The state of Florida has specific policies governing car accidents and the way injured parties are compensated. In general, Florida is a “no fault” state, meaning that injuries are the responsibility of insurance carriers. If a driver runs a red light and hits you, that driver may face penalties for breaking the law, but you probably can’t file a lawsuit.

There are exceptions in extreme cases. If someone is killed in an accident, survivors may be entitled to seek compensation through the court system. If the injured party survives but suffers significant injury, such as damage to vital organs, disfigurement, or lasting disability, then a lawsuit may be an option. In these cases, the injured party will still have to prove negligence on the part of the defendant.

What if I’m injured in a car accident?

When a car accident occurs, do the following as soon as possible after injured parties have received medical attention.

Document everything, no matter how trivial.

You might think you have a pretty good memory of the accident, only to find that important details were lost in all the chaos. At the very least, you want to have names and contact information for anyone who witnessed the accident, and a summary of how the accident happened. If possible, get photos of the accident scene and any injuries sustained.

Report the accident to the proper authorities.

This may be the local sheriff, police, or another agency.

Contact an attorney as soon as possible to discuss your options.

Whether or not a lawsuit is an option, there can be obstacles to getting the settlement you deserve from your insurance company.

Let Katherine handle it

Even seemingly trivial details can make or break an otherwise solid case. Because of this, it’s crucial to have the help of an experienced attorney. Katherine has years of experience fighting for injured clients, and she’ll do the same for you.

If you want to know whether or not a lawsuit is an option in your case, or if you need help negotiating a settlement with your insurance carrier, contact our office by phone, email, or text message at any time. We will help you every step of the way!