Ocala Personal Injury Attorney & Car Accident Lawyer Near You

Why Call A Personal Injury Lawyer in Ocala, Florida?

Personal injury is a broad legal term that encompasses many types of accidents and injuries. In the legal system, injuries caused by an automobile accident, medical malpractice, a dog bite, a slip and fall, or a defective product are examples of personal injury. Victims of elder abuse can often sue under the legal theory of personal injury. If the injury resulted in the victim’s death, the next of kin may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Glover Law Firm Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyer in Ocala, FL is here to help.

Some of the types of tangible and intangible damages that are sustained in these cases are medical treatment costs, loss of wages, loss of job and earning capacity, pain and suffering, negative impacts on capacity for enjoying life and on lifestyle, and negative impacts on relationships with a spouse, children, and other family members.

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No Fee Unless We Win!

Has the negligent conduct of another person or party caused you serious personal injury? Have the actions that another took caused the wrongful death of a beloved family member? If so, then Gordon Glover can help you today. Learn more about all of our practice areas.

Contact us today for a free case evaluation.

Accident Types Our Ocala Injury Law Firm Represents

Through extensive and specialized training in specific injury case types, Attorney Gordon Glover has achieved significant recoveries for clients injured or tragically killed in accidents. For example, Glover Law Firm recently secured a $250,000 settlement for a car accident victim in Ocala who suffered neck and back injuries, illustrating our commitment to helping clients get the compensation they deserve. No matter what type of Florida accident you’re suffering from, you should know that Ocala personal injury attorney Gordon Glover has helped clients recover financial compensation for:

• Bicycle Accidents
• Boat Accidents
• Car Accidents
• Dog Bites
• Golf Cart Accidents
• Motorcycle Accidents
• Pedestrian Accident
• Premises Liability
• Nursing Home Abuse
• Truck Accidents
• Slip and Fall Lawyer
• and more!

Why Hire Us As Your Ocala Injury Attorney?

We’ve settled thousands of Florida injury cases for millions of dollars.

Attorney Gordon Glover possesses an AV-rating by Martindale-Hubbell, the highest rating as determined by other attorneys and the judiciary. Gordon was also recognized by Florida Super Lawyers, a distinction given to less than 2.5 % of the lawyers in Florida.

Attorney Gordon Glover is available 24/7 for home and hospital visits, and charges no attorney’s fees unless he recovers money for you!

If you are looking for an exceptional injury lawyer near you look no further, you’ve come to the right place.

What Our Clients Say

“Gordon is professional, patient, kind, and knowledgeable. From the first encounter I had with him, he was very kind and attentive. He was responsive throughout the entire process and consistently advocated for me. I would recommend him to anyone in need of legal counsel, as I had a very pleasant experience with him.”

By: April M.
Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Read more reviews on Google!

Ocala Law Office Location

Our Ocala injury attorney’s office is located 5 minutes from the Ocala Regional Medical Center and just 4 minutes from AdventHealth Ocala (formerly Munroe Regional Medical Center). We are also only 14 minutes from the West Marion Community Hospital. We go above and beyond to serve our clients, if you’ve had an injury or accident and are in the hospital, we’ll come to meet with you in person at the hospital. We also have a personal injury law office in The Villages.

Our new office at 110 North Magnolia Avenue, Suite 208, Ocala, FL 34475

Address:
110 N Magnolia Ave, Suite 208
Ocala, FL 34475

Hours of operation: 24/7/365

Phone: 352-484-0775
Fax: 877-225-6005

Ocala Car Accident Lawyer Near You

Being involved in a car accident is always an unnerving experience. Even if we are not at-fault and we think that we are not injured, the mere fact that the accident happened can be enough to throw your life into disarray.

Calling a specialized attorney may be the smart course of action, especially if the situation is more serious and complicated if anyone involved in the accident has been injured. From the initial call to the police or self-reporting the crash to the police to the trip to the emergency room to follow-up doctor visits and missed time at work, the whole experience is time-consuming and often very stressful.

Fortunately, our nearby car accident lawyer is here to help. Our aim is to take the stress out of the process and provide peace of mind to our clients while pursuing maximum compensation for their injuries. In addition, our Ocala injury lawyers can handle the paperwork and details with the insurance company to pursue your claim against another at-fault driver. If necessary, we will hire expert witnesses to testify about any disputed issue.

Contact us by calling 352-484-0775 or emailing us for a free consultation.

We’ve settled thousands of Florida accident & injury cases for millions of dollars.

Motor vehicle accidents are among the most significant risks for personal injury in Marion County, FL. Florida’s Integrated Report Exchange System shows very clearly just how dangerous this risk really is. In 2017, Marion County had 6,691 auto accidents, with 3,233 of those resulting in injuries. 5,136 individuals were injured in those accidents. 83 of those accidents were fatal, resulting in 91 total fatalities.

