How Does Car Accident Compensation Work In Florida?
Our attorneys are here to help you understand the details
In Florida, car accidents happen every day, and there's no telling as to when or to who they'll happen to. What do you do if you are involved in one?
We know how to help. The Law Firm of Pajcic & Pajcic has a legal team that knows what you're going through, and is dedicated to helping you through the stress and shock that follows an accident. Coping with the legal aftermath can be overwhelming; that's where we step in. Let us help you understand the process to get car accident compensation in Florida.
Florida is a "no-fault" state
That doesn't mean fault for the accident doesn't matter - far from it. What it means is that your own insurance is your first source of compensation, and specific criteria need to be met to take legal action against another person who is responsible for your injuries. That's one reason why it's so important to get our firm on your side as soon as possible - understanding your legal options is difficult, and we can help.
In addition to being a no-fault state, Florida also observes the "modified comparative negligence" system. This set of rules works to assign responsibility for the accident to all parties involved in order to divide fault fairly, and it bars recovery if you are over 50 percent at fault. Moreover, a time limit called the statute of limitations is applied to these cases. In order to take legal action and get the compensation you need, you have to get an attorney on your side as soon as possible.
What to do after an accident:
The moments after an accident are often full of questions. What do you do? Who should you call? The short answer is that you need to get an experienced attorney on your side as soon as possible. Here are some steps you can take to help us help you:
- Call the police: They can document your accident, record evidence, and assess the damage all directly at the scene of the accident. Talking to them first also makes the process of filing a report that much easier.
- Take photos: Keeping a record of the damage and how the scene of the accident looked will make it easier to get the compensation you need. Be sure to get pictures of your car, the other(s) involved, and a wider shot of the scene, as well as any visible injuries.
- Write down what you remember: After collecting license and registration information, you'll want to jot down your side of the story. Stress and time can affect our memory, and you want to have a consistent account.
- See a doctor: Internal injuries and traumatic brain injuries can take days or even weeks to start showing symptoms. So even if you feel "fine", you need to be seen. It's the best option for your health and also helps to protect your legal rights.
- Contact our law firm right away, before you speak to an insurance company. We'll handle the claims process for you while you focus on getting better.
Our firm can help you deal with insurance carriers
Many types of insurance can be involved in a car accident claim. In addition to no-fault coverage on your own policy and liability coverage on the at-fault driver's policy, you may be dealing with a liability insurance policy for a business, such as a trucking company, auto manufacturer or road construction company, whose negligence contributed to your injuries. Our law firm can help by reviewing all applicable coverage and relentlessly pursuing the compensation you need from any available source.
What if I was hit by an Underinsured/Uninsured driver?
Insurance is required by law in Florida, but the state has a very high rate of uninsured drivers. If they don't have any insurance, it's likely because they can't afford it-- they probably can't afford to pay you, either. Carrying uninsured or underinsured motorist protection on your policy can help to protect you in these instances, but even if you have coverage, these cases can be complex. That's why you need an experienced attorney from our firm to help you get the compensation you deserve.