Derrick R. Connell, Car Accidents Attorney in Melbourne, Florida
Over 16 years of legal practice · focused on Car Accidents, Personal Injury, and Product Liability · 4.8/5 rating from 14 verified client reviews
AttorneyatMorgan & Morgan
Melbourne, FL
Practicing car accidents in Melbourne since 2010.
- 16+
- Years practicing
- 4.8 ★
- 14 client reviews
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you Derrick R. Connell?
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Quick answer
Derrick R. Connell is an attorney based in Melbourne, FL. The practice focuses on Car Accidents, Personal Injury, and Product Liability. Derrick has over 16 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Morgan & Morgan. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 14 client reviews.
- Based in
- Melbourne, FL
- Experience
- over 16 years
- Known for
- Car Accidents · Personal Injury · Product Liability
- Handles Car Accidents, Personal Injury, and Product Liability matters from Melbourne, FL.
- Over 16 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Derrick R. Connell: Derrick R. Connell is an attorney based in Melbourne, FL. The practice focuses on Car Accidents, Personal Injury, and Product Liability. Derrick has over 16 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Morgan & Morgan. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 14 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Derrick R. Connell
Derrick concentrates on car accidents, personal injury, product liability, and wrongful death. Each area below outlines the kind of case Derrick handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Car Accidents
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Personal Injury
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Product Liability
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Wrongful Death
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Car Accidents cases in Melbourne, Florida
Derrick takes car accidents matters in Melbourne, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Derrick agrees to represent you.
Personal Injury cases in Melbourne, Florida
Derrick takes personal injury matters in Melbourne, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Derrick agrees to represent you.
Product Liability cases in Melbourne, Florida
Derrick takes product liability matters in Melbourne, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Derrick agrees to represent you.
Wrongful Death cases in Melbourne, Florida
Derrick takes wrongful death matters in Melbourne, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Derrick agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Derrick R. Connell — Over 16 years of Florida car accidents experience
Derrick R. Connell is an attorney based in Melbourne, FL. The practice focuses on Car Accidents, Personal Injury, and Product Liability. Derrick has over 16 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Morgan & Morgan. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 14 client reviews.
Derrick R. Connell is the managing partner of the Melbourne and Titusville, Florida offices of Morgan & Morgan, P.A. Derrick’s primary practice focuses on representing clients injured in serious automobile collisions, wrongful death, premises liability, general personal injury cases, and other forms of negligence. Derrick believes that everyone deserves the best possible representation no matter how big or small their case. Each of his cases is handled with the same focus and care.
Over the years, Derrick has obtained millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for his clients. He is no stranger in the courtroom. Some of Derrick’s recent verdicts include: $1.6 million (motor vehicle crash); $1.14 million (motor vehicle crash), $150,000 (trip and fall), $327,000 (auto negligence), $106,000 (motor vehicle crash), $75,000 (pedestrian accident), and $550,000 (auto negligence). Additionally, in what was said to be the first successful trial of its nature, Derrick helped his client prevail in a multi-week complex product liability trial against a major corporation. Derrick has secured excess verdicts in numerous motor vehicle collision trials. In addition to trial victories, Derrick has recovered millions of dollars in settlements for his deserving clients.
Derrick has been named Top 40 under 40 by The National Trial Lawyers for six straight years; named a “Rising Star” by Florida Super Lawyers magazine- an annual publication that recognizes the top 2.5% of the state’s young lawyers; and given an AV Preeminent Rating by Martindale-Hubbell - this rating signifies that his peers rank him at the highest level of professional excellence for his legal knowledge, communication skills and ethical standards. In 2018, he was selected as a Top Ranked Lawyer by American Lawyer Media and Martindale-Hubbell.
Derrick is a member of the Brevard County Bar Association and the Florida Justice Association. He is a recipient of the Bronze Eagle Award, presented by the FJA; recipient of the Judge T. Mitchell Barlow Young Lawyer Professionalism Award; and is a past BCBA Young Lawyers Board Member.
Derrick, a Lanier County Georgia native, earned his Bachelor’s degree from Valdosta State University, his Master of Business Administration from Stetson University, and his Juris Doctor from Stetson University College of Law with a Concentration in Advocacy. While in law school, Mr. Connell was a teaching assistant, Stetson Ambassador, Student Bar Association Member and recipient of the William F. Blews Pro Bono Service Award. Mr. Connell was honored as a recipient of the Victor O. Wehle Trial Advocacy Award, inducted into The National Order of Barristers and awarded the prestigious Edward D. Foreman Most Distinguished Student Award. In 2015, Valdosta State University presented Derrick with the prestigious Distinguished Alumnus award. As a member of Stetson’s nationally ranked Trial Team, Mr. Connell was a two-time National Trial Champion. He first won the AAJ STAC, beating over 240 teams from law schools around the country. Then in 2009, Mr. Connell won the National Civil Trial Competition, where he was named the Best Advocate in both the preliminary and final rounds - a first for this event. He was also a Moot Court Board Associate Justice - winning the 2009 E. Earle Zehmer Moot Court Competition.
