If you’ve never been in an accident, then it’s unlikely you will know much about the Florida car accident claim process. It’s important to understand how this process works so you don’t get taken advantage of when it comes time to file your claim. Read on for more information regarding the claims process.
No-Fault Claim vs. Personal Injury Claim
There are two main types of insurance claims you can file when you’ve been hurt in a car accident. The first is a no-fault insurance claim, and the second is a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurer.
No-Fault Claims
In many cases, you will be filing a no-fault claim with your own no-fault insurer because Florida uses a no-fault system when it comes to auto insurance. This system works for minor vehicle collisions in which your injuries are minimal and your personal injury protection (PIP) benefits should cover you.
Personal Injury Claims
If you were seriously injured in a vehicle wreck, then you are permitted to take your claim out of the no-fault system so long as your injuries meet Florida’s serious injury threshold. You basically need to show that your injuries and damages are fairly extensive in order to file an injury case.
The Process of Filing a Claim
For no-fault injury claims, you will need to show your insurer what your damages are and they will (hopefully) pay you fair compensation for them. Be careful that the insurance provider doesn’t take advantage of you. It’s often in your best interest to have an attorney assist you when filing a claim, even with your own insurer.
For personal injury cases, there is a little more that goes into the process. You will need to investigate your accident, gather evidence to prove the other party was to blame for your injuries, and then prove your case to the at-fault party’s insurer. The insurance company will then pay you for your damages. If they don’t, you can take your claim to court.
Contact a Florida Car Crash Attorney
For help navigating the Florida car accident claims process, reach out to an attorney at Lopez & Humphries, PA. A free claim review can be yours simply by calling us at (863) 774-3573 or by filling out and sending in the form below.