Car Accidents

Car accidents can leave victims facing an array of legal, medical, and financial challenges. At Rafferty Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa, we are dedicated to providing top-tier legal support for car accident victims throughout Florida. Our attorneys have successfully handled hundreds of car accident cases, helping clients recover compensation for their injuries and losses. We take the time to understand each client’s unique situation, offering personalized strategies to achieve the best possible results.

Our team’s extensive experience in car accident litigation includes working with insurance companies, opposing negligent drivers, and pursuing full compensation for damages. Whether it’s a minor collision or a severe accident resulting in life-altering injuries, Rafferty Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa is here to guide you through every step of the legal process. We make it our mission to fight aggressively on your behalf, allowing you to focus on healing.

 

Why You Need a Car Accident Lawyer

When you’re injured in a car accident, the aftermath can be overwhelming. In addition to dealing with medical appointments, vehicle repairs, and recovery, you may face complex legal and financial decisions. Unfortunately, many people don’t realize that insurance companies are not always on their side. Adjusters often attempt to minimize payouts to accident victims, leaving them with insufficient compensation to cover medical bills, lost income, and future expenses.

This is where a qualified car accident lawyer becomes invaluable. At Rafferty Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa, we work to protect your rights and ensure you receive every dollar you deserve. Our lawyers understand the nuances of Florida’s car accident laws and insurance regulations, giving you a significant advantage in negotiations and litigation. By hiring a seasoned attorney, you can avoid the common pitfalls that accident victims face and increase your chances of a successful outcome.

We provide representation in the following areas:

Medical Expenses
We seek full reimbursement for all accident-related medical bills, including hospital stays, surgeries, and rehabilitation.

Lost Wages and Income
If your injuries prevent you from working, we will pursue compensation for both current and future lost wages.

Pain and Suffering
Beyond economic damages, we also fight for compensation for your emotional and physical suffering resulting from the accident.

Property Damage
Our attorneys ensure that you are fully reimbursed for the repair or replacement of your vehicle and any other damaged property.

How Our Attorneys Can Help Your Car Accident Case

At Rafferty Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa, we pride ourselves on delivering comprehensive legal services designed to maximize your compensation. From the moment you contact us, we handle every aspect of your case, so you can focus on your recovery.

Thorough Investigation of the Accident
Our legal team will conduct an in-depth investigation to determine the cause of your accident and who is responsible. We will collect key evidence, such as police reports, witness testimony, traffic camera footage, and expert accident reconstructions. This information is critical to establishing liability and supporting your claim.

Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often aim to settle claims quickly and for the lowest possible amount. Our experienced attorneys will negotiate aggressively with the insurance adjusters to ensure that you receive a fair settlement. We won’t let insurers undervalue your injuries or downplay the long-term effects of the accident.

Securing Medical Bill Recovery
In the aftermath of a serious car accident, medical bills can accumulate rapidly. We ensure that all medical expenses—past, present, and future—are included in your claim. Whether you need ongoing physical therapy, surgery, or long-term care, we will fight to recover the full costs.

Court Representation for Maximum Compensation
While most cases settle out of court, we are always prepared to take your case to trial if necessary. Our litigation team has a proven track record of securing high-value verdicts in personal injury cases. We will present a compelling case to the court to maximize your compensation, ensuring that you and your family are protected for the long term.

 

Types of Car Accident Cases We Handle

Car accidents can occur under a wide variety of circumstances, each with its own legal complexities. The attorneys at Rafferty Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa have extensive experience handling all types of car accident claims, including:

Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end accidents are some of the most common types of crashes, often resulting in whiplash, spinal injuries, and other serious trauma. These cases typically involve proving that the driver who hit you from behind was negligent. We will gather the necessary evidence to hold the at-fault driver accountable.

Hit-and-Run Accidents
When a driver flees the scene of an accident, it can complicate the process of obtaining compensation. Our attorneys are skilled at handling hit-and-run cases, leveraging every resource to identify the responsible party. If the driver cannot be found, we will explore other avenues, such as uninsured motorist coverage, to ensure you are compensated.

Distracted Driving Accidents
Texting, talking on the phone, and other distractions contribute to thousands of accidents every year. If you’ve been injured by a distracted driver, our attorneys will work to prove their negligence and seek the compensation you deserve.

Drunk Driving Accidents
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious offense that often leads to devastating accidents. Our firm takes a zero-tolerance approach to drunk driving cases, and we will pursue all available legal avenues to hold the impaired driver responsible for your injuries.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Accidents
If you’re involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, recovering compensation can be particularly challenging. Our lawyers are experienced in navigating these cases and will help you file a claim under your own insurance policy, ensuring you receive the compensation you are entitled to.

Wrongful Death in Car Accidents
Losing a loved one in a car accident is a heartbreaking experience. Our compassionate attorneys will support you through this difficult time and file a wrongful death lawsuit on your behalf. This claim can help cover funeral expenses, loss of income, and the emotional suffering caused by the accident.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Car accidents occur for a wide variety of reasons, many of which are preventable. Understanding the common causes of these accidents can help drivers make more informed decisions on the road and reduce the likelihood of collisions. At Rafferty Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa, we have handled numerous car accident cases and have seen firsthand how negligence and reckless behavior can lead to devastating crashes. Below are some of the most common causes of car accidents, along with how they can affect your personal injury case.

Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents in the United States. Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, adjusting the radio, or engaging in other activities that divert their attention from the road are much more likely to cause a collision. Even taking your eyes off the road for a few seconds can have disastrous consequences. If you were injured by a distracted driver, our team will gather evidence—such as phone records or witness testimony—to prove that the other driver’s negligence caused your injuries.