Mr. Connell was a Judicial Intern to the Honorable Judge D. Horrox and the Honorable Judge D. Demers, a Certified Legal Intern in The Sixth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office and a Legal Intern for the United States Attorney’s Office, Middle District of Florida. Derrick is married to Kelly R. Connell and together they have two sons and daughter.
Awards & Recognitions
•Top 40 Under 40 should have 2014, 2015, 2016
•Super Lawyers Rising Star 2015, 2016
•2015 Distinguished Alumnus Award: Valdosta State University
•10 Best in Client Satisfaction: American Institute of Personal Injury Lawyers - 2015
•AV Preeminent: Martindale-Hubbell
•National Association of Distinguished Counsel, Top One Percent - 2015
•The National Trial Lawyers: Top 40 Under 40
•Judge T. Mitchell Barlow Young Lawyer Professionalism Award, 2014
•Lawyer to Legacy 2011 Bronze Eagle Award, Florida Justice Association
•Edward D. Foreman Award
•Victor O. Wehle Trial Advocacy Award
•2009 National Civil Trial Competition: National Champion & Overall Best Advocate
•2009 AAJ Student Trial Advocacy Competition, National Champion
•2009 E. Earle Zehmer Moot Court Competition, Champion
•William F. Blews Pro Bono Service Award
•2018 Top Ranked Lawyer, American Lawyer Media and Martindale-Hubbell
News & Insights
Florida Jury Awards $2 Million Verdict in Personal Injury Case
Brevard County jury awards Palm Bay man $400,000 in case involving 2018 crash with police patrol car
Recent Wins
Phillippe, Kimberly vs CVMA Trucking $9,036,481 Car Accident 2026
Wilson, Milton vs. Home Depot USA, Inc. $7,167,345 Personal Injury 2022
Carvajal, Alexander vs. Javiar Parra et al. $5,460,072 Car Accident 2025
Rattansingh, Bibi vs SDM Transport Solutions $4,713,327 Trucking Accident 2026
Manuel Vieira vs. Dennis Payne and Seal Tight Roofing Experts, LLC $4,624,467 Car Accident 2019
White, William vs. Amezquita, Jennifer $4,132,480 Car Accident 2025
Manes v. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company $3,676,749 Car Accident 2025
Manning v. State Farm $2,422,561 Car Accident 2025
LAZARUS WRIGHT v. WAL-MART STORES EAST, LP AND JANNET WILKS $2,387,906 Slip and Fall 2023
Harp, Ronald vs. Arnoldy, Michael Allen $2,200,000 Car Accident 2025
Lum, Randall v. Tammy Jester Johnson and Donnie Lee Johnson $2,144,511 Car Accident 2024
Jarvis Bush vs. City Electric $2,005,664 Car Accident 2021
Castillo, Angelica v.s. State Farm Mutual Auto Insurance Comp $1,964,725 Car Accident 2024
Samet v. Kahn $1,824,040 Car Accident 2026
Alexis Hernandez v. Charles Rainier, Jr. $1,730,872 Dog Bite 2024
Helmes v. State Farm Automobile Insurance Company $1,729,082 Car Accident 2025
Linda E. Bergen vs. Ted Landgraff $1,619,088 Car Accident 2018
Gabriel, Scott v. Rhonda Scofield and Sandra Burton $1,554,311 Car Accident 2023
Grant, Jonathan vs. Mariana Jr., Miguel $1,500,000 Trucking Accident 2025
Maria Teresa Sanchez Bello $1,348,546 Slip and Fall 2024
Richardson, Melissa-Jo vs. City of Melbourne $1,300,000 Car Accident 2021
Passley, Iona vs VF Kipling Warehouse $1,250,000 Personal Injury 2024
Barnes v. Fitzpatrick $1,140,000 Car Accident 2014
Gail Pressley v Janelle K Galasso $1,100,000 Car Accident 2024
Private Settlement $1,000,000 Car Accident 2019
Jessica Brassard vs. Travelers Insurance $987,820 Car Accident 2021
Jessica Brassard v. Travelers Property Casualty Company of America $987,000 Car Accident 2021
Alec Moore vs. Sentry Management, Inc. and The Association at Royal Palms $898,720 Slip and Fall 2021
Moore, Alec v. Sentry Management, Inc. $898,720 Slip and Fall 2021
Gonzalez vs. Kipp Cooper and Classic Plumbing of Brevard LLC $897,760 Car Accident 2021
Sluder vs. Smith and Health First, Inc $750,000 Car Accident 2020
Andres Gonzalez vs. Erick Sanz and State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company $742,000 Car Accident 2021
Gordon, Vivian v. Jean Whittle $606,000 Car Accident 2022
Donnelly Jr., Patrick v. State Farm Mutual Automobile Ins. Co $574,162 Car Accident 2024
Private Settlement $500,000 Car Accident 2018
Joseph Bunch v. Brevard Feed and Seed $500,000 Slip and Fall 2025
Ricardo Madrigal vs. City of Palm Bay $416,000 Car Accident 2021
Renfro, Laura v. Wal-Mart $416,000 Personal Injury 2023
Avraham, Ayala vs. Shaw, William $404,131 Car Accident 2024
Nicole Kylin vs. Grills Riverside $357,979 Car Accident 2021
Edwards v. Kyle $327,497 Car Accident 2017
Timothy Rubin vs. Grills Riverside $305,493 Car Accident 2021
Carolin Adams vs. Guy Halgren $297,000 Car Accident 2019
Spears, Nathan $250,000 Car Accident 2024
Gillette, Danielle v. Archway International, Inc. $175,000 General Liability 2025
Richard Moronez v. Walmart Stores East, LP $164,764 Personal Injury 2021
C. Bartley vs. LM General Insurance Company $160,000 Car Accident 2018
