Steps to Take Immediately After a Car Accident in Florida: Your FAQs

If you’ve recently been in a car accident in Florida, you may be feeling overwhelmed, confused, or even scared about what to do next. These feelings are completely normal after a traumatic event like a car accident. As your trusted legal team, we understand the challenges you’re facing and are here to help guide you through every step of the process. Whether you’re wondering how to get the right medical treatment or how to protect your legal rights, we’re here to offer you the assistance you need to move forward.

What Should You Do Immediately After a Car Accident in Florida?

The moments following a car accident can be chaotic. While it may be difficult to think clearly, there are several important actions to take that can help protect your health and your rights. First and foremost, if you or anyone else is injured, it is vital to call 911 immediately. Emergency services can help assess injuries, transport anyone who needs care, and file a report about the accident, which will be important for insurance claims or legal proceedings later on.

Once you have ensured everyone’s safety and medical needs are addressed, it’s crucial to stay at the scene. Leaving the scene of an accident, even if you don’t believe you were at fault, could result in serious legal consequences. It is important to wait for the police to arrive and take a report, which will serve as an official document of what happened.

Should You Contact Your Insurance Company Right After the Accident?

One of the first things many accident victims worry about is contacting their insurance company. While you do need to report the accident to your insurance provider, it is equally important to be cautious with the information you provide. Insurance companies often look for any details that could limit their liability, so be sure to only share the basic facts without speculating on fault or making statements that could be used against you later. Avoid signing anything without understanding what it means, and be sure to keep a record of all your communications with the insurance company.

Michael Serrano

Founding Attorney

Candace “Cea” Hartley

Associate Attorney

Why Is It Important to Seek Medical Treatment Right After a Car Accident?

Even if you don’t feel seriously injured right after the accident, it’s essential to seek medical attention. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal damage, may not show immediate symptoms but can worsen over time. Delaying medical treatment could not only affect your health but may also harm your legal case. Insurance companies and courts often look at medical records as key pieces of evidence when determining the extent of injuries, so having thorough documentation is crucial.

In Florida, the law requires you to seek medical attention within 14 days of an accident if you want to access personal injury protection benefits. Failing to do so could mean you lose your right to compensation. Getting checked by a doctor will not only ensure you receive the care you need but also help strengthen your case should you need to pursue further legal action.

Quote

Mike Serrano’s law office was everything I needed after a very traumatic accident. He was always super up front and honest with me. I never got the feeling he was trying to sell me on something or to do something that I wasn’t comfortable with. He listened to my concerns and when it tough moments came that I needed to stand my ground. He backed me and made me feel 100% secure. He got me exactly what I needed in a settlement and I would never consider using anyone else. His office staff is also phenomenal.”

- Mary

Quote

Mike Serrano was a great attorney for my case!! He was very flexible with phone calls/ Zoom meetings. His staff are always friendly, whether it be on the phone or emails. They keep you updated during your entire case! They don’t leave you silent for months. if you call, they always call back with updates! Highly recommend!"

- Kylie Collier Border

Quote

I’ve never had to deal with a lawyer before but Mike has set the bar HIGH. He was always available to communicate my concerns and explain each step of the way. I know no other lawyer would have been able to achieve the same results because he jumped on an opportunity that was a little out of the ordinary and it paid off. He really fought for my case and over delivered. I really hope I never have another accident but if I do I’m running to Mike for help."

- Sandy Carter

What Should You Do If You Are Not at Fault for the Accident?

If the accident was not your fault, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, medical bills, and other losses. However, proving fault can sometimes be difficult. In these situations, it’s vital to gather as much evidence as possible at the scene. Take photographs of the vehicles, the damage, and the surrounding area. If there were any witnesses, try to get their contact information. The more evidence you have, the better the chances of proving your case.

If another driver was at fault, their insurance should cover your expenses. However, insurance companies can be reluctant to offer fair compensation. That’s why it’s often a good idea to work with an attorney who can advocate for you and ensure that you are not taken advantage of during the claims process.

Do You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer After a Car Accident in Florida?

After an accident, many people wonder if they should hire a personal injury lawyer. The truth is, while you may be able to handle a simple claim on your own, a lawyer can help you navigate the often complex world of personal injury claims. Having legal representation ensures that your rights are protected, and it helps you avoid making mistakes that could hurt your case in the long run.

A skilled lawyer can help you gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if necessary, represent you in court. They understand the ins and outs of Florida’s personal injury laws and can guide you through the entire process with confidence. If you are dealing with injuries, missed work, or emotional distress from the accident, a lawyer can help ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for your suffering.

