Personal Injury

 Daytona Beach Personal Injury Lawyer

Car Accidents, Truck Accidents, Commercial Vehicle Crashes, and Wrongful Death Claims Throughout Volusia and Flagler Counties

A serious motor vehicle accident can change your life in seconds.

One moment you are driving to work, taking your children to school, heading to the beach, or traveling along Interstate 95. The next moment, you are facing injuries, medical treatment, lost income, insurance adjusters, vehicle damage, and uncertainty about the future.

If you have been injured in a car accident, truck accident, commercial vehicle crash, motorcycle accident, or wrongful death incident in Daytona Beach, Port Orange, Ormond Beach, New Smyrna Beach, Deland, Palm Coast, Bunnell, or anywhere throughout Volusia County or Flagler County, you may be entitled to significant compensation.

Insurance companies begin evaluating claims almost immediately after a crash.

You should have someone protecting your interests just as quickly.

Patrick J. McGeehan is a Daytona Beach personal injury attorney and former police officer who represents individuals injured in motor vehicle accidents throughout Central Florida.

His background investigating crashes, interviewing witnesses, and evaluating evidence provides valuable insight when dealing with insurance companies and proving liability.

When insurance companies attempt to minimize injuries or undervalue claims, aggressive legal representation can make a substantial difference.

Personal Injury Cases We Handle

Our office focuses on motor vehicle accident and wrongful death claims involving:

  • Car Accidents
  • Truck Accidents
  • Tractor-Trailer Accidents
  • Semi-Truck Collisions
  • Commercial Vehicle Accidents
  • Delivery Truck Accidents
  • Utility Vehicle Crashes
  • Company Vehicle Accidents
  • Van Accidents
  • Motorcycle Accidents
  • Pedestrian Accidents
  • Bicycle Accidents
  • Rideshare Accidents
  • Uber Accidents
  • Lyft Accidents
  • Wrongful Death Claims
  • Catastrophic Injury Cases
  • Serious Neck and Back Injury Claims
  • Traumatic Brain Injury Claims

We do not handle medical malpractice, slip-and-fall claims, nursing home abuse cases, or similar premises liability matters.

Our focus remains on serious motor vehicle injury litigation.

Why Car Accident Cases Are Often More Complicated Than People Realize

Many people believe accident cases are simple.

The other driver caused the crash.

The insurance company pays the claim.

Unfortunately, that is not how many cases unfold.

Insurance companies frequently dispute:

  • Liability
  • Injury severity
  • Medical treatment
  • Future medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Permanent impairment
  • Pain and suffering

Even cases involving obvious fault can become contested when significant injuries are involved.

The larger the claim, the harder insurance companies often fight.

Florida’s No-Fault Insurance System

Florida operates under a no-fault insurance system.

This means your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage generally pays a portion of certain medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who caused the crash.

Many injured people mistakenly believe this means they cannot pursue claims against the at-fault driver.

That is not true.

When injuries satisfy Florida’s legal threshold requirements, injured victims may pursue claims against the negligent party for additional damages.

Understanding how PIP benefits interact with bodily injury claims is essential to maximizing recovery.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Most crashes occur because someone made a preventable mistake.

Common causes include:

  • Distracted driving
  • Texting while driving
  • Speeding
  • Following too closely
  • Failure to yield
  • Running red lights
  • Running stop signs
  • Improper lane changes
  • Aggressive driving
  • Driver fatigue
  • Impaired driving

The focus of every injury claim is determining what happened, who caused it, and how the collision affected the victim’s life.

Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end crashes are among the most common accidents on Florida roads.

Although insurance companies sometimes characterize these collisions as minor, many rear-end accidents produce significant injuries.

Common injuries include:

  • Neck injuries
  • Herniated discs
  • Back injuries
  • Shoulder injuries
  • Head injuries
  • Concussions

Even relatively low-speed impacts can generate substantial medical issues.

Intersection Accidents

Intersections are among the most dangerous locations for motorists.

