Traffic collisions are one of the leading causes of serious injuries in Florida. According to statistics published by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), 236,157 people were injured in crashes in 2018 alone. The road to recovery after an accident can be long and daunting—to make things even more challenging, the big insurance companies do not make the claims process easy.
At Payer Law, our car accident attorneys are clients-focused, results oriented advocates for injured victims. We know how to hold insurance companies accountable, ensuring that you and your family can recover the full and fair financial compensation that you deserve. To set up a free, no obligation initial consultation with a top-rated Florida car accident lawyer, please call us today.
When Is The Best Time To Call An Orlando Car Accident Lawyer?
It is best to consult with an attorney immediately after a serious crash. As soon as you have gathered all of the information about the car accident, call the attorney. If you have experienced injury, financial loss or a death due to the accident, you will need to act quickly.
Some of the documents you should keep handy once you meet with the attorney are a copy of your insurance policy, medical records and disclose what information was given at the accident. Your lawyer will make sure that you comply with Florida’s statute of limitations and all other relevant deadlines. The sooner you speak to an attorney, the easier it will be to maximize your financial recovery.
Six Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Florida
The aftermath of an accident is often stressful and overwhelming. Sadly, some people make mistakes that undermine their ability to obtain a full and fair settlement offer from the insurance company. It is crucial that you take the proper steps to protect your rights and interests after a crash. Specifically, you should be sure to:
- Stop your vehicle and exchange information with all other motorists involved in the crash;
- Get medical attention for yourself or anyone else who needs it;
- Call the state or local police and report the accident;
- Gather as much evidence as possible, including photographs and contact information for all witnesses;
- Notify your insurance provider than a collision has occurred; and
- Call an experienced Orlando car accident attorney.
Understanding Florida’s No Fault Insurance System
Florida is a no-fault insurance coverage state. What this basically means is that if you are involved in a car accident which has resulted in injury, you must contact your insurance company first to receive compensation. It doesn’t matter who was at fault, each party must speak with their insurance company to seek the money required to pay for injuries and any other losses due to the accident.
This process may not occur as quickly or smoothly as one would like without a lawyer, which is why it is helpful to contact an Orlando car accident attorney. Even when you are dealing with your own insurer, it is important to remember that these companies are not on your side. They want to resolve your claim for the lowest amount of financial compensation possible.
Indeed,it is not uncommon for insurance companies to prolong the payment process and oftentimes try everything possible to reduce the amount of money they pay out to their clients. In times like these, having an experienced car accident lawyer on your side is a major asset. An attorney will reduce the stress, hassle, and paperwork that people experience all too often in these cases.
Stepping Outside of No Fault Insurance
There are certain cases in which car accident victims can “step outside” of Florida’s no fault insurance coverage system. Specifically, you can only do this in caseswhere permanent injury or disfigurement occurs. When the serious injury threshold is met, a person can go outside of the “no-fault” clause and file a lawsuit against the other party.
To bring a successful fault-based claim, you must prove that another party—most often another driver—causedyour accident through their negligence. In other words, the defendant’s carelessness or recklessness must have contributed to your collision. If you are bringing a fault-based claim, it is imperative that you consult with an experienced Orlando car accident attorney as soon as possible. We will investigate your collision and help you gather the evidence you need to bring a strong, well-supported personal injury claim.
I Need Personal Injury Protection. Do You Help With That?
There are a variety of consequences that an automobile accident can incur on your life (lost wages and medical compensation). Here at Payer Law we can help you not only with Personal Injury Protection cases and much more! Here is a list of the services we can provide with regards to your auto accident:
- Medical Bills;
- Lost Wages;
- No-Fault Insurance System;
- Car Repairs; and
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP coverage).
Contact Our Experienced Orlando Car Accident Attorneys
At Payer Law, our Central Florida auto accident lawyers are standing by, ready to protect your rights and help you maximize your financial compensation. If you or your loved one was hurt in a car crash, please contact us today to set up a free, no obligation initial consultation.
We are located right here in the heart of Orlando, FL. If you would like to speak to an experienced Orlando car accident attorney simply call 407-307-2979 or visit our contact us page.