Florida Auto Accident Lawyers
There are hundreds of thousands of auto accidents on Florida roads every year. These collisions damage cars, disrupt daily commutes, and can sometimes even be deadly. Data show that over half of these accidents result in injuries, which may be an underestimate of the true total. When auto accidents cause injuries, Florida's mandatory Personal Injury Protection may not be enough. That's when it's time to call an auto accident lawyer Florida drivers trust. Focus on recovery while the Fenderson Law Firm fights for you.
What to Do After an Auto Accident
Call for Medical Care and Police
Calling local authorities is one of the first things any Florida auto accident lawyer would recommend after an accident because it protects the health and rights of victims. In many accidents, victims may feel no pain and decide that they don’t need medical treatment. However, pain is not always a reliable indicator of injuries so EMS should be brought to the accident regardless.
This precaution also helps avoid receiving a denial from a personal injury protection provider because Florida Statutes Section 627.736 requires that victims seek treatment within 14 days. Delaying treatment could result in having desperately needed protection denied for medical treatment.
Gather Evidence & Documents
When personal injury protection isn’t enough to cover the full cost of injuries, a personal injury claim may be the only avenue available. Even filing an initial insurance claim will require documentation to substantiate your injuries and damage. In both cases, the work of documenting the accident and its aftermath begins right away.
If you’re able to, take pictures and record videos of the vehicles, roads, intersections, and street signs. This information helps confirm what happened and can be used to determine how and why. Also, collect the contact and insurance information of everyone present at the scene of the accident. Finally, keep track of medical expenses, lost wages, bills, and other costs you incur after the accident.
Call an Auto Accident Lawyer in Florida
As you begin preparing for an insurance claim, the next call should be to a Florida auto accident attorney. Going straight to insurance companies can create unnecessary risks and complications in your claim. Insurance adjusters may attempt to deceive victims into accepting less than what they’re owed and far less than what they need. When you speak with an attorney first, they can give you an honest appraisal of your accident and prepare you for the road ahead.
File An Insurance Claim
Florida Auto Accident Lawyers You Can Trust
After an auto accident, the decision to hire legal counsel may be a momentous one. This might be your first time pursuing a lawsuit and navigating the legal system. Trying to find the right lawyer for you may seem like more than you can handle as you’re healing from your injuries.
Don’t despair. After a free case assessment from Fenderson Law, you’ll gain a better understanding of what makes our firm one you can rely on. We provide transparent communication so our clients stay informed of their options, risks, and potential outcomes. When clients choose Fenderson Law, they become more confident in their understanding of their case while we fight to deliver what they’re owed.
Florida Accident Statistics & Risks
Florida is no stranger to auto accidents. The state has the unfortunate distinction of trailing only California and Texas in annual auto accident fatalities in the United States. The most recent statistics show that there have been over 200,000 crashes resulting in over 140,000 injuries to drivers, passengers, pedestrians and cyclists. While behaviors like drunk or intoxicated driving contribute to these figures, they aren't the only type of driving behaviors that Florida auto accident lawyers see causing crashes.
- Driving in a careless or negligent manner: Driving without regard to the safety of others on the road understandably causes crashes. In the most recent data on Florida driver behavior, this driving led to 665 fatalities and 284,972 collisions.
- Failed to yield: Failing to yield to other drivers with the right of way caused 163,176 crashes and left victims with incapacitating injuries in 3,052 accidents.
- Followed too closely: When drivers follow too closely, or "tailgate," as it's known, they can create accidents. In Florida, this behavior led to 69,742 crashes and 13 deaths.
- Failed to stay in the proper lane: When drivers veer across lane lines they can surprise unsuspecting drivers. This behavior led to 283 fatal crashes and 45, 747 collisions in total.
- Ran a red light: Running a red light is dangerous, illegal, and deadly. This action led to 33,045 crashes, 84 of which were fatal.
Florida Insurance Law Deep Dive
One of the most important services a Florida auto accident lawyer can provide is demystifying Florida's No-Fault Insurance system. At its heart is the Personal Injury Protection (PIP) requirement. Florida Statutes Section 627.736 requires vehicle owners to purchase $10,000 in personal injury protection. After an accident, the no-fault law requires that drivers seek treatment within 14 days and file with their insurance company rather than the other driver.
However, this isn't always the end of the story. If the physician determines emergency services were required, the PIP coverage covers up to 80% of the reasonable medical expenses associated with car accident injuries up to the $10,000 limit. If the treatment was determined to be a non-emergency, coverage is reduced to a maximum of $2,500.
With such low limits, covering only up to 80% of eligible expenses, many victims are left picking up the tab for their treatment, and the pain and suffering the accident caused. The No-Fault system does allow victims to pursue damages for pain and suffering in specific circumstances. Contact an attorney experienced with Florida's no-fault system to help assess your accident, injuries, and the road ahead.
Our Credentials
Fenderson Law is a member of the Florida Bar, Jacksonville Bar Association, Middle District of Florida, and Florida Justice Association.
Understanding Motor Vehicle Accidents and Legal Claims in Florida
Motor vehicle accidents are a daily occurrence and Florida's average is higher than the national average. Accidents may cause major injuries to people and property—and they may even result in death. Despite Florida's no-fault coverage, you may have a claim. You will need legal representation to make that determination and resolve all the legal issues involved.
