If you were in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, you should get medical attention, talk to a personal injury lawyer if you are hurt, and collect as much evidence as possible. Many people feel confused about what to do next, and that confusion is completely normal.
The steps you take affect how your case plays out. If another driver hit you in Florida, you may have the right to seek compensation for your injuries and losses. However, Florida’s insurance laws are different from those of most states. It’s smart to get legal help.
Our car accident lawyers in Fort Lauderdale have recovered more than $250 million on behalf of injured Florida accident victims. We’re a legal family committed to serving others and winning cases. Call us today to schedule a free consultation and tell us about your car accident.
Get Medical Treatment
See a doctor after your crash, even if you think you are feeling okay. Getting checked out protects both your health and your ability to recover compensation later. Your medical records may serve as evidence that connects your injuries to the accident.
Insurance companies will look for gaps in treatment and use them to argue your injuries were not serious or were caused by something else. Seeing a doctor and complying with their directions shows you are concerned about your health.
There are also insurance deadlines to consider. Florida’s No-Fault insurance framework requires you to seek treatment within 14 days of the accident, or you lose access to your benefits.
Inform Your Insurance Provider
Florida is a No-Fault state for car insurance, per Section 627.7407 of the Florida Statutes. That means you file with your own insurer, no matter who caused the crash. Florida requires all drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection coverage, commonly called PIP.
After an accident, your own insurance pays for a portion of your medical expenses and lost wages, no matter who caused the accident. PIP covers up to $10,000 in medical expenses, but only if you seek treatment within 14 days of the accident.
PIP does not cover everything. If your injuries are serious, you may be able to step outside the No-Fault system and file a claim and sue after a car accident. Florida law allows this when injuries meet a certain threshold of severity.
Talk to a Personal Injury Lawyer
Many people don’t realize how quickly insurance companies start building their case after an accident. The at-fault driver’s insurer is not on your side. Even your own insurer may try to pay out as little as possible by convincing you to accept less than you deserve.
Our personal injury lawyers level the playing field. We understand No-Fault insurance in Florida, and we know how insurance companies work. We will manage your claim and handle communications with the insurer so you do not accidentally say something that hurts your case.
We will identify all liable parties who played a role in your crash and hold them accountable for your damages.
Document Everything
Evidence collected at the scene can provide context that is hard to dispute later. If possible, take photos of things like skid marks and vehicle damage. If witnesses stopped, their accounts can support what you say happened.
Write down everything you remember about the crash as soon as you can. Details fade quickly after a traumatic event. The more documentation you have from the day of the accident, the harder it becomes for an insurance company to challenge the facts of your claim.
Hang on to all receipts for costs such as medical care, vehicle repairs, and extra household expenses. Our attorney can use your documentation to determine how much your car accident claim is worth.
Call or text 800-602-5000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
Protect Your Information on Social Media
It is understandable if you want to keep friends and family in the loop concerning your injuries, but it is smart to be careful about what you post online. Insurance adjusters often look at social media profiles when they review injury claims, hoping to find something to use against you.
A photo of you at a family gathering or a simple comment saying you feel fine can be misunderstood and hurt your case. The safest approach is to avoid posting anything about the accident, your injuries, or your daily activities while your claim is open.
Get Help With a Car Accident Claim
After a car accident that wasn’t your fault, you should seek medical attention, even if you think you’re fine. Collect information where you can, and hold on to all documentation related to your accident and injuries. All of this may serve as evidence if you have a claim.
Dealing with the aftermath of an accident is tough, even if you didn’t cause it. Our personal injury attorneys can handle the legal side of your claim while you focus on your recovery. We will investigate your crash and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Our team at Blakeley Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers has more than 40 years of combined legal experience and represents accident victims throughout Florida. If you were hurt in a crash that was not your fault, call us today for a free consultation.
