The Legal Aftermath of a Car Accident in Florida

The Legal Aftermath of a Car Accident in Florida

After you have been involved in a car accident that was not your fault, you may be unsure as to what steps to take next. The first thing you need to do is seek medical attention for any injuries you may have sustained so that you can gain a proper diagnosis and have a full treatment plan in order to ensure you are able to recover. The next thing you need to do is seek the legal guidance of an experienced Florida car accident lawyer with Fulgencio Law. You have rights and you deserve to recoup the compensation from the accident for damages. 

Legal Actions After an Accident

After the collision, call the police to have a report created and for the authorities to assess the damages. If you are injured, an ambulance may be needed as well. If you don’t need an ambulance, you should still seek medical attention to ensure that any injuries are diagnosed and treated. Through your Personal Injury Protection (PIP), you have the ability to see any doctor or go to any hospital you prefer and the expenses will be covered. Additionally, before leaving the scene, take photos of the damages to your property and of the environment around the accident. Talk with witnesses and take down their contact information.  

Personal Injury Protection

The Legal Aftermath of a Car Accident in FloridaPIP and PDL (Personal Damage Liability) are required coverage plans in Florida. PIP covers a portion of the expenses associated with your injuries, including most medical bills, lost wages, and in the event of a fatal accident, death benefits. For medical costs, PIP covers about 80% of those costs, but if your injury is not considered an emergency it will only cover a smaller portion of costs. If you have health insurance that covers car accidents, this insurance can cover the rest, so it is important to know what type of insurance you have and what that insurance covers.

PIP covers 60% of lost wages with a $10,000 limit when you are injured and deemed disabled. This coverage includes daily activities as well like laundry and house cleaning. If one is killed in an accident, their PIP pays for the funeral and burial expenses.

Damages to the Car

If you hit another’s car, your PDL will cover those damages, and the converse is true for those that hit you. When you have no coverage on the other side of an accident to cover car repair expenses, this is where your collision coverage will kick in to pay for the expenses to your vehicle. Collision coverage does come with a deductible that you will be responsible for and it is also coverage you are not required to have in Florida. It is up to you to determine the value of your car and if it makes sense to have the collision coverage in the event that there is an accident. An accident where your car could be damaged includes hitting another vehicle or if you accidentally hit a curb or a tree and sustain damages. 

Florida Car Accidents

Fulgencio Law understands the toll that car accidents take on their victims. It can be overwhelming, frustrating, and confusing to have to deal with recovering from injuries while ensuring you are recouping costs associated with a car accident that was not your fault. You don’t have to go through the legal process alone. Our Florida personal injury lawyers can help guide you and advocate for you with your claim. Contact us today at (813) 463-1203 and speak with one of our Tampa area motor vehicle accident lawyers about your claim.

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