What Are Florida’s No-Fault Insurance Laws?
Car accidents are scary, and there is often no time to react to prevent them from happening. Many emotions arise afterward, which are complicated further when you end up dealing with a negligent driver or an uninsured motorist. In that case, where can you turn? Does your insurance then have to pay for the damages and injuries? Why should you have to pay for someone else’s negligence? This is where Florida’s No-Fault Insurance system becomes essential.
In Florida, all drivers must carry personal injury protection (PIP) on their insurance policies, which covers a minimum of $10,000 in bodily injury protections and $10,0000 in property damage coverage. Personal injury protection (PIP) covers:
- Medical Expenses
- Lost Wages
- Household Expenses that you become unable to manage (such as childcare or senior care)
Surprisingly, personal injury protection (PIP) covers quite a bit. Most policies cover not only the driver but also passengers and sometimes pedestrians. Contact Bader Bodner Law and let us help you. We will treat you like our family. Call 954-945-9689 for a free consultation.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Car Accidents Under the No-Fault Insurance Law?
You have time to decide what to do after an accident. It is vital to seek the assistance of legal counsel as soon as possible. Florida’s no-fault insurance laws remove the blame game frequently involved in car accident litigation. Still, you have two years to decide whether or not you are going to:
- Come to an agreement with your insurance company about the amount you are due for your wounds, trauma, suffering, loss of income, and/or the damages to your vehicle and property
- Demand arbitration
What if the Accident Is a Hit and Run?
Unfortunately, some people refuse to take responsibility for their actions. Florida has stringent laws and punishments for hit-and-run drivers if you have been in an accident and the other vehicle’s driver leaves the scene. Florida’s no-fault insurance laws will apply, meaning that your personal injury protection (PIP) will likely be used to cover your expenses.
Personal injury protection (PIP) after a hit-and-run accident will generally cover:
- 80% of medical expenses
- 60% of lost wages
- Essential home services (such as childcare or senior care) or help with household tasks your injuries prevent you from performing
- Reasonable travel.
The primary issue with personal injury protection (PIP) is that most policies contain strict limits, and many victims find themselves quickly reaching the policy cap before healing completely. Medical bills pile up and become impossible to pay. You require the assistance of a dedicated and empathetic law firm to fight for you so you can focus on healing.
If I Am in an Accident, What Should I Do?
If you have suffered an injury or gone through the inconceivable pain of losing a loved one after a car accident, you need to center on mending. This is an insurmountable goal if you have lost your income and can no longer work because of your wounds or if your loved one was your sole source of support for your family. You need calm counsel from a law firm determined to get you the result and peace of mind you and your family deserve.
You should take several steps to ensure the best possible outcome for your case:
- Don’t leave. It’s illegal to leave the scene of an accident in Florida.
- Call the police to report the accident. This is especially important if there are injuries or significant damages. Florida law requires that any accident resulting in injury, death, or property damage over $1,500 be reported.
- Obtain the other driver’s information. This includes their name, contact details, driver’s license number, vehicle plate number, and insurance information. If they are uninsured, make sure to get that information as well.
- Use your phone’s camera. Photograph the accident scene and vehicle damage as soon as possible. If you or your passengers are injured, take as many photographs of your injuries as possible both before and after treatment.
- Call for medical attention immediately if you or your passengers are injured. Do not wait, even if you believe the injuries are minor.
- Keep detailed copies of all police reports and medical records.
- Notify your insurance company as soon as possible. Florida is a no-fault state, so you must take care of this immediately. Your insurance carrier needs to open a file to be able to extend your medical and lost wage benefits
- Obtain legal counsel, particularly if you or your passengers are injured or the other party flees the scene.
When Should I Call a Personal Injury Lawyer?
Car accidents are terrifying no matter the circumstances surrounding them. Events happen so quickly that there is rarely the opportunity to react. You need the guidance of a professional and empathetic team to take the burden of dealing with the insurance company, doctors’ offices, and other officials off your shoulders, especially if you are dealing with an underinsured or uninsured motorist. Our mission at Bader Bodner Law is to care for you. We treat you like family.
As your personal injury lawyers, we can:
- Investigate the accident
- Handle insurance companies
- Negotiate settlements
- Represent you in court
- Meet deadlines
- Provide legal guidance
You need a dedicated firm fighting to get you the compensation you deserve. At Bader Bodner Law, you will find a firm dedicated to fighting for you. Call us today at 954-945-9689 for a free consultation.