Commercial vehicles, such as large trucks, also cause many serious accidents. There was a total of 733 Ocala truck accidents in 2017 alone. Meanwhile, 143 pedestrian accidents, resulted in 15 deaths, and 73 bicycle accidents, resulted in 3 deaths.

These statistics cover a few of the many practice areas we focus on at Glover Law Firm Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyer. No matter what accident caused your injuries, know that you are not alone. We are available to help you seek justice and compensation after any injury caused by someone else’s negligence or recklessness. See the typical car accident settlement amounts in Florida, as well as a real shoulder injury settlement without surgery.

Lawyers For Accident Cases When Another Driver is At Fault

In simple terms, another driver is at fault when they are judged to have caused the accident. From the insurance company’s perspective, this is simply a way to place blame on one of the drivers. The law looks at this question in a slightly different way.

In order to collect compensation from an at-fault driver, a plaintiff must be able to prove that the defendant was negligent. This is a multi-step process that involves in-depth legal analysis.

To prove negligence, people injured in car accidents must be able to show that:

• They were owed a duty of care by the defendant
• The duty of care was broken or breached
• The breach of the duty of care caused their injuries

The first portion is almost always present in car accident cases since all drivers assume a duty to care for everyone else on the road. This duty extends to other drivers and passengers, bicyclists, and pedestrians.

It is also almost always a given that a breach of the duty of care caused the injuries. While there may be rare instances of plaintiffs attempting to claim preexisting conditions in an accident case, most claims are backed by solid medical evidence that points directly to the accident as the cause of the harm.

The most contested portion of a negligence claim is whether the duty was broken. In some cases, this question is made moot by a police report citing a driver for a traffic violation. Known as the legal concept of negligence per se, the law states that if a person is guilty of breaking a law and this violation causes an injury, the defendant is assumed to be civilly liable

However, most cases involve examples of contested viewpoints as to who is at fault. In these situations, accident attorneys can perform investigations of the accident by speaking with witnesses, examining the crash scene, and researching case law that deals with similar questions of liability.

Do I Need a Car Accident Attorney After an Accident?

When people call to speak with one of our Ocala car accident lawyers, they are often unsure if they need an accident attorney. We are asked ‘when is it best to get an attorney for a car accident?’ or ‘should I get an attorney after a car accident?’ The answer to these questions is – it depends. There are many factors that surround any given motor vehicle accident case. The severity of the injuries, the cause of the accident, and the amount of loss suffered both physically and emotionally. Depending on the circumstances of your accident and injuries you might need a lawyer or you might not, what is recommended though is that you at least speak with one to see if you do have a legitimate case. An experienced attorney will be able to go over the details of your case, obtain your Ocala accident report, and help you determine if you need a lawyer to assist you in filing a personal injury claim.

Gathering Evidence

Immediately after being retained, an attorney may start gathering evidence. This will include evidence of their victim’s economic damages. The attorney may wait until the victim reaches their maximum improvement and is finished treatment before attempting to settle. The time frame for collecting evidence is dependent upon the case. Attorneys may usually wait until the victim has reached maximum medical improvement and finished treatment to file suit.

Some evidence that an attorney may gather after a car accident includes photos of the accident scene, police reports from the accident, as well as statements by witnesses and parties involved. If police did not respond or file a police report, you have up to 10 days to file an accident report in Florida.

An attorney may retain an expert to inspect the accident scene. These experts are usually accident reconstruction experts. An attorney may also gather their victim’s medical bills, records, lien information, and wage loss information to determine the victim’s damages.

First Steps After a Car Crash

The plaintiff’s attorney will gather all evidence regarding the defendants’ liability, which can include photographs of the accident scene, the vehicles involved, and witness statements.  An attorney will also want to make sure that they have all medical records and billing information for the victim and that it is provided to the at-fault party’s insurance company. Most car accident lawsuits are filed in Circuit Civil Court.  In some instances, depending upon the parties involved and the location of the accident, it may need to be filed in Federal Court.

It is extremely important that someone who is involved in a motor vehicle accident take pictures of the accident scene, of the vehicle, and of the injuries as well as documentation of the injuries, the impact that they may have life, and a record of any and all treatment.

Settling a Car Accident Case Before Trial (Litigation Process)

In many auto accident cases, it may be at least a year before a case gets to trial. Most of the time, an attorney will attempt to resolve a car accident case before filing a claim. If the attorney is unable to come to a settlement, with the approval of the victim, a lawsuit will be filed against the at-fault party. After a lawsuit is filed, there are several steps in the litigation process that must be completed before an actual trial will take place and evidence presented.

