Unfortunately, car accidents have become a common occurrence in Florida. According to a recent report, every year more than 400,000 car accidents happen on the busy roads of Florida. And more than 40% of such accidents lead to injuries. Even if you are careful on the road and follow the traffic rules while driving, car crashes still happen. So, it's clear that driving can be risky in this state. 

Individuals involved in car accidents need to know how to reduce their financial burden and ensure a quick recovery. Getting fair compensation helps injured people cover their medical bills, car repairs, and other expenses. So, here are some strategies that would be beneficial to maximize your compensation after a car accident in Florida.

What steps should you take after a car accident?

If you are ever involved in a car accident, you have to understand the actions to be taken immediately. This can help reduce the damages and potential financial recovery after a collision.

• Don't leave the scene of the accident. If possible, move your car to a safe position near the road. 

• Call the police at 911 to file a police report to document the accident. 

• Seek immediate medical attention from medical providers, including the ambulance and the hospital and/or urgent care. Tell them everything that's hurting you. 

• After seeking medical help, report the claim to the insurance company. 

How can you get compensation after a car accident?

You should follow the steps below to get compensation after a car accident.

• Communicating with the insurance companies: You or your attorney has to contact your insurance company. They should cover expenses for medical treatment and potentially other damages. It’s best to have your attorney’s office report the claim or at least have your attorney on the phone when you report the claim. You should not speak with the insurance company for the other driver; your attorney should handle this for you and all communications should go through your attorney’s office.

• Hiring an attorney: The auto insurance companies are likely not looking out for you. If they offer you a quick settlement of a few thousand dollars, you should be suspicious. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you determine if they are being reasonable or trying to sneak something by you.

• Pursuing a personal injury claim: Even if the insurance company rejects your claim, you can get help by filing a personal injury claim through an attorney's office or on your own.This can include writing demand letters to settle the claim to the at-fault driver’s insurance company as well as your own insurance company. This can also require filing a lawsuit against the at-fault driver and/or your own insurance company.

What compensation does a car accident victim get in Florida?

When someone is injured due to a car accident, the victim needs to explore their legal options. This is important to ensure complete compensation for the losses sustained. So, what compensation do they get after a car accident?

• Healthcare benefits: This type of compensation covers past and future medical expenses resulting from the accident.

• Lost wages: This is the compensation given to injured people for income lost due to injuries.

• Damage of property: Damage to a vehicle, whether it is repairable or a total loss, needs to be taken into account. Likewise, children’s car seats, aftermarket add-ons, bicycles, glasses, and other damaged property are all compensable losses.

• Pain and suffering: Compensation that is given to compensate for the pain and suffering of the injured person. This can include living in pain and difficulty sleeping at night, and should account for not only past pain and suffering, but also future pain and suffering. 

• Loss of enjoyment of life: This is compensation that is awarded to an injury victim for their ability to participate in hobbies or activities having been affected by an injury. It can also include the emotional or psychological impact an injury can have on a person’s life. 

• Mental anguish: Compensation for the mental pain or distress caused by a motor vehicle collision. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provides useful information about understanding claims and compensation necessary after a car accident.

How does Florida's no-fault system work for car accident claims?

Florida always follows the no-fault insurance system in the case of car accident claims for injuries and damage. According to this no-fault system, after facing a car accident, you must file a claim with your own insurance provider. It does not matter whether you or someone else is responsible for the accident. 

• Personal Injury Protection (PIP): All the drivers in Florida have PIP insurance, which covers up to $10,000 for medical expenses and lost wages. This system is applicable for all the drivers, it doesn't matter who caused the accident. According to this PIP insurance policy, you will get 80% of medical bills up to $2,500 from the insurance provider. This rule is applicable If you don't have any emergency medical conditions. If someone dies due to the accident they will get up to $5,000 for funeral expenses. 

• Property Damage Liability (PDL): People who drive in Florida, must also have a PDL insurance. If you are at fault in the accident, the PDL insurance covers the damage to other people's property. 

