FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
After an auto accident comes the confusion of do's and don'ts. We are here to answer your questions to navigate the process of reaching a fair settlement.
Stay at the scene of the accident and immediately call 911. When the police arrive, provide the information they request. If you or another occupant are able, take photos of the vehicles involved, and document as much information as you can about the circumstances surrounding the crash. If you are injured, request immediate medical attention. Many times, injuries are not felt immediately after a crash, but can often become painful in the following days and weeks. Regardless of when you first feel pain or discomfort, it’s important to see a doctor right away.
Be truthful with the police and provide as much information as you can to assist their investigation. If there are witnesses to the crash, get their names and contact information, and request that they stay at the scene to provide a statement to the police.
Unfortunately, this situation is far too common. Florida is one of only two states that do not require drivers to carry bodily injury liability insurance. To make matters worse, Florida has the highest rate of uninsured drivers in the country, with nearly 27% of drivers carrying no insurance. If the person who hits you has no (or insufficient) insurance, then your uninsured motorist coverage may apply, if you purchased it. If the car that hit you is owned by someone other than the driver, then the owner’s insurance may apply.
Under Florida’s statute of limitations, you generally have fours years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. However, circumstances specific to your case might require you to file sooner. For example, if a government-owned vehicle or government employee caused the crash, the claim must be filed within three years.
Yes. Florida is a comparative fault state, which means fault can be apportioned among all parties responsible for a crash. If a jury determines that you were partially at fault, then your damages (the amount of money you can recover in your case) will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you.
You should seek medical care as soon as possible. Any delay can be detrimental to your health and can adversely affect your claim. If your injuries are immediately apparent, you should request emergency treatment at the scene. However, not all injuries are immediately obvious. Often, pain does not set in until hours, days, and sometimes weeks later. Regardless of when the pain begins, it’s important to see a doctor right away, so you can address and treat any injuries you might have. Additionally, the longer you wait to see a doctor, the more likely the insurance company will deny or minimize your claim.