Chaires v. Cocoa Expo $150,000 Slip and Fall 2015
Valerie Cooper vs. Danielle White and State Farm Mutual Insurance Company $62,000 Car Accident 2019
How Derrick handles car accidents matters
Derrick R. Connell is the managing partner of the Melbourne and Titusville, Florida offices of Morgan & Morgan, P.A. Derrick’s primary practice focuses on representing clients injured in serious automobile collisions, wrongful death, premises liability, general personal injury cases, and other forms of negligence. Derrick believes that everyone deserves the best possible representation no matter…
The kind of cases Derrick takes
Derrick reviews new inquiries case-by-case for car accidents, personal injury, and product liability matters in Melbourne and the surrounding Florida area.
Credentials
Derrick R. Connell's legal education and bar admissions
Stetson University College of Law
J.D. · 2009
Valdosta State University
B.A. Political · 2004
Jurisdictions
Derrick's state bar admissions
Florida
2010 · ACTIVE
Derrick studied at J.D. in Stetson University College of Law and B.A. Political in Valdosta State University.
Law school and academic background
Derrick completed J.D. in Stetson University College of Law and B.A. Political in Valdosta State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Derrick runs in Florida is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Derrick R. Connell
Derrick has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Derrick's professional memberships and bar associations
Memberships: •The Order of Barristers •Florida Justice Association •American Association for Justice •American Bar Association •Brevard County Bar Association •The Stetson Lawyers Association
membership
Locations
Derrick R. Connell's office in Melbourne
Derrick's primary office is at 940 S Harbor City Boulevard, Melbourne, FL, 32901. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Derrick R. Connell — 4.8/5 rating from 14 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Derrick. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing car accidents attorneys in Melbourne.
4.8
14 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Derrick R. Connell claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Derrick R. Connell — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new car accidents attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Derrick usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Derrick charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Derrick's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Derrick will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a car accidents attorney in Melbourne, Florida
A short list to run through before you commit: How many car accidents matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Derrick
Derrick discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in car accidents practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every car accidents matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Derrick confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Derrick's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many car accidents practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Derrick R. Connell
How much does it cost to hire Derrick for a car accidents case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Derrick walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Derrick offer a free consultation?
Derrick charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Derrick's office. Some car accidents attorneys offer free consults — check Derrick's current terms during booking.
How long do car accidents cases in Florida typically take?
Simple car accidents matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Derrick gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Derrick take my case if I'm outside Melbourne?
Derrick is licensed in Florida. Matters governed by Florida law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Derrick will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Derrick?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Derrick will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Derrick accepting new car accidents clients right now?
Derrick's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Car Accidents attorneys serving Melbourne, Miami and Tampa in Florida
Derrick handles car accidents matters throughout Florida. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified car accidents attorneys in that community.
More counsel
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If Derrick's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these car accidents attorneys in Melbourne handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.
