Auto Accident
ALL DRIVERS CAN HAVE INJURIES REGARDLESS OF FAULT.
YOU HAVE ONLY 14-DAYS
AFTER YOUR ACCIDENT TO
PRESERVE BENEFITS.
Even if you received a traffic citation after your accident occurred, this does not mean you are guilty. Nor does it mean you’re at fault or ineligible for certain benefits under the law. In fact, Florida’s unique laws allow us to help almost anyone recently injured as a result of a traffic crash.
If you have recently been in an auto accident, you may not feel the full extent of your injuries until weeks later. Therefore, if you even think you have injuries, we’ll immediately begin to help you preserve your benefits under Florida law.
WHAT TO DO AFTER AN ACCIDENT?
REGARDLESS OF WHO MIGHT BE “AT-FAULT”.
First, stay calm and collect as much information from the other driver involved in the accident as possible. Otherwise, you may not be able to hold him or her responsible if they’re at fault. There is a process for determining fault, and it is best not to prematurely take responsibility for your accident.
Next, allow the process for determining fault to play out through official channels. Because, even though you may think you were at fault for your accident, our investigation of the facts may reveal something different than you initially expected.
- Contact 911 or the local police.
- Collect the names, addresses and telephone numbers from everyone involved and around the scene (e.g. independent witnesses), and the drivers license number of the driver(s), license plate numbers of any vehicle involved, and any insurance info.
- Take photographs of any vehicle involved, injuries, and accident location.
- If you think there is even a chance you might be injured, seek medical attention immediately.
- Contact our office ASAP so we can begin our crash investigation to help put you in the best position possible.
SHOULD I AVOID DISCUSSING MY ACCIDENT?
YES, FOR THE MOST PART.
Having fear or rage immediately after an accident, you may feel the urge to discuss it. Try not to talk about your involvement in the accident, except with our office or your attorney.
We strongly suggest allowing official channels to be utilized in process for determining fault. Even though you may think you were at fault for your accident, our investigation of the facts may reveal something different than you initially expected. It is best not to prematurely take responsibility for your accident.
SHOULD I TELL MY INSURANCE COMPANY ABOUT MY ACCIDENT?
YES, FOR THE MOST PART.
If possible, you should report your accident to your insurance provider within 24 hours of your accident. However, keep in mind that there is a process for determining fault, and it is best not to prematurely take responsibility for your accident.
Even though you may think you were at fault for your accident, our investigation of the facts may reveal something different than you initially expected. Allow the process for determining fault to play out through official channels.
WHAT IF I DIDN'T HAVE INSURANCE AT THE TIME OF MY ACCIDENT?
THIS MAY NOT MATTER IN YOUR CASE.
While it may not matter in your particular case, it’s never a good idea to drive without valid insurance in Florida. If you get into an accident that is your fault, you could even face criminal charges and DMV administration fees.
Since Florida is a “no-fault” state, the other driver will likely have his or her bills that result from the crash covered by his or her own insurance company, but only up to a maximum of $10,000. Since medical costs may quickly exceed that amount, the other driver(s) may try and sue you.
WHAT IF THE OTHER DRIVER DIDN'T HAVE ACCIDENT INSURANCE?
THIS MAY NOT MATTER IN YOUR CASE.
Since Florida is a “no-fault” state, the bills that result from your crash will likely be covered by your own insurance company, but only up to a maximum of $10,000. If your medical bills exceed $10,000, your underinsured or uninsured (UM insurance) motorist section of your policy will come into important play if you elected this option on your automobile policy.
If not, it is likely your only recourse against the at-fault driver is a civil lawsuit brought for the amount of personal injury and other damages you incurred as a result of their negligence.
WHAT IS UNINSURED OR UNDERINSURED MOTORIST COVERAGE?
THIS COULD MAKE OR BREAK AN INSURANCE SETTLEMENT.
After exhausting your $10,000 in PIP coverage benefits, if the at-fault driver has an amount of liability coverage that is insufficient to cover the damages related to your accident, your underinsured motorist policy may cover the difference between your losses and the amount you received from the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
If the negligent driver did not have liability coverage whatsoever, your uninsured motorist insurance may cover you. Many drivers in Florida do not carry UM coverage but should, so call your insurance carrier today.
WE’RE HERE TO HELP YOU.
Our former Insurance Defense Attorney, Brandon F. Jones, knows how the insurance companies place a value on traffic crash injuries and vehicle damage. If you were involved in a Tampa auto accident, we’ll leverage our full understanding of Traffic Law to help you establish that the other driver involved in the traffic crash was at fault, or at least responsible for a portion of your damages or injuries.
Lastly, we’ve won many “full-blown” trials, including fatal traffic crashes. Above all, our team of Tampa auto accident attorneys can help you through this very difficult time. Let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a “Free Instant Case Evaluation”.