Driving in Okeechobee comes with risks from high-speed rural highways and poor night visibility to heavy rain and out-of-town drivers unfamiliar with the area. Accidents happen fast, and the aftermath can be overwhelming.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident near you in Okeechobee, you may be entitled to compensation beyond what insurance offers. Don’t face the stress of recovery and legal battles alone.
Call the local car accident lawyers at Steinger, Greene & Feiner today for trusted legal help and a free, no-obligation case review. We’re here to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Okeechobee
The type of accident you were involved in directly affects how fault is argued, what evidence is required, and how much compensation insurers are willing to offer. That’s why we approach every case with a strategy tailored to the crash itself, and not a one-size-fits-all process.
- Rear-end Collisions: We see rear-end crashes caused by distracted driving, tailgating, and sudden stops, often on local roads and highways. Insurance companies like to label these cases as “minor,” even when our clients are dealing with serious neck, back, or spinal injuries that worsen over time.
- Head-on Collisions: Head-on crashes are some of the most severe cases we handle, especially on Okeechobee’s rural and poorly lit roads. These collisions often leave our clients facing extensive medical treatment, long recovery periods, and time away from work.
- T-Bone, or Side Collision: Side-impact crashes frequently occur at intersections when another driver runs a red light or fails to yield. These cases often involve disputes over who had the right of way.
- Parked Car Accidents: We regularly represent clients who were injured when their parked vehicle was struck—sometimes by a driver who never stopped. These cases often involve uninsured motorist coverage or hit-and-run claims, which insurance providers are quick to question.
- High-Speed Accidents: High-speed crashes typically cause significant vehicle damage and serious injuries requiring ongoing care. When the potential payout is substantial, insurers look for any reason to delay, dispute, or undervalue the claim.
- Drunk Driving Accidents, DUI: Crashes involving impaired drivers are among the most devastating cases we handle. These accidents often result in catastrophic injuries and, in some cases, wrongful death claims.
Every car accident case is different. At Steinger, Greene & Feiner, we don’t rely on assumptions or quick settlements. We take the time to understand how the crash happened, how it has affected your life, and what it will take to recover full and fair compensation.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Okeechobee
What you do in the minutes and days after a crash can directly affect your health and your claim. We guide our clients through these steps every day.
- Get Medical Care Immediately
Your safety comes first. Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a medical professional. Early treatment protects your health and creates records that insurance companies can’t ignore later. - Call the Police
Ask for a police report at the scene. An official report helps document what happened and can play a key role in proving fault. - Exchange Information But Don’t Admit Fault
Collect contact and insurance details from other drivers. Avoid apologizing or discussing who caused the crash. Fault is determined later, not at the scene. - Document the Scene
Use your phone to take photos or videos of vehicle damage, injuries, road conditions, and anything else that shows how the accident happened. If there are witnesses, get their names and contact information. - Be Careful With Insurance Companies
Report the accident, but do not give a recorded statement until you’ve spoken with us. Insurance adjusters look for anything they can use to reduce your compensation. - Keep the Case Private
Don’t discuss the accident with anyone other than your lawyer and don’t post about it on social media. Public statements can be taken out of context and used against you. - Let Our Legal Team Take Over
At Steinger, Greene & Feiner, we handle the insurance calls, paperwork, and legal strategy from day one and throughout the whole claim legal process.
The Legal Process of a Car Accident Claim
After a car accident, many people assume the insurance process is straightforward. In reality, Florida personal injury law has strict rules and deadlines that can limit or completely bar your ability to recover compensation if you’re not careful.
Statute of Limitations
As of March 24, 2023, Florida reduced the time limit for filing personal injury claims from four years to two. This shortened window means that if you’ve been injured in a car accident, swift action is crucial to preserve your right to seek compensation.
Florida’s No-Fault Insurance
Florida law requires all drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance, covering up to $10,000 in medical costs regardless of fault. However, if your injuries are severe, resulting in permanent impairment or significant loss of function—you may go beyond PIP and pursue a claim against the responsible driver. This can provide compensation not only for medical bills but also for lost wages and property repair costs, essential for a complete recovery.
Comparative Negligence and Fault
Florida’s modified comparative negligence rule means that if you are 51% or more at fault, you cannot receive compensation. If you’re less than 51% responsible for the accident, your compensation is reduced accordingly. To ensure you are not unfairly assigned blame, seek guidance from a local attorney familiar with Okeechobee’s roadways and accident patterns.
Insurance adjusters often reach out shortly after an accident, aiming to reduce payouts. Avoid giving a recorded statement until you consult with your attorney, as insurers may use your words to minimize your compensation. Instead, focus on documenting your injuries and the accident scene thoroughly with photos and videos, creating strong evidence for your car accident case.
Our legal team at Steinger, Greene & Feiner helps clients navigate these rules from the start, so nothing critical gets missed, and insurance adjusters don’t take advantage of the situation.
