How to File a Car Accident Claim in FL
After being involved in a car accident, one of the first things you should do is file a claim with your insurance company to obtain compensation. It is important to understand the process for filing a car accident claim in Florida so that you can receive the compensation you need to cover medical costs and other damages.
If you were involved in a car accident and need to pursue fair compensation for your resulting damages and losses, our lawyers at Carman, Bevington & Finegan, P.A., can help. Our Brandon personal injury lawyers can assist you at every step of the claims process and help you obtain the compensation you are entitled to.
Filing a Claim After a Car Accident in Florida
If you want to know how to properly file an insurance claim in Florida, you need to understand the rules and regulations surrounding insurance claims to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Personal Injury Protection Coverage (PIP)
Florida is one of the few states that require drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage as part of their auto insurance policy. PIP coverage covers up to $10,000 of medical expenses for any individuals who were injured during a car accident—regardless of who was at fault for the accident. This means that if you were injured during a car accident, your PIP coverage will pay for your medical bills up to $10,000, regardless of whether or not you were at fault for the accident.
Recoverable Damages
In addition to medical bills, other types of damages may be recoverable through an insurance claim in Florida. These include property damage repair costs, lost wages due to time taken off work for recovery, pain and suffering damages, and out-of-pocket expenses related to your injury. It is important that these damages be documented so they can be included as part of your insurance claim.
Steps to Take When Filing a Car Accident Claim in FL
If you want to recover damages after a car accident, there are certain steps you need to take when filing your claim:
Step 1: At the Scene of the Car Accident
Florida Statutes § 316.065 requires drivers to report accidents that involve injuries, deaths, or a minimum of $500 in property damage. Thus, before you file an insurance claim, it is important that you first report your accident to law enforcement if the accident meets the above-mentioned criteria. At the scene, you need to exchange information with the other party involved, take pictures of the scene and any damage, and report any injuries or property damage associated with the accident. Also, gather witness statements or contact information from those who were present during the accident.
Step 2: Notify Your Insurance Company
It is time to inform your insurance company about the incident. Most companies require that you notify them within 24 hours of the incident occurring, so it’s important to act quickly. Be sure to provide your insurer with as much detail as possible about what happened and provide them with copies of any paperwork or evidence related to your claims, such as photos or medical bills. Your insurance company may also require you to fill out additional forms or paperwork before processing your claim.
Step 3: Wait for Your Claim to Be Processed
Once you have notified your insurance company about your car accident, they will begin investigating your claim and assessing how much money they are willing to pay out on it. Depending on how complex the case is, this process can take several weeks or even months before it is finalized and approved by both parties involved. During this time, be sure to keep all communication open between yourself and your insurer so that they can assess all aspects of your case accurately and efficiently.
Get Legal Assistance With Filing Your Car Accident Claim in Florida
Filing a car accident claim in Florida can be intimidating, but it does not have to be this way. Understanding the rules surrounding insurance claims and knowing what steps to take will help ensure that everything goes smoothly and quickly. If you are considering filing a car accident claim in FL, contact our legal team at Carman, Bevington & Finegan, P.A., for dependable legal assistance. Call 813-305-0682 to schedule a free case review with our lawyers.