Car accidents occur on a daily basis. Most of us will likely be involved in a car accident at some point during our lifetime. Car accidents can cause more than just property damage. Physical injuries typically go hand in hand with car accidents. Common injuries can include neck and back pain, muscle sprain/strain, herniated discs, and broken bones. Serious car accidents may cause catastrophic injuries such as spinal cord injuries (paraplegia and quadriplegia), brain damage, and even death.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, it is important that you seek medical treatment immediately. Your health is the number one concern. Often, injuries do not manifest until days after the car accident. It is important to seek medical attention immediately in order to monitor your symptoms and document your injuries.
In Florida, under the No-Fault Law, car accident victims are entitled to receive up to $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits that pay for medical expenses. This $10,000 is separate and apart from any settlement, you are entitled to receive from the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier for pain, suffering, loss of income, and/or loss of enjoyment of life. However, in order to be eligible to receive your $10,000 in PIP benefits, the law requires that you seek medical attention within 14 days of the accident. Therefore, it is important to seek medical attention immediately following an accident. Even if you think your body will heal on its own, you should still get checked out by a medical provider at least once within the first 14 days to preserve your right to receive PIP benefits. If you are not examined by a medical provider at least once within the first 14 days following an accident, you will waive your right to receive PIP benefits.
What type of compensation can I receive?
Insurance companies are for-profit companies. They want to resolve claims as cheaply as possible. Whether it is your own insurance company or the at-fault vehicle’s insurance company, they have one goal; pay out as little as possible. It is important to have an experienced attorney who has the knowledge and experience necessary to successfully handle your case.
Steven J. Litvack has represented both sides of the table. Mr. Litvack has represented and defended major insurance companies in hundreds of cases. Mr. Litvack has also represented accident victims in cases against insurance companies. He is ready to help guide you through the legal process to ensure that you get the compensation you deserve.
If you are the victim of a car accident, the law allows you to recover for the following types of damages:
- Past medical expenses
- Future medical expenses
- Past lost wages
- Future loss of income/loss of earning capacity.
- Past pain and suffering
- Future pain and suffering.
What should I do after an accident?
Below is a list of some things you should do after an accident:
- Use your cell phone to take pictures of the accident scene, vehicles involved in the accident, and any visible injuries that you have sustained.
- Make sure to contact the police and report the accident. This will allow law enforcement to examine the scene, observe the property damage caused to the vehicles, talk to all drivers, investigate the accident, and determine who is at fault.
- In the case of a hit and run, try to get as much information as you can for the at-fault vehicle and driver. This includes a license plate, description of the vehicle, and a description of the driver. Also, get the name, address, and phone number of any witnesses that may have seen the accident. Even if the other car left the scene, it is still important to contact the police and document the accident.
- Seek medical treatment immediately. Sometimes people try to wait to see if their symptoms will resolve on their own. If their symptoms don’t resolve after a week, then they seek medical attention. Insurance companies use a lapse in time between the accident and medical attention to downplay the person’s injuries. Do not sit at home in pain hoping that your injuries will resolve on their own. If you are hurt, have your symptoms documented immediately so that the insurance company cannot downplay your injuries. Remember, you have to seek medical attention within 14 days of the accident to preserve your right to receive up to $10,000 in PIP benefits for medical expenses.
- Do not speak with anyone about the accident, except your doctors and your attorney.
- Contact Steven J. Litvack for a FREE CONSULTATION.
