To every client.

Car accidents are an unfortunate reality of our modern lives. Every year, thousands of people are injured in car accidents all across Florida. After a car crash, it is necessary to act quickly and fight for compensation to cover your losses. However, many people have no idea what to do or what the next steps should be after a car crash. In most cases, car accident injury victims will need to go to their insurance carrier to get compensation. However, there are other ways you may maximize the compensation you can get. If you’re wondering why you should contact a lawyer immediately after your car accident in Florida, call the Newman Injury Law offices at 954-495-8500 today.

What Should I do After a Car Accident in Florida?

A car accident can be harmful both physically and mentally. If you’re involved in an auto accident in Florida, there’s several steps you should take immediately after the accident:

1. Check yourself and your passengers for injuries and wellbeing.
2. If possible, move yourself and the car to safety.
3. Call 911, regardless of the accident severity.
4. Exchange information with the other driver (do not express fault) and document the accident as best as you can.

If you sustained a personal injury as the result of someone else’s negligence behind the wheel in Florida, contacting an experienced personal injury lawyer should be part of your plan after the accident. It is important to seek assistance from a dedicated Fort Lauderdale car accident attorney who understands what you are going through and who to proceed with your case.

Why Should I Hire a Lawyer After My Car Accident in Florida?

There are many reasons why you should hire an experienced lawyer for your Florida car accident personal injury case.

Knowledge of the Law

For instance, one of the biggest reasons to hire a skilled Florida car accident lawyer is their knowledge of the law. Florida’s laws can be complicated and hard to understand for a layperson. Your lawyer has already gone through the formative process of studying and practicing under state law. Thus, he should have a clear idea of how to proceed with your case and determine the best course of action to fight for your compensation.

Knowledge of Insurance Companies

Another reason to hire a lawyer after your car accident, whether it involves a truck, motorcycle, or bus, is knowing how insurance companies work. Florida has very tricky laws when it comes to vehicular accidents and insurance. Under state law, you would turn to your insurance company for compensation, regardless of who was at fault for your crash. This is what is known as the “no-fault” rule.

Collecting Evidence for a Car Accident Personal Injury Case

If your case goes to trial, you will need to present your case with the court. This means you will have to provide evidence to prove your claim. An experienced Hallandale car accident attorney can help you with collecting and presenting evidence with the court. Gathering evidence is of the utmost importance in every car accident claim. Thus, an experienced attorney must assist you with this and all legal matters related to your case.

What is Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Coverage in Florida?

Working with your insurance company on your own can put your compensation at risk. Many car accident victims turn to their insurance company – according to Florida law – without knowing they could have the right to higher compensation. Florida drivers must carry a minimum personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. The PIP can provide up to $10,000 in the event of a crash. Typically, you wouldn’t be able to file a claim against the other driver because your insurance would step in. However, if your injuries were severe (loss of bodily function, permanent scarring, disfigurement, etc.), you may take your case to court to get higher compensation.

Filing a Claim After a Car Accident in Florida

If you were involved in a car accident involving severe, catastrophic injuries, or the wrongful death of a loved one, you will need an attorney’s assistance. Filing a car accident claim can be complicated, especially if you have never been through a claim. With your attorney’s support, you’ll be in a better position to prove your case with the court. But in order to have a successful claim, you will need to prove the four elements of negligence.

Providing Evidence

To defend your claim and get compensation, the court will expect you to show the defendant’s negligence. You can achieve this by providing evidence supporting all four elements in your lawsuit. In a personal injury claim, you will have to prove the defendant owed you a legal duty (duty of care) that was breached, caused your injuries, and as a result of their negligence, you suffered losses.

Legal Duty and Breach of Duty

Proving the defendant’s legal duty requires you to support your argument, the defendant owed you a duty to drive safely, as another prudent, reasonable driver would. During the second element of your claim (breach of duty), you will have the opportunity to present evidence related to the defendant’s negligence. This means proving through the preponderance of the evidence the defendant was driving negligently. For instance, you can provide evidence showing the at-fault driver was speeding, distracted, or drunk at the moment of your crash.

Causation

You will also be expected to show a clear, distinct, and unambiguous connection between the defendant’s actions – or omissions – and your accident and injuries. This is what is known as “causation.”

Losses

Finally, you will need to show you suffered losses as a result of your accident and injuries. In other words, you should provide evidence showing you engaged in medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

What is the Average Compensation for a Car Accident Claim in Florida?

The amount of compensation you can expect from your case will depend on your ability to support your claim and the circumstances surrounding your case. Thus, your case’s value can differ from other cases, depending on the extent of your injuries, the expenses you engaged in, and your physical, emotional, and psychological damage. It is always recommended to hire an Aventura car accident attorney who can help you understand what you can expect from your case.

Car Accident Lawyer Offering Free Consultations in Florida

If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident in Florida, our Florida personal injury lawyers can help. Backed by years of experience handling personal injury claims, we are ready to help you with your case. We represent injured victims in car accidents across the state of Florida. We know how challenging dealing with your injuries and losses can be for you and your family. That’s why we are ready to fight aggressively for the compensation you deserve. To learn more about our services in a free, confidential consultation, call Newman Injury Law today at 954-495-8500