Traffic accidents are one of the most common types of personal injury cases and often result in serious damage – be it physical, financial or emotional.

Who is at Fault? Who Pays?

Florida drivers are required to purchase an insurance policy that will provide coverage for some injuries and damage caused during an accident, up to $10,000. This amount will be paid no matter who is at fault. Beyond this amount, generally negligence must be proven to get compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Negligence is defined as failing to exercise reasonable care. A number of factors come in to play when determining whether a person’s actions were reasonable, including details that often reveal themselves in:
  • Accident reports
  • Eyewitness accounts
  • Applicable traffic laws
However, accident reports are not always accurate and, often, neither accident reports nor accident citations can be considered by a judge or a jury in determining who was at fault. This is why it is so important to choose an attorney experienced in motor vehicle accidents and who can help to sort out the facts of your case. In addition to handling many car accident cases, Seidensticker and San Filippo are experienced with handling the unique legal issues involved with trucking and motorcycle crashes. These accidents often result in unusually high levels of damages and serious, long-term injuries, due to the exposed nature of motorcycle drivers and the large weight of tractor-trailers and semis.  We also review and litigate cases involving injuries to children, who are often passengers in auto accidents, including those involving school buses. Cases involving injured minors may require special court approval to move forward, and our attorneys can help your child’s case progress as effectively and efficiently as possible.

How do I File a Claim?

Experienced attorneys can help you to properly prepare your insurance claim, or, if your claim is denied, they can help you to take appropriate action to get the coverage that you are entitled to receive. Seidensticker and San Filippo bring litigation experience and zealous advocacy skills to help you to recover damages from your car, motorcycle or trucking accident. We understand how frustrating and overwhelming it can be to work with insurance companies and drivers they may insure, and we will work hard to pursue the best outcome possible for your case. We will work tirelessly on your behalf, and are available to answer any of your questions. Often times, insurance companies fail to adequately or fairly compensate a person for their injuries or property despite their obligation to do so. Seidensticker and San Filippo has access to a network of experts skilled in investigating motor vehicle accident fault and damages.

Do I need a Criminal or Civil Attorney?

Common causes of motor vehicle accidents include:
  • DUI/ Drunk Driving/ Driving under the influence of drugs
  • Reckless driving
  • Speeding
  • Failure to obey traffic signs
  • Car defects
  • Failure to obey traffic lights
  • Failing to account for weather conditions
  • Faulty/broken traffic lights
  • Failing to signal
Other types of accidents involving automobiles, such as drunk driving and hit and run accidents, may be handled by a criminal attorney, law enforcement officials and the State Attorney’s Office. However, Seidensticker and San Filippo can help determine if a related civil claim arises out of a criminal case. If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident, call us today.