A Firm That Puts You First When It Matters Most
At Tuttle Larsen, P.A., we’ve handled countless personal injury cases, and car accidents make up a significant portion of the work we do for clients across the Treasure Coast. If you’ve been injured in a crash, you’re likely dealing with pain, lost income, and a long list of unanswered questions. As your trusted Port St. Lucie, FL car accident lawyer, we understand how difficult it can be to recover physically and financially. Our goal is to step in, take on the legal burden, and help you focus on getting your life back.
Legal Support When You’re Hit With The Unexpected
Our car accident lawyer provides legal representation to people who have been injured in vehicle collisions due to someone else’s carelessness or misconduct. These cases often involve much more than just filing an insurance claim. There may be disputes over fault, challenges collecting compensation, and pressure from insurers to accept a quick but unfair settlement.
When we work with clients in Port St. Lucie and nearby areas, they’re often facing serious hardships:
- Medical bills that keep growing while income is lost due to time off work
- Physical pain and emotional stress from the trauma of the accident
Rather than focusing only on the legal steps involved, most clients want one thing — to be treated fairly and receive the full compensation they need to move forward. That’s where we come in. Our car accident lawyer not only builds your case with evidence and legal skill, but also stands between you and the insurance companies that are more focused on protecting their bottom line than your recovery.
Each case is unique, and factors like Florida’s comparative fault rules, insurance policy limits, and the extent of your injuries can all impact the outcome. Our lawyers know the local courts, local laws, and how insurance companies operate in Florida is essential to protecting your rights.
Why Our Knowledge Makes A Difference
At Tuttle Larsen, P.A., we’ve built our reputation on being prepared, responsive, and results-driven. We’re not a volume-based law firm, and that means every client gets one-on-one attention from an experienced attorney, not just a case manager. Our firm has decades of combined experience in personal injury law, and we bring that depth of knowledge to every case we take on.
We know the tactics insurance adjusters use, and we know how to push back effectively. When you work with a Port St. Lucie, FL car accident lawyer from our team, you’re not just hiring someone to file paperwork — you’re hiring someone who’s ready to fight for your financial and physical recovery.
Types Of Car Accident Cases We Handle
If you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle collision, it’s important to have someone in your corner who understands what’s at stake. At Tuttle Larsen, P.A., we’re ready to help. Each Port St. Lucie, FL car accident lawyer on our team has the experience and dedication to guide you through the process of pursuing a personal injury claim with confidence.
We represent individuals and families across Port St. Lucie and the surrounding areas in a wide range of car accident claims. No matter how your accident happened, we’re prepared to listen to your story and help you take the next steps.
- Rear-End Collisions: These crashes often happen at stoplights or in heavy traffic and are frequently caused by distracted driving or tailgating. Even low-speed rear-end accidents can result in serious injuries like whiplash or back pain.
- Head-On Collisions: Head-on accidents are among the most dangerous and often lead to severe or fatal injuries. They usually result from reckless driving, fatigue, or impaired driving, and require a detailed investigation to determine liability.
- T-Bone and Side-Impact Crashes: These often happen at intersections when one driver runs a red light or fails to yield. The side of a vehicle has less structural protection, which means injuries can be more serious.
- Drunk or Drug-Impaired Driving Accidents: When someone chooses to drive under the influence, the risk of a catastrophic crash increases. We pursue full damages in these cases and may also seek punitive damages, depending on the circumstances.
- Distracted Driving Accidents: Texting, using a GPS, or eating behind the wheel can easily cause a driver to miss important cues on the road. We work to prove distraction using phone records, witness statements, and traffic footage when available.
- Multi-Vehicle Pileups: These cases are complex because fault may be shared by multiple drivers or even involve unsafe road conditions. We coordinate with investigators and experts to identify all liable parties.
- Hit-and-Run Accidents: If the at-fault driver flees the scene, you may still have legal options. We assist clients in filing uninsured motorist claims and work with authorities to track down those responsible whenever possible.
- Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Claims: When the other driver lacks sufficient insurance coverage, your own policy may be the only path to recovery. We help clients file claims and deal with their own insurers when coverage disputes arise.
- Rollover Accidents: Often associated with SUVs and trucks, rollover crashes can result from speeding, sharp turns, or product defects. These cases sometimes involve claims against the vehicle manufacturer in addition to the at-fault driver.
- Pedestrian Accidents Caused by Drivers: When drivers fail to yield or drive too fast in pedestrian areas, people on foot can be severely injured. We handle cases involving crosswalk collisions, school zones, and parking lots.
- Fatal Car Accidents and Wrongful Death Claims: If a loved one died in a car crash caused by another’s negligence, we help families pursue wrongful death claims to seek compensation for loss of income, companionship, and emotional suffering.
- Highway and Freeway Collisions: Accidents on high-speed roads like I-95 often result in serious injuries due to the speeds involved. We gather traffic camera footage, accident reconstruction data, and medical records to support your claim.
- Teen Driver Accidents: Young drivers are more likely to cause accidents due to inexperience. If your child was injured or a teen driver caused your accident, we’ll review liability and applicable insurance coverage closely.
