Car Crashes And Personal Injury Laws In Florida
Following traffic rules and steps to drive safely is essential, and hopefully accidents can be avoided. But there are times when crashes occur for reasons outside of your own control, such as road hazards, shifts from sunny skies to rainy conditions, or the reckless actions of other drivers.
Florida personal injury laws are in place to protect drivers. For example, according to one Florida statute you are required to stop after an accident and remain on the scene. And another requires you to supply your driver’s license number, address, and vehicle registration data to law enforcement officers and injured parties. To understand what you should do after a Clearwater, Hudson, or Tampa car accident, and how to obtain a monetary settlement following a collision, talk to a personal injury lawyer.
What It Means to Be a No-Fault State
A no-fault state means that the vehicle operator’s own insurance coverage supplies primary compensation for medical bills. Florida, Puerto Rico, and 12 other states follow no-fault rules. There are pros and cons to this system. An advantage is that fault does not need to be proven in order to get some payments covered, which can make settling claims faster. But it also means you do not have access to pain and suffering damages, unless a claim or lawsuit moves forward.
It is a requirement for Florida drivers to have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage due to no-fault coverage rules. If you or someone you love sustained severe injuries, it is possible your PIP coverage will not be large enough to cover financial damages. In these situations, a claim against the at fault driver could be pursued.
Date of the Incident and Statute of Limitations
It is natural to have questions after a car accident that results in injuries and extensive property damage. You may be unsure which expenses can be covered and if you should pay bills or wait until all of your expenses have been processed. While it can be overwhelming, it is important to connect with professionals as soon as possible because every state has its own statute of limitations.
A statute of limitation is a timeline in which personal injury claims may be pursued. The day of the accident starts the clock, so don’t delay. Generally, Florida residents must settle claims or file negligence lawsuits within four years. And remember, gathering documentation and expert assessments takes time.
When you have a collision insurance claim, be sure you have a legal team you trust advocating for your best interests. A Florida personal injury lawyer can assess the details of your accident injuries, determine a strong path forward, and help to secure a recovery amount that allows you to step into your future with confidence.
Are you wondering how Florida laws protect you and your rights? Talk to a skilled legal professional to understand what your options are moving forward. Compensation may be possible if you are juggling medical care expenses, property damages, and lost income. Talk to an experienced personal injury lawyer to understand your rights. The attorneys at Roman & Roman have over 100 years of combined experience. Schedule your free consultation today.
