Being injured in a car accident is already difficult, both physically and emotionally. The last thing you should have to worry about is how to pay your mounting medical bills. At FGB Law Firm, our attorneys will help ease that burden so you can focus on healing.
Here are the various options for receiving compensation and seeking further compensation following a vehicle accident in Port Charlotte, Florida.
What Happens After A Florida Car Accident
Remember, it is your obligation to contact the police after you have been in a car accident. This is regardless of whether or not anyone appears injured. The police will respond, investigate the incident, ask questions, and write an unbiased report which can be used as evidence in a lawsuit later on.
If you or the other person involved in the accident calls 9-1-1, EMS will most likely be sent to the scene. Even if the collision is only a fender bender, medical experts should examine you to rule out internal injuries regardless. Depending on the accident and your injuries, you may be transported to a hospital or cleared to go home. The condition of your car or truck will decide whether you can drive it home or if it must be towed away.
Once you have been released, you need to contact your insurance company and file a claim for coverage. In Florida, we have a no-fault system that requires drivers to carry at least $10,000 in PIP and PDL insurance instead of opting for lawsuits. However, there are certain exceptions that would allow you to sue despite being part of the no-fault system.
What to Do If You Need Financial Assistance
If you require financial compensation to help with medical bills post-car accident, it’s best that you speak with a Port Charlotte Car Accident Lawyer before insurance adjusters.
In Florida, you are legally required to have $10,000 worth of personal injury protection coverage. However, this doesn’t guarantee that you will actually receive the full $10,000. That’s why it’s crucial to have an experienced attorney on your side from the very start who can give you sound legal advice and help fight for what you deserve. When you submit a claim, your insurance adjuster will investigate the accident by examining your car or truck and asking relevant questions – it is possible to devalue your claim if you accidentally say the wrong things.
If your situation allows, you may sue the other driver for medical payment if you suffer a severe injury. Because cases must exceed a specific amount of hospital expenses or a significant loss of function must be involved, filing a lawsuit for vehicle accidents is usually the last choice.
If your accident was severe enough to where your insurance cannot cover your medical expenses and you are suffering from injuries, your lawyer can help you file a claim against the other driver and seek the compensations you deserve.
How A Lawyer Can Help
By hiring the Port Charlotte Car Accident lawyers at FGB Law Firm you are not only gaining excellent legal advisors but also increases the chance of success for your case. In Florida, state law gives citizens four years from the date of their accident to file a claim. It is essential that you contact us soon after your accident happens.
FGB Law Firm has extensive experience and knowledge when it comes to car accidents and personal injuries. Your attorney can speak with your insurance adjuster to answer any questions you may have and make sure that you are getting the best possible outcome.
If you have a legitimate lawsuit, an attorney can help by collecting evidence, negotiating with the opposite party, and speaking on your behalf in court.
Ways Financial Compensation Can Be Awarded
In addition to the insurance company, you may also work with your attorney to get extra compensation from the person who caused the accident. This can be done in one of two ways:
- A settlement offer
- Court case
In order to reach a settlement before going to trial, your attorney will need to negotiate with the defendant and their attorney. This could take several conversations or even a meeting in order to come up with a fair amount. If the defendants refuse to offer any sort of settlement, or no price can be agreed upon, then your case will go in front of a jury who will make the decision.
If the court rules in your favor and finds you not responsible for the accident, they will award you an amount based on economic losses such as hospital bills or time missed from work. Noneconomic damages like mental anguish or suffering may also be included in this figure. If you’re found to hold partial responsibility for the accident, a percentage of your overall earnings will be applied according to state law.
Here is a quick example of how compensation for car accidents works:
- The jury awards you $70,000 based on your losses.
- The jury finds you 15% guilty for the accident since you were speeding.
- $70,000 x 15% = $59,500 as your final award
Struggling With Medical Bills? We Can Help
Are you ready to pursue the compensation you deserve for your medical expenses? The experienced lawyers at FGB Law Firm are here to help you. We have helped residents of Port Charlotte, Florida, and the surrounding areas win their cases and get the compensation they deserve, we’re here to help you too.
With the car accident attorneys at our firm, you will receive resources and experienced guidance to help you through this stressful time. If you are ready to get started working with competent attorneys who can help you seek extra compensation, call FGB Law Firm at 941-979-9010 or complete our online consultation form today.