In this article, we will explore the necessary actions to take immediately following a car accident in Florida, including contacting the authorities, documenting the scene, and seeking a Fort Myers car accident lawyer to protect your rights as a visitor.
By being prepared, you can minimize the impact of a car accident on your vacation and ensure your safety and well-being.
Immediately After a Car Accident
If you find yourself in a car accident out of state, taking immediate action is crucial.
Call Police
Call for medical help if there are immediate injuries. Even if you seem to be fine, seek medical evaluation as soon as possible. Some injuries can take hours or days to manifest, so it’s better to be on the safe side.
Call the police and have them investigate the accident. This will ensure that an official report is filed, which will be important for insurance claims and any potential legal proceedings.
Gather Information
In addition to calling the police, it’s important to be meticulous about gathering information. Make sure to get the name of the investigating law enforcement agency, as well as insurance information from the other driver(s) involved.
Talk to Witnesses
Collect contact information from any witnesses present at the scene as well. This information will be valuable when dealing with car insurance companies and seeking legal advice.
Florida Car Accidents
Being an out-of-state resident involved in a car accident in Florida does not prevent you from seeking monetary compensation. However, it’s important to understand that your case may be handled differently compared to if you resided in the state and were injured there.
In such situations, you would typically need to follow certain procedures specific to handling out-of-state accident claims. Additionally, it is vital to report the accident promptly to law enforcement and inform your insurance company about the incident as soon as possible.
Seeking legal advice from a car accident attorney in Florida can help ensure that you navigate through this process correctly and secure compensatory damages while adhering to any unique regulations that apply as an out-of-state resident involved in a Florida car accident.
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What Should I Do if I’m in a Car Accident in Florida?
The first step after seeking medical attention would be to contact your insurance company and report the incident immediately. Your insurance policy may cover accidents that occur out-of-state, but it is important to carefully review the terms and conditions of your policy to ensure coverage.
Florida is a No-Fault State for Car Accidents
Additionally, Florida follows a no-fault insurance system, which means that regardless of who was at fault for the accident, each person’s own insurance company is responsible for covering their medical expenses and lost wages.
However, this no-fault system does not apply if you suffer serious injuries or if the damages exceed the limits of your policy’s personal injury protection (PIP) coverage.
In such cases, you may have grounds to seek additional compensation from the at-fault party’s insurance company through a personal injury claim. It is advisable to consult with an experienced car accident attorney in Florida so they can guide you through the process and help protect your rights.
What Damages Are Available After an Accident in Florida?
In Florida, car accident victims have the opportunity to recover various types of damages following an accident. The most common type of damages are economic damages, which include compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Property damage
- Lost wages
This means that if you sustain injuries in a car accident and require medical treatment, you can seek reimbursement for all medical bills incurred. Additionally, if your vehicle is damaged or totaled in the accident, you can also claim compensation for the repair or replacement costs.
Moreover, if you are unable to work due to your injuries, you may be entitled to receive compensation for the income lost during that period.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are another form of compensation available to car accident victims in Florida. These damages are more subjective in nature and aim to compensate individuals for their pain and suffering as a result of the accident. They can include:
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement or disability as a result of scarring or permanent injury,
- Loss of consortium (the loss of companionship and intimacy with a spouse)
While these damages are not easily quantifiable, like economic damages, they are taken into consideration by insurance adjusters and juries when determining fair compensation.
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Contact a Florida Car Accident Law Firm for a Free Case Evaluation
If an unexpected car accident affects your Florida vacation, call Viles and Beckman. Our team knows that travel mishaps require extra sensitivity and care. But rest assured – we’ll handle the logistics so you can begin to relax again.
By selecting our firm, your interests will always come first. When travel interruptions happen, trust that we have you – and your peace of mind – covered. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn how we can put our experience to work for you.
Call or text (239) 334-3933 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form