What Constitutes a Personal Injury Claim?

If you have been injured in an accident, everyone you know has probably asked you if you are going to sue the at fault driver. Florida is a no fault state, meaning that if you file a personal injury protection claim, your insurance company will be responsible for compensating you, even if the other driver was at fault. The only way you will file a claim against the other driver. Is if the amount of your medical bills exceed the amount of your insurance coverage or if you file a mini tort claim against the other driver’s insurance company for pain and suffering. Before deciding whether or not to file a claim, you may want to consult with a Winter Haven lawyer. They can tell you if they think you have a valid claim and how to go about recovering your money.

Did You Require Medical Treatment?

The moment you have an accident, you are likely to experience shock. The adrenaline and endorphins in your body will kick in to make you function properly in a moment of crisis. You may be injured and not realize it and you may be very stressed emotionally. If you were taken to the hospital at the scene of an accident, you obviously have medical bills and you should file a claim on your insurance. But what if there is almost no damage to your car and no apparent damage to your person. Your insurance premiums may go up every time you report an accident on your insurance. You may want to ask an attorney if it is worth it to file a claim.

One of the problems with personal injury claims, is that the insurance company wants you to call them as soon as possible. There are some injuries that do not show up until weeks or even months after an accident. Bear in mind that you have four years to file a personal injury claim in the state of Florida. If you feel some of your injuries may be long term, or if you think physical problems may manifest themselves later on, you and your attorney can gather the appropriate documentation to present to your insurance carrier.

Did You Miss Work Due to Your Accident?

If you had to take time off of work to go to a medical exam or a physical therapy session, you may want to file a claim for the money you have lost. Be sure to get documentation from your employer as to the hours you have missed. Be sure to document any childcare cost associated with your accident as well as any life events such as weddings or graduations that you may have missed due to the accident.

What to Look for in a Lawyer

Your personal injury attorney should have years of experience dealing with insurance companies in your state. They should have a good reputation with the state bar, and they should have endorsements from former clients. A good attorney can help evaluate your case and get you the money you are owed.

*Authoritative Sources:

https://www.americanbar.org/groups/public_education/resources/law_issues_for_consumers/personalinjury/

https://m.flsenate.gov/Statutes/95.11

This article does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors or management of EconoTimes.