C. Todd Smith has been dedicated to serving victims of car accident injuries in Orlando for 25+ years, and has recovered millions on behalf of over 1000 clients. Todd has been a member of the American Justice Association since 1994.

What You Can Expect Working With Us...

Keep You Informed Every Step of the Way

Over the course of working on your case, we will keep you informed at every step of the process. We understand that our clients want information about their case as quickly as possible. We think communication is so important that we made it one of our Firm Values (To Care, Communicate, Educate, and Serve). We understand that everyone communicates in different ways, so we will connect in a way that is most convenient for you.

Consistent Updates and Convenient Communication Options 

We offer text message updates, video conferencing, electronic document signing, and access to our online client portal so you can get secure access to your case information using a computer, tablet, or smartphone. We also promise to answer our phones and promptly return your phone calls and emails.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

I’ve been in a car accident, what should I do?

Stay calm and do not leave the scene. Call the police immediately and report the accident. Let them know if you believe you require medical attention. If you are able to move around, exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver, and note the names of any witnesses to the accident. Give the police an accurate and complete description of what happened, and keep any documentation the police give you regarding the accident and an accident report. Be factual and truthful in your description of the accident, but resist any inclination to be apologetic as this could be used against you. It is important to be accurate in what you tell the police officer, without being apologetic or accepting of blame.

How soon should I file a lawsuit?

That question depends on a number of factors. No matter what, though, you should contact an attorney as soon as possible if you believe that you have a claim. All legal claims must be brought within a specific period of time after the accident, and the more time we have to prepare your case the better. Additionally, it is sometimes important to speak with an attorney soon after the accident so that crucial evidence can be examined or preserved, or important witnesses be interviewed while their memories are still fresh.

I’m not sure I can afford an attorney. Should I still call one?

Yes! Our firm takes most personal injury cases on a contingency basis. This means that rather than you paying us up front, we are paid by receiving a set percentage of whatever recovery we are able to get you. If you don’t recover any money, neither do we. Nor do you incur any costs or expenses.

I may have been partly at fault in my car accident or other claim. Should I still seek legal advice?

Yes! Florida law provides for what is called "comparative fault," and courts will allocate recovery based on each party’s percentage of fault or proportionate responsibility for the accident. This is another reason that, when you speak to the police officer, you should try to stick to the facts being asked about, and not leap beyond them to apologies or your own conclusions about fault. It may well be that, although you feel responsible, an impartial fact finder would apportion only a small percentage of the fault to you.

I have a preexisting medical condition that was aggravated in my accident. Can I still pursue a claim?

Yes, in some circumstances you can. Courts recognize that aggravating a pre-existing condition can be an injury in and of itself. Make sure you let us know about this condition when you come in so that we can be fully informed.

I think I have a claim, but there are certain things that work against me. Do I have to tell my attorney about these?

Yes, you should definitely tell your attorney everything about your case. Your attorney is your advocate, but he or she can’t fully work for you unless he or she knows all of the facts. If there are facts that work against you, your attorney will be better able to deal with them if he or she knows about them in advance. Make sure you give your attorney a complete picture of what happened.

What should I bring with me when I come in?

You should bring any and all relevant documentation you have. In a personal injury case, this will include the police report, your insurance card and driver’s license, and any notes you have regarding the other driver’s insurance information. Also bring any photographs you may have of the scene of the accident. Many clients also find it helpful to write down the facts of their case so that nothing gets left out. Additionally, if you are dealing with pain or are missing work because of an injury, it may be a good idea to find a calendar with blank space on it and keep a record, day by day, of what complaints you have and the amount of work you had to miss.

How long will it take to get a fair settlement offer?

Personal injury lawsuits can vary in length from weeks to years in some instances. At C. Todd Smith Law, we will thoroughly investigate your claim to make sure you get all the money you deserve as quickly as possible.

Will I have to go to court?

If the insurance company agrees to pay what we believe your case is worth, and you decide to settle for that amount, then you don’t have to go to court. However, if the insurance company won’t or doesn’t offer what we believe your case is worth, we are prepared to take them to battle and fight for you!

Disclaimer: The reader should not consider this information to be an invitation for an attorney-client relationship and should always seek the advice of competent counsel in the reader’s state. We do not wish to represent anyone viewing this website in a state where this website fails to comply with all laws and ethical rules of that state. The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements. Before you decide, ask us to send you full written information about our qualifications and experience.