What To Do After A Car Accident In Florida
If you are involved in a car accident in Florida, it is important to know what to do. You need to take specific steps to protect yourself and make sure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Contact an attorney if you’ve been injured in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights and options, guide you through the legal process, and represent you in negotiations or court proceedings. In addition, they will work to get you a fair settlement for your injuries and other losses.
At The Fran Haasch Law Group, we have years of experience helping victims of car accidents. Our personal injury attorneys help victims achieve a higher average car accident settlement to rebuild their lives. We know how to fight for our clients, and we will do everything possible to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free case review.
8 Steps to Take After a Florida Car Accident
After being involved in a car accident, there are certain steps you should take to ensure your safety and the safety of others.
1. Seek Medical Treatment
If you have been injured in a car accident, it is important to get medical treatment as soon as possible. In many cases, injuries sustained in car accidents do not become apparent until hours or even days after the accident has occurred. If you delay in seeking medical treatment, it may be more difficult to prove that your injuries were caused by the accident.
2. Get to a Safe Place
After being involved in a car accident, it is important to move your vehicle out of the way of oncoming traffic if possible. If you can do so, turn on your hazard lights and call 911.
3. Stay at the Accident Scene
Do not leave the scene of the accident until the authorities have arrived. Once the police have arrived, be sure to exchange insurance information with the other driver. You should also take pictures of the accident scene and get the contact information of any witnesses.
4. File a Police Report
Filing a police report creates an official record of the accident. This can be helpful if there are any disputes about what happened or who was at fault. The police report cannot be used as evidence in a personal injury trial, but is helpful in pre-trial litigation.
5. Get the Other Driver’s Contact and Insurance Information
After you have filed a police report, you will need to get the contact and insurance information from the other driver. This is important so that you can file a claim with their insurance company. Be sure to get the other driver’s name, address, phone number, and insurance information.
6. Take Photos of the Scene
If you have a camera or a smartphone, be sure to take pictures of the accident scene. This can help provide evidence of what happened. Be sure to get photos of the damage to both vehicles and any injuries that you or the other driver may have sustained.
7. Contact Your Insurance Company
After being involved in a car accident, you will need to contact your insurance company to file a claim. Be sure to have all necessary information on hand, such as the other driver’s contact information and insurance information.
8. Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
After you have taken care of the accident’s immediate aftermath, it is important to contact a law firm for legal assistance. An experienced car accident attorney can help you navigate the legal process and fight to get you the compensation you deserve. If you have been involved in a car accident, do not hesitate to contact an attorney today.
Common Types of Car Accidents in Florida
Rear-End Collisions – A rear-end collision is the most common type of car accident. It occurs when the front of one vehicle collides with the back of another car. Rear-end collisions can be caused by various factors, including distracted driving, following too closely, and braking suddenly.
Side-Impact Collisions – A side-impact collision, also known as a T-bone accident, occurs when the side of one vehicle is hit by the front or back of another vehicle. These types of accidents are often very serious because they can result in injuries to the head, neck, and torso.
Head-On Collisions – A head-on collision occurs when the front of one vehicle collides with the front of another vehicle. Head-on collisions are often very serious because they can result in catastrophic injuries or even death.
Hit-and-Runs – A hit-and-run occurs when a driver leaves the scene of an accident without exchanging information with the other driver or contacting the police. Hit-and-runs are a serious crime and can result in hefty fines and jail time for the at-fault driver.
Single Vehicle Accidents – A single-vehicle accident is an accident that involves only one vehicle. Single vehicle accidents are often caused by driver error, weather conditions, and mechanical problems.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Florida
The most common cause of a car accident is a negligent driver. Negligent driving can include:
- Distracted driving is any activity that takes your attention away from the road. This can include talking on the phone, texting, or even eating.
- Speeding is one of the most common causes of accidents. It is important to always obey the posted speed limit and to drive at a safe speed for the conditions.
- Aggressive driving is any behavior that puts other drivers in danger. This can include tailgating, cutting off other drivers, or even road rage.
- Drunk Driving occurs when a driver gets behind the wheel after drinking too much alcohol. This can make it difficult for the driver to operate the vehicle safely.
