Michael J. Smith, Car Accidents Attorney in Ocala, Florida
focused on Car Accidents, General, and Insurance · 3.2/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews
PartneratMorgan & Morgan
Ocala, FL
Trusted car accidents attorney serving Ocala.
- 3.2 ★
- 2 client reviews
Are you Michael J. Smith?
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Quick answer
Michael J. Smith is a partner based in Ocala, FL. The practice focuses on Car Accidents, General, and Insurance. Currently practicing at Morgan & Morgan. Rated 3.2 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
- Based in
- Ocala, FL
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Car Accidents · General · Insurance
- Handles Car Accidents, General, and Insurance matters from Ocala, FL.
- Recognized with CV Notable.
About Michael J. Smith: Michael J. Smith is a partner based in Ocala, FL. The practice focuses on Car Accidents, General, and Insurance. Currently practicing at Morgan & Morgan. Rated 3.2 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Michael takes on
Michael concentrates on car accidents, general, insurance, personal injury, and product liability. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Car Accidents
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General
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Insurance
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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 Ocala, Florida
Michael takes car accidents matters in Ocala, 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 Michael agrees to represent you.
General cases in Ocala, Florida
Michael takes general matters in Ocala, 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 Michael agrees to represent you.
Insurance cases in Ocala, Florida
Michael takes insurance matters in Ocala, 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 Michael agrees to represent you.
Personal Injury cases in Ocala, Florida
Michael takes personal injury matters in Ocala, 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 Michael agrees to represent you.
Product Liability cases in Ocala, Florida
Michael takes product liability matters in Ocala, 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 Michael agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Michael J. Smith — car accidents lawyer in Ocala
Michael J. Smith is a partner based in Ocala, FL. The practice focuses on Car Accidents, General, and Insurance. Currently practicing at Morgan & Morgan. Rated 3.2 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
Michael Smith is the managing partner of the Tavares and Ocala office locations in Lake and Marion County, Florida. He is also a member of the firm's statewide risk management committee, and oversees personal injury litigation nationwide. Mr. Smith has been practicing law since 1996 and is admitted to the Florida Bar and the Colorado Bar. In 2009, he achieved board certification in civil trial law, which recognizes highly specialized achievement and expertise that very few lawyers in Florida acquire. He currently maintains this recognition with the Florida Bar.
He was raised in Ocala, Florida and graduated with high honors from Forest High School. He attended the University of Florida, graduating with a bachelor of science degree in Zoology with honors.
Mr. Smith then attended Stetson University College of Law where he also graduated with honors. Mr. Smith began his legal career as an assistant state attorney for the State of Florida. He prosecuted such crimes as drug trafficking, sex crimes, and was specially appointed as a felony domestic violence prosecutor. During the 3 years he served as a prosecutor, he conducted over 150 jury trials. Following his government service, Mr. Smith was an in-house attorney for State Farm Insurance Company as a claims litigation attorney. He worked for 2 years for State Farm specializing in personal injury and insurance dispute cases.
Since joining Morgan and Morgan in 2001, Mr. Smith has represented thousands of clients and their families injured by the negligence of others. He has obtained awards from juries in far excess of the offers made by insurance companies and has even successfully obtained settlements from major corporations.
Recent Wins
Thomas, Brian v. Rivera, Thomas & Lake County
$2,486,717
Car Accident
2022
Love, Thomas v. Johnson, Cecil & Ellen
$921,172
Car Accident
2022
Harmon v. Butler
$878,662
Car Accident
2018
Persley v. Schaare
$459,000
Car Accident
2012
Albertus Van Hagen v. Allstate
$332,000
Car Accident
2017
Hamby v. Colon
$250,000
Car Accident
2007
Pray v. Publix
$202,688
Slip and Fall
2012
Schneider, Walter vs. Webster, Kyla & Owners Insurance
$197,000
Car Accident
2022
Kathylee Johnson v. 21st Century
$159,427
Car Accident
2017
Kolodzaike v. Estate of Lewis
$100,000
Personal Injury
2019
Joyce Byrd v. Franklin Brickey
$75,000
Car Accident
2018
Hipsher v. McDade
$62,000
Car Accident
2009
Lloyd v. Alqwasarey
$50,000
Car Accident
2009
Elser v. Rodriguez
$47,500
Car Accident
2007
Baker v. Chandler
$28,000
Car Accident
2011
Endicott v. Kiburz
$25,000
Car Accident
2006
Wright v. Fiedler
$25,000
Car Accident
2012
Vincenty v. Gettel
$25,000
Car Accident
2014
Bolduc v. Progressive
$22,000
Car Accident
2007
Williams v. Nicholson
$15,000
Car Accident
2012
Fraeunshuh v. Pruitt
$9,000
Car Accident
2014
Thomas v. Ortiz
$8,500
Car Accident
2009
Turner v. Thornton
$5,500
Car Accident
2011
Michael's approach to car accidents cases
Michael Smith is the managing partner of the Tavares and Ocala office locations in Lake and Marion County, Florida. He is also a member of the firm's statewide risk management committee, and oversees personal injury litigation nationwide. Mr. Smith has been practicing law since 1996 and is admitted to the Florida Bar and the Colorado Bar. In 2009, he achieved board certification in civil trial…
Clients Michael works with
Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for car accidents, general, and insurance matters in Ocala and the surrounding Florida area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Stetson University
J.D. · 1996
University of Florida
B.S. · 1993
Michael studied at J.D. in Stetson University and B.S. in University of Florida.
Law school and academic background
Michael completed J.D. in Stetson University and B.S. in University of Florida. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in Florida is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Michael has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
CV Notable
Legal awards and honors
CV Notable.
Affiliations
Michael's professional memberships and bar associations
Memberships •The Florida Bar •The Colorado Bar •Florida Justice Association •American Trial Lawyers Association •Former Assistant State Attorney, 6th Judicial Circuit •Former Corporate Counsel for State Farm Insurance Company
membership
Locations
Michael J. Smith's office in Ocala
Michael's primary office is at 1007 E. Silver Springs Boulevard, Ocala, FL, 34470. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Michael J. Smith — 3.2/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Michael. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing car accidents attorneys in Ocala.
3.2
2 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Michael J. Smith claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Michael J. Smith — 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 Michael usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Michael charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael'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; Michael will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a car accidents attorney in Ocala, 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 Michael
Michael 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. Michael confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Michael'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 Michael J. Smith
How much does it cost to hire Michael for a car accidents case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Michael walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Michael offer a free consultation?
Michael charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office. Some car accidents attorneys offer free consults — check Michael'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. Michael gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Michael take my case if I'm outside Ocala?
Michael 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 — Michael 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 Michael?
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. Michael will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Michael accepting new car accidents clients right now?
Michael'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 Ocala, Miami and Tampa in Florida
Michael 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
Other top-rated car accidents attorneys in Florida
If Michael's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these car accidents attorneys in Ocala handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.
