Auto Accident Injury in Florida

Have you suffered an injury due to a car accident in Florida? If so, your life may never be the same again. Injuries from a car accident can interfere with your ability both to work and to enjoy everyday activities. They can also be incredibly painful. As such, you need an auto accident attorney who understands the laws in FL that will fight for your legal rights and help you receive the financial compensation you deserve.

Auto Accident Injury Statistics in Florida

According to the National Safety Council, in 2019 about 4.4 million people suffered serious injuries in motor vehicle accidents and an estimated 38,000 were killed.

The Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reported that there were 403,626 crashes in 2018 involving over 693,500 drivers. Over 236,157 people were injured in the same year, with over 19,000 incapacitated. Three thousand one hundred thirty-five lost their lives on Florida roads. The top cause for accidents in the same year involved alcohol use at 5,106 total accidents. Motorcycle accidents comprised 9,143 crashes, almost double the national average.

What to Do After an Auto Accident

It’s important to be prepared in the event you are a victim of a car accident. Below are the steps to remember immediately after your crash.

Receive Immediate Medical Attention

What is the most important step that you need to take after an auto accident? You need to receive immediate and proper medical treatment. You may believe that the injuries sustained after an auto accident are minor. Proper medical treatment helps ensure that you have not sustained any internal injuries that you may not be aware of.

File a Police Report

Even if no one sustained injuries, you still need to call 911 and request law enforcement assistance. When officers arrive, jot down each one’s name and badge number. Answer their questions honestly, but don’t volunteer any unasked for information, especially your thoughts on exactly what happened or who caused the car accident. Be sure to ask the officers for the number of their police report. Also ask when and where you can get a copy of it, including how much it will cost you.

Per Florida Statute Section 316.065, the driver of a vehicle involved in a crash must immediately report accidents to law enforcement if they meet the following criteria:

  • A crash involving injury or death to a person
  • At least $500 estimated vehicle or property damage

For other accidents, drivers can submit accident reports electronically on the FLHSMV website. One thing to note is that the state of Florida restricts who can collect insurance information from drivers to only someone involved in the crash, their attorney, or their insurer. You must fill out a form if you meet these criteria and need the information subsequent to the accident.

Gather the Appropriate Documentation

While waiting for officers to arrive after a car accident, collect information from all other drivers involved in the accident, including the following:

  • Full name, address, phone number and email address
  • Driver’s license state and number
  • Auto insurance company name, policy number and phone number

Use your cell phone to take pictures of each driver’s license, auto insurance card, your vehicle and each additional vehicle involved in the car accident. Don’t rely on verbal communication. Having as much information as possible will only help you and your case later on. Try to keep this exchange as civil and friendly as possible. However, do not apologize for causing the accident or indicate in any way that you think you may have caused it. 

Recovering Damages After an Auto Accident Injury

After surviving a car accident, the emotional and economic toll it takes can be staggering. You are not only dealing with the mental anguish that comes with being involved in a crash, but you may also be experiencing severe physical harm as well.

The average cost of injuries and property damage is reported by the Florida Department of Transportation as $195,791 per crash over a five year period, comprising medical costs and property damage. Over 40% of crashes involve injuries ranging from minor to serious.

The most common type of injuries are:

  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Whiplash
  • Concussions
  • Head and back injuries
  • Paralysis
  • Amputation of limbs

Hiring a car accident lawyer ensures you have the financial ability to cover any losses that have occurred as a result of a crash. An auto accident attorney will also help you handle the paperwork that you will have to complete from insurance companies. This boosts your odds of receiving the insurance compensation you deserve.

Auto Accident Laws in Florida

Liability Laws for FL

When car accidents happen, it is essential to determine who bears responsibility for the resulting damage and medical bills. Determining fault impacts everything from your insurance claim and level of liability to the amount of confusion you may endure during the claims process.

In Florida, each driver involved in an automobile accident must file on their own insurance to pay their expenses, regardless of who caused the accident. The law is called “no-fault.” For any accident causing damages that exceed your policy coverage, you may be able to sue for damages under a personal injury lawsuit. It is important that you report any accident to your insurance company as soon as possible so that they can make a fault determination.

Statute of Limitations in FL

Each state has its own tort laws that determine the statute of limitations on a claim. In some states, this gives you just one year to file a claim in court, while some others may give you up to six years.

According to the Florida Senate, the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit for a vehicular accident in the state is four years. If a lawsuit is filed after four years from the date of the accident, it will likely be dismissed.

This is why it is important to consult with an attorney immediately after your car crash. Don’t wait and risk losing out on any compensation they can recover.

Work With an Experienced Auto Accident Lawyer In Florida

After a car accident, you have enough to worry about. We can help you find an auto accident attorney for your unique case. Get the financial restitution that you deserve if you’re the victim of someone else’s conduct.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in FL!

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