Common causes of intersection collisions include:

  • Red-light violations
  • Failure to yield
  • Distracted driving
  • Speeding
  • Improper turns

These crashes often involve substantial property damage and serious bodily injury.

Determining fault frequently requires analysis of:

  • Crash reports
  • Witness statements
  • Traffic signal timing
  • Surveillance footage
  • Vehicle damage patterns

Interstate 95 Accident Cases

Interstate 95 is one of the busiest transportation corridors in Florida.

It runs directly through both Volusia County and Flagler County.

Serious crashes on I-95 frequently involve:

  • High speeds
  • Commercial trucks
  • Multi-vehicle collisions
  • Catastrophic injuries
  • Wrongful death claims

Because these accidents often involve substantial damages, immediate investigation is essential.

Critical evidence can disappear quickly.

Truck Accident Cases

Truck accident litigation differs significantly from ordinary automobile accidents.

Commercial trucking cases often involve:

  • Multiple insurance policies
  • Corporate defendants
  • Federal regulations
  • Electronic data
  • Driver qualification issues
  • Maintenance records

Trucking companies and their insurers often deploy investigators immediately following serious crashes.

Victims should have experienced legal representation protecting their interests as well.

Why Truck Accidents Are Different

Commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds.

The size difference between a tractor-trailer and a passenger vehicle is enormous.

As a result, truck accidents often produce:

  • Catastrophic injuries
  • Permanent disabilities
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Wrongful death claims

These cases frequently require extensive investigation and expert analysis.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Truck crashes often result from:

  • Driver fatigue
  • Hours-of-service violations
  • Distracted driving
  • Improper maintenance
  • Brake failures
  • Tire failures
  • Improper loading
  • Speeding
  • Inadequate training

Determining the true cause of a truck crash frequently requires obtaining records controlled by the trucking company.

Commercial Vehicle Accidents

Not every commercial vehicle is a tractor-trailer.

Many serious injury cases involve:

  • Delivery vans
  • Utility trucks
  • Service vehicles
  • Construction vehicles
  • Corporate fleet vehicles
  • Municipal vehicles

Commercial vehicle operators and their employers may both bear responsibility depending upon the circumstances.

Corporate Liability

One important advantage in commercial vehicle cases is that liability may extend beyond the driver.

Potentially responsible parties may include:

  • Employers
  • Vehicle owners
  • Contractors
  • Maintenance companies
  • Fleet operators

Identifying all responsible parties is often essential to maximizing compensation.

Wrongful Death Claims

Some accidents result in tragedy.

When negligence causes the death of a loved one, surviving family members may have legal rights under Florida law.

Wrongful death claims may arise from:

  • Car accidents
  • Truck accidents
  • Commercial vehicle crashes
  • Motorcycle accidents
  • Pedestrian collisions

Although no lawsuit can replace a loved one, pursuing accountability may help provide financial security and justice for surviving family members.

Catastrophic Injuries

Certain injuries permanently alter a person’s life.

Examples include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Paralysis
  • Severe orthopedic injuries
  • Amputations
  • Permanent disabilities

These cases often involve substantial future damages that extend far beyond initial medical expenses.

What Damages Can Be Recovered?

Depending upon the facts of the case, compensation may include:

  • Medical expenses
  • Future medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Loss of future earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Mental anguish
  • Disability
  • Disfigurement
  • Property damage

Every case must be evaluated individually.

The value of a claim depends upon the specific facts and injuries involved.

Insurance Companies Are Not On Your Side

Many accident victims assume insurance adjusters are there to help.

Insurance companies are businesses.

Their goal is to minimize payouts whenever possible.

Common tactics may include:

  • Quick settlement offers
  • Disputing treatment
  • Minimizing injuries
  • Delaying claims
  • Shifting blame

Before accepting a settlement, it is important to understand the full extent of your damages and future medical needs.

Why Former Police Experience Matters

As a former police officer, Patrick J. McGeehan understands:

  • Crash investigations
  • Witness interviews
  • Evidence preservation
  • Accident reconstruction principles
  • Police reporting procedures

This background provides valuable insight when investigating motor vehicle accidents and challenging insurance company defenses.

