Attorney Chris Debari: Advocating for Personal Injury Victims

Attorney Chris Debari has been a dedicated personal injury attorney in Florida since 1999. With a Juris Doctor from Stetson University College of Law, Debari has built a reputation for his commitment to advocating for the rights of his clients. "Honestly, it runs in my family. My older brother was a personal injury attorney," he shares, highlighting his deep-rooted passion for the field.

“I like helping people. I don't like what the insurance companies try to do - how they've taken the lead with tort reforms that do not help our citizens, just enrich the carriers. We really have to advocate for the rights of our clients. It’s become so political. The insurance companies have become so dominant in the state, and we attorneys are the only thing that stands in their way. “People are hurt, and I'm able to advocate for them.”

Debari’s practice focuses on various types of personal injury cases, including vehicle, truck, motorcycle, and pedestrian accidents. He emphasizes the importance of attentiveness on the road and notes that "inattentiveness" is a common cause of vehicle accidents.

He also addresses the complexities of truck accident cases, explaining that they often involve multiple parties and require a thorough investigation of factors such as driver fatigue and company policies. "The causes that lead to the negligent behavior can be a little more complex with the trucking company," Debari explains.

Because it isn't just the case of a person not paying attention or who may not have slept enough, he researches how long the driver is on the road and how many hours they are allowed to drive and views the associated dispatch logs. Both the driver and the company they work for face liability.

Motorcycle accidents present unique challenges due to riders' vulnerability. Debari explains, "When driving a motorcycle, you don't have that protective cage around your body like in a car. So you're subject to more damage. Insurance laws permit people to operate motorcycles without helmets if they carry sufficient insurance." He also highlights the impact of Florida's modified comparative fault law on motorcycle accident cases, which can significantly affect the compensation riders receive.

Under a pure comparative fault model, a plaintiff could technically be 99% at fault and still recover 1%. If a jury were to say we would award the plaintiff $1,000,000 for their injuries, but we're going to find the plaintiff 80% of fault, the plaintiff would still collect 20% of the verdict. That's called pure comparative fault - a good model, meaning that the jury gets to determine how at fault they think the parties are and to put that on paper now. The insurance companies were successful in lobbying for a modified comparative fault. They wanted it to be that a plaintiff would get nothing if they were even 1% at fault. However, the plaintiff’s attorneys lobbied in Tallahassee for a compromise that would result in recovery for the plaintiffs as long as they were not more than 50% responsible for causing their own injuries. But 51% or higher, the plaintiff recovers nothing.

In pedestrian accident cases, Debari underscores the duty of care drivers owe to pedestrians, especially at intersections and traffic signals.

In any accident, he advises victims to seek medical treatment immediately, gather evidence such as eyewitness testimonies and photos of the accident scene if safe to do so, and document the vehicle's position. "Any testimony that can help my client establish that liability is somebody else's responsibility," he emphasizes.

Debari’s dedication to personalized service characterizes his approach to personal injury law. "I try to give them the service that I try to give them with a personal touch, but try to be effective at all times, aggressive when necessary. I have a performance background, so I have no problem presenting my clients' cases to a jury. I'm talking about something I believe in - that people have a right to be made whole," he says. His extensive experience and ability to communicate effectively in front of an audience further enhance his advocacy for his clients.

He recommends against speaking to the at-fault party's insurance company without consulting an attorney first. He also highlights the importance of understanding the factors determining the compensation amount a victim might receive, including liability, the degree of injury, and available insurance coverage. "The degree to which a plaintiff is responsible for causing their own harm can significantly impact the compensation they receive," Debari explains.

Attorney Chris Debari's dedication to his clients and extensive knowledge of personal injury law make him a valuable advocate for those seeking justice and compensation for their injuries.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit cdbinjurylaw.com.