Related Videos

Choosing The Right Personal Injury Attorney

Personal Injury Settlement Timeline

What Is the Timeline for Filing a Personal Injury Claim in Florida?

After a car accident, you may want to know how long you have to file a personal injury claim. In Florida, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is typically four years from the date of the accident. However, it’s important to remember that this is not a hard-and-fast rule. There may be exceptions, depending on the details of your case, so it’s wise to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible to ensure that you don’t miss any important deadlines.

While four years may seem like a long time, it’s often a good idea to begin the process of filing your claim sooner rather than later. The more time that passes, the harder it may be to gather evidence and find witnesses who can support your case. Acting quickly can improve your chances of a successful outcome.

Case Results

Car Accident

This client was injured in an auto accident with a driver who improperly merged into her lane. Her vehicle was totaled. She sustained an aggravation of her pre-existing disc herniations in her neck and new disc herniations in her lower back. We obtained the full limits of both the at-fault driver’s bodily injury coverage and our client’s underinsured motorist coverage, which were significant. The settlement was achieved without a law suit and within four months after the client finished treating.

Rear End Collision

This particular client was injured in an accident in late 2015 when she was rear-ended. She sustained an aggravation of pre-existing disc herniations in her neck and a new disc herniation which ultimately required a surgical fusion. By the time of trial, her medical bills exceeded $180,000.00. The Defendants’ offer pre-suit was $20,000.00. We were able to obtain a jury verdict of $441,000.00, plus attorneys’ fees.

Car Accident

A client was injured in a rear-end collision where he sustained an aggravation of a pre-existing disc bulge that developed into a herniation in his lower back. We obtained a jury verdict which was over 6 times what had been offered prior to trial.

Car Accident

In this case, our client injured her shoulder after being struck by a vehicle while she was performing volunteer services. The driver was traveling at such a high rate of speed entering a parking lot that he clipped another vehicle, hit a parking barrier and was launched into a tree. After the client attempted to negotiate with the insurance company prior to hiring us, we were able to obtain an amount that was over double the prior offer.

Intentional Torts

Our client was injured from an assault by a patron of a party while working security. His shoulder required multiple surgeries. He hired our office to pursue a claim to recoup his medical bills, which exceeded $130,000.00. After his assailant offered him $10,000.00 to resolve his case, we took the case to a jury to decide. The jury awarded our client all of his medical bills and tripled his award for pain and suffering.

Car Accident

This client came to us about a car wreck that occurred in 2014 where she sustained injuries. She approached our firm just one week before the statute of limitations was set to expire after being turned away by several other law firms. We filed a lawsuit and were able to obtain the limits of the at-fault driver’s bodily injury coverage and an additional settlement from the client’s insurance carrier.

Truck Crash

This couple was injured in an automobile accident after they were rear-ended in a seven-car pileup caused by a semi-trailer. Of the 15 people who made claims on the same insurance policy, our clients each received the second and third highest offers, which covered all of their past and future medical bills and their attorney’s fees.

Truck Crash

In this case, our client was injured from a rear-end collision with an eighteen-wheeler. Her original lawyer procured a settlement offer of $7,000.00 to settle her case. Because the offer did not approach the amount of bills she incurred from accident related treatment, she came to our firm for a consultation. She decided to hire us. We promptly filed suit and obtained a settlement for her.

What If You’re Having Trouble Getting Compensation from the Insurance Company?

If the insurance company is not offering a fair settlement or is delaying the claims process, you may need to take legal action to secure the compensation you deserve. Dealing with insurance companies can be frustrating, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Having an attorney on your side can level the playing field and help ensure that you receive what you are entitled to.

A lawyer can help negotiate with the insurance company and, if necessary, file a lawsuit to seek fair compensation. If the insurance company refuses to offer a reasonable settlement, your attorney can guide you through the litigation process and work hard to get you the best possible outcome.

Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident can be a difficult and stressful experience. At Serrano Law, we understand what you are going through, and we are here to help you every step of the way. We will work with you to ensure that your medical needs are met, your legal rights are protected, and that you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages.

If you’ve been in a car accident and need assistance navigating your personal injury claim, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our experienced team is ready to guide you through the process and provide the support you need during this challenging time. Let us handle the legal details so you can focus on what matters most: your recovery.

To learn more about this subject click here: Understanding Florida Car Accident Injury Cases: FAQs Answered

Leave a Reply