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
Florida sees quite a huge number of auto accidents every year, and it is one of the most dangerous states for drivers in the U.S. In 2022, there were recorded 401,170 car accidents in Florida, which resulted in 3,763 fatalities—the rate of increase is high compared to the previous years. Plus, in these accidents, approximately 40% have led to injuries, with over 123,450 total reported injuries.
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 injuries occurred, you must still call 911 and ask for law enforcement officers to be dispatched. When the officers arrive, write down each officer’s name and badge number. Honestly answer their questions, but do not volunteer any unrequested information—especially your ideas about what occurred and who was at fault in the auto accident. Be sure to ask the officers for the number of their police reports. 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
Take photos of each driver’s license, auto insurance card, your vehicle, and each of the other vehicles involved in the car accident with your cell phone. Never rely on verbal communication. More information is best and only helps you and your case later on. Try to keep this exchange as civil and friendly as possible, but under no circumstances 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 five years, 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.
The statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit for a vehicular accident in the state is two 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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