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If you have been injured in a car crash, you have undoubtedly had to deal with multiple doctor’s appointments, lots of bills, and plenty of hours missed from running your business. Here’s what to do, especially if the accident was not your fault.
Florida is a no-fault state, which means that your own insurance company is responsible for paying your bills, no matter who caused the car crash. This sounds like it would make things run more smoothly.
However, in actuality there are many unscrupulous insurance companies that will try to get out of paying you the money you deserve. Therefore, if you have been in a car crash, be sure to collect evidence, keep in close contact with your insurance company, and find a good Tampa car accident lawyer.
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Information to Get at the Scene
Having an accident is certainly upsetting. Moreover, it can be hard to keep your cool and get all the information you will need when you are at the scene of a car crash. Remember, it is important to stay at the scene and wait for the police to arrive.
Also, remember to exchange contact information with the other driver after a car crash. Be sure to move your vehicle if it is blocking traffic. Ask around for witnesses and give a statement to the police. Never admit fault at the accident, because there may be evidence of which you are unaware.
Especially if you have been hit by a hit-and-run driver, you should call the police and wait for them to arrive. Write down any details you remember about the other car and its driver.
However, if you cannot wait at the scene, Florida state law gives you 10 days to report an accident. Also, you have 14 days to seek medical attention, according to Florida’s personal injury protection law, or PIP. If you don’t get a doctor to examine you within that period of time, your insurance company can deny your claim.
Dealing with Your Insurance Company
Call your insurance company as soon after the car crash as you possibly can. Give them every detail you can recall. Florida requires you to carry $10,000 worth of liability coverage for damages to property and $10,000 for personal injury. If you have been driving in the state for a while, you have already paid quite a bit into the system. If your insurer denies any portion of your claim, you have 15 days to file a revised claim.
What Records to Collect After a Car Crash
Be sure to retain every medical bill that is associated with your accident, including those for medications. Provide documentation for all the time you have taken off from running your business, as well as reasonable estimates of the income you have lost. If you have missed a major life event due to your injury because of the car crash, such as a wedding or a vacation, be sure to document the expenses for the event.
Reading an Accident Report After a Car Crash
Make sure that the officer at the scene filled in all the correct information on your report. The date and time can be very important. That’s because there is a four-year statute of limitations for lawsuits for car accidents in the Sunshine State. Be sure to read the “contributing causes” section and review it with your attorney.
Selecting a Tampa Car Accident Lawyer
When you have been in a car crash it is always a good idea to talk with an car accident attorney. Consultations are always free and the attorney will work on a contingency basis. This means they only get paid if you do. 1800 Injured Tampa can connect you with a highly qualified lawyer for your case.
