Frequently Answered Questions That Will Help If You Have Been Involved In A Florida Car Accident
If you or a friend have been involved in a Florida Car Accident, you will likely have many questions. Below are some of the more frequent questions we receive from injured clients.
Q. Immediately after the car accident, should I ask the other driver for information?
Yes, if you are physically and mentally able. Right after a car accident occurs, it will likely be hectic. Stay calm and try to obtain the following information from the other driver if you are able to:
- Name
- Address
- Phone Number
- Driver’s license number
- Name of Auto insurance company
- Auto insurance policy number
- License plate number (take a photograph on your phone)
In some situations the other driver may not be the vehicle’s owner. If this happens, make sure you try and find out who the vehicle is registered to, and get the the same information as above.
Q. Should I Avoid Discussing My Car Accident?
Yes. While you may be quick to blame the other driver for the car accident, remain calm and speak only to law enforcement that arrive to the scene of the collision. Following the New Port Richey car accident, you may be contacted by the other driver’s insurance company. DO NOT give the other driver’s insurance company a recorded statement. Make sure you speak to an experienced Florida car accident lawyer before discussing your car accident with anyone.
Q. Should I contact my own insurance company after a car accident?
Yes. In an ideal situation you should contact your car insurance company within 24 hours of the car accident. Your car insurance policy may contain language requiring you to contact your insurance company within a specific time frame, so you should not wait too long to contact them. Hiring an experienced Florida car accident lawyer can help guide you through this process.
Q. What if I get into a car accident with someone who doesn’t have insurance?
Florida is a “no-fault” insurance state. What this means is that your insurance company will typically cover 80% of the first $10,000 worth of medical expenses under your Personal Injury Protection insurance coverage. If the person that hit you does not have bodily injury liability insurance that you can go after for your injuries, pain and suffering, and medical expenses, hopefully you have uninsured motorist coverage. In Florida, Uninsured Motorist Coverage is an optional coverage you can purchase on your own auto insurance policy. Uninsured Motorist coverage is for you and your relatives who live with you, and people who occupy your car. UM pays you for injuries caused by an auto accident where the at-fault driver is uninsured (has no insurance) or under-insured driver (not enough insurance). UM coverage can be used where you or your family members or driver of your car did not cause the auto accident.
Q. How can a car accident lawyer help me after a car accident?
Navigating the process involved in an insurance claim can be difficult, especially if the other driver is denying he/she is at fault for the car accident. Also, insurance companies will try and settle your car accident claim for less money than the claim is worth. Hiring an experienced car accident lawyer can help you with these issues. An experienced car accident lawyer will focus on your car accident claim and gather critical evidence, consult with experts, and negotiate with the insurance company.