Automobile Accidents
INSURANCE FACTS
Automobile accidents can have a devastating effect on your life. Please consider the following information regarding insurance to protect you in the event of an accident:
Florida law only requires that drivers carry personal injury protection (PIP) and property damage insurance. There is no requirement for a driver to carry bodily injury coverage which compensates others that they injure in an accident.
If you elect to have a deductible on your personal injury protection (PIP), under Florida law you may not be able to claim this as damage with your medical bills from the person who hit you. Be sure to consider the cost of a no deductible PIP when you purchase your insurance. Normally, PIP will pay 80% of your medical bills and 60% of your lost wages, usually up to $10,000. Having a $1,000.00 deductible only affects you and the amount paid on your medical bills or lost wages.
You should consider purchasing Medical Payments Coverage of at least $2,000.00 since this will cover the remaining 20% of your medical bills not paid by the PIP coverage.
In Florida, there are many drivers who are either uninsured or under insured. If you purchase Uninsured Motorist Coverage, this coverage protects you in the event you are hit by someone who does not carry insurance to cover your damages.
Why Do You Need a Lawyer's Help?
Without a lawyer’s help, you may not get the full compensation you deserve from the insurance company, especially if you have been seriously injured.
At VASILAROS LEGAL, LLC, we offer a free initial consultation to discuss your rights and options if you have been injured in an auto accident in Florida.
This may be your first accident, but we handle cases like yours every day. Our experience will help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
When you are injured in Florida, your own PIP pays for your medical bills and lost wages. Your PIP should pay 80% of your medical bills and 60% of your lost wages (once your deductible is met, if you have a deductible).
If you have a permanent injury, the person who caused the accident is responsible not only for paying any out-of-pocket medical expenses and lost wages not covered by your PIP, but also with future medical expenses, future wage loss and pain and suffering. Pain and suffering means compensation for lost enjoyment of life.
You usually only have one chance to resolve your case – so it is important to get the best settlement or jury verdict you can. Contact VASILAROS LEGAL, LLC for your free consultation.
What Should You Do If You're in an Automobile Accident?
If you are involved in an automobile accident, it can be frightening and stressful. Here are ten important things to do:
- Stop. Florida law requires that you stop if you are involved in an accident. If your vehicle is blocking traffic, and it is moveable, you must move it to the side of the road as soon as possible.
- Call 911... especially if there are injuries. Florida law only requires you to report an accident if there is an injury involved, or if the property damage exceeds $500.00, but it is a good idea to always notify the proper authorities so that your accident and injuries can be properly documented. This will also help you in a personal injury claim that you may have.
- Notify your insurance company.
- Get the name, address, telephone number and insurance company information for all drivers involved in the accident.
- Get the names, addresses and phone numbers of any witnesses to the accident.
- Make a simple diagram of the accident and what you remember as to how it occurred.
- Take photos of the damage to your vehicle and take photos of your injuries, including all cuts and bruises.
- Provide information to the authorities only. Never admit responsibility or make statements to witnesses and onlookers at the scene which could be used against you. Only give information to the responding officers or to the driver of the other vehicle when exchanging information.
- If you have been injured, seek medical treatment. Many times people don’t seek treatment after their accident because they think they feel ok and then wake up the following day with severe pain. It is important to document your injuries and treatment as soon as possible in order to protect your health and receive fair and just compensation. Your doctor may recognize injuries that are not easily apparent to you.
- Contact a lawyer to discuss your rights.