Speeding
Exceeding the speed limit or driving too fast for road conditions is another major cause of car accidents. Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to react in time to avoid hazards and increases the severity of crashes. Drivers who speed are often held liable for the damages they cause in an accident. If speeding played a role in your crash, our attorneys will work to prove that the other driver’s reckless behavior contributed to the accident.

Drunk or Impaired Driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious offense that often leads to fatal accidents. Drunk drivers have impaired judgment, slower reaction times, and reduced coordination, making them a danger to everyone on the road. In Florida, drivers with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher are considered legally impaired. If you were injured by a drunk driver, you may be entitled to punitive damages in addition to compensation for your medical bills and other expenses.

Reckless Driving
Reckless driving refers to dangerous behaviors such as tailgating, weaving through traffic, running red lights, and ignoring traffic signs. These aggressive actions put other drivers at risk and frequently lead to serious collisions. Our legal team has extensive experience in handling cases involving reckless drivers, and we will use traffic camera footage, witness statements, and other evidence to prove their negligence.

Weather Conditions
Rain, fog, and other hazardous weather conditions can make driving more dangerous. Wet or slippery roads reduce traction, while poor visibility can make it difficult for drivers to see obstacles or other vehicles. While drivers cannot control the weather, they are still expected to adjust their driving to the conditions. Failing to do so—such as driving too fast in heavy rain—can make them liable for any resulting accidents.

Fatigued Driving
Driving while fatigued can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence. Sleep-deprived drivers have slower reaction times, poor decision-making abilities, and an increased likelihood of falling asleep at the wheel. Fatigue-related accidents are especially common among commercial truck drivers who are under pressure to meet tight deadlines. If the driver who caused your accident was fatigued, our attorneys will investigate whether they violated federal hours-of-service regulations or engaged in other negligent behaviors.

Running Red Lights or Stop Signs
Intersections are common sites for car accidents, particularly when drivers run red lights or fail to stop at stop signs. These violations often result in T-bone or side-impact collisions, which can cause severe injuries to occupants. Drivers who run red lights or stop signs are almost always found at fault in accidents, and our legal team will work to hold them accountable for your injuries.

Defective Vehicles or Parts
In some cases, a car accident may be caused by a mechanical failure or a defective vehicle part. Faulty brakes, tire blowouts, and defective airbags can all contribute to crashes. If your accident was caused by a defect, our attorneys can help you pursue a product liability claim against the vehicle manufacturer or parts supplier, ensuring that you receive compensation for your injuries and property damage.

Unsafe Lane Changes
Improper lane changes, such as failing to signal or cutting off other vehicles, can lead to sideswipe accidents and multi-car collisions. Drivers are required to ensure that it is safe to change lanes before doing so. If another driver’s unsafe lane change caused your accident, we will work to gather evidence—such as dashcam footage or witness statements—to demonstrate their fault.

Tailgating
Following too closely, or tailgating, is a form of aggressive driving that increases the risk of rear-end collisions. If the driver in front has to brake suddenly, the tailgating driver may not have enough time to stop, leading to a crash. Rear-end collisions can result in whiplash, spinal injuries, and other serious medical conditions. In these cases, the tailgating driver is almost always considered at fault, and we will pursue full compensation for your injuries.

 

Why Understanding the Cause of Your Accident Matters

Identifying the cause of your accident is essential in building a strong personal injury case. The cause determines who is at fault and, therefore, who is liable for your damages. Our experienced attorneys will thoroughly investigate your accident, working with experts such as accident reconstruction specialists and medical professionals to determine how the crash occurred and who should be held responsible.

By understanding the root cause of the accident, we can develop a legal strategy tailored to your specific circumstances, ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve. Whether the cause was another driver’s negligence, a defective vehicle, or dangerous road conditions, we will fight for your rights every step of the way.

Why Choose Rafferty Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa?

Selecting the right law firm can make all the difference in the outcome of your car accident claim. Here are a few reasons why Rafferty Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa stands out:

Proven Track Record
We have successfully secured significant settlements and verdicts for car accident victims across Florida. Our team of attorneys is known for our dedication to obtaining maximum compensation for our clients.

Client-Focused Approach
At Rafferty Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa, we take pride in offering personalized legal services. We treat every case as unique, providing attentive, one-on-one support throughout the entire legal process. Our attorneys are always available to answer questions and provide updates on your case.

Extensive Resources
Our firm has access to a network of accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and investigators, all of whom contribute to building a strong case for you. This allows us to present compelling evidence that can significantly improve your chances of a favorable outcome.

Free Case Evaluation
We offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case and explain your legal options. There’s no obligation to hire us, but if you do, you can rest assured that we will fight relentlessly on your behalf.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accident Claims

Car accident victims often have many questions about the legal process and their rights. Here are answers to some of the most common questions we receive:

How much does it cost to hire a car accident lawyer?
At Rafferty Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t pay any legal fees unless we win your case. During your free consultation, we will explain how our fees work and provide a clear overview of what to expect.

How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Florida?
In Florida, you typically have four years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death cases, the statute of limitations is two years. However, it’s important to act quickly so that evidence can be preserved and witnesses are available.

What compensation can I recover after a car accident?
You can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and other losses. If the accident has long-term effects on your health or ability to work, we will factor those into the claim as well.

Do I need a lawyer for a minor car accident?
Even minor accidents can result in hidden injuries or disputes over liability. Consulting with a lawyer can help you understand your rights and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve, regardless of the severity of the accident.

What should I do immediately after a car accident?
After an accident, seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine. Report the accident to the police, take photos of the scene, and gather contact information from witnesses. Before speaking with any insurance adjusters, contact a car accident lawyer for legal guidance.

 

Contact Rafferty Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, don’t wait to get the legal help you need. The experienced car accident attorneys at Rafferty Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa are ready to fight for you and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Call us now or schedule a free consultation to get started on your case.