The Importance of Acting Quickly

Evidence can disappear surprisingly fast.

Important evidence may include:

  • Surveillance footage
  • Vehicle data
  • Witness statements
  • Electronic records
  • Photographs
  • Physical evidence

The sooner an attorney becomes involved, the sooner evidence can be preserved and the stronger your claim may become.

Truck Accidents, Commercial Vehicle Crashes, Federal Trucking Regulations, Corporate Liability, and Catastrophic Injury Claims

Truck Accident Cases Are Different From Ordinary Car Accident Cases

Most people understand that a collision involving an 80,000-pound tractor-trailer is different from a collision involving two passenger vehicles.

What many accident victims do not realize is that truck accident claims are also dramatically different from ordinary car accident cases from a legal and investigative standpoint.

Commercial trucking companies often have:

  • Corporate legal departments
  • Insurance defense lawyers
  • Safety directors
  • Accident reconstruction experts
  • Private investigators

In serious truck accident cases, these resources may be deployed within hours of a crash.

While injured victims are receiving medical treatment, trucking companies may already be working to protect themselves from liability.

That is one reason why immediate legal representation can be critically important.

Why Truck Accidents Cause Catastrophic Injuries

Commercial trucks are among the largest vehicles operating on Florida highways.

A fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds.

By comparison, most passenger vehicles weigh between 3,000 and 5,000 pounds.

The physics of a collision often place occupants of passenger vehicles at a tremendous disadvantage.

As a result, truck accidents frequently result in:

  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Paralysis
  • Multiple fractures
  • Internal injuries
  • Permanent disabilities
  • Wrongful death

The severity of these injuries often makes truck accident cases substantially more valuable than typical automobile accident claims.

Interstate 95 Truck Accidents

Interstate 95 is one of the busiest trucking corridors in the United States.

Every day, thousands of commercial vehicles travel through:

  • Daytona Beach
  • Ormond Beach
  • Port Orange
  • Palm Coast
  • Flagler County
  • Volusia County

Heavy truck traffic creates significant risks for motorists.

Truck crashes on Interstate 95 often involve:

  • High speeds
  • Multiple vehicles
  • Catastrophic injuries
  • Road closures
  • Complex investigations

Determining exactly what happened frequently requires immediate evidence preservation.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Truck crashes rarely occur without a cause.

Some of the most common contributing factors include:

  • Driver fatigue
  • Distracted driving
  • Speeding
  • Improper lane changes
  • Following too closely
  • Inadequate training
  • Improper loading
  • Brake failures
  • Tire failures
  • Poor maintenance

A thorough investigation often reveals that a crash resulted from multiple contributing factors rather than a single mistake.

Driver Fatigue

Driver fatigue remains one of the leading causes of serious truck accidents.

Commercial drivers frequently spend long hours on the road.

Fatigued driving can affect:

  • Reaction time
  • Decision making
  • Awareness
  • Judgment

Federal regulations limit the number of hours many commercial drivers may operate without rest.

Violations of these regulations can become important evidence in a personal injury claim.

Federal Hours-of-Service Regulations

Commercial drivers are subject to extensive federal safety regulations.

These rules govern:

  • Driving hours
  • Rest periods
  • Recordkeeping requirements
  • Vehicle inspections
  • Driver qualifications

Violations may provide important evidence of negligence.

Obtaining and analyzing these records is often a critical part of a truck accident investigation.

Electronic Logging Devices

Most commercial carriers are required to use electronic logging devices that record driving activity.

These records may reveal:

  • Driving time
  • Rest periods
  • Vehicle movement
  • Hours-of-service compliance

Electronic data often becomes some of the most valuable evidence in truck accident litigation.

Unfortunately, some records may not be preserved indefinitely.

Prompt action is often necessary to prevent evidence from being lost.

Distracted Truck Drivers

Commercial drivers face many of the same distractions as ordinary motorists.