Common Car Accident Injuries
There are a few injuries that are commonly sustained in car accidents. These include whiplash, back injuries, and head injuries.
- Whiplash is a common injury that occurs when the head is suddenly jerked forward or backward. This can cause neck pain and stiffness.
- Back injuries can range from minor to serious and may require surgery to correct.
- Head injuries can be very serious and may even result in death.
If you have suffered a car accident injury, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Florida Car Accident Laws
Car accidents are governed by a specific set of laws in Florida. These laws are designed to protect both drivers and passengers involved in an accident. If you have been involved in a car accident, it is important to familiarize yourself with these laws. This will help you understand your rights and options after an accident.
Some of the most important laws that you should be aware of include the following:
- Florida is a no-fault state. This means that each driver is responsible for their own damages after an accident.
- The statute of limitations for filing a car accident claim in Florida is two years.
- If you have been involved in a car accident, you may be entitled to recover damages. These damages can include medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Florida Insurance Coverage Requirements
In Florida, you are required to have two types of insurance.
Personal Injury Protection Insurance
If you have been involved in a car accident in Florida, it is important to know that all drivers are required to carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. PIP insurance covers up to 80% of damages up to $10,000 of your medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who was at fault for the accident.
Property Damage Liability Insurance
In Florida, drivers must also have property damage liability insurance coverage. This type of insurance coverage will pay for the repairs to your vehicle if you are involved in a car accident. However, it will not pay for your medical expenses or other damages.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
In Florida, it is estimated that one in five drivers are uninsured. If you are involved in a car accident where the at-fault driver is uninsured, you can file a claim with your own insurance company.
Unlike PIP and PDL coverage, UIM/UM coverage is not required in Florida, but it is something you should consider purchasing. UIM/UM insurance protects you if you are involved in an accident with an underinsured or uninsured driver. However, if your insurance company denies your claim, you may need to file a car accident lawsuit to recover the full amount of compensation you are entitled to.
Filing a Car Accident Claim in Florida: What You Need to Know
If you have been involved in a car accident, you may be wondering if you should file a claim. The answer to this question depends on a few factors. First, you will need to determine who was at fault for the accident. If the other driver was at fault, you will likely be able to file a claim against their insurance company.
Second, you will need to consider the extent of your damages. If you have sustained significant property damage or personal injuries, it is probably in your best interest to file a claim.
How to File an Insurance Claim
The process of filing an insurance claim can be complicated and time-consuming. Therefore, it is important to gather all of the necessary documentation before you begin the claims process. This includes things like police reports, medical records, and estimates of property damage.
Once you have gathered all of the necessary documentation, you will need to contact your insurance company and file a claim. The insurance company will then investigate the accident and determine whether or not to pay your claim.
How to Prove Fault in a Florida Car Accident
There are a few ways to prove fault in a Florida car accident.
- Show that the other driver was negligent. This means that they failed to exercise reasonable care, resulting in the accident.
- Use the doctrine of comparative negligence. This allows you to recover damages if you are less than 51% at fault for the accident.
- Provide evidence such as witness statements and the police report.
Damages You Can Recover in Florida Car Accident Settlements
In Florida, you may be able to recover both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are those that have a specific monetary value, such as medical bills and property damage.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages do not have a specific monetary value, such as pain and suffering. If you have been involved in a car accident, it is important to speak with an attorney to learn more about what types of damages you may be entitled to recover.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are designed to punish the at-fault driver for their negligence. In some car accident cases, punitive damages are awarded. If you have been involved in a car accident, it is important to speak with an experienced car accident lawyer to discuss the full extent of your damages.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Settlement?
The amount of time it takes to settle a car accident claim depends on a few factors.
The Severity of Your Injuries – The first factor to consider is the severity of your injuries. If you have suffered severe or life-threatening injuries, your case will likely take longer to settle than a case involving less severe injuries. More time is needed to thoroughly investigate the accident and determine the full extent of your damages.
The Number of Damages – If you are seeking a large amount of money in damages, it is likely that the insurance company will want to investigate your claim thoroughly and may even bring in their experts to review your case, and this can lengthen the settlement process.
