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According to data from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, over 381,000 auto accidents occur throughout the Sunshine state annually. As a result, nearly 243,000 Floridians receive injuries, some of which are fatal. To help you navigate the aftermath of auto accidents, our team of insurance attorneys have put together this comprehensive guide.
At The Morgan Law Group, we fight hard for every client. Feel free to reach out to an accident attorney to discuss your case and learn what steps you need to take to protect your interests.
Steps to Take After an Accident
First, check for injuries and call for emergency medical care. Next, contact the police to report the accident. You should also gather as much information as possible while you’re on the scene.
Ensure Safety First
Always prioritize your safety and the safety of others. If anyone needs medical attention, call an ambulance right away. Sometimes, injuries flare up and worsen over time, but you shouldn’t wait to have a medical professional examine you.
Are you in a safe location? Minor auto accidents may not cause injuries. However, it’s important to prevent traffic obstructions and to wait for the police in a safe place. Using flares and reflective triangles can help you attract the attention of drivers and keep you and your vehicle safe.
When the police respond, collect the name of the responding officer. Include their contact information and badge number so that you can get a copy of the accident report. If no one responds to your call, go to the nearest police department as soon as you can to report the accident.
Collect Information
There are many ways you can collect information while you’re on the scene. Most importantly, write down the names of other drivers. You’ll need their contact information, license plate numbers, and insurance details. Additionally, witnesses can help you make your case if you go to court or file an insurance claim. Therefore, you’ll want to gather information from witnesses.
Write It Down
Document as much as possible by taking photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and relevant road signs. Don’t assume you’ll remember important details later. Instead, note weather conditions, time of day, and any contributing factors. Were the roads slippery? Were you hit by a distracted driver? What else did you notice at the scene?
Notify Your Insurance Company
Report the accident to your insurance provider. It’s essential to provide accurate information about the incident to your insurance company. However, we advise clients to talk to one of our insurance claim lawyers first. Your insurance company will look out for its own interests, while an accident attorney has your best interests at heart.
Seek Legal Advice
When do you need to consult with an accident attorney? It doesn’t cost anything to talk to an insurance attorney in Florida. On the contrary, a qualified attorney will work hard to protect your rights and navigate you through the claims process.
Understanding Florida Auto Insurance Laws
Florida is a no-fault state. That means that your insurance typically pays for damage to your vehicle and reimburses you for related injuries up to your coverage limits. This has important implications for drivers.
Key Insurance Requirements
In Florida, every driver must carry Personal Injury Protection insurance. PIP handles expenses such as lost wages and medical expenses no matter who caused the accident. Additionally, the state mandates Property Damage Liability insurance.
Property Damage Liability (PDL) is mandatory in Florida for drivers to register and drive their cars. The minimum coverage PDL limits in the state are currently set at $10,000 and the minimum coverage for PIP is also $10,000.
No-Fault Law Implications for Florida Drivers
Under the no-fault laws in Florida, your insurance company will pay medical bills up to the PIP limit, regardless of fault. However, there may be restrictions on how much you can receive for additional damages unless injuries meet specific criteria. A Florida insurance attorney can maximize your compensation to help you recover mentally, physically, and financially from the devastating impact of an auto accident.
By including Bodily Injury Liability (BIL) in your coverage, you can protect yourself against medical expenses due to an accident you cause. By doing so, you can transfer the risk of an accident to your insurance company.
Our team also recommends that Florida drivers invest in collision and comprehensive insurance. These options handle damage to your vehicle and damage due to non-collision events, such as an animal strike.
Uninsured Drivers and Natural Disasters
The penalties for those who drive without insurance include fines and license suspension. However, thousands of people get behind the wheel with no or inadequate coverage. That makes it essential to consult with an insurance lawyer if you’re hit by an underinsured driver.
Florida has a high rate of uninsured drivers but there’s also a high risk of natural disasters. Hurricanes, floods, and high tides can damage your vehicle as severely as another vehicle can. Make sure that you have the right insurance attorney behind you to give your claim the best chance of going through smoothly.
Contact an Experienced Accident Attorney
Florida’s insurance laws are written to give you immediate access to medical care without lengthy legal battles. However, it’s important to know your rights. Carefully consider how you can safeguard your interests with the help of a trusted law firm. At The Morgan Law Group, we specialize in claims for auto accidents in Florida. By taking the burden of your legal battle on our shoulders, our team gives you the time and energy to focus on your physical and financial recovery.
Besides following this guide, you can contact The Morgan Law Group today to discuss the best way to proceed with your case. We don’t get paid unless you win your case, so there’s absolutely no risk in sharing your story with one of our qualified auto accident lawyers.