Know Your Compensation Rights
If your injury leaves you with medical and other expenses beyond the scope of PIP, you may be able to file a lawsuit to recover your losses. Generally, these damages are divided into two categories: economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages pertain to compensation for the real money you lost, such as:
- Medical expenses above $10,000
- Lost wages above $10,000
- Property damage
- Out-of-pocket expenses
Additionally, your lawsuit may help you recover compensation for non-economic damages you suffered. These are losses that have nothing to do with tangible money. Non-economic damages may include:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Emotional pain or distress
- Loss of enjoyment in life
- Permanent disabilities and impairments
The compassionate team of auto accident attorneys at Steinger, Greene & Feiner will make sure that you receive maximum benefits and compensation in these situations. We understand how to navigate stressful and complex legal situations on your behalf.
The Legal Process of a Car Accident Claim and How Our Lawyers Handle It for You
After a car accident, the legal process can feel overwhelming. Between medical appointments, vehicle repairs, and pressure from insurance companies, many injured victims aren’t sure where to start or what mistakes to avoid.
At Steinger, Greene & Feiner, we manage the entire car accident claim process on your behalf, so you don’t have to navigate it alone or worry about saying or doing the wrong thing.
- Investigating the Accident and Preserving Evidence
Strong cases are built early. Our legal team investigates how the crash happened, secures accident reports, gathers witness statements, and preserves critical evidence before it disappears. This groundwork is essential to proving fault and protecting the value of your claim. - Documenting Injuries and Losses
Insurance companies base claim value on documentation. We work closely with our clients to collect medical records, treatment plans, and proof of lost income, making sure the full impact of the accident is clearly presented. - Handling Insurance Communications and Negotiations
Once we’re involved, insurance are required to go through us. We handle adjuster calls, recorded statement requests, and settlement discussions, shielding you from pressure tactics designed to reduce payouts. - Proving Fault and Maximizing Compensation
Car accident claims rely on evidence. Our attorneys organize and present that evidence to establish liability, challenge unfair blame, and demand compensation that reflects both current losses and future needs. - Taking the Case to Court if Necessary
While many claims settle, not all insurance providers act in good faith. If a fair settlement isn’t offered, we’re fully prepared to take your case to court and present it before a judge or jury. Throughout the process, we keep you informed, answer your questions, and make sure you understand what’s happening, so you can focus on healing while we focus on your case.
Choosing the Right Car Accident Lawyer Near You
Steinger, Greene & Feiner is your best choice for a knowledgeable and compassionate car accident attorney in Okeechobee. We blend experience with success to achieve results for our clients. Our team of dedicated auto collision lawyers has a combined track record of 10 decades.
While every case is unique, our combined legal representation has resulted in billions of dollars of compensation for our clients including:
- $13,000,000 Won for our client after being struck by a motorist while riding a bicycle
- $11,500,000 Car-crash fatality resulted in this settlement in favor of the victim’s family
- $10,000,000 Wrongful death after a vehicle collision resulted in this seven-figure settlement
- $5,900,000 Won for our client who suffered nerve injuries in a car wreck
- $2,300,000 Verdict rendered after a bicyclist was hit by a company vehicle
- $2,250,000 Defendant settled after our client had several surgeries following an automobile collision
- $2,200,000 Car crash caused back and neck injuries to our client, who agreed to this settlement offer
- $1,900,000 Jury awarded damages to a client who endured herniated discs following a car crash
- $875,000 Verdict rendered after our client suffered a bone fracture in a car crash
- $330,000 Jury awarded this amount to a client who required cervical fusion following a car wreck
- $244,000 Verdict worth almost 10 times as much as the original settlement offer to a client who was hit from behind in a vehicle collision
Our client testimonials speak for themselves!
Speak with a Car Accident Lawyer in Okeechobee
If you’ve been in an auto wreck, you shouldn’t have to worry about navigating Florida’s legal system. Your focus should be on your recovery. The experienced car accident attorneys at Steinger, Greene & Feiner will make sure this happens. The sooner you consult legal experts following a car accident in Okeechobee, the sooner you’ll receive reimbursement for your losses.
Call Steinger, Greene & Feiner at (863) 532-4079 or contact us online to schedule your free, confidential, no-obligation consultation with a car accident attorney in Okeechobee today. You may also visit us at our law firm offices: 103 NW 5th St, Suite 103, Okeechobee, FL 34972. We’re conveniently located near the heart of downtown Okeechobee, just off State Road 70 and minutes from the courthouse. Get Directions.
Call or stop by today for trusted, local legal help after your accident.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Safety should be your number one priority following a collision. Additionally, receiving medical care after a car accident documents your injuries which may come in handy later on in your case.
The amount of time it takes to receive a claim settlement following a collision depends on a number of factors including the type of accident, the type of claim, the extent to which injuries and damages have been documented, and the responsiveness of all parties involved.
The amount of damages awarded to car accident victims may depend on past and future medical bills, past and future lost wages due to missed work as a result of the accident, automobile repair costs, and other expenses related to your injuries and property damage. The amount may also include a monetary value for any pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment in life you experienced.
Insurance companies try to minimize their expenses by giving you less than what you’re owed following a car accident. Knowledgeable auto accident attorneys understand this. More importantly, they know how to fight for fair settlements by accurately assessing your losses and advocating for their reimbursement in court.
For personal injury cases like car accidents, you pay no fees upfront to your lawyer. In fact, you only pay us if we get money for you through your settlement or jury award through the courts. On the other hand, if you do not receive a favorable verdict, you pay nothing.