After being involved in a minor car accident in Florida, you may be tempted to simply move on without support from a lawyer. But, while not calling an attorney will temporarily shorten your to-do list, it can also seriously complicate your situation down the line.
Generally, you should consult a lawyer for any car accident in Florida where the other party is at fault, and you have had to seek ANY medical care and treatment —even if it’s minor. Doing so will protect you, your finances, and your general well-being.
Consulting a Lawyer for Minor Car Accidents in Florida
After even what may seem to be a minor car accident in Florida, you have many factors to consider, with car damage and medical bills often being the most pressing. As a no-fault state, Florida requires all drivers to carry at least $10,000 in personal injury protection insurance and $10,000 in property damage liability insurance. So it doesn’t matter who’s at fault, right? Not exactly.
While you’ll file a personal injury protection claim with your insurance company regardless of fault, property damage claims are generally filed with the at-fault driver’s insurance (assuming they have accepted liability). But, the policy limit will apply. So, what if your property damage exceeds $10,000? Also, generally PIP only pays 80% of your own medical bills, what about the 20% that PIP didn’t pay? What if the ambulance, hospital, or urgent care facility billed your health insurance? Most health plans have the right to subrogation/reimbursement if they pay medical bills as a result of a motor vehicle crash caused by another driver. How much is your health insurance going to claim they are owed and who is going to pay them back? Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare all have subrogation rights under the law, again did they pay anything? What happens if their subrogation rights are not protected?
Along with helping to prove the other driver’s negligence, an experienced Florida auto accident attorney can step in, and direct you down the best path to ensure that you receive compensation for the full amount of your damages. They can also make sure your compensation includes medical bills and other expenses exceeding your personal injury protection insurance policy limit.
Auto Accident Attorneys for Insurance Claims
Even if your accident-related expenses fit within the insurance policy limits, an attorney can ensure that you receive your rightful compensation from the insurance company. Especially after a car accident, it can be difficult to keep up with insurance claims, and the responsible insurance carrier will likely try to pay as little as possible. By communicating directly with the insurance companies, a trusted Florida attorney can help get your claim resolved, for the full amount that you deserve.
Need help? Contact Weldon & Rothman, PL today for a free case review.