Examples include:

  • Cell phones
  • Navigation systems
  • Dispatch communications
  • Electronic devices
  • Eating while driving

Given the size and weight of commercial vehicles, even a brief lapse in attention can have devastating consequences.

Improper Maintenance

Trucking companies have a responsibility to maintain their vehicles properly.

Mechanical failures frequently contribute to serious crashes.

Common maintenance issues include:

  • Brake failures
  • Tire failures
  • Steering defects
  • Lighting defects
  • Suspension problems

Maintenance records often reveal whether a trucking company ignored known safety concerns.

Improper Loading and Cargo Issues

Not all truck accidents are caused by driver error.

Improperly loaded cargo can create serious hazards.

Potential issues include:

  • Cargo shifts
  • Overloaded trailers
  • Unsecured loads
  • Falling cargo

These cases may involve liability extending beyond the driver and trucking company.

Multiple Defendants in Truck Accident Cases

One reason truck accident litigation is often complex is that multiple parties may share responsibility.

Potential defendants may include:

  • Truck drivers
  • Trucking companies
  • Vehicle owners
  • Maintenance providers
  • Cargo loading companies
  • Parts manufacturers

Identifying all responsible parties is essential when pursuing full compensation.

Corporate Liability

Trucking companies are not automatically protected simply because an employee was driving.

Corporate negligence may involve:

  • Negligent hiring
  • Negligent retention
  • Inadequate supervision
  • Inadequate training
  • Failure to maintain vehicles
  • Regulatory violations

Corporate liability claims frequently increase the value and complexity of truck accident litigation.

Commercial Vehicle Accident Cases

Many serious injury cases involve commercial vehicles that are not tractor-trailers.

Examples include:

  • Delivery vans
  • Amazon delivery vehicles
  • FedEx vehicles
  • UPS trucks
  • Utility trucks
  • Construction vehicles
  • Service vehicles
  • Municipal vehicles

Commercial vehicle operators are often acting within the scope of employment at the time of the collision.

This may create additional sources of insurance coverage and liability.

Delivery Vehicle Accidents

The rapid growth of online shopping has dramatically increased the number of delivery vehicles on Florida roads.

Delivery drivers often work under significant time pressures.

Potential contributing factors include:

  • Driver fatigue
  • Distracted driving
  • Speeding
  • Aggressive driving
  • Inadequate training

These cases frequently involve corporate defendants and substantial insurance coverage.

Accident Reconstruction

Serious truck accidents often require accident reconstruction analysis.

Experts may evaluate:

  • Vehicle damage
  • Roadway evidence
  • Black box data
  • Event data recorders
  • Speed calculations
  • Braking distances

Accident reconstruction can help establish how the collision occurred and who was responsible.

Black Box Data

Many commercial vehicles contain electronic data systems that record information before and during a collision.

Potential data may include:

  • Vehicle speed
  • Brake application
  • Steering inputs
  • Engine activity

This information can provide powerful evidence regarding liability.

Immediate preservation efforts are often necessary.

Catastrophic Injury Claims

Truck accidents frequently produce catastrophic injuries.

These cases often involve damages extending far beyond emergency medical treatment.

Future damages may include:

  • Ongoing medical care
  • Future surgeries
  • Rehabilitation
  • Home modifications
  • Assistive devices
  • Lost earning capacity

Calculating these losses requires careful analysis and planning.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries are among the most serious injuries seen in truck accident cases.

Potential symptoms may include:

  • Memory problems
  • Cognitive difficulties
  • Personality changes
  • Balance issues
  • Chronic headaches

These injuries are often life-altering and may require long-term treatment.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal injuries frequently result in significant long-term consequences.

Depending upon the severity of the injury, victims may experience:

  • Chronic pain
  • Reduced mobility
  • Partial paralysis
  • Complete paralysis

These cases often involve substantial future damages.

Wrongful Death Truck Accident Cases

Some truck accidents result in fatalities.

