Understanding Florida’s car accident laws can help you evaluate your options following an accident. Florida is a no-fault auto insurance state, which can affect what happens if you’re in a car accident. Knowing the state’s laws can also help with navigating a personal injury case, which can help you collect the funds you need to deal with an injury.
What Does No-Fault Insurance Mean?
No-fault insurance means that if you’re in an accident, regardless of who is at fault, you’ll seek compensation for your costs from your insurance company. If your injuries are significant and costly, you may be able to seek compensation outside of these no-fault laws through a personal injury claim.
Florida Has a Four-Year Statute of Limitations
Florida follows a four-year statute of limitations, which is how long you have to file a claim after an accident. While there can sometimes be exceptions, the state will dismiss most cases that are filed after this timeline.
Florida Follows Pure Comparative Fault Laws
Florida follows pure comparative fault laws, which means that you can still seek compensation, even if you’re partly to blame for an accident. If the court rules that you were partially responsible for the accident, then the amount you receive may be reduced.
You May Be Required to File a Police Report
If you’re in an accident in Florida, it’s best to always file a police report. If the accident leads to a loss of life or damages that exceed $500, you’re legally required to report the accident to the local police. Even if your damages don’t add up to this amount, it may still be a good idea to report an accident.
If you find that your injuries are worse than you expected days or weeks after the accident, a police report can help you collect the evidence you may need.
Recoverable Damages in a Personal Injury Claim
If you do decide to file a personal injury claim, Florida does allow you to recover costs like:
- Medical bills
- Property damages
- Lost wages
- Lost benefits
- Temporary transportation
- Temporary childcare
- Rehabilitation costs
- Diminished earning capability
Some cases may also qualify for pain and suffering compensation. However, the amount you receive, and the specific types of damages that you can recover, depend on the details of your accident. Recovering these types of costs also requires a personal injury lawsuit, which is not the same as seeking compensation from your insurance company.
Do I Have a Personal Injury Case?
If you were injured in a car accident, it’s possible that you may have a case. The best way to find out is to talk with a personal injury lawyer. If someone else is to blame for your accident and injuries, they may also be responsible for your damages.
Choosing a lawyer who is familiar with Florida’s car accident laws, including time limits, rules, and recoverable costs, can help when it comes time to build your case. You’ll rely on your lawyer to represent you throughout the process, ensuring you have the best chances.
Contact a Pembroke Pines Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Car Accident Case in Florida
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to an accident in Florida? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Lawlor, White & Murphey represent clients injured because of an accident in Fort Lauderdale, Pembroke Pines, Plantation, Weston, and throughout Florida. Call (954) 525-2345 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 2211 Davie Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, as well as offices in Pembroke Pines, Weston, Coconut Creek, Plantation, and Pompano Beach, FL.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.