• Taking legal action: If the accident left you with a permanent injury, you can take legal action against the person who caused it. This can help you get more compensation than what your PIP insurance provides. 

So, what are the benefits and downsides of Florida’s no-fault insurance system?

Florida's no-fault system is specially designed to ensure that everyone gets a certain amount of coverage immediately after an accident. Since Florida is a no-fault state, you can file a claim from your own insurance.

Benefits of no-fault insurance:

• You can still get compensation even if the other driver does not have insurance or drives away quickly after the accident.

• If you deal with your own insurance provider, the process will be faster.

• It can help cover some of your medical expenses and lost wages comparatively faster. 

• If you have any emergency medical condition, you will get up to $10,000 of compensation.

Drawbacks of no-fault insurance:

• It may not cover all your health expenses or lost income.

• Your insurance cost may increase after an accident.

• The person responsible for the accident may not face any serious consequences as a punishment.

• If you don't have a permanent injury, you will not get compensation for pain and suffering or loss of enjoyment of life.

How can you build a strong case to maximise your compensation?

You can build a strong case to receive better compensation by documenting your injuries. So, you have to gather all the documents carefully and submit them to the insurance company. You have to follow some steps to build a powerful case for your claim. 

• Documenting the medical records and accidents: You need to keep a detailed record of every cost related to the accident. These include medical bills, vehicle repair costs, and other expenses. Keeping the records of each expense will help you prove how the accident affects you financially.

• Gathering evidence: You have to collect as much information as possible from the spot right after the accident. Try to take photos and videos of the damage. Besides that, note down the contact information of any witnesses. If the accident occurs due to the fault of another vehicle, record the fault admission statement of the driver. 

• Maintaining records: Keep track of the record of your pain and the treatment you are going through due to the injury. These documents will demonstrate the ongoing impact of the accident in your life. So, you have to maintain the records carefully to strengthen your claim.

• Bonus tip: Never share the accident details with others. Try to avoid admitting faults to them as well, because these can have a detrimental effect on your case. 

What factors should you look at when hiring an attorney?

If you want to get fairly compensated for your injury, you need to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney. Make sure that you hire an attorney or consult with an attorney who knows personal injury claims. Look for an attorney who communicates with you from time to time and evaluates your case fairly. If they are not communicative to you, they won't understand your situation, and what you are going through.

How can an experienced attorney help you get fair compensation?

Consulting with an attorney can help you get fair compensation and make the legal process easier for you. A car accident attorney who has expertise in personal injury claims can help you in many ways:

• Getting more money: An attorney understands how to fight for the best compensation after a car accident for your injuries and damages. Studies show that those who consult with an attorney, get around 3.5 times more money than people without legal help.

• Investigating the accident: Your attorney can help you collect the necessary evidence like medical records, witness statements, and police reports. He can support your case by investigating the accident and collecting the documents.

• Dealing with insurance companies: Attorneys know how to negotiate with the insurance providers for your case. They work their best to help you get the fair settlement and the best compensation that you deserve.

• Representing you in court: If the insurance company does not provide you with the right settlement, your attorney can represent you at court. As a consequence, you can easily fight for your compensation.

• Ensuring high settlement: An attorney will try to ensure that you are fully compensated with future healthcare costs and other expenses. Since they understand the legal steps properly, they will help you avoid accepting a low settlement.

• Protecting your rights: They can help protect your rights and make sure that the insurance providers do not reject your claim.

• Starting a lawsuit process: Sometimes car accidents can take place due to an intentional attack or careless driving. This type of wrongful act may cause serious harm or death.   Attorneys can help you take legal steps in such situations.

Wrapping up

By following some of the steps we have given you here, you can maximize your compensation from a car accident. Still, if you have any queries, you can leave a comment. We will reach out to you at the earliest possible time. Don't forget to share this informative discussion with others, who are concerned about maximizing their compensation after getting injured. If you face any kind of problem about getting money after having a car accident, share your story with us.