Suffering an unexpected injury can have a devastating impact on your personal and professional life. These injuries can often be life-changing and permanent. Therefore, it is very important to have an experienced attorney who will fight hard to make you whole again.
Don’t go up against an insurance company alone, they are only interested in settling the case as quickly and inexpensively as possible.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a car wreck or on the job, I can help you protect your rights. Therefore if you are in a car accident you should do the following:
1. Report the Accident
If your car accident involved injuries or property damage over $500, you must report your accident. To report your accident, call the local police department, sheriff, or the Florida Highway Patrol. If your accident resulted in serious injuries or an unsafe situation, call 9-1-1.
2. Gather Information
Make sure to get the name, phone number, address, vehicle make and model, license plate number, and insurance information (carrier and policy number) from anyone involved in the accident. Also, ask for names, phone numbers, and addresses of any passengers and witnesses; this information could be helpful if your accident results in a future lawsuit.
3. File a Claim With Your Insurance Company
After an accident, you should file a claim with your insurance company. You should do this even if you were not responsible for the accident. The company will investigate your claim to determine fault and damage. If you have any questions about your insurance coverage or benefits, do not be afraid to ask your insurance company.
4. Seek Medical Treatment
Florida has Personal Injury Protection (also called "PIP" or "no fault") automobile insurance. Under Florida’s PIP laws, drivers are required to carry insurance to cover the driver’s own injuries and lost wages, regardless of whether the accident was the driver’s fault or the fault of the other driver.
Under Florida’s new PIP law, an injured driver must seek treatment within fourteen days to receive PIP benefits. If you have PIP automobile insurance, you should consult your family doctor or go to an emergency room as soon as possible—even if you do not think your injuries are severe. Some injuries do not manifest themselves immediately after an accident. You do not want to be prevented from recovering PIP benefits because of this technicality.
If you were a passenger in an accident, you should also immediately seek medical treatment. Passengers are also entitled to PIP benefits. If the driver you were riding with had PIP automobile insurance at the time of the accident, you should be able to recover for your injuries. If you have any questions about your PIP benefits, talk to your insurance company.
5. CONTACT AN EXPERIENCED ATTORNEY
Personal injury law is very complex and you should never go against an insurance company unrepresented. Seek the assistance of qualified counsel to maximize your potential recovery. You only have one chance to get it right.
