Car accidents are a common occurrence on Florida’s roadways. The aftermath can be overwhelming. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and other related damages. Understanding the car accident claim process in Florida is crucial to ensure that you are properly compensated for your losses.
At Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers, we are dedicated to helping clients through the legal process. Our experienced car accident lawyers have 100 years of combined experience and have secured hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients. Contact our law offices today to schedule a free consultation at (877) 255-3652.
How Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers Can Help With Your Car Accident Claim in Florida
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Florida, having an experienced car accident attorney by your side can make a difference. At Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers, we offer a comprehensive range of services to guide you through the car accident claim process.
Here’s how our Florida car accident lawyers can assist you:
- Comprehensive accident investigation
- Identifying the liable parties
- Calculating all of your damages
- Hiring experts to assist as needed
- Negotiating a settlement on your behalf
- Filing a lawsuit and taking your case to court if necessary
At Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers, we are committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve. Learn more about your legal rights and options when you contact our Florida personal injury law firm today for a free case review.
Steps in the Florida Car Accident Claim Process
When you’ve been injured in a car accident, there are specific steps you’ll need to follow in order to file a claim. Here’s an overview of the Florida car accident claim process:
Seek Medical Attention
After an accident, your health and safety are the top priority. Even if you don’t feel injured immediately, it’s important to see a doctor. Many injuries, like whiplash or soft tissue damage, may not be apparent right away. Having a medical record of your injuries will also help strengthen your claim.
Report the Accident to the Authorities
In Florida, you are required to report a car accident if there are injuries or property damage exceeding $500. You should contact the police by calling 911, who will arrive on the scene and file an accident report. This report is essential for your claim and can provide critical evidence regarding fault for the accident.
Gather Evidence
If you are able to do so safely, gather evidence at the scene of the accident. Take photographs of the damage, road conditions, any visible injuries, and any contributing factors like weather or traffic signs. Additionally, try to gather contact and insurance information from the other driver(s) involved. You will also want contact information for any witnesses who saw the accident.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Florida is a “no-fault” state. This means that you have the option of filing a claim with your own insurance company for compensation. It doesn’t matter who caused the accident. However, in some cases, you may be able to file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance for additional damages that go above and beyond what your own insurance provides.
File a Personal Injury Claim
If you are severely injured and need to seek additional compensation, you may file a personal injury claim against the responsible driver. Florida law allows for claims for pain and suffering, lost wages, and future medical expenses, among other damages. In these cases, having an experienced attorney is critical in helping you secure fair compensation.
Negotiate or Litigate
Once your claim is filed, the insurance companies will assess the evidence and either offer a settlement or contest the claim. In many cases, insurance companies may try to settle for less than what you are entitled to. Our attorneys will negotiate on your behalf to ensure you are treated fairly. If negotiations fail, we are ready to take your case all the way to court.
What Types of Damages Can You Recover After a Car Accident in Florida?
In Florida, car accident victims can pursue compensation for several types of damages. The main two categories are called economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages include:
- Medical Expenses: This covers hospital bills, surgeries, prescription medications, physical therapy, and any future medical costs related to the accident.
- Lost Wages: If you were unable to work due to your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for lost income and any diminished earning capacity.
- Property Damage: Compensation for repairing or replacing your vehicle or any personal property damaged in the accident.
Non-economic damages include:
- Pain and Suffering: This includes compensation for the physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish caused by your injuries.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries prevent you from participating in daily activities or hobbies, you may be entitled to compensation for the impact on your quality of life.
- Loss of Consortium: If your injuries have affected your relationships with family members or your spouse, you may be able to recover damages for this loss.
In rare cases, punitive damages may be awarded if the at-fault party’s actions were grossly negligent or intentional.
Contact Our Car Accident Lawyers in Florida for Help With the Claims Process
If you were hurt in a car crash in Florida, contact Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers. We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and discuss your legal options. Since our Florida car accident attorneys work on contingency, we only get paid if you do.
