Palm Bay may be in the area known as the Space Coast, but sadly, some drivers there don’t live up to the namesake. They leave too little room and cause car accidents. Spacecraft don’t have to worry about traffic jams (yet!), but cars and other motor vehicles too.
So if you do get in a wreck in Palm Bay, or anywhere else in Brevard County, reach out to Andrew Pickett Law. We have car accident lawyers in Palm Bay ready to speak with you about your accident.
Things to Do After a Car Accident in Palm Bay
There are a number of legal responsibilities and things you can do to protect yourself after an accident. You have the right to pursue compensation, but you could get less than you’d like, or even none at all, if you avoid these steps.
At the Scene
Assuming you’re not immediately taken to the hospital, stay at the scene and help the other injured if you can. Have someone call 911 for medical assistance and to get the police on the scene. You are required by law to give a report before you can leave.
While you wait for the police, take photos of the car, the scene, and your injuries. Also, get the contact information for the witnesses and the other involved drivers, including their insurance information. If your PIP coverage isn’t enough, you may have to sue the other driver.
When the police arrive, be truthful about what happened and do not speculate. Don’t say whose fault it was, even if you think you were responsible. That is a matter for the insurers and your Palm Bay car accident attorney to decide. If you say it’s your fault, that’s evidence against you. Learn how to get a copy of the crash report before the police leave.
See a Doctor
If you haven’t already done so, see a doctor even if you don’t feel in pain. This is both for your health and for your settlement. The adrenaline from the crash may be hiding your injuries. Early detection will improve the outcome of your health.
Also, by seeing a doctor as soon as possible after your car accident, you show that you took the crash seriously and you’ll have a medical record from a doctor you trust. Your car accident lawyer in Palm Bay can use this record to prove you were hurt.
If your insurer requires you to see their own doctor, do so. Be honest about what happened and do not exaggerate or hide your pain and disability. The insurer will be watching to see if the story you gave them about your claim matches what the doctor finds.
Contact a Mechanic
Assuming your car hasn’t been totalled, you’ll need to get the price of car repairs. Take it to a mechanic you trust and tell them what happened. Ask for an itemized list of repairs and take that to your consultation.
Report the Accident to Your Insurer
Florida uses a no-fault system of insurance, so you will make a claim against your own insurance first. Call them and give them the facts of what happened to get the claim process started. If they ask for any of the documentation you have, send it to them.
Contact a Palm Bay Car Accident Lawyer
Now that you’ve done all that, it’s time to contact a car accident lawyer. They will help you negotiate your claim with your insurance, as well as help you sue the other driver should your injuries be enough to meet the standards required by Florida law.
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How Florida’s No-Fault System Works
Unlike most other states, Florida uses a no-fault system for car accidents. This means that you do not sue the other driver but make a claim on your insurance instead. Every driver is required to carry at least $10,000 in PIP coverage.
Sadly, this is rarely enough to cover a serious accident. If you bought more insurance, and we think that’s a good idea if you can afford it, then it’ll be easier to get compensation. If not, you’ll need to sue the other driver to cover the rest of your costs.
Also, PIP insurance has policy limits. For example, you can only cover 80% of your medical expenses and 60% of your lost wages. If your injuries are serious, that last little bit can still be financially ruinous. Fortunately, you do have options.
Pursue Further Compensation with a Palm Bay Car Accident Attorney at Andrew Pickett Law
If your insurance isn’t enough to cover your costs, and your injuries are serious, Andrew Pickett Law is ready to be your Palm Bay car accident lawyer. Let us help you make you whole again after your accident. Call us or use our online contact form to schedule a free consultation.
Meet Andrew Pickett
Dealing with the murky policies of insurance companies designed to confuse and prevent you from receiving compensation is our expertise.
15+ years experience as a personal injury attorney.
Specialized in battling insurance companies.
95% settlement rate for clients.
Handled 500+ personal injury cases.
Collected more than $38 million for clients.
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