When negligence causes the death of a loved one, surviving family members may have the right to pursue compensation under Florida law.

Wrongful death damages may include:

  • Loss of financial support
  • Funeral expenses
  • Loss of companionship
  • Mental pain and suffering

These cases require immediate investigation and careful handling.

Insurance Companies Fight Serious Truck Claims

The more severe the injuries, the more aggressively insurers often defend claims.

Common tactics may include:

  • Disputing liability
  • Minimizing injuries
  • Blaming preexisting conditions
  • Challenging medical treatment
  • Delaying resolution

An experienced attorney can help level the playing field.

Why Evidence Preservation Matters

Critical evidence in truck accident cases can disappear quickly.

Important evidence may include:

  • Driver logs
  • Electronic data
  • Maintenance records
  • Inspection reports
  • Surveillance footage
  • Dispatch communications

Preservation letters and prompt investigation are often essential.

Why Former Law Enforcement Experience Matters

As a former police officer and investigator, Patrick J. McGeehan understands:

  • Crash investigations
  • Evidence collection
  • Witness interviews
  • Accident reconstruction principles
  • Commercial vehicle investigations

This experience helps identify evidence that insurance companies may overlook or attempt to minimize.

Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accident Cases

Are truck accident cases different from car accident cases?

Yes. Truck accident claims frequently involve federal regulations, corporate defendants, multiple insurance policies, and significantly more complex investigations.

Who can be sued after a truck accident?

Potential defendants may include the driver, trucking company, vehicle owner, maintenance provider, cargo company, or other responsible parties.

What is black box data?

Black box data refers to electronic information recorded by a vehicle that may provide evidence regarding speed, braking, and other factors.

What if the trucking company destroyed records?

Evidence destruction may create significant legal issues and should be addressed immediately by experienced counsel.

How much is a truck accident case worth?

The value depends upon liability, injuries, medical treatment, future damages, lost income, and numerous other factors.

What should I do after a truck accident?

Seek medical attention, preserve evidence, avoid speaking with insurance adjusters without legal advice, and contact an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible.

Florida Insurance Claims, Uninsured Motorist Coverage, Wrongful Death Claims, Serious Injuries, and Maximizing Compensation After an Accident

The Insurance Company Starts Working Immediately After a Crash

Most accident victims assume that insurance companies exist to fairly compensate injured people.

Unfortunately, insurance companies are businesses.

Their goal is to collect premiums and minimize claim payouts whenever possible.

Within hours of a serious accident, insurance companies may begin:

  • Investigating the crash
  • Interviewing witnesses
  • Reviewing medical records
  • Evaluating liability
  • Assessing financial exposure

The larger the potential claim, the more aggressively many insurers defend the case.

This is why it is important to have an experienced attorney protecting your interests from the beginning.

What Is My Car Accident Case Worth?

This is one of the most common questions asked after a serious accident.

The honest answer is that every case is different.

The value of a personal injury claim depends on numerous factors, including:

  • Severity of injuries
  • Medical expenses
  • Future medical treatment
  • Lost wages
  • Future lost earning capacity
  • Permanent injuries
  • Pain and suffering
  • Liability issues
  • Available insurance coverage

No responsible attorney can accurately determine case value without first understanding the facts, injuries, and available evidence.

Why Two Similar Accidents Can Produce Very Different Settlements

Many people search online for average settlement amounts.

Unfortunately, these comparisons are often misleading.

Two crashes that appear similar may involve completely different factors.

Examples include:

  • Different insurance policies
  • Different injuries
  • Different medical treatment
  • Different liability issues
  • Different long-term consequences

The focus should not be on averages.

The focus should be on maximizing the value of your specific case.

Florida Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Benefits

Florida requires most drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection coverage.

PIP generally provides limited benefits regardless of fault.

These benefits may help pay portions of:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Certain related expenses

However, PIP benefits are often insufficient to fully compensate accident victims with significant injuries.

This is where bodily injury claims often become important.

When Can I Sue the At-Fault Driver?

