Getting hurt in a car crash can be disastrous, resulting in injuries, medical expenses, and emotional trauma. In Florida, car accidents are alarmingly common, with nearly 700 individuals getting injured daily. If you have been hurt in a car crash in Florida, you may need legal help in getting compensation for damages. Call 407-846-2240 for a free consultation with an Orlando car accident attorney at the Martinez Manglardi personal injury law firm.
The Importance of Seeking Medical Attention
The first and most important step after being hurt in a car crash is to seek immediate medical attention. Even if you think your injuries are not that bad, you still need to get checked out by a medical professional. That’s because sometimes there may not be immediate symptoms, so a thorough examination is in order. Also, seeing a healthcare professional immediately creates a record for future use in case legal action is necessary to recover your losses.
Understanding Florida’s No-Fault Insurance System
In Florida, car accident victims must file a claim with their own insurance company, no matter whose fault the accident was. Florida has a no-fault insurance system. Each driver is required to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance, which covers basic medical expenses and lost wages for the policyholder, even if the accident was their fault.
To initiate an insurance claim, you will need to notify your insurance company to provide them with details of the accident, including when and where the accident happened. You also need to give them the contact information for any other parties involved. If a police report was filed, be sure to include it as well. Your insurance company will then investigate the claim and determine the compensation you are entitled to under your PIP coverage.
After You’ve Been Hurt in a Car Crash
Gathering evidence is important to support your case when filing an insurance claim or if you need to file a personal injury lawsuit after a car crash. The more evidence you can provide, the stronger your case will be. This i the type of documentation you are likely to need:
- Police reports: Get a copy of the police report that was filed at the scene of the crash.
- Statement from Witnesses: Take statements from any witnesses who saw the crash happen.
- Medical records: Keep all records of medical treatments, doctor visits, and costs related to your injuries.
- Photos or videos: Take pictures or videos of the crash scene, damage to the car, and all visible injuries.
- Bills: Get receipts. Record all medical expenses, including hospital bills, doctor visits, prescriptions, and physical therapy costs.
- Proof of lost income: If your injuries have caused you to miss work, gather documentation to prove your lost wages.
When to Consider a Car Accident Lawyer
PIP insurance generally provides some coverage for medical expenses and lost wages, but it may not be enough if you’ve been hurt in a car crash. If you’ve gotten serious injuries in a car crash, you should probably talk to a car accident attorney.
An experienced and aggressive personal injury attorney knows how to deal with insurance companies, understands the process, and will fight to make sure you get the compensation you deserve after you’ve been hurt in a car crash.
A car accident attorney knows how to calculate what the full impact of your damages is likely to be and will represent you in court if it comes to that.
If you’ve been hurt in a car crash, call 407-846-2240 for a free consultation with an Orlando car accident attorney at the Martinez Manglardi personal injury law firm. Convenient locations throughout Central Florida, including Orlando, Kissimmee, Apopka, Palm Bay, Ocala, and Haines City.