It is important to remember that you should not accept a lowball offer simply because you want to avoid going to court. If you have suffered serious injuries, you may be entitled to a much higher settlement than the insurance company initially offers.
How Much Can I Expect to Receive in My Florida Car Accident Settlement?
The amount of money that you can expect to receive in a Florida car accident settlement depends on a few factors.
The Severity of The Injury – If you were seriously injured in a car accident, then you may be able to recover a significant amount of money for your damages. This includes things like medical bills and lost wages.
Type of Injury – There is a variety of injuries that can occur in a car accident. Some, like whiplash, may not be as severe but still require treatment. Others, like broken bones, can require surgery and long-term rehabilitation.
Length of Time the Injury Will Last – If you have an injury that is going to require long-term or permanent treatment, you may be able to recover more compensation than if it will heal on its own.
What The Fran Haasch Law Group Can Do For You
At The Fran Haasch Law Group, we focus on helping you and your family recover. We pursue personal injury lawsuits, and wrongful death claims to obtain full compensation for damages such as pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost earnings, property damage, and more.
With over 21 years of experience, we draw on constant medical research to help clients recover after being injured in motor vehicle accidents in Tampa Bay and the surrounding areas. Founding personal injury attorney, Fran Haasch, is a lifetime member of the Multimillion Dollar Advocates Forum and a member of the American Association for Justice, the Florida Justice Association, and the Tampa Bay Trial Lawyers Association.
Our attorneys are skilled and experienced litigators. We are not afraid to take your lawsuit to trial if necessary. No matter how complicated your case, our firm is here to help you navigate the legal process from start to finish.
We Get You the Compensation You Deserve
At The Fran Haasch Law Group, we understand that no amount of financial recovery can undo what you have been through. However, a fair settlement or jury verdict can ease the financial burden of unexpected medical bills, lost income, and other economic and non-economic damages associated with your accident.
We have obtained multi-million-dollar jury verdicts and settlements in personal injury cases involving auto accidents, as well as claims concerning wrongful death and catastrophic injuries.
Here are a few of our auto accident case results:
- $1.8 million for our client in Pinellas County who was injured in an auto accident
- $1.8 million for a 33-year-old female client in Hillsborough County who was lawfully stopped for a left-turning vehicle ahead when she was rear-ended by the defendant vehicle, which was then rear-ended by the vehicle behind it, causing the client to feel two impacts. This resulted in multiple back surgeries and an infection which caused the client to be hospitalized several times.
- $1.6 million for a 25-year-old female passenger on a motorcycle when the defendant cut across the client’s path. The client was thrown over 200 feet from the motorcycle. The accident resulted in a fractured leg, broken finger, back surgery, and many other injuries.
- $1.55 million for a 46-year old male in Pasco County who was stopped at a red light on U.S. Highway 19 in Pasco County and was rear-ended by the defendant at a high rate of speed.
- $1.35 million for a client in Pasco County. The defendant turned left in front of our client, causing the client’s vehicle to flip and resulting in many injuries.
- $1.34 million for a 69-year-old male client in Orange County who was in the left turn lane when the defendant came across his pathway while attempting to turn and collided with the client. The accident resulted in multiple severe injuries, including a fractured pelvis, broken ribs, punctured lung, a broken arm that required surgery, and several lacerations.
- $1.3 million for a 33-year-old female client in Pinellas County who was rear-ended while stopped at a traffic light with her three children in the car with her. The accident resulted in multiple surgeries and complications.
- $1.025 for our client injured in a car accident in Hillsborough County.
- $1.0 million for a client in Hillsborough County rear-ended in stop-and-go traffic on the interstate.
Contact an Experienced Car Accident Attorney Today
At The Fran Haasch Law Group, we are committed to fighting for your fair recovery. We strive to help injured individuals and the loved ones of those wrongfully killed, secure the full, fair recovery they are owed. We offer dedicated legal representation for car accident victims and victims of bicycle, motorcycle, and semi-truck accidents.
If you feel you have been the victim of a car accident through no fault of your own. Our attorneys are prepared to help you navigate the legal process and work toward securing the maximum compensation you are owed. Call (727) 637-0100 or contact us online to get started on receiving maximum compensation for your personal injury case.