Florida law permits injured individuals to pursue claims against negligent drivers when injuries meet certain legal thresholds.

These claims may seek compensation beyond PIP benefits.

Potential damages may include:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Future medical expenses
  • Future lost income
  • Permanent injury damages

Determining whether a claim satisfies Florida’s threshold requirements requires careful legal analysis.

Bodily Injury Insurance Coverage

Bodily Injury Liability insurance is often one of the primary sources of compensation after a serious accident.

These policies may provide compensation when an insured driver causes injuries to another person.

The amount of available coverage can significantly affect settlement negotiations and litigation strategy.

Identifying all available insurance coverage is one of the most important aspects of a serious injury case.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

One of the most valuable protections available to Florida drivers is uninsured motorist coverage.

Unfortunately, many people do not realize how important this coverage is until after a crash occurs.

Uninsured motorist coverage may become critical when:

  • The at-fault driver has no insurance
  • The at-fault driver has insufficient insurance
  • Damages exceed available liability coverage

In serious injury cases, uninsured motorist coverage often provides a substantial source of recovery.

Underinsured Motorist Claims

Even when a negligent driver has insurance, the available policy limits may not fully compensate an injured victim.

This situation is often referred to as an underinsured motorist claim.

Catastrophic injuries can easily exceed available liability coverage.

When that occurs, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage may play a major role in maximizing recovery.

Hit-and-Run Accident Claims

Hit-and-run crashes occur far too frequently throughout Florida.

Victims often assume they have no options if the responsible driver cannot be identified.

That is not always true.

Depending upon the available insurance coverage, compensation may still be available through:

  • Uninsured motorist coverage
  • Other applicable policies

Prompt investigation is often essential in hit-and-run cases.

Insurance Adjusters Are Trained Negotiators

Insurance adjusters handle claims every day.

They are trained to evaluate claims and reduce payouts.

Common tactics may include:

  • Requesting recorded statements
  • Minimizing injuries
  • Blaming preexisting conditions
  • Challenging medical treatment
  • Delaying claim resolution

What appears to be a routine conversation may actually be part of a strategy designed to reduce the value of a claim.

Recorded Statements Can Hurt Your Case

Insurance companies frequently request recorded statements shortly after accidents.

At that point, victims often:

  • Do not know the full extent of their injuries
  • Have not completed treatment
  • Are under stress
  • Are uncertain about what happened

Statements made early in a case may later be used to challenge claims.

For this reason, accident victims should exercise caution before providing recorded statements.

Serious Injuries Often Require Long-Term Treatment

Some injuries resolve within weeks.

Others may require years of treatment.

Serious accident injuries may involve:

  • Surgery
  • Physical therapy
  • Pain management
  • Rehabilitation
  • Long-term medical care

Future treatment costs often represent a substantial portion of the value of a claim.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries are among the most serious injuries seen in motor vehicle accident cases.

Symptoms may include:

  • Memory loss
  • Concentration problems
  • Personality changes
  • Headaches
  • Balance issues

Brain injuries can affect every aspect of a person’s life and often require extensive future care.

Neck and Back Injuries

Neck and back injuries are among the most common consequences of automobile accidents.

Examples include:

  • Herniated discs
  • Bulging discs
  • Nerve impingement
  • Chronic pain conditions

These injuries may interfere with employment, recreation, and daily activities.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal injuries can create lifelong challenges.

Potential consequences may include:

  • Chronic pain
  • Mobility limitations
  • Paralysis
  • Ongoing medical treatment

These cases often involve substantial future damages.

Loss of Earning Capacity

Many accident victims focus on wages already lost.

However, serious injuries may also affect future earning potential.

Questions often include:

  • Can the victim return to the same job?
  • Will future promotions be affected?
  • Will work limitations reduce income?

Loss of earning capacity can represent a significant portion of a catastrophic injury claim.

Pain and Suffering Damages

Not all damages are financial.

Serious injuries often affect:

  • Daily activities
  • Family relationships
  • Physical comfort
  • Mental health
  • Quality of life

Florida law may permit compensation for these losses when legal requirements are satisfied.

