Car accidents can happen to anyone. In fact, most car insurance policies predict you’ll have around three accidents on average in a lifetime. This includes all accidents, from the tiniest bump to fatal incidents.
So, when one happens to you, you’ll need one of our car accident lawyers in Melbourne, FL, at Andrew Pickett Law to help you. Florida has special rules compared to other states, so you should pay attention to the following.
No-Fault Car Insurance in Florida
Florida follows a no-fault insurance system. This means that your own car insurance covers the costs of your accident. In Florida, this is called personal injury protection, or PIP insurance. Unfortunately, the limits on these policies are not enough for most accidents these days.
One of the easiest ways to protect yourself is to buy more coverage than the minimum. That will give you more flexibility if you get in a wreck and you may not need to sue. If the costs of your injuries and property damage go beyond the limit, you’ll need to see if you can file a claim against the other driver.
Furthermore, PIP insurance does not cover non-monetary damages like pain and suffering. This can greatly reduce the amount of money you could get compared to other states. However, there is a way to get around this.
For a free legal consultation with a car accidents lawyer serving Melbourne, call 321-503-4014
Can I Sue for Injuries After a Car Accident?
For vehicle damage claims, there is no issue about making a claim outside the no-fault system. If the other driver is found to be at-fault for the crash, you can make a claim for the value of the repairs or the cost of the vehicle. For injuries, it’s trickier.
Per Fla. Stat. § 316.027, your injuries must be qualified as “serious” in order to make a claim against the at-fault driver. Injuries that meet this standard include:
- Broken bones
- Full disability for over 90 days
- Significant and/or permanent limitation of a bodily organ, function, or system
- Disfigurement
Your car accident attorney in Melbourne must argue that you qualify before they can bring a successful claim or lawsuit. Your medical records from after the accident can help them do that. Also, to win, we must prove that the other driver was at-fault for the crash.
Melbourne Car Accident Lawyer Near Me 321-503-4014
What If the Other Driver Was Uninsured?
This is one of the benefits of a no-fault state. Your own insurance will cover you up to the limits of your PIP policy even if the other driver is uninsured. You can also purchase additional uninsured motorist coverage with your plan.
It may even be included already. Usually you have to reject this coverage in writing, so unless you can remember doing that you’ve likely got it. You can call your insurance agent to see if you are covered in this situation and how much coverage you have.
If you must sue an uninsured driver, your options are limited. If they have significant assets, you may be able to make it worth the cost and time of a lawsuit. Your lawyer can study the matter and see if it’s in your best interests.
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How Can a Car Accident Lawyer Help Me?
PIP insurance might make it seem like making a claim doesn’t require a lawyer, but there may be more costs to your accident than you may think. Once you’ve finished your claim, you can’t ask for more money about the same accident.
A lawyer can study your situation and make a better claim by calculating things like lost wages, additional medical care in the future, and other costs that aren’t obvious. They can also tell you if you meet the serious injury standard and pursue a claim against the other driver’s insurance.
If the other insurer refuses to make an acceptable offer, your car accident lawyer in Melbourne can take the next step and sue them. Should you win your lawsuit, you could receive substantial compensation.
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Andrew Pickett Law Can Help Melbourne Car Accident Victims
Don’t rely on only your PIP coverage to get you the money you need after an accident. Minimum coverage is only $10,000. That’s hardly enough in a serious accident. Before you make a claim, contact a Melbourne car accident attorney at Andrew Pickett Law.
Our team is ready to hear your story and get you the compensation you truly deserve after your accident. To reach us, call us or use our contact form to leave a message. We will set up a no-obligation free consultation with you.
Call or text 321-503-4014 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
