for pedestrians, seven were located across the stretch of U.S.-19 that runs through Pasco County.

Some of the most dangerous intersections in New Port Richey include:

• Congress Street and Massachusetts Avenue
• Main Street and Madison Street
• Cecilia Drive and Madison Avenue

While it’s always important to pay close attention to the roads, be particularly careful when driving through these intersections.

Call an Experienced New Port Richey Car Accident Lawyer for a Free Initial Consultation

It’s easy to be frustrated and overwhelmed when you are injured due to someone else’s negligence. Our lawyers at Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers can help you do something about it. 

We’ll fight for justice by holding the at-fault parties fully accountable for your financial losses. Contact us to schedule a free consultation with a respected New Port Richey car accident lawyer.

New Port Richey Office
(727) 446-7667
5006 Trouble Creek Rd
Unit #200
New Port Richey, FL 34652

New Port Richey Car Accident Client Review

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Read more of our Google reviews.

Local Auto Repair Shops

• Grand Auto Care Inc – 4346 Grand Blvd, New Port Richey, FL 34652
• Stewarts auto repair shop – 4339 Grand Blvd, New Port Richey, FL 34652
• Curtis Complete Auto Repair – 5518 FL-54, New Port Richey, FL 34652

*Disclaimer – we do not endorse these companies or profit from having them listed on our website. These were some of the highest-rated auto repair shops on Yelp.

Car Accident Resources

• Traffic Crash Reports in Florida
• Requesting Public Crash Records & Data in Florida
• Florida Traffic Safety Portal
• Traffic/Motor Vehicle Safety Links
• Crash Data Systems and Mapping

Recent Blog Posts

• What Happens if I Get Into an Accident in Florida Without Insurance?
• What Is the Average Auto Accident Settlement?
• What Are My Options After an Accident With an Unlicensed Driver?
• Should I Hire a Lawyer After a Minor Accident?

Car Accident Infographic