In Florida, all cases are required to go to mediation before trial. Mediation takes place after discovery where information is exchanged between the plaintiff and defendant. This happens six to nine months after the case is filed. The success rate for mediation is very high. Even if the case does not settle at mediation, negotiations can continue until a jury verdict is reached.

There are many factors that may influence the length of a case. For example, multiple defendants or other complex issues could prolong the case. If a plaintiff is severely injured and needs multiple treating physicians, this could also lengthen the case. If there are minimal injuries and the negligence of the defendant is not an issue, the case goes to trial much sooner.

Filing a Car Accident Claim in Ocala, Florida

Usually, one would file a claim against the at-fault party’s insurance company following a car wreck in Ocala. If the claim is not resolved, the individual will have the opportunity to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. Attorneys may make a pre-suit demand against the at-fault party’s insurance carrier before filing a lawsuit.

Included in this demand package are a victim’s medical records, bills, lost wages, and evidence regarding the at-fault party’s liability. If the claim is not resolved after making a demand, a lawsuit is usually filed. Speak with a seasoned car accident attorney to learn more about filing a claim. The first thing the injured party must prove is that the defendant is at fault. The injured party will also have to prove and present evidence of their injuries and damages, as well as evidence that the accident caused those injuries and damages. An action can be dismissed with or without prejudice at any time.

Trial Process After a Car Accident in Ocala, FL

The trial process for a motor vehicle accident in Ocala starts with a complaint filed against the defendant. The complaint and summons are served on the defendant and the defendant has 20 days to file an answer with the court. At this point, the discovery process begins with information exchanged between the plaintiff and the defendant’s attorney. Depositions then take place and the defendant may subpoena the plaintiff’s medical records and wage lost documentation.

After the discovery process ends, the parties attend mediation with the neutral third-party mediator. If the case is not resolved at mediation, the case will proceed to trial. The trial process can be long and complex, which is why it may be in the plaintiff’s best interest to contact a seasoned lawyer who is familiar with car accident trials in Ocala.

During the trial, the plaintiff’s attorney needs to establish that the defendant is at fault and is liable for the accident. The lawyer also needs to prove that the plaintiff was injured and the injury was caused by the accident.

If a case is not resolved pre-suit with the defendant’s insurance company, it is important for the injured party’s attorney to file a lawsuit as soon as possible. It is also essential that the plaintiff continues to treat their injuries, keep the attorney informed on their treatment, and be responsive to the attorney when requests are made.

Expert Witness’ Impact on a Car Accident Injury Case in Ocala, FL

A lawyer may suggest using an expert witness during the trial to testify regarding the defendant’s fault or the plaintiff’s injuries and the cause of those injuries. An expert may also help establish the plaintiff’s damages both in the past and in the future. An expert witness can give credibility to the plaintiff’s claims and greatly enhance their case, especially when there is a dispute with regards to liability or the plaintiff’s injuries and damages. However, the weight of an expert witness’ testimony may vary from case-to-case, depending upon the expert’s credentials and testimony.

For example, if the plaintiff’s expert and the defendant’s expert disagree regarding the plaintiff’s injuries and the cause of those injuries, a jury will likely look at the expert’s experience and education, whether there is a relationship with the party or their attorney, and the amount of time the expert put into the case. There are situations when a person may not want some expert witnesses in Ocala car accident cases. A plaintiff may not want an expert witness if there is an issue is uncontested or if there is sufficient testimony from lay witnesses or the by the plaintiff’s treating physicians. These type of situations could potentially harm the plaintiff’s chances of recovering damages.

There are many types of expert witnesses for a car accident that the plaintiff’s attorney may use. An attorney may retain an accident reconstruction expert to testify about the cause of an accident and the defendant’s liability for an accident. The lawyer may also have medical experts to testify about the plaintiff’s injuries and the cause of those injuries. An economist could be brought in to talk about the economic impact the car collision has had on the injured individual.

3 Basic Types of Recoverable Damages in Auto Accidents in Ocala Florida

There are three basic types of Ocala car accident damages a person could potentially recover:

• Economic damages include medical expenses, lost wages, as well as property damage or damage to the contents inside of one’s vehicle.
• Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium by a spouse.
• Punitive damages are awarded to punish a defendant for his or her gross negligence.

When a person is not at fault for an accident, they are entitled to their economic damages which include lost wages, as well as reimbursement of medical expenses and the payment of damages for one’s vehicle and contents of the vehicle.

Calculating Non-Economic Damages in Ocala, Florida Car Accident Claims

In order to recover non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and mental anguish, a party to an accident in Florida must meet a certain threshold. The way one meets the threshold is with either death, loss of a bodily function, scarring, or a permanent injury.

Non-economic damages are awarded by a jury in a motor vehicle accident just like any other personal injury case. They are at the discretion of the jury. However, they must be commensurate with the economic damages awarded.