Wrongful Death Claims

Few events are more devastating than losing a loved one because of another person’s negligence.

Wrongful death claims may arise from:

  • Car accidents
  • Truck accidents
  • Commercial vehicle crashes
  • Motorcycle collisions
  • Pedestrian accidents

While no amount of money can replace a loved one, pursuing accountability can provide financial protection and a sense of justice.

What Damages Are Available in Wrongful Death Cases?

Depending upon the circumstances, damages may include:

  • Funeral expenses
  • Medical expenses
  • Loss of support
  • Loss of services
  • Loss of companionship
  • Mental pain and suffering

Wrongful death cases require careful evaluation and immediate investigation.

Why Timing Matters in Accident Cases

Evidence does not last forever.

Important evidence may include:

  • Surveillance footage
  • Vehicle damage
  • Electronic vehicle data
  • Witness statements
  • Photographs
  • Commercial vehicle records

The sooner an attorney becomes involved, the greater the opportunity to preserve valuable evidence.

Settlement Versus Trial

Most personal injury claims resolve through negotiated settlements.

However, insurance companies sometimes refuse to offer fair compensation.

When that occurs, litigation may become necessary.

Insurance companies often negotiate differently when they know an attorney is prepared to take a case to trial.

Preparation creates leverage.

Why Former Police Experience Matters

As a former police officer, Patrick J. McGeehan understands:

  • Crash investigations
  • Witness interviews
  • Evidence collection
  • Accident reconstruction principles
  • Police reporting procedures

This investigative background helps identify important evidence and challenge insurance company defenses.

Why Clients Choose Patrick J. McGeehan

Accident victims need more than someone who simply files paperwork.

They need an advocate who understands:

  • Liability investigations
  • Insurance company tactics
  • Catastrophic injury claims
  • Wrongful death litigation
  • Commercial vehicle accidents
  • Truck accident cases

Patrick J. McGeehan aggressively represents accident victims throughout Daytona Beach, Port Orange, Ormond Beach, New Smyrna Beach, Palm Coast, Deland, Volusia County, and Flagler County.

Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Accident Claims

How much is my accident case worth?

The value depends upon liability, injuries, medical treatment, future damages, and available insurance coverage.

How long do I have to file an accident claim?

Florida law imposes deadlines for filing claims. It is important to consult an attorney as soon as possible.

Should I talk to the insurance company?

You should be cautious. Insurance adjusters often seek information that may reduce the value of a claim.

What is uninsured motorist coverage?

Uninsured motorist coverage may provide compensation when the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance.

What if the driver who hit me had no insurance?

Depending on your coverage, uninsured motorist benefits may be available.

What if I was partially at fault?

Florida law may still permit recovery depending upon the circumstances and degree of fault.

Do I need an attorney for a truck accident?

Truck accident cases are often significantly more complex than ordinary automobile accident claims and frequently involve multiple defendants and insurance policies.

Can I recover compensation for future medical treatment?

Yes. Future medical expenses may be recoverable when supported by the evidence.

Can I recover compensation for pain and suffering?

Potentially. Florida law permits recovery of certain non-economic damages when legal requirements are met.

Why should I contact an attorney immediately after an accident?

Early representation helps preserve evidence, protect your rights, identify available insurance coverage, and maximize the value of your claim.

Speak With a Daytona Beach Personal Injury Lawyer Today

If you have been injured in a car accident, truck accident, commercial vehicle crash, motorcycle accident, or wrongful death incident in Daytona Beach, Port Orange, Ormond Beach, New Smyrna Beach, Palm Coast, Deland, Volusia County, or Flagler County, you should not face the insurance company alone.

Patrick J. McGeehan is a former police officer and experienced personal injury attorney who aggressively represents accident victims throughout Central Florida.

The sooner you contact an attorney, the sooner evidence can be preserved, insurance coverage can be identified, and a strategy can be developed to pursue the full compensation you deserve.