- Vehicle Defect or Mechanical Failure Accidents: Sometimes an accident is caused not by a driver, but by faulty brakes, tires, or steering systems. We evaluate the evidence to determine whether a manufacturer or repair shop may be liable.
Whether you were hit by a distracted driver, struck in a crosswalk, or injured in a freeway crash, our firm is ready to help. Our Port St. Lucie, FL car accident lawyers at Tuttle Larsen, P.A. understands how to build strong cases and seek the compensation you deserve. Let’s talk about your options today.
Port St. Lucie Car Accident FAQ
What Should I Do Immediately After A Car Accident In Port St. Lucie?
After a car accident, your safety and health come first. If possible, move to a safe location and call 911 to report the crash and request medical help if anyone is injured. Even if you feel okay, it’s smart to get checked by a medical professional as some injuries may not show symptoms right away. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver, but avoid admitting fault or discussing details of the accident. Take photos of the scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses if there are any. Once you’ve handled the immediate aftermath, contact our Port St. Lucie, FL car accident lawyer before speaking with the insurance companies. Our lawyer can help protect your rights, explain your options, and prevent you from accepting a low settlement.
How Long Do I Have To File A Car Accident Claim In Florida?
In Florida, the statute of limitations for most car accident injury claims is two years from the date of the accident. This means you generally have two years to file a lawsuit if you were injured in a crash. If you miss that deadline, your case could be dismissed, and you may lose the right to recover any compensation. However, there can be exceptions depending on the specifics of your case — for instance, if the injured person is a minor or if the crash resulted in a wrongful death. Also, if your claim involves a government agency or public vehicle, there may be additional steps and shorter timelines. It’s best to speak with our car accident lawyer as soon as possible after your accident to avoid missing important deadlines and to allow time to build a strong case.
What Can I Recover In A Car Accident Injury Claim?
When you’re hurt in a car crash that wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to recover several types of damages. These often include compensation for your medical expenses (past and future), lost wages if you missed work, and reduced earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work long-term. Pain and suffering, mental distress, and loss of enjoyment of life are also common types of damages in these cases. In more serious or permanent injury cases, the amount of compensation can be significantly higher. If a loved one died in the accident, surviving family members may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim to recover for funeral costs, loss of support, and emotional loss. Every case is different, so it’s important to work with our Port St. Lucie, FL car accident lawyer to get a full evaluation of the value of your case based on the facts and long-term impact of your injuries.
Should I Talk To The Other Driver’s Insurance Company?
You are not required to speak with the other driver’s insurance company, and doing so can hurt your claim. Insurance adjusters may sound polite, but their job is to minimize how much money their company has to pay. They might try to get you to admit partial fault, downplay your injuries, or agree to a quick settlement that’s far less than your case is worth. You’re within your rights to decline to speak with them and to direct all communication through your attorney. If they request a recorded statement, always consult your lawyer first. At Tuttle Larsen, P.A., we handle all communication with insurance companies for our clients to help them avoid missteps and protect their right to full compensation.
How Long Does A Car Accident Claim Take To Settle?
The timeline for resolving a car accident claim can vary depending on several factors, including the severity of the injuries, the clarity of fault, and how willing the insurance company is to offer a fair settlement. Some cases settle in a matter of a few months, especially if injuries are minor and the facts are straightforward. More complex cases involving serious injuries, disputed liability, or significant medical treatment may take a year or more. If a lawsuit must be filed and the case goes to trial, the process can take even longer. At Tuttle Larsen, P.A., we move efficiently while making sure your claim is fully developed, meaning we don’t rush into early settlements that don’t reflect the full value of your damages. While we aim to resolve your case as quickly as possible, our priority is always on getting you a fair outcome.
What If I Was Partially At Fault For The Accident?
Florida follows a modified comparative fault system. This means you can still recover compensation for your injuries even if you were partly at fault for the accident — as long as your percentage of fault is not more than 50%. However, your compensation will be reduced in proportion to your degree of fault. For example, if you are awarded $100,000 in damages but found to be 20% at fault, your final recovery would be $80,000. Insurance companies may try to exaggerate your share of blame to reduce their payout, which is why having our Port St. Lucie, FL car accident lawyer can make a big difference. We gather evidence, interview witnesses, and push back against unfair fault assignments to help protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.
What If The At-fault Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?
If the other driver involved in the accident doesn’t have insurance, or doesn’t have enough to cover your damages, you may still have options. One of the most important resources in this situation is your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, if you have it as part of your auto insurance policy. This type of coverage is designed to step in and pay for your injuries when the at-fault driver can’t. Many drivers don’t realize they have this protection or don’t know how to file a claim under it. We help clients file UM/UIM claims and work with their insurance providers to pursue compensation. If your insurance company refuses to pay fairly, we can take legal action on your behalf. A hit-and-run accident is also treated as an uninsured driver situation, and similar rules apply.
Let’s Talk About Your Next Step
You don’t have to take on this situation alone. Our dedicated Port St. Lucie, FL car accident lawyer from Tuttle Larsen, P.A. is here to help you understand your rights and take real action. Contact us today for a consultation and get the support you need to move forward.