Receiving Punitive Damages For Your Ocala Car Accident

One circumstance where punitive damages are awarded is when the at-fault party is under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the accident. They can also be awarded when the at-fault party was either grossly negligent or intentionally caused damage or injury to the plaintiff. When there is a potential for punitive damages, it is important for the attorney to gather as much evidence and information possible in order to support such a claim. This includes interviewing witnesses and potentially retaining experts to assist with the punitive damage claim.

Some of the factors that may influence an award of punitive damages are driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, intentionally hurting the plaintiff, or if the defendant is grossly negligent. In some cases, punitive damages are awarded based upon the conduct of the defendant.

Damage Cap & Auto-Insurance Coverage

When an individual is involved in a car accident with a vehicle that is owned by a governmental entity, there are statutory caps. That means that what the plaintiff’s recovery is limited to those caps. In some cases, a car accident attorney can circumvent the caps with the passage of a claims bill.

The at-fault party’s insurance will pay for economic damages that are caused by the accident, as well as non-economic damages if the threshold is met. Most policies, however, will not cover punitive damages.

Mistakes to Avoid After a Car Accident

Auto collisions are a common occurrence everywhere. However, people still commit the same mistakes following an accident. These mistakes could be not calling the authorities, not receiving medical treatment, or getting in contact with a well-versed auto wreck attorney to learn more about mistakes to avoid after an accident.

Admitting Fault After Your Ocala Car Accident

If you are involved in a motor vehicle accident in Ocala, you should never admit fault. Florida is a comparative negligence state. What that means is that, even if a person is partially negligent, the defendant can also be negligent, and it would be up to the jury to decide the party’s percentage of fault. If a person admits fault, however, that statement can be held against them.

While people may want to apologize after being involved in a motor vehicle accident, it is best not to say anything. This is because, if a person does make a statement at the

scene of the accident, it may be brought up when they make a personal injury claim.

Refusing Immediate Medical Assistance After Your Ocala Car Accident

It is extremely important to receive immediate medical treatment after an accident. People tend to be in shock and they may not have any immediate complaints at the scene of an accident. However, if a person leaves the scene of the accident without receiving treatment from a first responder, or does not follow up with a medical provider and later develops symptoms, the fact that they did not get treatment at the time of the accident may raise questions as to the cause of their pain and symptoms.

Without having a record of treatment and documentation of a person’s injuries and symptoms, a jury may not truly understand and appreciate the magnitude and extent of the plaintiff’s damages. Or, if they attempt to settle the case before filing a lawsuit, the adjuster may not give fair value to the claim without complete supporting documentation from a treating physician. Not following a doctor’s orders is one of many common mistakes to avoid after an accident.

Treatment Gap After Your Ocala Car Accident

When an individual has a gap in treatment, the at-fault party’s insurance company or attorney will attempt to argue that the gap in treatment means that the plaintiff is not injured or that the injuries are resolved.

Most people work for 40-plus hours per week and have a family and therefore may not have time to seek treatment. They may also feel that they cannot afford treatment if their personal injury protection benefits are exhausted and they do not have health insurance. However, there are medical providers who will provide treatment to individuals without insurance and to individuals who may need to come in late at night or on a weekend.

The Danger of Giving Recorded Statements After Your Ocala Auto Accident

It is never good to give a recorded statement to the at-fault party’s insurance company after an accident before consulting with an attorney. Often times an injured party will make an inaccurate statement or become confused with the insurance company’s questions and may not answer them correctly or factually. This can come back to haunt the individual later when dealing with the insurance company and attempting to settle their case.

In cases where liability may be disputed, insurance companies may usually attempt to call all parties, including the injured party, after an accident. If an individual or injured party is not represented by an attorney, they may speak with the insurance company and provide a statement to them in an attempt to cooperate even if the insurance company does not have their best interests in mind.

In cases in which a party is injured as a result of a motor vehicle accident, the insurance company for the at-fault party will attempt to settle the case and offer a check to the injured party for less than the true value of the case. If the injured party decides to cash the check, they cannot come back at a later date and attempt to request additional money, even if the true value of the case is significantly higher. Reaching a settlement before contacting a professional attorney is one of many common mistakes to avoid after a car accident in Ocala.

Contact an Experienced Ocala Personal Injury Attorney Near You

If you or someone you know has been injured, either physically or psychologically, as the result of another person or company’s negligence or wrongdoing, contact an Ocala personal injury lawyer at the Glover Law Firm Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyer, today for a free consultation and case evaluation.

You can reach us at (352) 484-0775 or email us.

The Glover Law Firm operates on a contingency fee basis. What this means is simple: if we don’t win your case, you won’t pay anything. We choose to operate this way for the sole benefit of our clients, we want to see you obtain a successful recovery so that you can continue to carry on with your life.